Loading...

LAST CABINS: Explore Darwin, then ride the Ghan on an epic rail expedition to Adelaide! (Jun 2023)

  • history
    DURATION
    6 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    6 nights

Before this bucket list train journey, you'll have three nights to explore Darwin and its beautiful surrounds. Why not get up close to jumping crocodiles, explore Litchfield National Park, learn the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and hear about the bombing of Darwin Harbour experience on Stokes Hill Wharf.

(Already live in Darwin? This package is also available with a 3-night Adelaide stay after to your rail journey. Or we can, by request, happily combine the two options into an epic 9-night adventure with stays in both cities!)

The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide is a unique and epic experience, which explore the wonders of Australia’s vast interior with one of the world’s most renowned rail journeys.

Beginning in Darwin, this four day, three night, 2979km all-inclusive journey will take you to some of the most remote and captivating parts of Australia in style and comfort. Your adventure through the country’s vast, varied, and captivating interior will leave you speechless. It’s the ultimate Australian outback experience.

Photos

expand_more
Slide 1 of 7
Enjoy 3 nights in Darwin to explore this great waterfront city

Inclusions/Exclusions

expand_more
  • 3 nights' accommodation in Darwin at the 4-star Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel including breakfast daily.
  • Transfer from Darwin Airport to Hotel
  • 4 days / 3 night aboard The Ghan
  • All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages
  • A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
  • Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy
  • Evening Off Train Experience in Manguri
  • A spectacular dinner under the stars at the historic Telegraph Station, Alice Springs
  • Explore Nitmiluk Gorge’s powerful natural wonders and rich Indigenous culture
  • Venture into the underground opal mining town of Coober Pedy

Itinerary

expand_more

Please note that itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Day 1 - 3 - Darwin

Arrive in Darwin and be transferred from the airport to your accommodation at the Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel. The next few days are yours to explore Darwin at your leisure.

Suggestions: One of Australia’s finest waterfront communities is right in the heart of Darwin, just a five-minute walk from the city. Ride the swell at the popular wave pool, swim in the saltwater lagoon, recharge at the cafes and colourful eateries, have a craft beer in the tavern, enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or sit in the shade in the lush parklands with engaging public art. Then visit the attractions at nearby Stokes Hill Wharf with fabulous views over Darwin Harbour.

In the city itself, wander through Darwin’s Smith Street Mall (free wi-fi), stopping at luxury boutiques that sell fine crocodile and pearl products. At Crocosaurus Cove, cuddle a baby crocodile and wander around enclosures with some of Australia’s biggest saltwater crocodiles. Life-size holograms and virtual reality technology let you feel what it was like when Darwin Harbour was bombed at the Royal Flying Doctor Service/Bombing of Darwin Harbour experience on Stokes Hill Wharf. Finish off with a movie under the stars at the waterfront Deckchair Cinema.

  • Stay: Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel (3 nights)
  • Included Meals: Breakfast daily

Day 4- Depart Darwin & Katherine

Your rail 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.

Take a relaxing cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge’s ancient natural wonders and exploring the region’s rich Indigenous culture. 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.

  • Stay: Ghan Expedition - Gold Service cabin
  • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Alice Springs

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.

  • Stay: Ghan Expedition - Gold Service cabin
  • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Manguri & Coober Pedy

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.

  • Stay: Ghan Expedition - Gold Service cabin
  • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Arrive Adelaide

Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great travel experiences.

Why not extend your holiday and spend a few days exploring Adelaide? We can assist with all your travel needs.

Dates and Prices

expand_more

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Pricing based on 4 - 10 June 2023 travel - Last Cabins call now to secure your place

  • from $5,305 per person twin share
  • from $5,474 Single Traveller
  • Ask about pricing for other dates
  • 5 - 11 July 2023 - Last Cabins
  • 2 - 8 August 2023
  • 3 - 9 September 2023

Call our friendly Australian travel team on 1300 414 198 to hold your place!

Accommodation

expand_more
Slide 1 of 6
Gold Service twin cabin by day

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

Ideally positioned in the heart of Darwin's CBD, Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel is just minutes from the Darwin Waterfront Precinct and the city's dining, entertainment and shopping hub, including Smith Street Mall.

Spacious hotel rooms come fully equipped with all the essential comforts of home as well as private balconies offering uninterrupted views over the tropical city, Darwin Harbour and Frances Bay. The Hotel also boasts on-site leisure facilities including an outdoor pool, gym and restaurant open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

The Ghan - Gold Class twin 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 cabins have everything you need to feel right at home for the amazing experience that lies ahead. This is your private oasis, a superbly comfortable overnight room to recline and let the rhythm of the tracks sway you to sleep ahead of your next adventure.

During the day, relax on the three-seater lounge that converts to your upper and lower sleeping berth at night. Enjoy the high quality linen, pillows, doonas and complimentary Australian-made toiletries.

Gold Service Twin cabins have a compact ensuite with toilet, washbasin and shower giving you all the comfort, privacy and amenities you require.Choose from six in-cabin music and journey commentary channels to add ambience to your travels.

Gold Class Dining:

One of the highlights of your journey will undoubtedly be the quality of the all-inclusive food and wine you enjoy in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.

Highly-experienced onboard culinary teams work closely with local suppliers, farmers and providores sourcing the finest ingredients to create innovative, regionally-inspired menus accompanied by all-inclusive fine wines and beverages offered on every route.

You’ll savour regional delicacies like Top End barramundi, locally produced beef and lamb, Margaret River cheeses, Barossa Valley smallgoods, and native Australian fare.

FAQs

expand_more

Transfers:

Darwin Berrimah Terminal is located 20km from Darwin's CBD. Complimentary coach transfers to Darwin Rail Terminal are available for Gold Service guests departing from selected Darwin hotels. Please ask your consultant for details.

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.

What medical assistance do the on-train staffs 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.

Luggage

Due to space constraints, guests are advised to take onboard only hand luggage containing the requirements for their rail journey. Guests who bring electronic devices, such as laptops, that connect to 240-volt power on the trains should also pack a surge arrestor. Checked in luggage cannot be accessed during the journey. Guests should bring an overnight bag to their cabin containing everything needed for the journey. Passengers travelling in Gold Service are able to take 2 x 30kg bags each. Please note luggage check-in opens 2.5 hours prior to departure and closes 60 minutes prior to departure.

Dress Code

Smart casual attire is suggested for guests travelling in Platinum Service and Gold Service. Neat casual attire is required. 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.

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.

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. Surge protectors can be purchased from an electrical store.

T&Cs

expand_less

Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.

Package is Land Only. Book by 29 July 2022. Prices are correct as at 18 July 2022 and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices are per person based on twin share. Package price is based on travel wholly within the travel dates. Valid for new bookings only. All product is subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice.

Share this holiday with your friends!

This holiday deal has expired.

Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.

Share this holiday with your friends!
Simply click any of the buttons below to share this holiday with your favourite travel buddy/group!

This holiday deal has expired.

Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.