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From $331pp 3 Days The Ghan Rail JourneyEnquire NowRail Tour from Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin or v.vThe Ghan. The journey through the heart of Australia
Tour Highlights & Inclusions
![]() ![]() The Ghan. It’s an odd name for a train but in Australian history it is a living legend. The legend has soared to new heights with the extension of The Ghan journey to Darwin. When The Ghan first departed Adelaide for Alice Springs, it was always intended that it would one day travel through to Darwin. More than 70 years on, in 2004, that dream has become reality. Boarding The Ghan in Adelaide or Darwin, experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. Connections are available on the Indian Pacific and The Overland for guests travelling to or from Sydney and Melbourne. Enjoy 2 nights aboard this great train in either direction. Marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes from fertile countryside surrounding Adelaide to the rusty hues of the Red Centre, onto the tropical splendour of the Top End. The Ghan is the ultimate journey through the heart of the continent. The JourneyPlatinum Service Gold Service Red Service Red Day Nighter Seat Whistlestop ToursOptional off-train sightseeing tours are available along The Ghan journey. Step off the train and experience Alice Springs and Katherine. Tours are at modest extra cost and are booked en route. WANT TO SEE MORE OF AUSTRALIA ALONG THE WAY? JUST WHISTLE. There’s nothing quite like the magic and the romance of a nice, relaxing train holiday. But when we pass through such amazing destinations, it’s only natural you might want to explore and discover a little more of the local attractions. Which is why our Whistle Stop Tours are such a great opportunity. They are specially designed to fit in with the train timetable so even if you only have a short time off the train, you’ll still have time to take in some of the areas best sights. So why not take the time to look through some of the fantastic extra tours on offer and make the most of this opportunity to see some of the spectacular attractions of Australia’s Katherine region and Red Centre. ALICE SPRINGS WHISTLESTOP TOURS While the Red Centre is world famous for the magnificent Uluru, the area has much, much more to offer – and the city of Alice Springs is right at the centre of it all. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing and comfortable tour of the Alice’s highlights or something slightly more adventurous like a camel ride or even a helicopter tour, there’s plenty of exciting ways for you to spend your time in Alice Springs. TOUR 1 - ESSENTIAL ALICE SPRINGS TOWN TOUR This tour enables you to see up to five of Alice Springs’ best highlights in the time you have available. You’ll travel to and from town by luxury coach and hear a brief history on Alice Springs from your Coach Captain before enjoying guided tours and entry to all the major attractions. The Royal Flying Doctor Service, National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame and Telegraph Station will give you a unique insight into life in outback Australia. The Reptile Centre is a great way to experience some of the local wildlife and the views from Anzac Hill make for a wonderful photo opportunity. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Monday and Thursday afternoon. TOUR 2 - ABORIGINAL SACRED SITES Discover the history of The Central Arrernte culture and hear the Caterpillar (Yeperenye) story as told by your local Aboriginal guide. Travel along the famous Todd River, view the Old Afghan Cameleers’ campsites and learn about their link to The Ghan. Take a tour of Emily Gap and Jessie Gap where you will stop at sacred sites, sharing their cultural heritage, plus learn about traditional sources of food and medicine. Visit Anzac Hill panoramic lookout before a guided tour of an Aboriginal art gallery. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Monday and Thursday afternoon. TOUR 3 - ALICE WANDERER This tour is a great way to discover Alice Springs at your leisure and choose the attractions you’d most like to see. Simply hop on and off the shuttle as it makes its way along the loop from one attraction to the next while the experienced guide tells you everything you need to know. There’s gardens, museums, galleries, the Reptile Centre and numerous historic destinations including the Old Telegraph Station, Old Ghan Train, Road Transport Hall of Fame and many, many more. The 70 minute shuttle loop allows enough time for you to get off to visit two attractions. Or of course, you could always simply take in the guided tour from the comfort of the shuttle then visit one attraction or do a spot of shopping in Todd Mall before re-boarding the shuttle to the rail terminal. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Monday and Thursday afternoon. TOUR 4 - ALICE SPRINGS DESERT PARK “More life out there than I thought!” This comment in the visitors’ book says it all. The Desert Park lets you experience and feel these wonderful deserts first hand. Take the time to stroll through a Desert River and see and hear the bird life searching for water. Walk beside a dune in the red Sand Country, past a salt lake and feel the vastness of this country. Experience the cooler desert nights in the Nocturnal House watching some of the more difficult to see animals scurry amongst the desert plants. Stroll between the ironwoods and grasses in the Woodland. Option 1 Self Guided: Use your audio guide to explore the Desert Park on a self guided tour. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Monday and Thursday afternoon. TOUR 5 - ALICE SPRINGS HELICOPTERS SIMPSON’S GAP FLIGHT In days gone by, explorers had to trek across the hot desert on foot. But these days there’s no need to walk in the heat when you can explore the Outback in a cool, comfortable helicopter! This is certainly an easy and spectacular way to see some of the best sites the Outback has to offer. Be sure to bring a camera for those amazing views including the rugged Simpson’s Gap, the steep, ochre-coloured Mt. Gillen Ridgeline, the crystal clear water holes and the Larapinta Trail. But rest assured, even without a camera, there’s simply no question you’ll remember these unique and unforgettable landscapes forever. It’s only from the air that you’ll experience the sheer magnitude of this ancient and timeless land and absorb the spirit of the Outback as your pilot reveals its mystery with a detailed commentary. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Monday and Thursday afternoon. TOUR 6 - QUAD-BIKE ADVENTURE While you won’t need a licence or any motorbike riding experience for this tour, you will need a sense of fun and adventure! These quad bikes are fully automatic and easy to ride, and they sure beat walking when you want to see the Northern Territory’s oldest working cattle station. Your guide will give you interesting insights into what the early pioneers went through living out here – they certainly didn’t have the benefit of quad bikes, that’s for sure! There’s plenty of spectacular scenery as you ride beside ancient mountain ranges, and keep an eye out for the local wildlife as you go. We’ll supply water to keep you refreshed, but suggest you wear enclosed footwear, sunglasses and sunscreen. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Monday and Thursday afternoon. TOUR 7 - ALICE SPRINGS SHUTTLE The Alice Springs Rail Terminal is located approximately three kilometres from the township. Our shuttle bus can take you into Alice Springs, where you can explore on-foot at your leisure. DURATION: The bus departs once the station is clear. It then departs from the Airport Shuttle Shop on Gregory Terrace 1hr and 20min prior to The Ghan’s departure (driver will advise guests when to be back).
KATHERINE WHISTLESTOP TOURS The town of Katherine in Australia’s Top End is home to one of the area’s most spectacular natural wonders – the Katherine Gorge. Lucky for you, it’s not far from the train stop and you’ll have more than enough time to experience it in all it’s wonder by cruise boat, helicopter or even canoe. With guided coach tours and shuttle buses into town also available, there really is a tour option to suit everyone’s budget and level of adventure, so get your camera ready and prepare to enjoy a truly awe inspiring tour. TOUR 1 - GORGE BOAT CRUISE Discover the beauty of Katherine Gorge from the comfort of your cruise boat. Sit back, relax and take in the views as you drift past the magnificent sandstone cliffs that have been thousands of years in the making. The views are sure to take your breath away and keep an eye out for the variety of local wildlife that call the gorge home. Make sure you bring your camera too, because you’ll want to remember the spectacular views forever. But even the best photographers won’t be able to capture the feeling of being in this magical and ancient place. For that, you’ll have to rely on the many special memories you collect while you’re here. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Tuesday and Friday morning. TOUR 2 - KATHERINE GORGE BY HELICOPTER What many people don’t realise is the Katherine River features not just one gorge, but an entire gorge system. If you’re even slightly adventurous, you’ll see what we mean with a bird’s eye view from this exciting helicopter tour. Marvel at the sheer magnitude as you fly over six gorges, each with its own distinct character and features. This really is the best way to fully appreciate this unique and amazing area. Who knows, your amazing views may even include sighting a herd of wild buffalo along the way. While you’ll be seeing much more than most earthbound tourists, it’s also worth keeping in mind this is just a small part of what is a 292,800 hectare wilderness park owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Tuesday and Friday morning. TOUR 3 - NATURE CRUISE, KATHERINE RIVER While there’s no question the river system makes for spectacular viewing, it does of course also play a vital, lifegiving role in The Top End. So it’s no surprise tourists aren’t the only ones who flock to the area. This nature cruise will introduce you to the many birds and animals that live here, as well as give you a taste of the bush tucker the Jawoyn people have enjoyed for hundreds of years. If some of the traditional bush tucker of the Nitmiluk National Park does not exactly whet your appetite, we’ll be serving some more contemporary refreshments at our bush camp amongst the silver leaf melaluca trees before returning to Springvale Homestead. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Tuesday and Friday morning. TOUR 4 - CANOEING ON KATHERINE RIVER A unique and serene way to experience the Katherine River at your leisure. A reasonable level of fitness will come in handy but you certainly don’t have to be a professional canoeist to enjoy this self-guided tour. Travelling under your own steam, there’s plenty of time to take in the spectacular scenery of the Katherine River. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity to wander the historic Springvale Homestead. This is one tour you’ll remember forever. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Tuesday and Friday morning. TOUR 5 - NITMILUK FIRST GORGE LUXURY CAFE CRUISE Enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea while you cruise the calm waters of the first Gorge aboard the refurbished Robert Lee. While enjoying a tea, coffee or cool drink you will take in the stunning scenery this gorge offers. Ideal for those wanting a relaxing and cultural cruise, you will see cliffs and sheer ledges of sandstone, learn about the history and geography of the gorge, and see sandy beaches used by freshwater crocodiles for nesting. There is an opportunity to take a short walk and visit a stunning Aboriginal rock art site. If time permits tour the Visitor Centre where you can purchase souvenirs or visit the Display Centre and Heritage Museum. Here you will find graphic displays and large-scale topographical models which clearly illustrate the flora, fauna and rock formations of the park, as well as informative audio visual displays presenting a living record of Nitmiluk. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Tuesday and Friday morning. TOUR 6 - KATHERINE COUNTRY CLUB - BLISSFUL BREAK, GOLFING TOUR OR OUTBACK BOWLS See the highlights of Katherine including the Low Level, Katherine Bridge and CBD before arriving at the Katherine Country Club. Here you have a choice of three tours – Blissful Break, Golfing Tour or Outback Bowls. The Katherine Country Club is air-conditioned and facilities include a nine hole golf course, artificial turf bowls rink, bistro, tropical beer garden, TAB, poker machines, keno and bar. On the Blissful Break Tour, you simply have free time to relax and indulge in all the facilities available to you including morning or afternoon tea. The Golfing Tour includes golf clubs, buggy and balls, green fees for nine holes, water and morning or afternoon tea. Should you wish to try your hand at Outback Bowls, this includes rink fees, bowls, kitty and mat, water and morning or afternoon tea. Take the time to relax or play your favourite game in the beauty of the Katherine Country Club. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Tuesday and Friday morning. TOUR 7 - KATHERINE EXPLORER TOWN TOUR Katherine may not be the biggest town, but it certainly has more than its fair share of attractions and this coach tour is a great way to see the best of them. Discover everything from the nature and culture to the history of the area at attractions including the School of the Air and the Katherine Museum. You might also want to bring your swimming costume as you’ll have the chance to enjoy a refreshing swim in a spring water pool and if you work up a thirst, we’ll have refreshments waiting for you at the Springvale Homestead. NORTHBOUND TRAIN: Tuesday and Friday morning. TOUR 8 - KATHERINE TOWNSHIP SHUTTLE While most of the emphasis is on the wonderful river and gorge system, if you’re more of a town person, you can always while away your time with a leisurely stroll through Katherine. This inexpensive shuttle service takes you to your choice of bus stops in the centre of town. From here it’s easy to discover some of the town’s many attractions. From browsing through the Railway Museum, visiting the historic Springvale Homestead or viewing the fine Aboriginal art at the gallery, it’s all here. Known as the place where ‘the Outback meets the tropics’ and with a population of just over 10,000, if you’re happy to explore at your own pace, you’re sure to find plenty to see and do. SHUTTLE BUS RETURN FARES: Adult $13.00, Child $9.00 TOUR 9 - GORGE TRANSFER ONLY If a 700 metre walk over rocky terrain is not for you, but an energetic hike is more your style, this transfer option may suit you. The comfortable bus ride takes about half an hour and the discovery begins immediately with an informative commentary about the Katherine Region. Once you’ve arrived, you can visit the Nitmiluk Centre to enjoy morning or afternoon tea (at your own expense) on the observation deck overlooking the river (no gorge views available). Or for the more energetic, take a short steep walk along the Barrawei trail (1.8 or 3.7kilometre walks available) for views of Katherine Gorge. GORGE TRANSFER FARES: $29.00, Child $18.00 HOW TO BOOK YOUR TOUR To book a Whistle Stop Tour in Alice Springs or Katherine, simply book and pay for your tour with the bar staff or your Hospitality Attendant at your earliest opportunity. Child Fares are valid for children aged 3-15 years inclusive. TERMS AND CONDITIONS The content of Whistle Stop Tours is subject to change without notice. All arrangements are subject to cancellation or modification due to inclement weather, late running of the train or other unforeseen circumstances. Fares are quoted in Australian dollars and include GST. All fares are subject to change without notice. Great Southern Rail does not own, operate or control Whistle Stop Tours. To the extent permitted by law, Great Southern Rail is not responsible for any injury, death, loss, accident, delay or irregularity whatsoever or expenses incurred resulting from a third party supplier’s acts or omissions. The travel services provided by these suppliers are subject to the conditions imposed by the suppliers and their liability may be limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, and agreements. Darwin Station Transfers The content of Whistle Stop Tours is subject to change without notice. All arrangements are subject to cancellation or modification due to inclement weather, late running of the train or other unforeseen circumstances. Fares are quoted in Australian dollars and include GST. All fares are subject to change without notice. Great Southern Rail does not own, operate or control Whistle Stop Tours. To the extent permitted by law, Great Southern Rail is not responsible for any injury, death, loss, accident, delay or irregularity whatsoever or expenses incurred resulting from a third party supplier’s acts or omissions. The travel services provided by these suppliers are subject to the conditions imposed by the suppliers and their liability may be limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, and agreements.
Prices and DatesFares valid for travel from the 1st April 2010 to March 31st 2011. All fares inclusive of fuel price surcharge.
Platinum Service
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Photo Gallery![]() The Ghan ![]() The Ghan Logo ![]() Gold Service Restaurant Car ![]() Platinum Service Bathroom Prices and DatesFares valid for travel from the 1st April 2010 to March 31st 2011. All fares inclusive of fuel price surcharge.
Platinum Service
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Terms and ConditionsTimetables subject to change. Call 13 21 47 for current timetable information. Travel on all Great Southern Rail train services is subject to certain conditions of carriage. Obtain a written copy from Great Southern Rail by calling 13 21 47. Gold and Red Service on The Overland is not the same as Gold and Red Service on the Indian Pacific or The Ghan. Train Fares All fares include a fuel price surcharge. Discount fares may be advertised from time to time but these may carry different conditions. Concession and Student Train Fares To receive concessional travel fares, Great Southern Rail is required to confirm your eligibility for the concession electronically with Centrelink. If you do not want this to happen you will need to contact Centrelink or the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) to obtain a Pension Concession Letter as proof of your eligibility for the concession and provide this directly to Great Southern Rail before the concession can be given. Australian Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Holder: Must hold a valid card. Australian Pensioner Concession Card holder and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder fares for The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland are provided on the basis of an agreement with the Australian Federal Government. These rates are therefore subject to change. Child fares: are available to children aged 4 - 15 years inclusive or where a child occupies a seat of berth. Ticketing and Payment Cancellations and Amendments Travel Insurance Luggage |
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