Ride the Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide - A grand 10-day holiday with the Travel at 60 community! (April 2021)

Day 1: Arrive Darwin

On arrival at Darwin airport, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day getting acquainted with this fascinating city.

Days 2-3: Darwin

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast each morning before spending the days exploring Darwin - a former frontier outpost with WWII history, Asian-influenced food and a tropical outdoor lifestyle. Darwin is the starting point for day tours to Kakadu, Mary River National Park and Litchfield National Park. Why not enjoy a cruise on Darwin Harbour, and don't forget to head to the Mindil Beach to watch the amazing sunset.

Day 4: Darwin - Board The Ghan

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the railway station to begin your Ghan Expedition through central Australia.

Your journey begins with a morning departure from Darwin. Once you’re settled into your private cabin, mingle with fellow travellers or sample the exceptional food, wine, and service onboard.  When it’s time for lunch, savour the regionally-inspired menu accompanied by a selection of all-inclusive wines and beverages, before an early afternoon arrival at the Top End township of Katherine. Choose between a relaxing cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge’s ancient natural wonders and exploring the region’s rich Indigenous culture, or experience a glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home, with a fascinating day of discovery on a huge cattle station. Enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the outback, then back in your cabin you’ll find your bed turned down. Fall asleep as the train rolls soothingly onwards.

Day 5: The Ghan

After your first night on The Ghan, you’ll be greeted by a morning view of the spectacular Red Centre. A full day of excursions awaits you in the outback town of Alice Springs. An optional upgrade is a scenic flight to Uluru, returning in time to meet the rest of your fellow guests at a spectacular barbeque dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

Day 6: The Ghan

From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and 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. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues.

Day 7: The Ghan - Arrive Adelaide

From your cabin window 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 majestic Flinders Ranges and prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great travel experiences. In the smart southern city, you can extend your experience with a holiday package to the Barossa Valley, fascinating Kangaroo Island, or an expertly-curated tour of this food and wine loving capital.

Days 8-9: Adelaide

Enjoy your buffet breakfast each morning then spend the days exploring Adelaide and its surrounds, sample the local food and wines in the Barossa Valley or Clare Valley. Maybe head to the Adelaide Hills to explore the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens and take in the views of the city and surrounds. Sports buffs, you could book a tour to go behind the scenes at the Adelaide Oval.

Day 10: Depart Adelaide

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the airport in your private transfer for your flight home.

Why not extend your stay in Darwin or Adelaide to see more of these regions? From Darwin you can explore the Top End's national parks and from Adelaide you can discover Kangaroo Island or relax on a Murray River cruise or experience the stunning scenery of the Flinders Ranges.

Please call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 for suggestions or to book this unique getaway.

2021 (Travel dates to be confirmed) - We are now taking expressions of interest for 2021

• Twin share - FROM $4300 per person*
• Solo Traveller (in twin share cabin) - FROM $8490 per person*

* This advertised prices listed are based on 2020 rates and therefore subject to change upon the full release of the 2021 itinerary and pricing.

Want to avoid the single supplement entirely? If you're willing to share, we can happily pair you with another solo traveller. Subject to availability of another guest of the same gender willing to share.

Why not extend your time in Darwin or Adelaide? There's heaps to see! Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to register your interest!

DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, Darwin

Overlooking the famous Darwin Esplanade and offering stunning ocean views, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin is within walking distance of the city centre, Bicentennial Park and bustling downtown Darwin and Smith Street Mall. Swim in the sparkling waters of the outdoor pool, surrounded by lush tropical gardens or simply relax in the sunshine with a glass of wine on the outdoor deck.

The Ghan - Gold Class cabin

The moment you step into your cabin, you’ll be immersed into a world of romance that epitomises rail travel. The most popular choice of accommodation, Gold Service Twin and Single Cabins have everything you need to feel right at home for the amazing experience that lies ahead.

• For Gold Twin, a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day
• For Gold Single, a compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage

Mercure Grosvenor, Adelaide

Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide is superbly situated on North Terrace in the heart of the city and provides an excellent base for exploring Adelaide.

The guest rooms at Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide are fresh, contemporary and inviting.

Can I fly out the same day as the train arrives? We highly recommend that guests do not book flights same day as arrival without allowing for late running trains. This would mean allowing for at least 3-5 hours after the scheduled arrival time, and an overnight stopover.

How much luggage can I take with me? Guests should bring an overnight bag to their cabin containing everything needed for the journey. Each guest travelling are entitled to checked in luggage, however checked in luggage cannot be accessed during the journey. In Gold service guests are allowed 2 bags x 30kg and guests travelling in Platinum Service are allowed 3 bags x 30kg.

Can I take any pets or animals with me on-train? No - the only animals permitted on Ghan services are specially trained dogs for the vision and hearing impaired.

Can I take my walking frame/wheelchair/ scooter on board the train? No - these items must be checked-in as stored luggage. A specially modified pushchair can be requested for use on train (with the assistance of a Carer or travelling companion) - PLEASE INFORM US AT TIME OF BOOKING.

What medical assistance do the on-train staff provide? Staff are trained to administer basic first aid, however our staff are not able to provide routine medical aid during a journey. Guests requiring medical attention or mobility assistance on board any of our trains are required to arrange for their own Carer to travel with them.

Can my necessary medication be refrigerated? Yes subject to space within our on-board fridge compartments - PLEASE INFORM US AT TIME OF BOOKING.

Can I take oxygen onboard? Yes - PLEASE INFORM US AT TIME OF BOOKING.

Does the train carry power outlets for CPAC machines? Cabins on the Indian Pacific have 240V power outlets installed which can be used for a CPAC machine. It is recommended that a surge arrestor/protector be used to protect the machine when it is plugged in case of a power surge.

Do I need any cash or credit cards onboard? As the rail journeys are all-inclusive you will not need to buy anything unless you choose to purchase an Off-Train Excursion upgrade or souvenirs, which you can do onboard utilising our EFTPOS or credit card facilities.

Dress Code onboard the train? Smart casual attire is suggested for guests travelling in Platinum Service and Gold Service. Warm clothes are recommended for evenings onboard the train, as the air-conditioning can be cool. It is recommended that guests pack a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes for off-train touring. Sensible shoes are advisable for walking between carriages. Long, sturdy pants may be required for some Off-Train Excursions.