Ride The Ghan from Adelaide-Darwin, then tour the Top End

Extended itinerary with Kakadu & Litchfield National Park touring
  • history
    DURATION
    8 days, 7 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
    8 days
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    7 nights
  • calendar_month
  • calendar_month
    DEPARTURE MONTHS
    June 2026 - November 2026
  • A​ legendary Train, an unforgettable journey
  • A visual feast of changing landscapes
  • A​ll inclusive meals and small group tours

Connect with culture and country by combining two iconic national parks with one legendary rail journey. Travel aboard The Ghan through Australia's vast outback landscapes, witnessing ever-changing scenery and rich Indigenous heritage along the way. Experience Australian wildlife in its natural habitat and explore the remarkable beauty of the Top End as you venture through Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. Discover ancient rock art, spectacular waterfalls, wetlands teeming with birdlife, and breathtaking remote landscapes on this unforgettable Australian adventure.

Photos

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Your holiday at a glance

Inclusions/Exclusions

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  • 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 with beverages
  • 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:
  • T​ravel insurance
  • A​irfares

Itinerary

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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 seasonal flavours. (L, D)

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 helicopter flight upgrade. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 - THE GHAN, KATHERINE AND DARWIN

When the landscape transforms into rocky gorges and fast-flowing 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. (B, L)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

DAY 4 - DARWIN TO LITCHFIELD AND KAKADU NATIONAL PARKS

As one adventure ends, another begins with Outback Spirit. This morning, we depart Darwin 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, 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.

Next, we move on to Wangi Falls, a large plunge pool surrounded by shady grassed areas. The falls flow all year round, and you can take a dip in the crystal-clear pool. After a light lunch, we cross the Adelaide River and, continuing east, we enter the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park before arriving at your accommodation for the next two nights, the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru, so named for the crocodile shape it takes. (B, L, D)

Note: Swimming at Wangi Falls is subject to National Park No Croc Safety Clearance.

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights at Mercure Kakadu

Crocodile Hotel

DAY 5 - KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

An early start today as we head to Jabiru Airstrip, where you'll gain another perspective on this incredible environment. Take to the skies on a 60-minute 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 a peaceful 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.

Enjoy a 1-kilometre circular track walk and take in the amazing rock art. 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 lunch before heading to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Art Site, where you can take in ancient rock paintings and spectacular vistas whilst enjoying the 1.5-kilometre walk around this incredible indigenous site. Then it's time to head back to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner. (B, L, D)

*Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April, you will experience Nourlangie after your scenic flight instead of Ubirr, and the cruise will occur on Yellow Waters.

DAY 6 - KAKADU NATIONAL PARK TO DARWIN

This morning, we depart Kakadu National Park and travel along the Arnhem Highway through the Mary River National Park, with its vast wetlands that attract many migratory birds.

On arrival at Mary River, you will take to the water on a cruise showcasing local wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and abundant birdlife in the region.

From here, we travel through the productive region of Humpty Doo, where an array of tropical fruits is grown, before heading to Darwin, arriving early evening, where your three-day Simply Kakadu Tour comes to an end. (B, L)

*Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April, you will enjoy the famous Jumping Croc Cruise' in place of the Mary River cruise.

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights at 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 (B, D)

DAY 8 - FAREWELL

Your Top End experience comes to an end when you check out of your accommodation after breakfast and farewell Darwin. (B)

Dates and Prices

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P​ackage departs Adelaide on Sunday & Wednesday from June to October

Travel October 2026 - Adelaide to Darwin:

  • from $8,695 per person twin share in a Platinum Cabin
  • f​rom $6,825 per person twin share in a Gold Premium Twin Cabin
  • from $6,140 per person twin share in a Gold Twin Cabin
  • from $6,920 for a solo traveller in a Gold Single Cabin

Travel June to August 2026 - Adelaide to Darwin:

  • from $9,260 per person twin share in a Platinum Cabin
  • f​rom $7,410 per person twin share in a Gold Premium Twin Cabin
  • from $6,750 per person twin share in a Gold Twin Cabin
  • from $7,655 for a solo traveler in a Gold Single Cabin

Travel September 2026 - Adelaide to Darwin:

  • from $8,865 per person twin share in a Platinum Cabin
  • f​rom $6,995 per person twin share in a Gold Premium Twin Cabin
  • from $6,310 per person twin share in a Gold Twin Cabin
  • from $7,260 for a solo traveler in a Gold Single Cabin

*Advance Purchase Holiday fares are subject to availability. Within 6 months of travel Saver Holiday fares may be offered, subject to availability. Outback Spirit touring is based on the Outback Spirit Earlybird fare. Prices are subject to change. Further conditions apply.

Accommodation

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Platinum Service Twin Cabin

T​he 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.

T​he 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.

FAQs

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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.

T&Cs

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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.

J​ourney 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.

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

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Prices per person from

A$6,140

A$6,920

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Prices per person from

A$6,140

A$6,920