2027 The Ghan Top End Explorer - Adelaide to Darwin

Your journey on The Ghan begins this afternoon, as you
step aboard and settle into the rhythm of life on the rails.
Watch the countryside roll past your window as the train
makes its way north, a hint of the adventure to come.
By early evening, you’ll arrive at Long Plains, where you’ll
step off the train and transfer to a celebrated South
Australian wine region. Here, a special dinner experience
awaits, showcasing the region’s exceptional produce and
fine wines. As the sun sets over the vineyards, raise a glass
to the days of discovery ahead. 
After dinner, return to the train and retire for the night as
The Ghan continues its journey towards north. 

Wake to the changing landscapes of South Australia as The
Ghan arrives into Port Augusta, South Australia’s gateway
to the outback. After breakfast, step off the train and
prepare for a full day discovering one of the nation’s most
remarkable regions: the Flinders Ranges.
Your Off Train Experience takes you deep into this ancient
landscape, where rugged ranges, dramatic gorges and red
rock outcrops tell stories millions of years in the making.
From sweeping lookouts to encounters with native wildlife,
the Flinders Ranges offers a striking introduction to the
outback.
After a day of exploration, rejoin the train for a relaxed
evening on board recalling the days adventures. 

After a night of fine dining and relaxed comfort aboard The
Ghan, wake to a spectacular outback sunrise at Marla, a
remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern
Territory border and gateway to the legendary Oodnadatta
Track. With red dirt beneath your feet and a bonfire casting
warmth into the cool morning air, pause to take in the
stillness of this extraordinary place.
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 

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 you’ll disembark The Ghan and
be transferred to your overnight accommodation. After
checking in, you may wish to explore the Waterfront
Precinct with its many restaurants and bars

As one adventure ends, another begins with Outback Spirit.
This morning, we depart Darwin and head towards
Batchelor, the gateway to Litchfield National Park.
Containing several types of typical Top End habitats,
Litchfield National Park is abundant with lush monsoon
forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations,
waterfalls, and cascades.
After stopping for morning tea, our next stop is Florence
Falls. Here you can watch from the scenic viewing platform
as the spectacular falls cascade into the plunge pool below.
Next, we move onto Wangi Falls; a large plunge pool
surrounded by shady grassed areas. The falls flow all year
round and you can take a dip in the crystal-clear pool. After
a light lunch we cross the Adelaide River and continuing
east, we enter the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National
Park before arriving at your accommodation for the next
two nights, the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru,
so named for the crocodile shape it takes.

An early start today as we head to Jabiru Airstrip, where
you'll gain another perspective on this incredible
environment. Take to the skies on a 60-minute scenic flight
over ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers,
exhibiting the results of 1.8 billion years of continuous
erosion. Your flight includes live commentary from your
pilot as you glide over these spectacular ancient lands.
After landing at Jabiru Airport we depart for the East
Alligator River region, known as the gateway to Arnhem
Land. Take a spectacular local indigenous cruise on the East
Alligator River and listen to the stories of the region as you
spot the large saltwater crocodiles that dwell in these
waters.
After a peaceful cruise, it's time to reboard the coach and
head to the World Heritage Ubirr art site, home to some of
the world's most outstanding rock art. 

Enjoy a 1-kilometre circular track walk and take in the
amazing rock art. There will be time for those feeling fit to
make the steep 250m climb to the top of the rocky
escarpment for magnificent views across the Magela
floodplain.
Enjoy lunch before heading to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Art
Site where you can take in ancient rock paintings and
spectacular vistas whilst enjoying the 1.5 kilometre walk
around this incredible indigenous site. Then it's time to
head back to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner

This morning, we depart Kakadu National Park and travel
along the Arnhem Highway through the Mary River
National Park with its vast wetlands attracting many
migratory birds.
On arrival at Mary River, you will take to the water on a
cruise that showcases the local wildlife, including saltwater
crocodiles and the abundance of birdlife in the region.
From here we travel through the productive region of
Humpty Doo, where an array of tropical fruits are grown
before heading to Darwin, arriving early evening, where
your three-day Simply Kakadu Tour comes to an end

Today is free for you to enjoy the sights of Darwin at
leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the Waterfront Precinct
or visit the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. In the
evening, admire a spectacular sunset while feasting on a
Territory-style dinner featuring local seafood and produce
on a Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise 

Your Top End experience comes to an end when you check
out of your accommodation after breakfast and farewell
Darwin.