itinerary
DAY 1. Arrive Adelaide, Hahndorf (D)
Flights arrive in Adelaide where we are met by our coach captain and taken to Mt Lofty, the highest peak in the Lofty Ranges. From here we make our way to Australia’s oldest German settlement, Hahndorf, for lunch (own expense) and free time to wander the main street. We then make our way into Adelaide CBD to check-in. Night Stay: Hilton, Adelaide
DAY 2. The Ghan (B,L,D)
Board the The Ghan today for an epic journey through the rugged and beautiful Red Centre to the tropical north of Australia. Settle into your cabin and watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia from your window, then meet your fellow travellers in the lounge car. Before long some of the oldest rock formations in the world, the Flinders Ranges, come into view. As darkness envelops the rugged outback, it’s time to indulge in a regionally-inspired dinner, inclusive fine wines and beverages. 1 Night Stay: The Ghan in Gold Service
DAY 3. Marla, Alice Springs (B,L,D)
Wake up to a freshly brewed coffee or juice as the day dawns at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. It is here, deep inland, that you will enjoy a one of a kind experience, as you watch the desert come to life at sunrise. All aboard for brunch as you make your way through the MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs where on arrival we disembark for transfers to our hotel. 1 Night Stay: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
DAY 4. Uluru (B,L,D)
Leaving Alice Springs, we take a leisurely drive passing Stuarts Well, then stop for lunch. Continuing on, we break for a photo stop at Mt Connor, before arriving at Uluru. This evening before dinner witness the ever changing colours of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) at sunset with drinks and canapés. 3 Night Stay: Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort
DAY 5. Uluru, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) (B,D)
Witness the Field of Light just before sunrise and watch dawn break over Uluru. Following breakfast, join a guided walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole and Mala Walk, followed by base drive tour of Uluru. Return to the resort for some leisure time to explore the village at your own pace. This afternoon has us climbing into the saddle taking a camel trek for another way to enjoy fabulous views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. An outback adventure led by an expert cameleer who shares knowledge of the desert’s wildlife and ecology along the way. **Lunch is at own expense today.
DAY 6. Helicopter Flight over Uluru, Sounds of Silence Dinner (B,L,D)
Sharing stories and passing on traditional methods of painting plays an important role in the sustainability of Aboriginal Culture – the world’s’ oldest living culture. Join Maruku’s local Anangu artists for a fun introduction to the unique desert art form, dot painting, and learn about the symbols and painting styles used to create beautiful works of art depicting the Creation time (Tjukurpa) stories. This afternoon enjoy the thrill of taking an aerial tour of Australia’s Red Centre during a scenic helicopter flight showcasing the famous landmarks Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Tonight, toast the beauty of Uluru as we watch the sun’s dwindling rays light the rock up one final time. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and as the sun sets we will feast on a BBQ of authentic Australian delicacies and Australian wines at the Sounds of Silence specialty dinner.
DAY 7. Kings Canyon (B,L,D)
Departing Uluru we travel to Kings Creek Station, breaking first for lunch followed by an enjoyable Aboriginal cultural experience seeing spear and boomerang displays, learning about bush tucker, bush medicine and more. This afternoon we check in to Kings Canyon Resort.. 1 Night Stay: Kings Canyon Resort, Petermann
DAY 8. Kings Canyon, Alice Springs (B,L,D)
This morning we take a walk at the canyon which meanders along Kings Creek, ending at a viewing platform with stunning views of the sheer canyon walls. We return to Alice Springs, taking in the scenery and stopping at Erldunda for lunch along the way. 2 Night Stay: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseter, Alice Springs
DAY 9. Alice Springs (B,L,D)
We begin our day with views of the rugged MacDonnell Ranges from Anzac Hill lookout. Next we discover the Outback Telegraph Station before visiting the Women’s Museum of Australia then on to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Enjoy some free time this afternoon.
DAY 10. West MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm, The Ghan (B,L,D)
Discover the West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping at Flynn’s Grave before a visit to Ellery Creek Big Hole. We take time at Standley Chasm renowned for the red rocks, blue skies and white ghost gums. Enjoy lunch at Glen Helen Homestead before departing for Ormiston Gorge and Simpsons Gap. We then board The Ghan to leave Alice Springs for the final leg of this once in a lifetime rail journey. 1 Night Stay: The Ghan in Gold Service
DAY 11. Katherine Gorge, Darwin (B,L,D)
Awaken to the pristine wilderness of Katherine, and explore it today from the water or land with your choice of off train excursions. Cruise the jaw-dropping Nitmiluk Gorge and discover ancient Indigenous rock paintings or discover authentic outback life on a cattle station. As evening falls, arrive in Darwin to complete your epic train journey. 2 Night Stay: Mindil Beach Resort & Casino OR Hilton Hotel, Darwin
DAY 12. Litchfield National Park (B,L,D)
Today we discover Litchfield National Park taking in the inspiring views of Tabletop Range, a sandstone plateau adorned with a curtain of cascading waterfalls. Marvel at the termite mounds and learn how these astonishing structures are built by armies of tiny insects. We then make our way to Florence Falls lookout before arriving at Litchfield Café for lunch. Our afternoon takes us to nearby Wangi Falls, where year-round currents pour into a large swimming hole. Enjoy a refreshing dip before we make our way back to Darwin for an unforgettable farewell dinner.
DAY 13. Darwin Military Museum, flights home (B)
Today we make a visit to the Darwin Military Museum to learn the story of this extraordinary, yet little known chapter in Australian history. We then make our way to the airport for our respective flights home.
B = Hot & Continental Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner
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