The Ghan and Top End Experience

While you may not have heard of the outback town Marla before, it is fair to say it is worth the early start just to see the sunrise over this South Australian desert landscape. Located closer to Alice Springs than Adelaide, Marla is just shy of 1000 kilometres into the journey. The train arrives in the dark and guests are welcome to step off to stretch their legs as the sun light slowly bathes the surrounding outback and start their day with a steaming mug of coffee and bacon and egg roll. Take a moment to enjoy the stillness on this short 45 minute stop with the promise of the day stretching before you. Re-board the train and brunch will be served from 10am.

Back on board, enjoy a leisurely brunch as the desert landscape unfolds on the journey north to Alice Springs. Here, a variety of Off Train Experiences awaits. Choose an off-road e-bike adventure across ochre-coloured earth, explore the town’s key landmarks on the A Town Called Alice tour, or embrace a cultural experience at Standley Chasm. Nature lovers can meet the wildlife at the Desert Park or marvel at the striking beauty of Simpsons Gap. For a bird’s-eye view, upgrade to a scenic helicopter flight and witness the sheer scale of this remarkable region.  Return to the train in the late afternoon, with time to refresh before dinner is served and another unforgettable evening begins.

Step off The Ghan and explore the heart of the outback in Alice Springs! Tailor your journey with these exciting off-train adventures:
A Town Called Alice: Get face-to-face with Terry the mighty Saltwater Crocodile and his fascinating reptile friends at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. Witness the crucial work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, saving lives across vast distances. Finally, journey back in time at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Australia's best-preserved telegraph outpost. Explore how this 1872 marvel bridged the outback's communication gap, connecting remote towns and changing lives forever.
Desert Park: Unveiling the secrets of the Red Centre, Alice Springs Desert Park is a living museum unlike any other. Nestled at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges, the park honors the Arrernte people's deep connection to the land. Immerse yourself in three distinct desert habitats – Desert Rivers, Sand Country, and Woodland – each teeming with native plants and animals. Witness the thrilling free-flying bird show, where desert raptors soar overhead showcasing their incredible hunting prowess. Go behind the scenes for an exclusive training session, where you'll get up close to these magnificent birds and the dedicated trainers who care for them.
Simpsons Gap: Stroll through Simpsons Gap, where towering red walls cradle a haven for rare flora. Ancient Ghost Gums and over 40 unique species thrive amidst the vast Mulga stands. Known as Rungutjirpa by the Arrernte people, this land holds deep spiritual significance. Feel the serenity as sunlight paints the canyon walls in a breathtaking display of color and form, a testament to the beauty and power of this sacred site.
Standley Chasm Cultural Walk: Standley Chasm is a significant cultural icon in Central Australia. Traditionally called Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’, itis a 3-metre-wide, 80-metre-high gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Embark on a discovery walk where the towering walls showcase the vibrant geological palette of the outback in a way that will leave you breathless.
Cycle Alice: Pedal across the Ilentye Trail on the ochre-colored dirt and soak up the stunning Alice Springs countryside alongside the famously dry Todd River.Your guide will lead you to a picturesque spot in the sandy riverbed for a breather and a chance to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of this unique landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for black-footed rock wallabies, known to hop across the rocks.
Ghan Museum & Transport Hall of Fame: Explore Australia’s rich transport heritage, starting at the National Road Transport Hall of Fame. Enjoy a guided journey through the Buntine Pavilion, home to a fascinating collection of historic cars and trucks, each telling its own story. Visit the Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame to see the first Australian-made chassis, 400008, alongside iconic trucks that highlight the evolution of road transport. Explore exhibits like “Trucks in Action” and the RSL Military Museum, showcasing road transport’s significance. Finish the tour at the Old Ghan Heritage Railway, reliving the golden age of rail travel.
You can submit your preferences for the off-train experiences you will join on each day. Please indicate these to your sales agent as soon as possible.

Discovering the outback from the air is simply spellbinding. Flying by helicopter is exhilarating at any time, but when you are soaring above the rugged ranges and open plains of the Red Centre, it is an experience you will never forget. Taking to the skies on a 15 minute helicopter flight, your first aerial encounter with the landscape is a fly over spectacular Simpsons Gap and its permanent waterhole. You will track the cliff faces of the Mount Gillen Ridgeline and the Larapinta Trail and throughout your aerial safari, you will be treated to the pilot’s expert commentary, providing detail on the wonders unfolding before you. After your adventure, you are invited to wind down with a relaxing swim in the hotel pool while enjoying refreshments and high tea. 
To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour.  Please note, if you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.

Your final day begins in the tropical north, where the landscape gives way to rocky escarpments and fast-flowing canyon streams. Here, you’ll experience one of the Top End’s greatest natural wonders on a cruise through the majestic Nitmiluk Gorge. As you glide along the water, your guide will share the cultural significance of this place to the Jawoyn people, weaving in stories that highlight their deep spiritual connection to the land.  Alternatively, step into the lives of those who call the outback home at the Katherine Outback Experience, or venture underground to explore the limestone chambers of the Cutta Cutta Caves, rich in native wildlife, Indigenous culture and European history. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and witness the scale and grandeur of Nitmiluk from above. After your day’s adventures, return to the train and journey onwards to Darwin, where your unforgettable journey of exploring Australia by train draws to a close.

Soar above Nitmiluk Gorge and experience the Top End’s stunning sandstone landscapes from a unique perspective. During your 20-minute helicopter flight, glide over all 13 gorges of Nitmiluk National Park, marvelling at the vibrant colours and dramatic scale of the terrain. Sparkling waterfalls cascade into hidden rockpools, while lush greenery contrasts with the warm sandstone formations below. As you fly, your expert guide will share Jawoyn Dreaming stories, including the tale of Bula, a central figure whose journey shaped the land. These cultural insights deepen your connection to the region’s natural beauty.
To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour.  Please note, if you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.

While the views of the outside world from the comfort of your cabin are captivating, sometimes it’s good to step off the train and stretch your legs to explore the remote pocket of Katherine! Tailor your journey with these exciting off-train adventures:
Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise Wind your way down the Katherine River on a relaxing cruise. Immerse yourself in ancient wonders as you find yourself surrounded by towering gorge walls. Sculpted by time and water, each bend unveils a more breathtaking vista. Listen to the cicadas serenade the canyons as your expert guide navigates the First and Second Gorges. These age-worn walls, etched by nature, cradle a wealth of unique plants and animals, all woven into the traditions of the Jawoyn people. Hear their captivating stories and gain a deeper understanding of their profound connection to this sacred place, Nitmiluk.
Nitmiluk Rock Art Cruise Nitmiluk Gorge offers a front-row seat to ancient Jawoyn stories. Cruise the First Gorge, where towering sandstone giants whisper secrets of the past.  Your guide will unveil Dreamtime tales of creation and the gorge's deep meaning to the Jawoyn people.  A short walk leads to a breathtaking rock art site, a testament to Jawoyn presence here for millennia, even during the Ice Age. 
Cutta Cutta Caves (April - October) Descend 15 meters below the surface into Cutta Cutta Caves, a network of caverns formed millions of years ago and teeming with life. Sparkling stalactites and stalagmites adorn the caves, which are home to a rich tapestry of wildlife, including rare Ghost Bats. "Many stars" in the Jawoyn language, Cutta Cutta holds deep cultural significance, linked to the Dreaming stories of the Barrac Barrac.
Katherine Outback Experience (April - October) Gain Insight into those who call outback home and discover what it is like to live and work on a huge cattle station. Witness the age-old tradition of horse-breaking firsthand. Marvel at the skill of working dogs wrangling not just cattle, but even ducks! Meet the salt-of-the-earth folks who run the show, their resilience etched in their faces and their stories woven into the land. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the unique music scene, with Aussie classics performed by true outback characters, some even on horseback!
You can submit your preferences for the off-train experiences you will join on each day. Please indicate these to your sales agent as soon as possible.

Welcome to Darwin, the tropical heart of Australia’s Top End! This vibrant city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore Darwin’s rich World War II history, enjoy Aboriginal culture through art, storytelling, and local experiences, and wander through bustling markets. Sample delicious local cuisine and spot unique wildlife, from freshwater crocodiles to tropical birdlife. Darwin is the perfect starting point for your Top End adventure.

You will be transferred on a private air charter from Darwin Airport to Bamurru Plains.

Discover the untamed beauty of Bamurru Plains with expert field guides who reveal the secrets of this extraordinary landscape. As part of the Complimentary Experiences at Bamurru Plains, enjoy twice-daily guided wilderness safaris with fellow guests, exhilarating airboat rides across the floodplains to open-top 4WD adventures and river cruises. Each experience brings you closer to the remarkable wildlife, birdlife, and raw natural beauty that define this unique corner of the Top End.

Enhance your stay at Bamurru Plains with an unforgettable full-day adventure to Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and living cultural landscape that has been home to Aboriginal people for over 65,000 years. Your journey begins with a scenic charter flight to Kakadu, including a breathtaking 30-minute loop over the park. Explore Ubirr, renowned for its ancient rock art, and take a short walk to a stunning lookout over the Nadab floodplain. Enjoy the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River, guided by an Aboriginal expert who shares insights into local mythology, traditional uses of flora and fauna, and bush survival skills while spotting crocodiles along the riverbanks. This immersive experience includes return flights, park entry, lunch, and a visit to the Bowali Visitor Centre, where you’ll learn more about Kakadu’s unique landscapes and wildlife. A truly enriching encounter with Australia’s cultural and natural heritage.

Enjoy the Complimentary Activities the retreat has to offer while truly relaxing and switching off from everyday life. Immerse yourself in the wilderness on guided safaris, airboat adventures, and wildlife-spotting excursions, then unwind in your private accommodation or by the infinity pool. At Bamurru Plains, every moment is designed to let you disconnect, recharge, and fully embrace the peace and beauty of this remote Top End sanctuary.

This optional upgrade will see you experience all the “must-do” highlights of Australia’s largest national park. Begin with a one-hour scenic flight from Bamurru Plains to Kakadu, complete with expert commentary, before joining a 90-minute Yellow Water Billabong cruise to explore the park’s stunning wetlands, wildlife, and landscapes. Enjoy lunch at Cooinda Lodge, then visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to discover fascinating stories, artifacts, and browse the gallery gift shop. The adventure concludes with a 25-minute return flight to Bamurru, arriving just in time to join late-afternoon and evening activities back at the lodge.

You will be transferred on a private air charter from Bamurru Plains to Darwin Airport.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!