itinerary
DAY 1 – BOARD THE GHAN EXPEDITION IN DARWIN
Celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome drink and light refreshments, and pause for a photo with The Ghan’s iconic red locomotive before stepping on board.
Settle into your home for the next few days, enjoying the comforts of your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. As The Ghan begins to travel south, a chef-prepared lunch awaits before your Off Train Experience in Katherine.
Here, you’ll choose how to explore this remarkable region. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge and uncover its deep cultural significance. Alternatively, step into the Katherine Outback Experience for an authentic glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home. Or venture underground at the Cutta Cutta Caves, where fascinating limestone formations, native wildlife and stories of Indigenous culture are waiting to be shared.
For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and take in the scale of Nitmiluk from above. (L,D)
OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan Expedition
DAY 2 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ALICE SPRINGS
Wake to the wide-open skies of the outback as The Ghan draws closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. After a hearty breakfast on board, step into the heart of Central Australia with a choice of Off Train Experiences designed to suit every traveller.
Take to the red dirt on an off-road e-bike adventure, join the A Town Called Alice tour to uncover the town’s major landmarks, or immerse yourself in culture with a guided journey through Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. Here, sheer rock walls blaze red in the sunlight and ancient landscapes hold deep spiritual significance for the Arrernte people.
Wildlife lovers can meet desert creatures at Alice Springs Desert Park, while those seeking a grander perspective can opt for a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
As night falls, the hallmark experience of The Ghan Expedition awaits. At the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, dine beneath a canopy of stars, surrounded by the red earth of the desert. With white tablecloths, fine food and live entertainment, it’s an evening you’ll never forget. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, COOBER PEDY
Today brings you to the extraordinary outback town of Coober Pedy, where life is anything but ordinary. Known as the opal capital of the world, this desert settlement hides its treasures both above and below, and more than half the population live underground.
Your adventure begins with a morning stop at the remote outpost of Manguri to take in the sunrise, before continuing to Coober Pedy for a day of exploration. The highlight is a gourmet lunch enjoyed underground, a dining experience as unique as the town itself.
Off Train Experiences include visiting the striking Breakaways, uncovering the town’s quirky attractions, or learning the fascinating history of opal mining on the Opal Experience. For an unforgettable view, upgrade to a scenic flight over the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre.
Back on board for your final night, dinner is served in the dining carriage before one last nightcap in the lounge with fellow travellers as The Ghan journeys towards Adelaide. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ADELAIDE AND MONARTO SAFARI RESORT
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 Flinders Ranges before arriving into Adelaide.
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred by private vehicle to Monarto Safari Resort, approximately 50 minutes from Adelaide and nestled in South Australia’s expansive Murraylands. Combining premium accommodation with authentic wildlife experiences, the resort offers an unforgettable escape surrounded by some of Africa’s most iconic animals.
With some free time before checking in, you may choose to indulge in the luxurious day spa, relax by one of the two stunning pools or enjoy world-class dining at the onsite restaurant.
Settle into your beautifully curated accommodation before joining the Sunset Wildlife Safari. Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to Monarto Safari Park’s Wild Africa area on a small-group guided tour, with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vast parklands and watch free-roaming herds across 550 hectares.
Travelling in the comfort of a custom-built Safari Truck, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and photograph Southern White Rhinos, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Eland, Ostriches and Zebras. Drinks and canapes are served during the tour, capping off an unforgettable wildlife experience. (B)
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Monarto Safari Resort
DAY 5 – MONARTO SAFARI RESORT
Today is yours to explore Monarto Safari Park via the guided Zu-Loop bus experience, or a combination of the Zu-Loop bus and walking.
Monarto is the largest open-range safari experience in the world outside Africa, spanning more than 1,500 hectares and home to more than 50 species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles.
Hop on and off the bus at the wildlife viewing platforms and spend time observing your favourite animal species, including Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Rhinos and Chimpanzees. You can also enhance your visit by attending daily Keeper Presentations or booking one of the intimate behind-the-scenes animal experiences.
Later today, you may choose to indulge in the luxurious day spa, relax by the two stunning pools or enjoy world-class dining at the onsite restaurant at Monarto Safari Resort. (B)
DAY 6 – FAREWELL
Today, your wild Monarto Safari Stay comes to an end. After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and transfer by private vehicle to your choice of Adelaide Airport or an Adelaide CBD hotel. (B)
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
ALTERNATE JOURNEYS
Adelaide to Darwin
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