Central Australia and The Ghan

Welcome to Darwin, the cosmopolitan capital of the Top End. Despite surviving two cyclones and several wartime air raids, Darwin is distinguished by its relaxed lifestyle and proximity to the Northern Territory’s abundance of natural wonders. Crocodiles, culture and colourful characters abound as you explore the northernmost capital in Australia.

Tonight, enjoy the first of two nights at your hotel, located in the city’s most vibrant precinct. (D)

Today, expand your visit with your choice of a range of illuminating activities. (B)

Freechoice:

• Jumping Crocs and Nature Adventure: Experience these reptiles in the wild on the beautiful Adelaide River, where crocs leap out of the water pursuing their prey. Your tour also includes a visit to Fogg Dam, a wetlands nature reserve teeming with wading birds and other unique wildlife. The wetlands of the Top End are of great international importance on account of their accessibility, splendour and cultural significance.
• Litchfield National Park: Litchfield National Park abounds with permanent spring-fed waterfalls, remnant monsoon vine forests, unusual rock formations and interesting scenery. An hour easily becomes a day relaxing in this wonderful park, which reveals its considerable wonders the further you explore.
• Darwin City Sights – Hop-on-Hop-off Tour: The perfect introduction to the Top End city of Darwin. The tour takes in all of Darwin’s main historical and cultural attractions with an opportunity to stop and visit during the tour.
• WWII Bombing of Darwin Tour: Learn about the history and significance of the Pacific Campaign of WWII; the largest attacks ever launched against Australia. Visit landmarks, view relics of the war and take a cruise on Darwin Harbour in this informative guided tour, which outlines the shocking extent of the damage suffered by Darwin during the war.

Travel to the amazing World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park to experience its stunning raw beauty first hand. One of the largest national parks in Australia, this living cultural landscape is unmissable for any visitor to the Northern Territory. From rivers and waterfalls to spectacular floodplains and rich cultural history, Kakadu’s story spans 20,000 square kilometres and 65 thousand years.

Marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock, some of the oldest and most evocative of its kind, and visit Bowali Visitors Centre for a greater understanding of Kakadu and its cultural significance.

Then it’s time to take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong. One of the best-known parts of Kakadu, Yellow Water is a 2.6 kilometre walk across the South Alligator River floodplain during the dry season. In the wet, it’s a completely different story – look forward to fantastic cruise across southern Kakadu. See huge crocs, water buffalo and remarkable birdlife in their habitat: Kakadu’s stunning World Heritage-listed wetlands.

Your overnight stay is an idyllic retreat inside Kakadu National Park. Relax in the large outdoor pool or have a drink at the Escarpment restaurant and bar before dinner. (B/D)

Explore the gems of Kakadu National Park, including Jim Jim and Twin Falls, by helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of the wetlands and rocky terrain (at additional cost, please book prior to departure).

Afterwards, return to Darwin and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Of note is the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, which is a great way to get up to speed on the Top End’s colourful history. Meet ‘Sweetheart’, the taxidermized remains of a giant saltwater croc, and take on the Cyclone Tracy interactive exhibit. (B)

Your journey begins with a morning departure from Darwin on board the famous Ghan (Gold Service). The train, which runs between Adelaide and Darwin, provides one of the world’s greatest rail journeys as it cuts across remote desert landscapes in impeccable luxury. Settle into your private cabin before a delightful regionally-inspired lunch accompanied by a selection of all-inclusive wines and beverages.

Arrive early afternoon at the Top End township of Katherine, the “Crossroads of the North”. The third-largest town in the Northern Territory, Katherine is a gateway between outback desert and the tropical climate of the Top End. Here, you’re free to choose between experiences that will enhance your visit. Take a guided cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, where you’ll marvel at the famed towering red ochre sandstone walls and hear stories of the local Jawoyn people.

Or take a glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home with a fascinating day of discovery on a huge cattle station. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant as the sun sets over the outback, then head back to your cabin to find your bed turned down. Fall asleep as the train rolls soothingly onwards across the vast outback. (B/L/D)

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. Known locally as “Alice”, this vibrant outback hub is more than a country town. As a thriving community overflowing with a unique art scene, a one-of-a-kind culture and amazing outback vistas, Alice Springs is the beating heart of Australia.

An optional upgrade is a scenic flight to Uluru, a bucket list location for travellers from all over the world. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people head to Australia’s red heart to soak up the ancient wisdom and one-of-a-kind panoramas Uluru provides.(at additional cost, please book prior to departure) Should you choose this option, you’ll return in time to meet the rest of your fellow guests at a spectacular barbecue dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. (B/D)

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. Once submerged by Australia’s inland sea, Coober Pedy has become known as the “opal capital of the world”, with the multicoloured gemstone in abundance. 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 south continues. (B/L/D)

From your cabin window this morning, you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. This gradual transition gives you a sense of just how diverse Australia’s environments are. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges, an ancient landscape over 540 million years old in places. Prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great travel experiences. The South Australian capital is renowned for its gourmet delights – wine in particular - and thriving arts scene.

You will then be transferred to your hotel in Adelaide, your home for the next three nights. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Travel to one of Australia’s oldest wine producing regions, Barossa Valley, and spend the day discovering its famous drops. Visit Maggie Beer’s farm shop and pick up some culinary tips during a cooking demonstration, before the chance to try wine with lunch at the historic Seppeltsfield Winery. Take a vineyard tour of the award-winning Jacob’s Creek Winery before your return to Adelaide. (B/L)

Freechoice: Today, choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Adelaide Heritage Walking Tour: On your walking tour discover the city’s hidden secrets, hear the history and gain important local knowledge to enhance your stay. Visit North Terrace, Victoria Square’s heritage buildings and the beautiful Botanic Gardens.
• Morning Central Market Tour: Relish a range of delicious samples representing the multicultural community of South Australia. Since 1869, the Central Market has been the jewel in the crown of South Australian Tourism experiences with a haven of premium food and wine products.
• City Tour with River Cruise: Enjoy a morning city tour of Adelaide combining the old with the new. Visit the delightful gardens on the banks of the River Torrens before a scenic cruise on board the famous “Popeye”.
• Adelaide Zoo: A relaxing green city oasis and vibrant sanctuary that gives you the feeling of stepping into another world. The zoo is one of Adelaide’s most iconic attractions and home to more than 2,500 animals and species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles. (B/D)

It’s time to say goodbye to your newfound friends and the delightful tastes of Outback Australia as you prepare for your journey home, taking with you stories for life.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. (B)