Central Australia & The Ghan

Welcome to cosmopolitan Darwin for a two-night stay.

Freechoice: Cruise on the Adelaide River, home to the ‘jumping crocodiles’ or take a day trip to Litchfield National Park to soak up its lush green scenery and dramatic waterfalls. Alternatively, enjoy a sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour; take the hop-on-hop-off bus around town or the WWII Bombing of Darwin tour.

Travel to the amazing World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park to experience its stunning raw beauty first hand. Marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock, some of the oldest and most impressive Rock Art. Visit Bowali Visitors Centre for a greater understanding of the area before cruising on the Yellow Water Billabong, spotting crocodiles and birdlife. Stay overnight in Kakadu.

Optional flight - Take an optional flight over Kakadu National Park for a bird’s-eye view of the wetlands and rocky terrain (at additional cost, please book prior to departure). Return to Darwin this morning and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Your journey begins with a morning departure from Darwin. Settle into your private cabin, before a delightful regionally-inspired lunch, accompanied by a selection of all-inclusive wines and beverages. Arrive early afternoon at the Top End township of Katherine. Choose between a relaxing cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge’s ancient natural wonders and exploring the region’s rich Indigenous culture, or taking a glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home, with a fascinating day of discovery on a huge cattle station. Enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the outback, then back in your cabin you’ll find your bed turned down. Fall asleep as the train rolls soothingly onwards.

After your first night on The Ghan, you’ll be greeted by a morning view of the spectacular Red Centre. A full day of excursions awaits you in the outback town of Alice Springs. An optional upgrade is a scenic flight to Uluru, returning in time to meet the rest of your fellow guests at a spectacular barbecue dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues.

From your cabin window this morning, you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape, as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges and prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great travel experiences. You will then be transferred toyour hotel, your home for the next three nights. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

Today travel to one of Australia’s oldest wine producing regions, Barossa Valley. Spend the day discovering the Barossa Valley. Visit Maggie Beer’s Farm shop for a cooking demonstration, before the chance to try wine at Seppeltsfield. Take a vineyard tour of the award-winning Jacob’s Creek Winery before returning to Adelaide.

Freechoice: Today, discover the history and culture of Adelaide on a walking tour or taste your way through the Adelaide Central Markets. Alternatively, choose an Adelaide city sights tour, which includes a charming Torrens River cruise to explore Adelaide’s picturesque riverside or a visit to the Adelaide Zoo.

It’s time to say goodbye to your newfound friends and the delightful tastes of Outback Australia. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.