11 Days The Ghan and Red Centre Sensation

itinerary

Day 1. Sun: Fly from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide to Darwin

Arrive in Darwin as per your flight schedule to be met by our Coach Captain for this leg of our journey.  Enjoy a city orientation tour before checking in to the 4 Star Frontier Motel, Darwin for 3 nights. (D)

Day 2. Mon: Litchfield National Park & Darwin

We depart our Hotel for Litchfield N.P. where our first stop takes us on a short walk to the termite mounds, an area surrounded with abundant native birdlife.  We continue on to view Tolma Falls before our lunch at the Litchfield Café, followed by a visit to beautiful Wangi Falls.  Return to our Hotel to get ready for our sunset dinner cruise, offering a sumptuous seafood and BBQ banquet, whilst marvelling at the spectacular sunset over Darwin Harbour. (B,L,D)

Day 3. Tue: Darwin Sights

Today we enjoy some of the wonderful sights of Darwin visiting Crocodylus Park, then on to The Darwin Military Museum.  We take time to browse the Darwin Museum Art Gallery, depicting the destructive force of Cyclone Tracy and a display of indigenous art. Our afternoon takes us to Darwin’s beautiful Botanic Gardens, Chinese Temple, Cullen Bay, down town Darwin, past NT Parliament House. (B,L,D)

Day 4. Wed: The Ghan

Early start this morning boarding The Ghan, one of the great train journeys of the world bound for Alice Springs. Discover Australia’s rugged romantic reds in indulgent Gold Service as the landscape mellows with subtropical flora staking its claim over the passing scenery, and be captivated as you bear witness to the continent’s achingly beautiful heart. The Ghan stops in Katherine for approximately four (4) hours. During this time there are several optional whistle stop touring opportunities including a Katherine River Boat Cruise and Helicopter flight. (B,L,D)

Day 5.Thu: Alice Springs

After breakfast The Ghan is scheduled to arrive into Alice Springs, and we are met by our Coach Captain.  We take a brief orientation tour of the town, followed by a visit to Anzac Hill, a lookout offering spectacular views of the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. After lunch we visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air.  Arrive and check-in to the Hotel Chifley, Alice Springs for 3 nights. (B,L,D)

Day 6. Fri: Alice Springs surrounds

Our first visit today is the Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame, followed by the Araleun Museum which provides a glimpse into the art, culture & heritage of Central Australia, see the remains of the ill fated `Kookaburra’  and learn the tragic story of how the crew perished in the Tanami desert searching for Kingsford Smith.  Our afternoon takes us to the Mbantua Art Gallery, showcasing fascinating dot paintings and other artefacts.  (B,MT,L,D)

Day 7. Sat: Alice Springs surrounds

Depart for a full day touring through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole.  We visit Glen Helen Homestead for lunch before departing for Ormiston Gorge and stopping at Simpson’s Gap at sunset. (B,L,D)

Day 8. Sun: Kings Canyon

Leaving Alice Springs we take a leisurely drive passing Stuarts Well & Mt Ebenezer before arriving and checking into Kings Canyon Resort for an overnight stay. This afternoon perhaps an optional helicopter ride over this rugged territory (please advise at time of booking if you would like to pre-book flights - additional cost). (B,L,D)

Day 9. Mon: Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta

Enjoy a walk around the rim of Kings Canyon and through the 'Lost City' and 'Garden of Eden'. This afternoon travel through some of the vast cattle properties of Central Australia, stopping at Kings Creek Station for lunch.  Arrive this afternoon at Ayers Rock for a 2 night stay at Desert Gardens Hotel.  This evening, we re-board the coach to admire the ever changing colours of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) at sunset enjoying champagne and canapés. (B,L,D)

Day 10. Tue: Uluru

This morning we witness the first rays of dawn set Uluru alight, then take a guided walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole and continue along to the Mala Walk.  We drive around the base of Uluru, and visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, enjoy lunch in the cultural centre’s restaurant that offers a spectacular view of the rock.  We return to our Hotel mid afternoon for a rest period before our night out at the Sounds of Silence.  We dine under the canopy of the desert night sky, while our Sunrise at Uluru very own storyteller shares tales as told in the stars. We start with sparkling wine and a selection of delectable canapés, and as the sun sets, we will feast on a BBQ buffet of authentic Australian delicacies including Barramundi, Kangaroo, Emu and Crocodile, bush salads and classic desserts, complemented by Australian wines. (B,L,D)

Day 11. Wed: Fly home

Flights home this morning. (B)

dates & pricing