Golden Outback

Please note: This is a sample itinerary, the Ghan rail journey timetable may change for 2024.

Day 1: Arrive Darwin, Australia

G’Day! Welcome to Australia. Upon arrival in Darwin, you will be transferred to your accommodation where you will stay for 4 nights. The balance of your day is at leisure.

Days 2-4: Darwin, Northern Territory

You have three days to explore Darwin and the tropical ‘Top End’ of Australia.  The experiences here can vary seasonally as they have a distinct wet and dry season that impact travel in surrounding national parks. We have included two experiences in your suggested itinerary:

Darwin city sightseeing tour – Darwin is Australia’s only tropical capital city and is the largest city in the Northern Territory. It is a former frontier outpost and the gateway to Kakadu National Park. Darwin is treasured country to its traditional owners, the Larrakia people, who are prominent and active members of the local community. A multicultural city, it boasts a population made up of people from more than 60 nationalities and 70 different ethnic backgrounds.

Kakadu National Park tour – World Heritage listed and the largest National Park in Australia, Kakadu is one of the most diverse landscapes you’ll ever experience, and you’ll be amazed at the population of wildlife in the water, on the land and in the air. See some of the most amazing terrain Australia has to offer on your way to and inside Kakadu. Marvel at the concentration of rock art sites that illustrate Aboriginal culture, some dating back 50,000 years.

Days 5-7: Darwin (Northern Territory) to Adelaide (South Australia)

You will be transferred to the Darwin terminal to take The Ghan, one of the world’s most incredible rail journeys for 3 nights.  Once you’ve settled in and the big wheels start turning, make your way to the classically styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant carriage for a delicious lunch. Watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia merge into rugged Mallee scrub.  Marvel as the spectacular Flinders Ranges disappear into the horizon, all the while enjoying the solitude of your cabin, then mingling with fellow travellers in the Lounge car for afternoon tea. Dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant is bound to satisfy and the selection of wines is equally outstanding. Then head back to your cabin for a good night’s sleep in anticipation of a striking outback sunrise.

Meals included: Lunch and Dinner daily onboard train

Days 8-9: Adelaide

Arrive into Adelaide train station and after disembarking your will be transferred to your central Adelaide hotel where you will stay 2 nights. Your time in Adelaide is at your leisure, we recommend a walking tour of Adelaide Central Market, Visit Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf or perhaps one of the world-famous wine regions of the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale or Flieureu.

Day 10: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Take ferry to Kangaroo Island.  Kangaroo Island is blessed with an abundance of spectacular scenery, natural marvels and wildlife.  Experience nature at her most spectacular as you visit the Flinders Chase National Park at the western end of the island and discover the awe-inspiring formations of Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Delight in a mouth-watering gourmet style picnic lunch and see kangaroos and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.

Day 11: Kangaroo Island to Adelaide, South Australia

Take the ferry back to Adelaide.  Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel where you will stay for 1 night.  The balance of your day is at leisure.

Day 12: Depart Adelaide, Australia

You will take your flight home today.  Why not stay longer? We encourage you to extend your journey to explore more of Australia. Please contact one of our Destination Specialists to discuss.