Regarded as one of the world’s greatest train journeys, The Ghan delivers so much more than an extended train ride. It promises access to parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to – the perfect balance of comfort and adventure, culminating in an experience that will move you in every sense of the word. Experience the two jewels of Australia’s Northern Territory - the tropical Top End and the Red Centre.
Enjoy stopovers and sightseeing in Brisbane, Darwin, Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and Adelaide. A unique and exciting way to explore Australia’s spectacular and ever changing outback landscapes in all-inclusive style and comfort! Always popular - book very early to avoid disappointment!
MON 20 OCT – AUCKLAND/BRISBANE D
Pick up from your home address and transfer to the airport for your Air NZ flight to Brisbane. Depart Auckland at 9.20 am and arrive in Brisbane at 10.55 am. (Flight times to be confirmed). Tonight enjoy a ‘Welcome’ dinner at the hotel.
Stay Royal on the Park Hotel & Suites (2nights).
TUE 21 OCT – BRISBANE SIGHTSEEING B,D
This morning depart hotel and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Brisbane including city highlights, Mt. Coot-tha and Kangaroo Point Cliffs for photo stops. This afternoon is at leisure for further sightseeing or shopping. Tonight dinner at the hotel.
WED 22 OCT – BRISBANE/DARWIN B,D
Transfer to Brisbane Airport for your Qantas Airways flight to Darwin. Depart Brisbane at 8.10am, arrive Darwin at 11.50pm (flight times to be confirmed) and transfer to the hotel.The remainder of the afternoon is free.
Stay Double Tree by Hilton Hotel (3 nights).
THU 23 OCT – DARWIN SIGHTSEEING B,D
Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Darwin. Learn about Darwin’s colourful history, see the famous landmarks and sites, stroll through the Botanic Gardens and visit the Darwin Aviation Museum. This afternoon is at leisure. Tonight a dinner cruise on the harbour for the best views of Darwin’s famous sunset.
FRI 24 OCT – LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK B,L,D
A day tour to Litchfield National Park which highlights beautiful Florence Falls, Tolmer and Wangi Falls and termite mounds. Visit Batchelor, gateway to Litchfield and enjoy lunch (included). Marvel at thundering falls, rainforest and historic sites. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.
SAT 25 OCT – DARWIN/ADELAIDE B,L,D
‘THE GHAN’ 4 DAY RAIL EXPEDITION
This morning transfer to Darwin Railway Station to join the legendary ‘Ghan’ 4 Day Rail Expedition to Adelaide. Depart Darwin at 9.00am and enjoy 3,000 kilometres of rail travel through spectacular outback landscapes via Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. Enjoy ‘Gold Service’ sleeper accommodation on board with all meals and the luxury facilities of The Ghan.
KATHERINE
Arrive Katherine at 2.00pm. Enjoy an 'off train' excursion - a leisurely cruise on the Katherine River. Alternatively gain and insight into the culture and ways of traditional owners of Nitmiluk, with an exclusive cultural experience. (Or choose to upgrade your excursion with a scenic flight over Kakadu & Nitmiluk National Parks. Depart Katherine at 6.45pm.
SUN 26 OCT – ALICE SPRINGS B,L,D
Arrive Alice Springs at 10.00 am. Enjoy an ‘off train’ excursion to visit local landmarks, get up close and personal with Australia’s flora and fauna, or venture further into the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges. Choose to upgrade to a helicopter ride over the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges or a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Finish your evening under a canopy of stars at the Outback Bush Barbeque. Depart Alice Springs at 9.45 pm.
MON 27 OCT – COOBER PEDY B,L,D
Arrive Coober Pedy at 9.00 am. Coober Pedy is the sun-scorched opal mining capital of the world where more than half the residents live underground. Explore the colourful characters and mining history. Lunch in a unique underground location and witness the stunning Outback moonscape that is the Breakaways. Depart Coober Pedy at 7.40 pm.
TUE 28 OCT – ARRIVE ADELAIDE B,D
Arrive Adelaide at 11.30am. Enjoy morning tea on board before disembarkation then a city orientation tour en-route to the Hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Stay Hotel Pullman Adelaide (3 nights).
WED 29 OCT – ADELAIDE SIGHTSEEING B
This morning depart hotel and enjoy a half day city sightseeing tour of Adelaide including city squares, Colonel Lights Lookout, Adelaide Oval, River Torrens and Mt Lofty Summit. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure for further sightseeing or shopping. Freedom dining tonight – maybe catch the tram out to Glenelg for fish n chips by the beach.
THU 30 OCT - BAROSSA VALLEY & HAHNDORF B,L,D
Spend a delightful day visiting two of South Australia’s favourite regions - the world famous wine region of the Barossa Valley and the enchanting town of historic Hahndorf. Includes a visit to Menglers Hill Lookout, Seppeltsfield Winery for tasting and lunch, and the afternoon at Hahndorf Inn with time to explore the shops and boutiques of this holiday town. Dinner at the hotel as we say farewell to our group.
FRI 31 OCT – ADELAIDE/ AUCKLAND B
Transfer to Adelaide Airport to join your Air NZ flight direct to Auckland, departs at 11.55 pm. Arrive in Auckland at 6.40 pm. (Flight times to be confirmed).
