Ride The Ghan from Adelaide-Darwin, then tour the Top End
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.
Highlights
- Explore the outback town of Alice Springs
- Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
- 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
- Take in the sparkling waters of Darwin Harbour over a delicious dinner of local seafood and produce
Package departs Adelaide on Sundays and Wednesdays from September to October
Travel October 2026 – Adelaide to Darwin:
- from $8,695 per person twin share in a Platinum Cabin
- from $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
*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.
Itinerary
DAY 1 – BOARD THE GHAN IN ADELAIDE
Board The Ghan in Adelaide and journey through the changing landscapes from pastoral country to the rugged outback. Enjoy your first chef-prepared lunch and dinner onboard, showcasing regional flavours. (L,D)
DAY 2 – THE GHAN, ALICE SPRINGS
Wake to a stunning outback sunrise in Marla before continuing to Alice Springs. Choose from a range of Off Train Experiences, including mountain biking, cultural tours, Desert Park, Simpsons Gap or an optional helicopter flight. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 – THE GHAN, KATHERINE AND DARWIN
Explore Nitmiluk Gorge on a scenic boat cruise, or choose the Katherine Outback Experience or an optional helicopter flight. Continue to Darwin, disembark The Ghan and transfer to your hotel, with the evening at leisure. (B,L)
DAY 4 – DARWIN TO LITCHFIELD AND KAKADU NATIONAL PARKS
Depart Darwin for Litchfield National Park, exploring Florence Falls and Wangi Falls. Continue through the Adelaide River into World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park before arriving at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. (B,L,D)
Note: Swimming at Wangi Falls is subject to National Park No Croc Safety Clearance.
DAY 5 – KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
Take a scenic flight over Kakadu’s ancient landscapes before an Indigenous cruise on the East Alligator River to spot saltwater crocodiles. Explore the Ubirr and Burrungkuy rock art sites, with time to enjoy the stunning views and ancient Aboriginal artwork. (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
Leave Kakadu and travel through Mary River National Park, known for its rich wetlands and birdlife. Enjoy a wildlife cruise to spot crocodiles and native birds before travelling through Humpty Doo to Darwin, where your Simply Kakadu tour concludes. (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.
DAY 7 – DARWIN HARBOUR DINNER CRUISE
Enjoy a free day to explore Darwin at your leisure. Stroll the Waterfront Precinct or visit the Botanic Gardens before ending the day with a sunset cruise and Territory-style dinner featuring local seafood and produce. (B,D)
DAY 8 – FAREWELL
Enjoy breakfast before checking out and saying farewell to Darwin, bringing your unforgettable Top End adventure to an end. (B)
*Please note that the itinerary is subject to change.
Highlights
- A legendary Train, an unforgettable journey
- A visual feast of changing landscapes
- All 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.
Highlights
- Explore the outback town of Alice Springs
- Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
- 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
- Take in the sparkling waters of Darwin Harbour over a delicious dinner of local seafood and produce
Inclusions
- 2 nights aboard The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin, including all meals, beverages, and Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine
- Transfer from Darwin Rail Terminal to hotel
- 1 night’s 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
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Darwin, including breakfast daily
- Darwin Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Exclusions
- Travel insurance
- Airfares
FAQs
- 2 nights The Ghan
- 3 nights at Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
- 2 nights at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
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.
Provided by: Journey BeyondFine Print
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.
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.
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