Rail Tours

11 Days Red Centre Spectacular

Settle into The Ghan’s gentle rhythm as you travel through the country and immerse yourself in the Northern Territory’s breathtaking natural wonders on this spectacular 11-day journey. From exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges to taking your place beside spiritual Uluru and Kata Tjuta, you’ll und...

From

$9,240

AUD per person

8 Days
7 Nights
15 Meals
From $9,240 PP
Departs Darwin
Rail Tours
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Settle into The Ghan’s gentle rhythm as you travel through the country and immerse yourself in the Northern Territory’s breathtaking natural wonders on this spectacular 11-day journey. From exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges to taking your place beside spiritual Uluru and Kata Tjuta, you’ll understand why people travel great distances to see the Territory’s remarkable landscapes and icons.

After boarding the train, settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy 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. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight over Nitmiluk. Back on the train, you’ll enjoy the cuisine and creature comforts of The Ghan, including a delectable on-board dinner, as you continue on towards Alice Springs. OVERNIGHT: 1 night The Ghan Expedition (L,D)

8 Days
7 Nights
15 Meals
From $9,240 PP
Departs Darwin
Rail Tours
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Duration

11 Days

Start & End Locations

Darwin → Alice Springs

Meals Included

4 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

What's Included:

  • Transfer to Darwin Rail Terminal
  • Welcome experience with light refreshments, barista coffee and sparkling wine
  • 1 night aboard The Ghan Expedition Darwin to Alice Springs, including all meals and beverages, and Off Train Experience in Katherine
  • Visit ancient Nitmiluk Gorge
  • 7 nights of intimate small-group touring with Outback Spirit, travelling on board a state-of-the-art 4WD Mercedes-Benz vehicle, including accommodation, meals and guided touring
  • Travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges, visiting Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge
  • Visit Kings Canyon for a guided scenic walk
  • See the spectacular Light Towers installation
  • Visit World Heritage-listed Uluru and enjoy a guided base tour
  • Early risers can experience the magic and beauty of the sun rising over Uluru
  • Dine under the stars at the ‘Sounds of Silence’ dining experience
  • Explore the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Walpa Gorge
  • Admire the internationally acclaimed ‘Field of Light’ display at Uluru and watch as it illuminates the desert night
  • Witness the breathtaking cultural experience of Wintjiri Wiru
  • 2 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition Alice Springs to Adelaide, including all meals and beverages and Off Train Experience in Coober Pedy
  • 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
4

ALICE SPRINGS TO KINGS CANYON

Today, we say goodbye to Alice Springs as we go deeper into the outback. First up is a visit to Ellery Creek for a short walk and morning tea, then we travel to Ormiston Gorge to see its towering red cliffs. We'll stop for lunch at Glen Helen, a haven of outback hospitality, before journeying to the mighty Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. As we drive through the outback, we'll take the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Kings Canyon Resort, where we'll spend the next two nights. Tonight, dinner is at Carmichael’s, a relaxed restaurant situated in Kings Canyon Resort, surrounded by native trees and bushlands. If you’re lucky, you may spot an inquisitive dingo wandering through the grounds. OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Kings Canyon Resort (B,L,D)

Meals & Dining

Morning Tea Lunch Two Course Dinner
5

KINGS CANYON – WATARRKA NATIONAL PARK

This morning, we depart early to experience the beauty of Kings Canyon. Two walks are available, including the spectacular 6km rim walk, which features breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park before descending into the 'Garden of Eden'. For those who wish to save energy, a more relaxed walk is available along the creek on the canyon floor (2.6km). There is also the opportunity to take a 15-minute helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park (at own expense). After the morning's activities, return to Kings Canyon Resort for lunch and to rest and refresh. The afternoon is spent learning about Aboriginal culture with Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours. In the Aranda language, Karrke is the name for the western Bowerbird, which is native to Central Australia. Our guide will teach us about bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and physical healing. For those wishing to take the optional helicopter flight over Kings Canyon, you will take to the air in the afternoon to enjoy the aerial perspective. As afternoon turns to evening, enjoy sunset drinks and canapes at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, who also created the Field of Light. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill. (B,L,D)

Meals & Dining

Lunch Two Course Dinner
6

KINGS CANYON TO ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK

We depart Kings Canyon for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, passing through Kings Creek Station to enjoy an informative talk on paper-making and lunch at Curtin Springs, a million-acre cattle station. In the early afternoon, we arrive at the award-winning Sails in the Desert Hotel, part of the Ayers Rock Resort. This evening, we attend the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner. This is a breathtaking cultural storytelling experience, told through choreographed drones, lasers and projections illuminating the night sky. After a short journey from the resort, we venture to an open-air theatre set atop a dune. Enjoy cocktails infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views of Uluru. As darkness descends, dine on a gourmet dinner hamper, where native ingredients are combined with modern techniques to create a balanced and flavourful meal as the night sky lights up before our eyes. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told and feel a powerful connection to country listening to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language. OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Sails in the Desert Hotel (B,L,D)

Meals & Dining

Lunch Two Course Dinner
7

ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK

Early risers can experience the sun rising over Uluru this morning and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. Breakfast is at the hotel, before we depart for the Mala Walk. Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls. We return to the hotel for lunch with an afternoon ahead of us. You can spend this time at your leisure or participate in additional touring of the area, including a visit to the Gallery of Central Australia and Bush Tucker Experience. This evening, enjoy the unique Sounds of Silence dining experience under the stars. Offering the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours, the evening begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of the didgeridoo and enjoy a premium bush tucker inspired buffet incorporating native bush ingredients. Afterwards, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. After this incredible experience, we return to Sails in the Desert for our final night. (B,L,D)

Meals & Dining

Full Breakfast Lunch
8

ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK

Early risers can experience the sun rising over Uluru this morning and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. Breakfast is at the hotel, before we depart for the Mala Walk. Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls. We return to the hotel for lunch with an afternoon ahead of us. You can spend this time at your leisure or participate in additional touring of the area, including a visit to the Gallery of Central Australia and Bush Tucker Experience. This evening, enjoy the unique Sounds of Silence dining experience under the stars. Offering the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours, the evening begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of the didgeridoo and enjoy a premium bush tucker inspired buffet incorporating native bush ingredients. Afterwards, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. After this incredible experience, we return to Sails in the Desert for our final night. (B,L,D)

Meals & Dining

Full Breakfast Lunch
9

ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK TO ALICE SPRINGS, THE GHAN EXPEDITION

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before making the journey by road from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal, where your Red Centre Explorer tour comes to an end. Re-join The Ghan Expedition and enjoy a unique dining experience this evening. Tuck into a mouthy watering meal as you sip on a cold beer or a glass of fine wine under a chandelier of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. OVERNIGHT: 2 nights The Ghan Expedition (B,L,D)

Meals & Dining

Full Breakfast
10

THE GHAN EXPEDITION, COOBER PEDY

When you disembark in remote Manguri, you’ll enjoy a full day exploring the amazing opal mining township of Coober Pedy. (B,L,D)

11

THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ADELAIDE

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 into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail experiences. (B) B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner _Alternate Journeys_ Adelaide to Darwin – The Ghan (Departs Wednesday and Sunday)

Meals & Dining

Full Breakfast Lunch Two Course Dinner

Prices and itinerary subject to change.

Twin Share

$9,240

AUD per person

Single Supplement

+$800

additional

Prices are subject to availability and may change without notice. Early bird discounts may apply for bookings made 6+ months in advance.

No highlights added for this tour yet.

From

$9,240

AUD per person

Enquire Now Download Itinerary

Tour Information

Duration: 11 Days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
Our tour prices typically include accommodation, transportation, guided tours, and meals as specified in the itinerary. Flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses are usually not included unless specifically mentioned. Each tour listing provides a detailed breakdown of inclusions and exclusions.
How far in advance should I book my tour?
We recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance for popular tours, especially during peak season (April to September). Some exclusive rail journeys like The Ghan and Indian Pacific can book out 6-12 months ahead. Early booking also gives you the best selection of cabin types and departure dates.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary depending on the tour type and operator. Generally, cancellations made 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. Cancellations 30-60 days forfeit 50% of the tour cost, and within 30 days forfeit the full amount. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment.
Are your tours suitable for people with mobility issues?
Many of our coach and rail tours are suitable for people with limited mobility, though some walking is usually required at destinations. Please discuss your specific needs with our team when booking. We can advise which tours are most suitable and arrange any necessary assistance. Unfortunately, some remote outback tours may not be suitable.
What should I pack for an outback tour?
Essential items include comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), light layers for varying temperatures, a water bottle, camera, and any personal medications. We provide a detailed packing list with your booking confirmation specific to your tour and season of travel.
Do you offer travel insurance?
Yes, we are accredited agents for Toursafe and Covermore Travel Insurance. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. We can provide quotes and arrange coverage at the time of booking your tour.
Can you arrange flights to connect with tours?
Absolutely! We can arrange all domestic and international flights to seamlessly connect with your tour departure and return. Our team will ensure appropriate connection times and can also arrange pre or post-tour accommodation if needed.
Are meals catered for special dietary requirements?
Yes, most tour operators can accommodate special dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergies. Please advise us of any dietary needs at the time of booking so we can ensure appropriate arrangements are made with the tour operator.

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From

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