Luxury Heartline Journey: The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide

A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Darwin Airport in time for your departing flight.

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.

Arrive into Darwin. A private driver will meet your flight and transfer you to your 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.

Step aboard the legendary Ghan Expedition and journey through the heart of Australia on one of the world’s most iconic rail experiences. From its beginnings in the 1930s as the Afghan Express, this train has become a symbol of outback adventure, connecting travellers to the vast, untamed landscapes of the Northern Territory and South Australia. Following in the footsteps of pioneering Afghan cameleers, the Ghan offers a unique blend of comfort and discovery, granting access to remote regions, spectacular scenery, and unforgettable experiences that no other journey can match.

Celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome drink and light refreshments and pause for a photo with The Ghan’s iconic red locomotive before stepping on board, Settle into your home for the next few days, enjoying the comforts of your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. As The Ghan begins to travel south, a chef-prepared lunch awaits before your Off Train Experience in Katherine. Here you’ll choose how to explore this remarkable region. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge and uncover its deep cultural significance. Alternatively, step into the Katherine Outback Experience for an authentic glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home. Or venture underground at the Cutta Cutta Caves, where fascinating limestone formations, native wildlife and stories of Indigenous culture are waiting to be shared. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and take in the scale of Nitmiluk from above. 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, 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!
Please Note: 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.

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.

Wake to the wide-open skies of the outback as The Ghan draws closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. After a hearty breakfast on board, step into Central Australia with a choice of Off Train Experiences for every traveller. Take to the red dirt on an off-road e-bike adventure, join the A Town Called Alice tour to uncover the town’s landmarks, or immerse yourself in culture with a guided journey through Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. Sheer rock walls blaze red in the sunlight, and ancient landscapes hold deep spiritual significance for the Arrernte people. Wildlife lovers can meet desert creatures at Alice Springs Desert Park, while those seeking a grander perspective can opt for a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. As night falls, the hallmark experience of The Ghan Expedition awaits. At the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, dine beneath a canopy of stars, surrounded by the red earth of the desert. With white tablecloths, fine food and live entertainment, it’s an evening you’ll never forget.

Take a scenic flight from Alice Springs, soaring over Pine Gap and the vast, vibrant desert landscapes. Arrive at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where a guide shares the Anangu people’s stories as you explore Uluru and the Mutitjulu Waterhole, including legends like Wanampi, the water snake. Enjoy lunch at Sunset Lookout with spectacular views of Uluru, then continue your flight over the dramatic 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Red Centre.
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.

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.
Ghan Museum & Alice Springs Heritage: Discover Australia’s railway heritage at The Old Ghan Heritage Railway, just south of Alice Springs, exploring a restored 1930s station, display carriages, and the museum showcasing The Ghan’s role in connecting remote regions. Learn about Kenworth trucks, from their 1960s beginnings to Australian manufacturing milestones. Visit the Women’s Museum Exhibitions to celebrate pioneering women, and explore the Female Cell Block with original cells and the common room, hearing “The Matron’s Story” and fascinating tales of escapes, including Houdini’s legendary eight-time breakout.
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.

Starting your journey south of Pine Gap, you’ll ascend into the sky and enjoy a unique perspective of the rugged landscape below. As you climb, your expert guide shares fascinating stories about the region’s geological history and diverse ecosystems. Marvel at the stunning transition of desert colours, from earthy ochres to vibrant reds, as you approach the iconic Uluru and Kata Tjuta—both World Heritage-listed sites of profound spiritual significance to the Anangu people. Pause for lunch at the Sunset Lookout, where spectacular views of Uluru provide the perfect backdrop for memorable photos. 
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.

Today brings you to the extraordinary outback town of Coober Pedy, where life is anything but ordinary. Known as the opal capital of the world, this desert settlement hides its treasures both above and below, and more than half the population live underground. Your adventure begins with a morning stop at the remote outpost of Manguri to take in the sunrise, before continuing on to Coober Pedy for a day of exploration. A highlight is a gourmet lunch enjoyed underground, a dining experience as unique as the town itself. Off Train Experiences include visiting the striking Breakaways, uncovering the town’s quirky attractions, or learning the fascinating history of opal mining on the Opal Experience. For an unforgettable view, upgrade to a scenic flight over the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre. Back on board for your final night, dinner is served in the dining carriage before one last nightcap in the lounge with fellow travellers as The Ghan journeys towards Adelaide.

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. 
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.

Soar above the striking Anna Creek Painted Hills, where rocky outcrops and vivid colours contrast dramatically with the surrounding desert, offering incredible photo opportunities. On the ground, a guided tour explores the geology, ecology, and cultural significance of this remarkable landscape. Visit Lake Eyre, Australia’s lowest point, where shimmering salt flats sometimes reflect a stunning pink hue. Enjoy lunch at the William Creek Hotel, an oasis in the outback, before taking a flight over Coober Pedy, discovering its underground homes and how locals have adapted to life in this unique desert community.
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.

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. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the Flinders Ranges before arriving in Adelaide.  Stepping off the train, you’ll carry more than memories of extraordinary landscapes. You’ll take with you the stories shared, the connections made, and the sense of wonder that only a journey through the heart of Australia can bring. 

On arrival at Adelaide Parklands Railway Station, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your 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.

Discover the best of McLaren Vale on a private wine tour designed for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Visit award-winning estates like Yangarra and Samuel’s Gorge, explore the architectural marvel of the d’Arenberg Cube, and enjoy a leisurely long lunch at The Salopian. With a professional guide to tailor the day to your interests, every stop offers a unique taste of the region’s charm, stunning landscapes, and exceptional wines, truly luxury touring at its finest.

A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Adelaide Airport in time for your departing flight.

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!