australia the ghan rail journey through outback

The Ghan Expedition

from £2600 excluding flights

  • 3 nights
  • May-Oct
Home Destinations Australasia Australia The Ghan Expedition
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Highlights

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Experience one of the world’s iconic rail journeys on The Ghan

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Cruise through the 23 million year old Katherine Gorge

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Visit Alice Springs, the gateway to the Red Centre

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Admire the rolling hills and vineyards of South Australia

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Visit the sun-scorched opal mining town of Coober Pedy

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Enjoy an authentic Outback BBQ with Australiana music under the stars

Why this trip...

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How you travel

This holiday features transport that is an integral part of the overall experience

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Add-on

This itinerary is intended to be an add-on to a longer holiday - speak to our specialists for recommendations

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Like-minded travellers

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Overview

Experience the very heart of Australia aboard the legendary Ghan on this remarkable cross-country rail journey. Following in the footsteps of the nations first pioneers, travel from Darwin via Nitmiluk National Park towards Alice Springs and Uluru. Continue through the mining town of Coober Pedy to arrive in South Australia’s capital, Adelaide a mere 4 days and nearly 3000km after departing the Top End’s tropical city of Darwin.

Along the way join a variety of off-train excursions, choosing your preference to suit your own interests and level of activity. For example, take an included cruise on Nitmiluk Gorge, experience the Outback at a cattle station or for a small additional cost upgrade to an unforgettable helicopter flight. At Alice take a guided Discovery Walk, explore the Desert Park or upgrade to a flight to Uluru. Other off-train highlights include a BBQ dinner at Alice’s Telegraph Station and a day exploring the unique underground world of Coober Pedy.

Back on board the train swap tales with your fellow-travellers over a nightcap in the Outback Explorer Lounge, before being rocked gently to sleep in your cabin as the train continues its long journey south.

Also consider

You may prefer to take an independent journey on board The Ghan, with the option to book shorter sectors eg travelling from Adelaide to Alice Springs.

Itinerary

In the morning you will be collected from your Darwin accommodation and transferred to Darwin Rail Station, ready to commence your journey on the legendary Ghan. Sit down to a gourmet lunch with wine in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant as you pull out of Darwin heading south towards Katherine, gateway to Nitmiluk National Park. Here you will join your first off-train excursion, with the chance to cruise through the 23 million year old Katherine Gorge with its towering cliff faces above and freshwater crocodiles below. Gaze in awe at the towering cliffs as your guide regales you with the Aboriginal and geographical history of the area. Alternatively visit a local cattle station for an authentic outback experience, or upgrade to a scenic flight over Nitmiluk. Back on board the train enjoy a sumptuous dinner as the sun sets over the outback and your first day aboard The Ghan.

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Wake up to the sun rising over the glorious outback of Central Australia and enjoy breakfast as you near the town of Alice Springs. A full day off-train excursion allows you ample time to explore the delights of this iconic town. Choose a guided walk to Simpson’s Gap, a town tour or a visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park. Or upgrade to a fixed wing flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, with an Uluru base tour. This evening enjoy a traditional Outback BBQ with live Australiana music and an informative astronomical talk as you cast your eyes skyward to the stars of the southern hemisphere. Later, re-board the train to continue the journey south.

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Awake in the heart of the outback at Manguri, one of Australia’s most remote train stops. Disembark The Ghan and be met by a friendly tour guide who will escort you around the sun scorched opal mining capital of the world, Coober Pedy. Venture into the tunnels and caves of this underground town where more than half the residents of the community reside. Explore the Serbian Orthodox church and enjoy a gourmet lunch below the earth’s surface before spending the afternoon admiring the rich ochre colours of the Breakaways. As sun sets, return to The Ghan for your last night on board the train.

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Spend the morning look out at the changing landscapes around you. The red dusty tones of the outback pave way to the luscious green fields and pastoral lands of Southern Australia. After enjoying brunch on board, sit back and savour the views as you roll into Adelaide, gateway to the Barossa Valley and Kangaroo Island. Disembark in the city.

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Prices and Departures

Price from £2600 excluding flights

Airfares start from around £730 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

  • Accommodation on board with private bathroom
  • All meals and drinks on board
  • Off train excursions in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy
  • Experienced local guides
  • Hotel transfers from Darwin accommodation to rail station
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

From prices person

Based on Gold Service cabin. Prices may vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for details based on your travel dates, or for prices in Gold Superior or Platinum service.

Departs Duration Twin Single
Wednesdays & Saturdays 4 days £2600 £2,282
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