itinerary
DAY 1 – BOARD THE GHAN IN ADELAIDE
Board The Ghan in Adelaide, heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond. OVERNIGHT: 1 night The Ghan (L,D)
DAY 2 – THE GHAN, ALICE SPRINGS
Wake to an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla and enjoy the jaw-dropping natural landscapes that pass by as you travel to Alice Springs. Upon arrival into Alice Springs, join your choice of Off Train Experiences. Once complete, you will be transferred to your hotel to enjoy the evening at leisure. OVERNIGHT: 1 night DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs (B)
DAY 3 – ALICE SPRINGS
Your 5 night Red Centre adventure with Outback Spirit Tours starts when you are met at your hotel by your friendly and professional crew early afternoon. Enjoy a brief afternoon tour of Alice Springs, including Anzac Hill, learning what makes this unique outback outpost tick, before dinner at the hotel. OVERNIGHT: 1 night DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs (B,D)
DAY 4 – ALICE SPRINGS TO KINGS CANYON
Today, depart Alice Springs and travel the Mereenie Loop through the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Visit Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge before arriving at Kings Canyon. OVERNIGHT: 2 Nights at Kings Canyon Resort (B,L,D)
DAY 5 – KINGS CANYON – WATARRKA NATIONAL PARK
Experience the wonders of majestic Kings Canyon with your choice of walk, including the 6km rim walk, featuring breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park, or a less arduous 2.6km walk along the canyon floor. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to take a helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and the Watarrka National Park. PLEASE NOTE: Additional costs are applicable and weight limits apply to all scenic flights. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 – KINGS CANYON TO ULURU
Pass through Kings Creek Station and enjoy an informative paper talk and lunch at Curtin Springs, before arriving at Uluru. This evening’s unique ‘Sounds of Silence’ dining experience under the stars begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine, accompanied by the sound of the didgeridoo and the resident star talker who decodes the southern night sky as you feast on a premium bush tucker inspired buffet. OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Sails in the Desert (B,L,D)
DAY 7 – ULURU KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK
Early risers will experience the sun rising over Uluru and the colours spreading across the landscape. After breakfast, visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge. Learn about traditional Anangu culture on a tour around the base of Uluru. This evening, head to an exclusive dune-top location with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro’s global phenomenon ‘Field of Light’ comes to life, before exploring the stunning display via dedicated pathways. PLEASE NOTE: Dinner this evening will be at approximately 9pm. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 – ULURU TO ALICE SPRINGS
After a leisurely breakfast, set your sights for Alice Springs. Pause to view Mount Connor, known as the third desert tor before arriving at your hotel in Alice Springs this afternoon, where your Outback Spirit tour concludes. OVERNIGHT: 1 night DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs (B,L)
DAY 9 – BOARD THE GHAN IN ALICE SPRINGS
Check out after breakfast and transfer to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal. It’s time to reboard The Ghan. As the train heads north, enjoy watching the scenery through the window. OVERNIGHT: 1 night The Ghan (B,D)
DAY 10 – THE GHAN, KATHERINE AND DARWIN
The landscape continues to transform as you head towards Katherine, where you’ll embark on an Off Train Experience exploring natural wonders. A few hours later, you’ll arrive in Darwin and transfer to your accommodation. OVERNIGHT: 1 night Hilton Darwin (B,L)
DAY 11 – DARWIN TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
Today your touring with Outback Spirit commences. Depart Darwin heading towards Kakadu National Park. Much of the route is along the Arnhem highway, passing the productive region of Humpty Doo, where a vast array of tropical fruits is grown, and crossing the Adelaide River, with its vast wetlands, which attract migratory birds. At the Mary River, take to the water on a cruise that showcases the local wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and the abundance of birdlife in the region. Continuing east, we enter the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, stopping at the Mamukala Wetlands and the Bowali Visitor Centre before arriving at your accommodation, the Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru, so named for the crocodile shape it takes. OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (B,L,D)
*Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April, we will visit the Bowali Visitor Centre on Day 2, and the cruise will occur on Adelaide River with crossings at Mary River, West Alligator and South Alligator Rivers, some stays may be at Cooinda Lodge.
DAY 12 – KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
Begin the day with a drive to the East Alligator River region, known as the gateway to Arnhem Land. Take a spectacular local indigenous cruise on the East Alligator River and listen to the stories of the region as you spot the large saltwater crocodiles that dwell in these waters. After a peaceful cruise, it’s time to reboard the coach and head to the World Heritage Ubirr art site, home to some of the world’s most outstanding rock art. Enjoy a 1 kilometre circular track walk and take in the amazing rock art. There will be time for those feeling fit to make the steep 250m climb to the top of the rocky escarpment for magnificent views across the Magela floodplain. Enjoy a light lunch before visiting a local indigenous community arts centre, where there is the opportunity to watch local artists at work and possibly purchase some artwork. Later, we head out to Nourlangie where you can take in ancient rock paintings and spectacular vistas as you take a 1.5 kilometre walk around this incredible indigenous site. Then it’s time to head back to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner. ** Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April you may visit the Bowali and Warradjan Visitor Centres in place of Ubirr, and the cruise will occur on Yellow Waters (B,L,D)
DAY 13 – KAKADU NATIONAL PARK, LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK, DARWIN
This morning is a 6.45am departure to Jabiru Airport, where you’ll gain another perspective on this incredible environment. Take to the skies on a 60-minute scenic flight over ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers, exhibiting the results of 1.8 billion years of continuous erosion. Your flight includes live commentary from your pilot as you glide over these spectacular ancient lands. Following our morning flight, we depart Kakadu National Park and head towards Batchelor, the gateway to Litchfield National Park. Containing several types of typical Top End habitats, Litchfield National Park is abundant with lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, and cascades. After stopping for morning tea, we head onto Wangi Falls; a large plunge pool surrounded by shady grassed areas. The falls flow all year round and after a light lunch, you can take a dip in the crystal-clear pool. Our next stop is Florence Falls. Here you can watch from the scenic viewing platform as the spectacular falls cascade into the plunge pool below. We then head for Darwin, arriving early evening, where your Outback Spirit Tour comes to an end. OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Hilton Darwin (B,L)
DAY 14 – LEISURE DAY, DARWIN HARBOUR DINNER CRUISE
Explore Darwin at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy a dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour Cruises’ Charles Darwin catamaran. View the spectacular harbour sunset in airconditioned comfort while savouring a delicious Territory-style dinner. (B,D)
DAY 15 – FAREWELL
This morning, it’s time to check out of your hotel, completing your ultimate Northern Territory adventure. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
ALTERNATE JOURNEYS
Darwin to Adelaide (Departs Friday)
Darwin to Adelaide (Departs Monday)
dates & pricing
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