The Ghan: Top End Explorer (Tour code: 12607)

The Ghan - Top End Explorer

Board The Ghan in Adelaide for an incredible showcase journey of inland Australia. As the train leaves the city heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond, the dramatic changes in landscape from pastoral land to arid outback scenes will ignite your imagination. Lunch is served on board – this is the first of many superb, chef-prepared gourmet meals, showcasing regional flair and season flavours.

Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.

Check-In assistant on the platform

After your first night enjoying the fine dining and relaxed comfort of this iconic train, you’ll wake to an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track. Enjoy the magnificent scenery as you make your way onwards to Alice Springs, where you have a selection of Off Train Experiences to choose from. There’s an experience to suit everyone, from an off-road mountain bike adventure to the Alice Explorer tour, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park, or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight.

Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.

Alice Springs

When the landscape transforms into rocky gorges and fast flowing canyon streams, prepare to experience one of the Top End’s most impressive natural wonders on a boat cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home. There is also a helicopter flight upgrade available, for those wishing to see Nitmiluk from an aerial perspective. Continue 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. 

Overnight stay in Darwin at Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

Nitmiluk National Park

As one adventure ends, another begins with Outback Spirit. This morning, depart Darwin and head towards Kakadu National Park. Much of the route is along the Arnhem Highway, passing the productive region of Humpty Doo, where some of the Top End’s tropical fruits are grown. Cross the Adelaide River, with its vast wetlands, attracting migratory birds before arriving at Mary River, where you will take to the water on a cruise that showcases local wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife. Continuing east, enter the dual World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, for both environmental and cultural values, stopping at the Mamukala Wetlands and the Bowali Visitor Centre before arriving at your accommodation, the Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru, so named for the crocodile shape it takes. 

*Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April, you will visit the Bowali Visitor Centre on Day 2, and the cruise will occur on Adelaide River with crossings at Mary River, West Alligator and South Alligator Rivers.

Overnight stay at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (Due to availability, some stays may be at Cooinda Lodge)

Crocodile at Kakadu National Park

This morning, rise with the sun for an early departure to Jabiru Airport. Here, you will take to the skies to gain a new perspective of this incredible environment. Enjoy 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, 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 the 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. Then, it’s time to stretch your legs on a one-kilometre circular track walk. 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 a light lunch before heading to Nourlangie where you'll see more ancient rock paintings and spectacular vistas on a 1.5 kilometre walk around this special Indigenous site. Head back to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner.

*Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April you may visit the Bowali and Warradjan Visitor Centres in place of Ubirr, and the cruise will occur on Yellow Waters.

Overnight stay at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (Due to availability, some stays may be at Cooinda Lodge)

Kakadu National Park

Today, depart Kakadu National Park 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, head onto Wangi Falls; a large plunge pool surrounded by shady grassed areas. The falls flow all year round and after a light lunch, you can take a dip in the crystal-clear pool. Your next stop is Florence Falls. Here you can watch from the scenic viewing platform as the spectacular falls cascade into the plunge pool below. Then head for Darwin, arriving early evening, where your Outback Spirit Tour concludes.

Overnight stay at Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.

Litchfield National Park

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

Overnight stay at Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.

Darwin Harbour

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