Take a once-in-a-lifetime trip on Australia's Ghan train
Take a wine-tasting tour in Adelaide's Barossa Valley
Watch the sunset over Uluru
Meet the local residents of Kangaroo Island
Spot crocodiles in the Mary River region
Cross Australia's Outback on The Ghan
Find your perfect spot to relax and take in the magnificent views of Twin Falls | Photo credit: Tourism NT/Sam Earp
Stand on the cracked earth of Australia's Red Centre
Take the train across Australia from Adelaide to Darwin with this fabulous 2-week holiday, travelling on the Ghan through the Outback. Spend some time discovering the city of Adelaide, then head over to Kangaroo Island for a chance to meet the native kangaroos, wallabies and koalas that reside here. We’ve included a day trip to the renowned Barossa Valley wine region so you can sample the finest local wines! Leaving the city behind, you’ll board the world-famous luxury Ghan train for a 3 day/2 night journey through the heart of Australia. Enjoy delicious meals made with locally-grown produce as you travel through the Outback, stopping to explore at chosen spots. Finally spend a week in the tropical ‘top end’ of Australia, exploring Darwin and its surrounding national parks, rich in waterfalls, Aboriginal culture and spectacular natural wonders.
This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.
Depart the UK from your chosen airport.
On arrival into Adelaide Airport, you will be collected by a private driver and taken to your hotel in the city centre.
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city of Adelaide. Why not take a stroll around the Botanical Gardens and experience the beauty and diversity of the plants located there, both from Australia and the rest of the world? You'll feel a million miles from the city as you walk around the 50 hectares of beautifully manicured gardens and stunning architecture. The perfect way to relax on your first afternoon in Adelaide.
You have a full day now to enjoy the city, so we suggest you take a tram down to the lively suburb of Glenelg, with its white sandy beach, charming heritage hotels, bustling shops and sidewalk cafes. Here you can swim with wild dolphins, snorkel or dive, or if you prefer to stay on land, explore Glenelg's history in the local galleries and museums.
Meet the locals at Cleland Conservation Park located just outside the city, feed the kangaroos, spend time with a koala and if you're brave enough head to the reptile area to hold snakes and lizards. Speak to your consultant if you would to book this in advance.
Your tour vehicle will collect you from your hotel today and set off for Kangaroo Island. A scenic coach journey takes you down to Cape Jervis taking in the Fleurieu Peninsula and its stunning vineyards, coastal views and rolling hills.
A 45-minute ferry takes you to the island where you will visit Seal Bay Conservation Park, enjoying a beach walk with an experienced guide to get up close to these amazing creatures as they frolic and laze on the rocks. A two-course lunch in a bush setting is followed by a visit to a wildlife sanctuary and an afternoon in the Flinders Chase National Park rich in native Australian animals such as kangaroos, wallabies and koalas as well as spectacular natural scenery.
Early this morning you will be collected and taken to the ferry to meet your boat back to the mainland, you will be dropped back off at your Adelaide accommodation around midday.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Today we have included a small group tour to the Barossa Valley wine region located outside of Adelaide. As part of this tour, you will visit three premium wine estates and get the opportunity to sample the wines made there as well as enjoying local produce including morning tea from the local bakery and a two-course gourmet lunch. A local guide will join your small group throughout providing expert commentary as you go.
After your tour, you will be returned to your Adelaide hotel.
You will be collected from your hotel by private transfer today and taken to the train station to join your 3 day/2 night journey on the famous Ghan train. Travelling from Adelaide to Darwin through the heart of Australia you will get to see a part of this country very few people get to witness.
This luxury train has private cabins for guests on board at either Gold, Gold Superior or Platinum standard. After settling into your cabin you will make your way to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant for a delicious lunch and a choice of fine wines, all included in the cost. Relax in your cabin looking out over spectacular landscapes before joining the rest of the guests for afternoon tea and in the evening a three-course meal made from the finest Australian produce is served alongside local wines, the staff will be happy to help you match the two! Tonight is spent onboard the train.
A morning stop in Marla gives the chance to get off and stretch your legs whilst enjoying an outback sunrise with fresh coffee. Once back on-board brunch is served in the restaurant car, why not spoil yourself with the Belgium waffles and strawberries with chocolate sauce?
A stop in Alice Springs gives a glimpse into the history of the region, visit local landmarks or witness a spectacular bird show. Upgrade to a helicopter flight across the MacDonnell Ranges for panoramic views, experience a camel ride across ochre land or spend time at iconic cultural sites, Uluru & Kata Tjuta.
Back on the train, share stories in the lounge with your fellow passengers before freshening up for dinner, try local dishes such as kangaroo fillet and crocodile boudin blanc, overnight is spent on board the train.
After breakfast on board its time to explore the outback town of Katherine, there are plenty of options to choose from. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Katherine River or learn more about the local Jawoyn people with an Aboriginal cultural experience trying out some of the skills that have been developed over thousands of years. Upgrade to a scenic flight over Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks for magnificent views over cascading falls and giant gorges. A delicious late lunch followed by relaxation on board takes you through the afternoon, arriving into Darwin early evening.
On arrival in Darwin, you’ll be greeted and taken to your hotel in central Darwin where you will check in for a two-night stay.
Today you have the full day at leisure to explore the city, why not head to Smith Street Mall and check out the shops, there are several Aboriginal art galleries to explore here as well as plenty of pearl stores, pearling takes place off the coast of Darwin and in the nearby regions, so this will be a perfect souvenir of your trip to the 'Top End'.
Or visit Crocosaurus Cove on Mitchell Street to learn more about thesprehistoricic creatures. If you’re feeling particularly brave you could take part in the ‘Cage of Death’ where you get to swim in the tank with the crocodiles, protected only by a perspex cage, a once in a lifetime experience. Book a scenic flight or boat cruise for a chance to see more of the remote wilderness surrounding Darwin or why not take a trip to the nearby Tiwi Islands and learn more about Aboriginal culture in an authentic environment.
You will be collected from your hotel early today by your group leader and taken on the short journey to Litchfield National Park as part of your small group tour. The morning will be spent swimming in waterfalls, exploring sandstone escarpments and examining giant termite mounds.
After lunch, you'll head to your private campsite in the Mary River region where you will be greeted by the local wallabies! A cruise follows, with a chance to see saltwater crocodiles, birds and buffalo up close as you float down the river, before heading back to camp for the evening.
It’s an early rise this morning and a journey into Kakadu National Park. A 4wd track, boat ride and short hike later you will arrive at Twin Falls Gorge. Find your perfect spot to relax and take in the magnificent views of the falls.
Next stop is Jim Jim Falls. A walk through monsoon forest and a scramble over boulders takes you to the waterfall and plunge pool, surrounded by 150m cliffs. You'll be able to spend the rest of the afternoon swimming, relaxing and enjoying these unique surroundings. Sleep overnight in a private campsite in Cooinda.
After breakfast at the camp, you will head to Ubirr located within the East Alligator Region of the park where you will have ancient Aboriginal art interpreted for you by a local guide. Lookouts provide panoramic views across the floodplain and beyond to Arnhem Land.
Barramundi Gorge is next and a dip in the clear plunge pool is a great way to cool off after a hike through monsoon forest before putting your feet up and relaxing on the journey back to Darwin.
Spend today at leisure in Darwin.
Head down to the beach and check out the Mindil sunset markets (running on a Thursday and Sunday in the dry season) browse boutique craft stalls, dine on delicious street food and watch the sun go down with a cold beer in hand, a perfect end to your trip to the ‘top end’
A driver will collect you this morning and take you to the airport by shared transfer to connect with your international flight back to the UK.
October to April is considered the ‘wet season’ so Darwin and Kakadu National Park will experience heavy rains, flash flooding, and many roads will be closed at some point. The included tour may operate a different programme at this time depending on the roads in the national parks. We recommend that you visit during May-September when roads are open and the sun is shining in Kakadu and Darwin, the town is buzzing with visitors during these months so booking ahead is worthwhile.
If you'd like to get a feel for this trip, read our blog post Kangaroo Island: the best place to see wildlife and Central Australia: Uluru & the luxury Ghan railway from Alice Springs to Adelaide - written by our consultants who have been there.
We’re experts in planning tailor-made holidays, so whether you’re looking for a luxury Australia holiday, ideas for a road trip, or multi-stop flights to Australia with stopovers – let us help you with the planning. Our experts can tailor-make precisely the trip you’re looking for - this itinerary is purely a suggestion, so please contact us with your dates and requests, and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.
9 nights in 4* standard accommodation
Plus 2 nights in Gold Twin Cabin onboard the Ghan
Plus 2 nights in permanent tents with real bedding as part of your small group tour
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