The Ghan Expedition - Darwin to Adelaide

Itinerary

Available 2024 Departures

Off Train Experiences

Katherine - Choice of one of the following (limited availability on each tour)

NITMILUK FIRST GORGE ART CRUISE

As a more relaxed cruise experience, your guide will share some of the ancient secrets of the region as you gently cruise down the First Gorge, witnessing the awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs and sheer drops that reach amazing heights.

Listen to Dreamtime stories about the creation and significance the Gorge played in the lives of its traditional owners, the Jawoyn people.

Take a short walk to the top of the First Gorge to visit a stunning Indigenous rock art site where artwork remains even after thousands of years exposed to the elements. These works are ancient evidence of the existence of the Jawoyn culture in the area during the last Ice Age.

NITMILUK GORGE CRUISE

Cruise down Katherine River as the large rock formations of the Gorge tower over the calm water. Nitmiluk is home to the Indigenous Jawoyn people and many of their stories centre around the Gorge.

Calls of the cicada resonate across the water between the massive sandstone cliffs while you cruise down the First and Second Gorges listening to stories about how the Gorge came to be named. The sheer walls of the Gorge, etched by time and the elements, are home to a myriad of plant and animal life, much of it unique to this area and all playing a role to the lives of its traditional owners.

A walk of approximately 500 metres over rocky terrain is required in both directions between the First and Second Gorges. It is suggested a good level of mobility is required to participate in this experience.

NITMILUK GORGE HELICOPTER FLIGHT

OPTIONAL UPGRADE - $230 PER PERSON (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

While science suggests that this stunning landscape was carved over the millennia by the elements, the traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn people, believe that the Gorge system was created by Bula. The most important figure in Jawoyn dreaming stories, Bula and his two wives hunted across this land and in doing so he transformed the landscape through his actions.

Take a helicopter flight to fully appreciate the sheer enormity of the river. As you fly over all 13 gorges, see if you can follow the path of Bula as you move through the region as he did. A view from the air is the best way to appreciate the complexity of the system that makes up Nitmiluk Gorge.

As this experience is an optional upgrade, a cost of $230 per person will be payable direct to your Hospitality Attendant. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.

Alice Springs

ALICE EXPLORER AND OUTBACK BBQ DINNER

Travel to the world’s largest classroom, The School of the Air, covering more than 1.3 million square kilometres. Alice Springs School of the Air was established in 1951 and is still in operation today. It was the first to use two-way radio broadcasts to help with the education of students in remote areas who were unable to attend face-to-face lessons. If you are lucky, you may be able to witness a class first hand.

You’ll then visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base to learn about the vital medical care the service provides to thousands living in Outback Australia.

Visit the Reptile Centre, home to the largest reptile display in Central Australia with more than 100 reptiles exhibited. Terry the Saltwater Crocodile’s exhibit features underwater viewing enabling you to get up close to this mighty predator.

Capture a stunning photograph of Alice Springs atop ANZAC Hill before returning to The Ghan to freshen up prior to dinner.

Transfer to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station for a truly unique and authentic dinner experience. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the history of the Australian Outback. Tuck in to a mouth-watering meal, enjoy a cold beer or a fine wine all whilst under a chandelier of stars.

ALICE TO OFF ROAD AND OUTBACK BBQ DINNER

The trail winds itself in and around the famous dry Todd River, as you experience up close some of the most breathtaking countryside. Your tour will take you along the Ilentye trail an Indigenous word, pronounced eeLINDGE, meaning Galah. This area of National Park is home to many wild galahs distinguishable by their pink colouring, often seen feeding in small flocks.

After a leisurely cycle on the ochre coloured dirt, your Tour Guide will lead you to a picturesque spot in the sandy river, where you will take time to dig for water and soak in this amazing landscape. Photography and relaxing is definitely encouraged! Your bike ride resumes along the Ilentye trail that runs parallel to the unique rugged terrain that is home to many black-footed rock wallabies, often spotted moving over the rocks. Ghost Gum trees line the trail and provide a stark contrast to the blue sky and red landscape.

This cycling tour provides an active and hands on way to tour Alice Springs, learning about the history of the town, its geological formations as well as immersing yourself in the captivating landscape. After you have completed your mountain bike ride, enjoy lunch at the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Transfer back to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station in the evening for a truly unique and authentic dinner experience. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the history of the Australian Outback. Tuck in to a mouthwatering meal, enjoy a cold beer or a fine wine all whilst under a chandelier of stars.

DESERT PARK AND OUTBACK BBQ DINNER

Join your experienced guide for an exclusive guided walking tour to unravel ancient cultural stories, the science behind the region’s breath-taking landscapes, mysterious animal life and geological marvels. Your exclusive guided walking tour takes you through tall river red gums, enduring Spinifex or vibrant wildflowers for an unforgettable close-up exploration of outback flora and fauna.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch during your time in the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Step inside the Nocturnal House to discover the mysterious lives of desert animals of the night including the iconic bilby and mala. Watch closely as these animals go about their natural interaction and foraging for food.

As a guest travelling on The Ghan there is a front row seat reserved for you at the spectacular free flight bird show. After the show your back stage pass allows you to get up close and personal with the birds and trainers during a private training session.

See the resident dingoes before viewing a film on desert evolution on the big screen or alternatively take time to enjoy some retail therapy in the gift shop.

Return to The Ghan to freshen up prior to dinner.

Transfer to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station for a truly unique and authentic dinner experience. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the history of the Australian Outback. Tuck in to a mouth-watering meal, enjoy a cold beer or a fine wine all whilst under a chandelier of stars.

SIMPSONS GAP DISCOVERY WALK AND OUTBACK BBQ DINNER

A magical location where important elements of flora, fauna and Indigenous culture all come together, the Simpsons Gap area incorporates large stands of Mulga and is a major stronghold for over 40 rare and relict plants.

Here you will enjoy walks that pass the native plants of the area including ancient Ghost Gums and views of the range.

Known as Rungutjirpa to the Indigenous, Simpsons Gap was the mythological home of a group of giant goanna ancestors. Several dreaming trails and stories cross at this important spiritual site.

Enjoy the serenity and peacefulness as you watch the walls glow from reflected sunlight, creating a breath-taking display of stark form and rich colour.

The Simpsons Gap walks are on a natural site. While every precaution has been taken to ensure the walk is safe for everyone, we do insist that all walkers are of high fitness, do wear appropriate footwear, carry a water bottle and wear a hat and sunscreen.

On completion of your guided walks, travel to the Alice Springs Desert Park for lunch and free time in this inspiring portrayal of Australia’s desert environment.

Return to The Ghan to freshen up prior to dinner.

Transfer to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station for a truly unique and authentic dinner experience. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the history of the Australian Outback. Tuck in to a mouth-watering meal, enjoy a cold beer or a fine wine all whilst under a chandelier of stars.

Coober Pedy

DISCOVER THE MAJESTIC BREAKAWAYS

The Breakaways Reserve got its name from the colourful low hills that appear from a distance as if they are ‘broken away’ from the higher ground of the reserve. The landscape was once an inland sea and over time has been transformed into a dramatic landscape that changes colour with the passing of the sun creating an almost surreal panorama.

The Breakaways Lookout is a highlight for guests of the walking tour and provides the perfect vantage point to truly appreciate the breathtaking landscape.

Your local walking guide will take you on a journey that will bring the land to life by showcasing some of the vibrant local flora and fauna and delight you with indigenous ‘dream time’ stories and tales from the past.

You will discover the beauty and history of Australia’s national gemstone at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, one of Coober Pedy’s original attractions and the Opal capital of the world.

A guided interactive tour of the museum is a perfect back drop to allow you the opportunity to explore the underground caverns, hand dug shafts and tunnels featuring an original underground dugout home and memorabilia from the past.

A visit to the Opal Quest Mine is where you will be able to don a hard hat and try your luck finding fortune while enjoying an underground lunch.

EXPLORE COOBER PEDY

Coober Pedy is an ‘underground’ town where you could arrive with just the shirt on your back and leave a millionaire.

Tour the town and hear about its history. See the Serbian Orthodox Church, built underground with rock carvings in the walls, high roof ‘ballroom’ style design and stained glass windows making this one of Coober Pedy’s most awe inspiring structures.

Visit Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, an underground museum with detailed historical content of the town, an Aboriginal Interpretive Centre, an underground home known as a ‘dugout’ and an original opal mine. Should you wish, some professional advice is available on opal quality and pricing in the gift shop.

Visit the grassless golf course, the only golf club with reciprocal playing rights to St Andrews in Scotland. See a working opal field at the Quest Opal Mine where there is the chance to don a hard hat and grab a pick to try your luck at finding your own fortune. Here you will enjoy lunch.

With your fortune stored safely in your pocket, travel along a portion of The Dog Fence, the longest continual construction in the world. Stretching some 5,300 kilometres, it begins east of Surfers Paradise in Queensland and ends up north of Ceduna in the Great Australian Bight, South Australia.

Stop en route for a great photo opportunity before arriving at The Breakaways, a striking example of arid scenery. Looking out over the Breakaways it is hard to believe that a vast inland sea covered the area. Marvel at the scenery that stretches as far as the eye can see.

OPAL EXPERIENCE

On this half day tour guests discover the beauty and history of Australia’s national gemstone at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, one of Coober Pedy’s favourite attractions. This immersive experience reveals all there is to know about these alluring gemstones and you’ll also get to see the very best examples of them on display.

Umoona also features historic artefacts, underground caverns, hand dug shafts and tunnels, as well as one of the original underground homes. At the Opal Quest Mine, you’ll have the chance to fossick for your own opal and enjoy a relaxed lunch underground.

Watch the earthy colours of the ancient mesas and valleys transform as the sun moves across this surreal panorama. Your second lookout is the Big Winch, which offers another perfect vantage point to truly appreciate this powerful place.

Package terms

*Advance purchase is subject to availability and is yield managed, not available on all departures. Only available on departures 6 months in advance. Advance Purchase fares payment in full is required at time of booking. Special Offer Fares are instant purchase fares and immediate payment at the time of booking is required. These special offers may also have different terms and conditions relating to when payment is due, cancellation of bookings and whether or not amendments can be made to the booking.