BOARD THE GHAN EXPEDITION IN DARWIN

Meals: Lunch

Settle in to 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 Excursion in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge. OVERNIGHT: 1 night The Ghan (L,D)

THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ARRIVE ALICE SPRINGS

Meals: Lunch, Two Course Dinner

Your eight-day Red Centre Explorer tour commences on arrival at the Alice Springs Rail Terminal. Here, you will be met by the passionate Outback Spirit crew, who will be guiding you as you take in all the Red Centre has to offer over the next eight days. It all starts with a town tour of Alice Springs, including a light lunch at a local eatery. Then, you’ll check-in at your Alice Springs hotel, where we'll stay for the first two nights. In the evening, the group will meet for welcome drinks and a short briefing on what you can expect during your tour. Tonight's dinner is at the hotel. OVERNIGHT: 2 nights DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs or Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters (B,L,D)

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-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK

Meals: Lunch, Two Course Dinner

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)

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, we will let our creativity shine during a Maruku Arts dot painting workshop. A local Anangu artist will teach us about traditional art, symbols, tools, and more. Through the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to create something to take home with you. 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-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK

Meals: Full Breakfast, Lunch

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)

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

Meals: Full Breakfast

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)

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)

THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ADELAIDE

Meals: Full Breakfast, Lunch, Two Course Dinner

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)

BAROSSA VALLEY

Meals: Lunch

Today, delight your senses with boutique wine and food touring to the historic Barossa Valley, with its 80 cellar doors. You’ll even visit one of the oldest vineyards in the world, where Shiraz vines were planted in 1843. Enjoy running commentary from your driver as you make your way towards the world-renowned wine region and be guided though some of the best wines South Australia has to offer. Tours are small groups up to 8 people only to ensure a relaxed and unhurried day. Whether you prefer red or white, there will be something to tantalise and delight with tastings at three wineries throughout the day, and a delicious lunch with an accompanying glass of wine included in your tour. (B,L)

ADELAIDE TO KANGAROO ISLAND

Please note:

KANGAROO ISLAND

Overnight: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge • Meals: Full Breakfast, Lunch, Two Course Dinner

Taking an early ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island we meet our local guide and begin our island nature experience. For lunch we break at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and then continue on to spectacular Seal Bay Conservation Park for a memorable guided walk along the beach which is home to a healthy Australian sea lion colony. At Emu Bay Lavender Farm we tour the farms estimated 7,500 lavender plants and learn about the many uses of their produce. 2 Night Stay: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge

KANGAROO ISLAND TO ADELAIDE

This morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Adelaide. Arriving in Adelaide, you will be transferred to your city accommodation to leave your bags and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. The evening is free to explore some of Adelaide’s many dining and entertainment precincts. OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Sofitel Adelaide (B)

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