Luxury Heartline Journey: The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide

You will be met at your Darwin accommodation by the driver and transferred to the Darwin Airport.

Experience an unforgettable escape with a private helicopter tour of Litchfield's stunning waterfalls.  Your exclusive 90-minute scenic flight culminates in a VIP landing atop your own private waterfall, where you can spend an hour immersed in the tranquil sounds and refreshing waters, far from the crowds.

You will be met at the Darwin Airport by the driver and transferred to your Darwin accommodation.

With beautiful views of the Top End city, there is no better way to experience Darwin’s renowned sunsets than on board the Charles Darwin. Enjoy a Territory-style dinner with fresh seafood and local produce. This two hour cruise is the perfect way to experience Darwin’s world-famous sunsets.

This legendary train evokes a frontier spirit, a romantic connection to the land, and travelling on it creates a moving and unforgettable life experience. The Ghan celebrates outback adventure, with its legend stemming from the 1930s when the first Afghan cameleers arrived in Australia. On that momentous journey, the train was dubbed ‘The Afghan Express’ and then shortened to the legend it is today, ‘The Ghan’.
Today you can become part of this celebrated history, following in the tracks of those pioneers as you journey through Australia’s red heart. Regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, The Ghan delivers so much more than an extended train ride. It promises access to parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to – the perfect balance of comfort and adventure culminating in an experience that will move you in every sense of the word.
Note: Throughout the course of your journey, there are a range off-train experiences at Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. Preferences can be requested on booking, although not confirmed until onboard. It is best to indicate to your sales consultant as early as you can which experiences you would prefer to join. Alternatively, if you wish to upgrade your off-train experiences, these can be confirmed at the time of booking. Please ask your consultant which upgraded experiences are available to you.

Celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome drink and canapes and before you board, you’ll have the opportunity to take photos with The Ghan’s bold red locomotive. Settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. As The Ghan begins to travel south, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge and a cruise is on offer to showcase the beauty of this spot. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the Outback home, while the Cutta Cutta Cave system is home to a variety of native wildlife and is rich in Indigenous culture and modern European history. You may also choose to upgrade your off-train experience today to a Nitmiluk Gorge Helicopter Flight. There is limited availability for this activity so please let your sales consultant know ahead of time if you would like to book this.
Back on board the train, you will journey through the night towards the Red Centre town of Alice Springs.

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!

Nitmiluk Gorge Helicopter Flight (Optional Upgrade Experience) Soar above Nitmiluk Gorge and witness its grandeur from a whole new perspective. This 20-minute helicopter adventure unveils all 13 gorges, revealing the park's hidden gems - remote waterfalls and breathtaking rockpools.  Your expert guide will weave the legend of Bula, a pivotal figure in Jawoyn Dreaming stories.  Discover how Bula and his wives, through their epic hunt, forever shaped this magnificent landscape.

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.

This optional upgrade will provide views of the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge unlike any other. Arriving in Katherine, alight the train and be taken to your awaiting helicopter. The Dreamtime story of the Traditional owners of this land tells of the gorge system's creation by Bula, an important figure of the Jawoyn people, who is said to have carved these gorges with his two wives as they were hunted across the lands. Flying over all 13 gorges, see if you can follow Bula's path as you appreciate the enormity & complexity of this landscape.

Wake up this morning to stunning views of a sunburnt Red Centre. Spend your day off-train and exploring Alice Springs on either a coach tour of The Alice, an off-road cycle tour, a walking tour of the Alice Springs Desert Park, or a discovery walk of the magical Simpsons Gap. 
After a day of touring, unwind under a blanket of stars with a unique dinner experience, immersing yourself in the history and grandeur of the Australian Outback. Step back in time at the historic Telegraph Station, where you’ll learn about early settler life and the station’s role in establishing a communication network across the country. Watch a local blacksmith at work, using traditional tools and methods, or enjoy a short camel ride for a true Outback adventure.

This is the Central Australian aventure you’ve been dreaming of. Departing Alice Springs Airport, you will fly south of Pine Gap, the United States and Australian Defence Space Research Facility. Take in the spectacular outback scenery and vastness of Australia with a unique bird’s eye view as you fly directly to Uluru – Kata Tjuta.​ On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, you will be met by your tour guide to commence an immersive experience of Uluru. Rising out of the surrounding desert, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) dominate the landscape. World Heritage-listed Uluru is one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks. The ancient monolith is impressive; Uluru is 348 metres above the plain, more than 860 metres above sea level, and has a circumference of 9.4 kilometres.​
Enjoy lunch at the Sunset Lookout and stop for a picture-perfect postcard photo – the one to wow your friends with.​ Travelling around the base of Uluru, you’ll visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole, home of Wanampi, an ancestral water snake. For centuries, Mutitjulu was an important campsite for Anangu people at Uluru. On this walk, you will learn about Kuniya Tjukurpa – the great battle between Kuniya (woma python) and Liru (poisonous snake man). ​On return to Ayers Rock Airport, board your aircraft and take to the skies again, flying around Uluru for a different perspective and seeing Kata Tjuta from the air. ​
Kata Tjuta is a Pitjantjatjara word meaning ‘many heads’. The formation is made up of 36 domes, spread over an area of more than 20 kilometres. The tallest is Mount Olga, which rises 546 metres above the plain, or 1,066 metres above sea level. The ochre-coloured shapes are a mesmerising sight.

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: Alice Springs offers a chance to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes in the heart of the Australian outback. Start at the Alice Springs School of the Air, the world’s largest classroom, providing education across 1.3 million square kilometers since 1951. Next, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a vital healthcare lifeline for remote communities, where interactive exhibits showcase life-saving services. Finally, explore the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, home to native creatures like frill-neck lizards and thorny devils. Learn from experts about these fascinating species and celebrate the region’s incredible biodiversity. 

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.

West Ventures: Discover Standley Chasm, or Angkerle Atwatye, a stunning 80-meter-high gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges, 50 km from Alice Springs. Shaped over millions of years, the chasm’s sandstone walls glow with vivid reds and oranges as sunlight filters through, creating a photographer’s paradise. Next, visit Simpsons Gap, known as Rungutjirpa to the Arrernte people. This peaceful site, surrounded by Mulga woodlands, is rich in Indigenous lore and home to rare plant species. It’s believed to be the mythical home of giant goanna ancestors. Wander the serene trails and immerse yourself in the deep cultural connection between the Arrernte people and their land.

Alice by E-Bike (Optional Upgrade Experience for Gold & Gold Platinum Cabins - Included for Platinum Cabins) After fitting your state-of-the-art electric bike, ride along the historic Ghan railway line, passing Heavitree Gap and enjoying stunning views of the MacDonnell Ranges. Head towards the dry Todd River, where you may spot local wildlife. Stop at the Telegraph Station, the birthplace of Alice Springs, to explore its preserved buildings and learn about early settlers. Relax with a light lunch at the Trail Station Café, then recharge before heading back, reflecting on the day’s stunning scenery and rich history.

Spirit of Mt. Gillen Helicopter Flight: (Optional Upgrade Experience): A 15-minute helicopter tour offers a stunning aerial view of Australia's Red Centre, showcasing Simpsons Gap, Mount Gillen Ridgeline, and the Larapinta Trail with expert commentary. After the flight, guests can relax with a swim and refreshments. Pre-booking is strongly advised, and this tour replaces other "Off Train Experiences." Participants must have moderate fitness, weigh under 130kg, and be able to board without assistance; wheelchair access is not available.

Ultimate Uluru Experience (Optional Upgrade Experience) Take a scenic flight from Alice Springs, passing Pine Gap and vast desert landscapes. As the colors shift, head toward Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Upon landing, a guide will share the Anangu people's stories as you explore Uluru and the Mutitjulu Waterhole, hearing legends like that of Wanampi, the water snake. Enjoy lunch at Sunset Lookout with stunning views of Uluru, then fly over the striking Kata Tjuta domes, reflecting on the unforgettable beauty and cultural significance of the Red Centre. Thursdays Only

Uluru Scenic Flight (Optional Upgrade Experience) Begin with a transfer to Alice Springs Airport for a chartered Uluṟu scenic flight, passing south of Pine Gap, the US-Australian Defence Space Research Facility. Continue towards Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, where you’ll witness the grandeur of Uluṟu, a colossal sandstone monolith, and the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. Your flight then takes you to Kings Canyon, a stunning chasm home to ancient cycads and a permanent waterhole. This unforgettable experience offers a unique bird's eye view of Australia’s iconic outback landmarks. Sundays Only

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.

This optional excursion will create incredible once-in-a-lifetime memories. Transfer to Alice Springs Airport to board a chartered Uluṟu scenic flight. Fly just south of Pine Gap where the United States and Australian Joint Defence Space Research Facility is located before heading directly to Uluṟu – Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Take in the spectacular outback scenery and vastness of Australia with a unique bird’s eye view. 
World Heritage-listed Uluru, a colossal sandstone monolith, dominates the landscape. Experience its grandeur from above as you circle this ancient marvel. Nearby, Kata Tjuta, or The Olgas, presents a breathtaking panorama of 36 towering domes. Your aerial exploration continues to Kings Canyon, a dramatic chasm carved into the sandstone. Home to ancient cycads and a permanent waterhole, this natural wonder is a testament to the region's unique beauty. This flight offers an unparalleled perspective of the Red Centre’s iconic landmarks.

This morning you will make a stop at Manguri before alighting at the outback town of Coober Pedy. More than half of the population of this opal mining town live underground to escape the summer heat. Your off-train activities today may include a tour of the dramatic landscape of the Breakaways Reserve, exploration of the Coober Pedy township, or a half day tour of the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum.
You can choose to upgrade your off-train experience today to a scenic flight over the Painted Hills & Lake Eyre. Please let your consultant know so that we can pre-book this for you to avoid missing out on this high demand activity.

Step off The Ghan and explore the heart of the outback in Coober Pedy! Tailor your journey with these exciting off-train adventures:

Explore Coober Pedy: This full-day tour showcases the highlights of Coober Pedy, starting with a visit to the Serbian Orthodox Church, a subterranean place of worship. Carved from the earth, its ballroom-style design and stained glass windows make it a truly awe-inspiring structure. At the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, you'll explore the town’s history, see an underground ‘dugout’ home, and learn about the ancient Indigenous connection to the region. At Quest Mine, enjoy an underground lunch before donning a hard hat to try your luck finding opals. The tour concludes with a breathtaking view over the Breakaways, a vast plain of flat-topped mesas.

Discover the Majestic Breakaways:  Explore the stunning Breakaways Reserve, a natural wonder of colourful low hills that appear to have ‘broken away’ from the higher ground. Once part of an ancient inland sea, this striking landscape constantly evolves, offering a changing panorama of ochre, rust, and green. Your adventure begins at Quest Mine, where you’ll wear a hard hat and try mining while enjoying an underground lunch. This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the life of a miner. Next, visit the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, learning about opal’s cultural and historical significance through a guided tour of the underground dugout homes and tunnels.

Opal Experience: On this shorter tour, discover the beauty and history of Australia’s national gemstone at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, a top Coober Pedy attraction. Explore historic artefacts, underground caverns, hand-dug tunnels, and one of the original underground homes. At Quest Mine, don a hard hat and try your luck finding opals, followed by an underground lunch. Before leaving Coober Pedy, visit the Big Winch for spectacular views over the town. This iconic attraction, built in the 1970s, has played a key role in the town's tourism.

Painted Hills & Lake Eyre Scenic Flight (Optional Upgrade Experience) The Anna Creek Painted Hills are a stunning rocky outcrop that rises dramatically from the flat desert landscape. This unique experience includes a guided tour of the area, where few have set foot, and a scenic flight over Lake Eyre, the lowest point on the Australian continent. When the lake's water level is low, its glittering, crystallized surface stretches endlessly, turning a spectacular pink as the water evaporates. Enjoy a classic pub meal at the William Creek Hotel, in South Australia's smallest town. Afterward, fly over Coober Pedy for a bird’s-eye view of the underground town.

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.

This optional experience upgrade will see you fly over the dramatic outback landscapes of South Australia, a vision to be remembered forever. Transfer to Coober Pedy Airport to board a your flight and soar above the Anna Creek Painted Hills and the shimmering pink Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre), Australia's largest salt lake. Land at William Creek for a quintessential Aussie pub lunch, before taking to the skies again and circling back to Coober Pedy.

This morning wake up to the passing scenery as you travel through the many outback lakes near the remote towns of Tarcoola and Pimba, and watch as the landscape changes as you enter the small coastal city of Port Augusta. Farewell the sunburnt outback as you enjoy brunch on board with your fellow travellers, and welcome the farming plains and rolling countryside before you arrive into the beautiful city of Adelaide. Alighting at the Adelaide Parklands Terminal located 3km from the city centre, it is a short taxi ride to the heart of the Festival State.

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside the station and delivered to your Adelaide accommodation.

With a growing small-bar scene, world-class art and music, and a festival calendar to rival that of any other Australian city, Adelaide is a destination worth discovering. Take time to explore its vibrant laneways, visit the iconic Adelaide Central Market, and go shopping in Rundle Mall. Slow things down and relax at the Botanic Gardens, jump on the iconic Popeye Cruise along the River Torrens, or take the tram out to Glenelg to explore the popular metropolitan beach, dine in one of the many foreshore restaurants, or even enjoy the beach cabanas in summer months.
Adelaide is also lucky enough to be surrounded by some of Australia's most famous wine regions, and a stop into one of the wineries or the National Wine Centre is highly recommended. A 30-minute drive east into the hills will take you to Hahndorf, the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia, home to incredible food, strawberry fields and streets lined with artisan stores. On the way to Hahndorf, stop in at the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens and the Mt Lofty Summit for a coffee with a view. You may wish to return via Belair and stop at the iconic Windy Point Lookout on your way for even more phenomenal views over the city and beyond, especially at sunset.

Experience McLaren Vale like a local with an unforgettable day of touring its essential wine country highlights. Situated just a 45-minute drive from downtown Adelaide, this journey takes you through the stunning countryside to uncover some of South Australia’s best-kept secrets and enjoy its world-renowned wines. Your adventure begins with exclusive early access to Yangarra, a rising icon in the region. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to taste a range of their biodynamically grown estate wines, immersing yourself in the rich flavors and artisanal craftsmanship that make these wines exceptional. This behind-the-scenes look at Yangarra sets the tone for a day filled with unique experiences and exceptional wine. Next, you’ll visit a charming small-batch producer known among locals for its relaxed vibe and breathtaking location perched above the Onkaparinga Gorge National Park. This boutique winery offers not only exquisite wines but also stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a true hidden gem in McLaren Vale. Midday brings a highlight of the tour: a long, leisurely lunch with wine at The Salopian Inn. This renowned eatery is celebrated for its delicious cuisine and inviting ambiance, providing the perfect setting to relax and savor the flavors of the region. The combination of delectable dishes and carefully selected wines makes this a meal to remember. In the afternoon, you'll explore the truly iconic d’Arenberg Cube. This architectural marvel is where wine, art, and creativity collide in spectacular form. Wander through its intriguing spaces, enjoy unique wine tastings, and immerse yourself in the innovative and artistic spirit that d’Arenberg is known for. Indulge in a truly luxurious private tour of McLaren Vale, where every moment is crafted to provide an unforgettable experience. From exclusive tastings and stunning scenery to gourmet meals and artistic exploration, this tour offers the best of South Australia’s wine country in one exceptional day.

You will be met outside your Adelaide accommodation and transferred to Adelaide Airport.

Farewell Adelaide today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!