BOARD THE GHAN IN ADELAIDE

Depart Adelaide aboard The Ghan and marvel as the spectacular Flinders Ranges pass by. OVERNIGHT: The Ghan (L,D)

THE GHAN, ALICE SPRINGS

Witness an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla, in the remote reaches of South Australia, before arriving into Alice Springs. Transfer to your accommodation where you can settle in or head out to start exploring this unique town. OVERNIGHT: 4 nights Mercure Alice Springs Resort (B,L)

ALICE SPRINGS

This morning is yours at leisure before joining your afternoon tour of the Alice Springs town. Stop at the Telegraph Station, established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which provides a ‘mantle of safety’ to the people of the outback. Visit the School of the Air, an educational service for children living in remote areas, and Alice Springs Reptile Centre. Conclude with a panoramic view of Alice Springs from the top of Anzac Hill. (B)

ALICE SPRINGS TO KINGS CANYON

Meals: Morning Tea, Lunch, Two Course Dinner

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)

KINGS CANYON – WATARRKA NATIONAL PARK

Meals: Lunch, Two Course Dinner

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)

KINGS CANYON TO ULURU

Meals: Lunch, Two Course Dinner

We depart Kings Canyon for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, passing through Kings Creek Station and lunching 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)

ULURU KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK

Meals: Full Breakfast, Two Course Dinner

After breakfast, we depart to discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature. Take in the cultural centre and take a guided tour around the base of Uluru, which stands 348 metres above the desert plains. Learn about traditional Anangu culture and why Uluru, one of the largest monoliths in the world, is such a sacred site. In the afternoon, tour the Gallery of Central Australia followed by free time to relax by the pool or alternatively, take the complimentary shuttle to explore the Resort and activities on offer. Departing the resort before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune-top location, again with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro's global phenomenon Field of Light gently illuminates. Aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), Field of Light features 50,000 slender stems, crowned with radiant, frosted-glass spheres, spread across an area the size of seven football fields. After your host provides insight into this remarkable installation, you can explore the stunning display via dedicated pathways. This evening, return to the hotel for dinner. (Please note dinner will be at approximately 9.00pm). (B,L,D)

ULURU TO ALICE SPRINGS

Meals: Full Breakfast

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. This afternoon is at your leisure. You may choose to explore the Town Square, arrange a scenic flight (own cost) or relax in the comfort of your hotel. 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)

BOARD THE GHAN IN ALICE SPRINGS

Join The Ghan to travel further north towards Darwin. Back on the train there’s time to reflect on your exploration of the Red Centre. OVERNIGHT: The Ghan (B,D)

THE GHAN, KATHERINE AND DARWIN

Meals: Full Breakfast, Lunch, Two Course Dinner

Today you will discover the wonders of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) with a variety of Off Train Excursions to choose from before continuing to your final destination, Darwin. (B,L) B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

DARWIN TO KAKADU & LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARKS

Meals: Morning Tea, Lunch

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. Note: Swimming at Wangi Falls is subject to National Park No Croc Safety Clearance. OVERNIGHT: 2 nights at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (B,L,D)

KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

Meals: Two Course Dinner

This morning, we take to the water for the Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) wetlands cruise. This area is home to an array of birdlife and some impressive saltwater crocodiles. Then we depart for Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site, with more amazing rock paintings dating back 20,000 years. There are several sites and galleries to see. You also have the opportunity to climb up to the Gunwarddehwarde lookout for majestic views! We return to the Mercure Crocodile hotel in time for dinner. (B,L,D)

KAKADU NATIONAL PARK TO DARWIN

Meals: Two Course Dinner

It's an early start today as we head to the airstrip, where you'll gain an aerial perspective on this incredible environment. Take to the skies on a 30 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. Setting our sights for Darwin, we will cross the South Alligator River with its expansive wetlands which, for many years, were used for buffalo hunting. We'll travel via Humpty Doo before arriving into Darwin where your 8 Day Arnhem Land and Kakadu Explorer tour comes to an end. Upon arrival into Darwin you will be transferred to the Hilton Garden Inn Darwin, where you can enjoy an evening at your leisure before your Ghan Expedition adventure begins the following day. OVERNIGHT: 1 night Hilton Garden Inn Darwin Please note: Dinner is not included this evening (B,L)

LEISURE DAY, DARWIN HARBOUR DINNER CRUISE

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, see why Top End sunsets are so special on a Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise. You’ll feast on a Territorystyle featuring local seafood and produce as the colour of the sky transforms to hues of vibrant red and orange. (B,D)

FAREWELL

Meals: Full Breakfast, Lunch, Two Course Dinner

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation. This signals the end of your epic journey across Australia. (B) B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner ALTERNATIVE JOURNEYS Sydney to Perth Adelaide to Sydney Sydney to Adelaide