The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin

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.

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.

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!