8 Days Taste of the Top End The Ghan Expedition - Darwin to Adelaide 2020/2021

itinerary

DAY 1. ARRIVE DARWIN

You’ve arrived in Darwin – it’s yours to explore. Spend the day at your leisure before checking in to your accommodation. OVERNIGHT: 4 nights Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

DAY 2. LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK

Litchfield National Park contains several types of typical Top End habitats including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls and cascades. First stop of the day is Florence Falls, where you have the opportunity for a scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walk. There is also the chance for a swim by making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below. Travel on to Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole at the base of the falls. To finish the day, you will visit Wangi Falls, with its large crystal-clear pool, another relaxing spot for a swim. A great day for taking many fascinating photos, including the amazing stand of termite mounds. (B,L)

DAY 3. LEISURE DAY, DARWIN HARBOUR DINNER CRUISE

Today is yours to explore Darwin at your own pace. Take in a spot of souvenir shopping or simply relax at your accommodation. Tonight, enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour dinner cruise on the ‘Charles Darwin’s’ Luxury catamaran in air-conditioned comfort. View the famous Darwin sunset while enjoying a delicious Territory style buffet with Australian seafood and local produce. This evening, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking and legendary tropical sunsets from a location like no other, savour the sights and feel the sea breeze as you sail and dine in comfort on a modern and spacious catamaran. Enjoy a sumptuous meal prepared onboard using local produce and fresh seafood. Relax and soak in the splendour of the skies, champagne flute in hand. (B,D)

WE RECOMMEND – Croc N History Explorer Ticket From $105 per person

Combine two of Darwin’s premier attractions with one ticket. The flexible Croc N History Explorer ticket gives you entry to both Crocosaurus Cove and the royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility as well as access to the 24-hour Hop On Hop Off Big Bus.

DAY 4. JUMPING CROCODILES

This morning is free for you to explore Darwin at your leisure. Perhaps make your way down to the waterfront and enjoy the tropical Darwin weather. Much of Darwin’s action happens along its revitalised waterfront, which is lined with restaurants, shops, sandy lagoons and parklands. This afternoon, your jumping croc adventure begins. Just 60 kilometres from Darwin lies the Adelaide River, home to more than 1600 crocodiles and the location of the famous Jumping Crocodiles. Travel down the Stuart Highway to the Adelaide River. Cruise the river and be thrilled as these awesome creatures launch themselves out of the water. The cruise will enable you to see these prehistoric creatures at close range. Afterwards, continue to the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre for views over the Marrakai Plains, and then it’s onto Fogg Dam Nature Reserve to see a wetland ecosystem up close. (B)

DAY 5. BOARD THE GHAN EXPEDITION IN DARWIN

This morning it’s time to board The Ghan. Settle in as you relax in your cabin or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy lunch ahead of your Off Train Excursion in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge, home to the local Jawoyn people. The stunning Nitmiluk Gorge lies within the massive 292,000 hectares of the Nitmiluk National Park. You’ll have the chance to explore it from the water with guided cruise options – an Off Train Excursion you’ll never forget.

Alternatively, experience a glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home and prepare to be mesmerised as you visit a huge cattle station owned by multiple Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain . See the team work with a young horse, demonstrating how they build a bond and explaining the psychology between man and horse. Enjoy the enthusiasm of the beloved working dogs as the team demonstrate how they build-up their confidence and prepare them for working life on the land. The show is never complete without a few of Tom’s chart-topping songs – often performed with guitar in hand and from the saddle of a horse. This is a show not to be missed. (seasonal). OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan (B,L,D)

DAY 6. THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ALICE SPRINGS

After breakfast you’ll arrive into Alice Springs, with plenty of time to explore the iconic town in the red heart of Australia. Prepare for a day of fascinating excursions and, in the evening, meet the rest of your fellow guests at a spectacular barbeque dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. (B,L,D)

DAY 7. THE GHAN EXPEDITION, COOBER PEDY

From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Discover the incredible diversity of Coober Pedy’s spectacular Breakaways on your guided walking tour and take in the colourful low hills that appear from a distance which look as if they are ‘broken away’ from the higher ground of the reserve. The landscape was once an inland sea and over time has been transformed into a dramatic landscape that changes colour with the passing of the sun creating an almost surreal panorama, a truly remarkable landscape and one not to be missed. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. (B,L,D)

DAY 8. THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ADELAIDE

After completing the famous north-south crossing of Australia’s interior, you will arrive into Adelaide where your adventure comes to an end. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

ALTERNATIVE JOURNEYS
Alice Springs to Darwin (6 Days, 5 Nights)
Darwin to Alice Springs (6 Days, 5 Nights)
Adelaide to Darwin (7 Days, 6 Nights)
Darwin to Adelaide (7 Days, 6 Nights)

dates & pricing