Ride The Ghan from Adelaide-Darwin, then tour the Top End
Combine two iconic national parks with one legendary rail journey. You’ll experience Australian wildlife in their natural habitat and visit incredible remote landscapes as you explore Australia by train on The Ghan, before continuing on to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks for deeper exploration of the Top End’s diverse natural habitats.
- 2 nights aboard The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine
- Explore the outback town of Alice Springs
- Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
- Transfer from Darwin Rail Terminal to hotel
- 1 nights’ accommodation in Darwin, including breakfast
- 2 nights of intimate small-group Kakadu, East Alligator River and Litchfield touring with Outback Spirit, travelling on board a state-of-the-art 4WD Mercedes-Benz vehicle, including accommodation, guided touring and meals
- Cruise on the Mary River spotting wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife
- Visit the Ubirr art site within Kakadu National Park, home to some of the world’s most outstanding rock art
- Swim in a waterfall at Litchfield National Park
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Darwin, including breakfast daily
- Darwin Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Your fare excludes:
- Travel insurance
- Airfares
Day 1 – Board the GHAN in Adelaide
Board The Ghan in Adelaide for an incredible showcase journey of inland Australia. As the train leaves the city heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond, the dramatic changes in landscape from pastoral land to arid outback scenes will ignite your imagination. Lunch is served on board – this is the first of many superb, chef-prepared gourmet meals, showcasing regional flair and season flavours.
Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: 2 nights The GHAN
Day 2 – THE GHAN, Alice Springs
After your first night enjoying the fine dining and relaxed comfort of this iconic train, you’ll wake to an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track. Enjoy the magnificent scenery as you make your way onwards to Alice Springs, where you have a selection of Off Train Experiences to choose from. There’s an experience to suit everyone, from an off-road mountain bike adventure to the Alice Explorer tour, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park, or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – The GHAN, Katherine & Darwin
When the landscape transforms into rocky gorges and fastflowing canyon streams, prepare to experience one of the Top End’s most impressive natural wonders on a boat cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home. There is also a helicopter flight upgrade available, for those wishing to see Nitmiluk from an aerial perspective.Continue to Darwin, where you’ll disembark The Ghan and be transferred to your overnight accommodation. After checking in, you may wish to explore the Waterfront Precinct with its many restaurants and bars.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
Day 4 – Darwin to Kakadu National Park
As one adventure ends, another begins with Outback Spirit. This morning we depart Darwin and head towards Kakadu National Park. Much of the route is along the Arnhem Highway, passing the productive region of Humpty Doo, where some of the Top End’s tropical fruits are grown. Cross the Adelaide River, with its vast wetlands, attracting migratory birds before arriving at Mary River, where you will take to the water on a cruise that showcases local wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife. Continuing east, we enter the dual World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, for both environmental and cultural values,stopping at the Mamukala Wetlands and the Bowali Visitor Centre before arriving at your accommodation, the Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru, so named for the crocodile shape it takes.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: 2 nights at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel *Due to availability, some stays may be at Cooinda Lodge
*Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April, we will visit the Bowali Visitor Centre on Day 2, and the cruise will occur on Adelaide River with crossings at Mary River, West Alligator and South Alligator Rivers.
Day 5 – Kakadu National Park
This morning we rise with the sun for an early departure to Jabiru Airport. Here we take to the skies to gain a new perspective of this incredible environment. Enjoy a 60minute scenic flight over ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers, exhibiting the results of 1.8 billion years of continuous erosion. Your flight includes live commentary from your pilot as you glide over these spectacular ancient lands.After landing at Jabiru Airport we depart for the East Alligator River region, known as the gateway to Arnhem Land. Take a spectacular local indigenous cruise on the East Alligator River and listen to the stories of the region as you spot the large saltwater crocodiles that dwell in these waters.
After the cruise, it's time to reboard the coach and head to the World Heritage Ubirr art site, home to some of the world's most outstanding rock art. Then, it’s time to stretch your legs on a one-kilometre circular track walk. There will be time for those feeling fit to make the steep 250m climb to the top of the rocky escarpment for magnificent views across the Magela floodplain.Enjoy a light lunch before heading to Nourlangie where we’ll see more ancient rock paintings and spectacular vistas on a 1.5 kilometre walk around this special Indigenous site.Head back to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
*Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April you may visit the Bowali and Warradjan Visitor Centres in place of Ubirr, and the cruise will occur on Yellow Waters.
Day 6 – Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Darwin
We depart Kakadu National Park and head towards Batchelor, the gateway to Litchfield National Park. Containing several types of typical Top End habitats, Litchfield National Park is abundant with lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, and cascades.After stopping for morning tea, we head onto Wangi Falls; a large plunge pool surrounded by shady grassed areas. The falls flow all year round and after a light lunch, you can take a dip in the crystal-clear pool. Our next stop is Florence Falls. Here you can watch from the scenic viewing platform as the spectacular falls cascade into the plunge pool below.We then head for Darwin, arriving early evening, where your Outback Spirit Tour concludes.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: 2 nights Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
Day 7 – Darwin Harbour Dinner Cruise
Today is free for you to enjoy the sights of Darwin at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the Waterfront Precinct or visit the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. In the evening, admire a spectacular sunset while feasting on a Territory-style dinner featuring local seafood and produce on a Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8 – Farwell
Your Top End experience comes to an end when you check out of your accommodation after breakfast and farewell Darwin.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Save $400 per person for travel between 9 March - 15 October 2025 when booking on advance purchase fare prior to 21 September 2024.
Package departs Darwin Sunday & Wednesday March to October
Travel March, April, September & October 2025 - Adelaide to Darwin:
- from $7,450 per person twin share in a Platinum Cabin
- from $5,820 per person twin share in a Gold Premium Twin Cabin
- from
$5,305$4,905 per person twin share in a Gold Twin Cabin - from
$5,980$5,580 for a solo traveller in a Gold Single Cabin
Travel May, June, July & August 2025 - Adelaide to Darwin:
- from $8,115 per person twin share in a Platinum Cabin
- from $6,535 per person twin share in a Gold Premium Twin Cabin
- from $5,845 per person twin share in a Gold Twin Cabin
- from $6,780 for a solo traveller in a Gold Single Cabin
Don't want to wait, ask about availability for 2024 when you call our team today on 1300 414 198 to secure your space on this top end explorer.
All pricing and availability is subject to change, call today on 1300 414 198 and speak with our of our travel advisors for details.
The Ghan - Platinum Service
Platinum cabins offer premium extras, like a full-size en suite, expansive window views from the train, and exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage. Add to that the luxurious linen, French Champagne, Bracegirdle’s chocolates, a nightcap at turndown and more, and you’re in for an exceptional experience.
The Ghan - Gold Service
Gold includes hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners. You may also choose to complement your meal with our selection of premium wines and beverages, all included in your fare.
Standard of dress onboard the train:
It is your holiday and we want you to be comfortable, so smart casual attire is recommended. 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.
Cabins onboard the train:
Single Gold Cabins - compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day, private vanity, with shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage.
Twin Gold Cabins - comfortable sleeper cabin featuring upper and lower sleeping berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day. Private compact en suite featuring a shower and toilet.
Luggage Allowance:
Guests should bring an overnight bag to their cabin containing everything needed for the journey. Each guest travelling is 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.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Journey Beyond Everyday Holiday Fare - a 25% deposit is due upon booking. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure and will result in loss of deposit. 100% cancellation fees apply if cancelled 45 days or less than departure.
Journey Beyond Advance Saver Holiday Fare - This fare is a discounted fare made for bookings 6 months in advance and is subject to availability. Loss of deposit when cancelling more than 180 days prior to departure. 100% cancellation fees apply when cancelled less than 180 days prior to departure.
Payment & Cancellation Terms:
- 'Advance Purchase fare rules apply: Full payment required at time of booking. 100% cancellation fees apply 14 days after booking date.
- 'Save $400 off Advance Purchase Holiday fares: Offer available for new bookings made between 25/07/24 and 21/09/24. Offer available for travel between 09/03/25 - 15/10/25. Offer is subject to availability and block out dates apply. Vice Versa train directions may differ in Off Train Experiences and price. Discounts cannot be combined with any other offer.