Self Drive
A$3495per person
Experience Australia’s red centre and beautiful, diverse landscape in a package that will take you through the heartland of our beautiful country. The first stop is Uluru, where you will spend 3 glorious days in the red centre. Then you will fly to Darwin at the top of Australia and spend 2 days exploring Darwin and Kakadu National Park before you embark on one of the world’s best train journeys, The Ghan, which over 3 days will take you down through the centre of Australia, finishing in Adelaide.
Uluru is one of the world’s greatest wonders
Nothing has quite prepared you for the contrast between the red sand stretching to the horizon in every direction and the monolith of red rock jutting upwards like the toe of a sleeping giant sticking up through the desert.
Uluru (Ayers Rock) is a mystical place, one to be savoured as the sun rises and the Rock changes colour to meet the new day, or at sunset as the last rays beam across the flat of the desert and highlight the crevices and fissures of Uluru as it settles in for the night. It is almost as if this Australian icon has a personality of its own.
Darwin
There is plenty on offer in tropical Darwin at the top of Australia. Vibrant, side-street restaurants, sun-set markets, museums celebrating the city’s rich history, galleries showcasing the Northern Territory’s Indigenous art. You need not go far to visit two of Australia’s most iconic national parks, with Kakadu and Litchfield only a few hours away.
The Ghan
An icon of Australian rail travel and one of the world’s great train journeys, ride the rails of history aboard The Ghan Expedition between Darwin and Adelaide. The legendary Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. Enjoy the comfort and solitude of your private cabin, lose yourself in conversation with newfound travelling companions, or simply gaze out of the window taking inspiration from the ever-changing landscape. And when the train stops along the way, the adventures begin. Experience the dramatic scenery of central Australia on the back of a camel, and explore the ancient, awe-inspiring wonders of the Northern Territory.
Adelaide
Adelaide is one of those cities that is just the perfect size: large enough to have character, culture and services, yet still small and regional enough to offer the experience of running into real locals. A well planned and set out city, it is easy to get around on foot. Catch a tram (streetcar) to the seaside suburb of Glenelg. Enjoy lunch looking out over the Gulf St Vincent, and walk on one of the excellent city beaches of the area. Architecturally, Adelaide is a gem: many of the houses lining its streets have a very distinctive sandstone, brick and bluestone combination of building materials that shows off a distinct Adelaide character.
Accommodation is included in this tour as twin-share or double roo
Expert guided tours of important places and activities
Internal flights within Australia are included in the tour
Daily breakfast included in the tour
Entry to museums and activities as part of the itinerary
Beautifully illustrated souvenir map of the places toured
Hotel Transfer – Rest after your international flight
Stay at 4-star Hotel at Sydney Airport
Airport Transfer from Sydney accommodation to Sydney Airport – Flight to Uluru Ayers Rock – Transfer to Resort – Afternoon at Leisure – Sunset at Uluru and Sounds of Silence Dinner
4-star Resort Accommodation plus Breakfast
Rise early to witness a magical Uluru (Ayers Rock) sunrise, then travel to the stunning red-rock domes of Kata Tjuta and spend time exploring Walpa Gorge.
This afternoon, visit Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to learn more about the Western Desert region, then tour the sacred sites around the base of Uluru with a local Driver Guide, learning about the customs of the traditional owners. Walk to sacred Mutitjulu Waterhole, and view ancient Aboriginal rock art. Later, watch as the sun sets over Uluru, bringing out the myriad shades of colour for which the world’s largest monolith is renowned.
Travel to our exclusive barbecue venue. Enjoy sparkling wine on arrival and dine on a menu of steak, lamb sausages, skewered chicken, fresh salads and a tasty dessert. All accompanied by a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks. There’s time for stargazing too (weather permitting).
4-star Resort Accommodation plus Breakfast
Rise early for your drive through sandhill country towards Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station. Join a guided climb to the rim of Kings Canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the ‘Garden of Eden’. Or, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder-strewn canyon creek bed.
Resort Accommodation plus Breakfast
Transfers from Resort Accommodation to Ayers Rock Airport. Fly from Uluru to Darwin. Transfer from Darwin Airport to Darwin Apartment.
Stay in a Harbourview Apartment on the Esplanade in Darwin
Learn about the indigenous way of life when you meet your local hosts from Pudakul, who’ll deliver an original popular Aboriginal culture and nature-based engagement experience, rich with information, knowledge and culture. Afterwards, cruise on Corroboree Billabong in the magnificent Mary River Wetlands. Experience a natural wonderland, home to the world’s largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles and a myriad of active birdlife and colourful flora. From the comfort of your custom-built safari boat, look out for the jabiru, sea eagles and heron and spot crocodiles in their natural environment.
Stay in a Harbourview Apartment on the Esplanade in Darwin
World Heritage-listed and the largest National Park in Australia, Kakadu is one of the most diverse landscapes you’ll ever experience and you’ll be amazed at the population of wildlife in the water, on the land and in the air. See some of the most amazing terrains Australia has to offer on your way to and inside Kakadu National Park. Marvel at the concentration of rock art sites that illustrate Aboriginal culture found at Kakadu, some dating back 50,000 years.
Stay in a Harbourview Apartment on the Esplanade in Darwin.
Depart Darwin to Katherine Your journey aboard the legendary Ghan begins at Darwin Rail Station where you’ll take the small but momentous step from platform to carriage. The friendly staff will lead you through corridors to your comfortable private cabin where you can take your time settling in and exploring the amenities as the view outside your window begins its smooth and spectacular transformation.
SIT BACK AND LOOSEN YOUR BELT
Lunch in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant is bound to satisfy and delight with culinary wonders prepared onboard by our talented chefs.
All food is included in your fare, from a hearty full cooked breakfast to a delectable 3-course dinner.
And as you sit back and loosen your belt, you’ll have arrived in Katherine ready to experience your first included Off Train Excursion to the magnificent and spiritual Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.
Experience Katherine Outback Experience which provides a unique window into the real Australian Outback and the inner workings of life on a cattle station through the sharing of stories and experiences, cattle dog demonstrations and live music performances. The ‘Stock Yards’ is where the action takes place. Enjoy a live demonstration of the art of horse-breaking, depicting the psychology between man and horse. There is even time to sit back and relax, listening to live music including some well-known Aussie anthems and originals, often performed from atop of a horse.
SOAK UP THE ANCIENT BEAUTY AND INSPIRING SILENCE
From the ancient sandstone cliffs of Katherine Gorge to camel treks through Australia’s red centre or to the tastes of Adelaide’s Central Markets, you will experience more of Australia on these great train journeys.
Back on board, you’ll return to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, enjoying dinner as the sun sets over the outback.
Then back in your room, you’ll find your bed turned down. As the train rolls soothingly onwards, fall asleep in awe of wonders seen, and excited by those yet to come.
Wake up to a new view outside your window, in a world which feels a million miles from home. An outback sunrise could be one of the most spectacular you’ll ever see, setting the tone for the day ahead.
After coffee, a juice and a sumptuous breakfast you’ll arrive in Alice Springs ready for another day of exploration.
Here you have the opportunity to embark on one of the included Off Train Excursions, taking in the delights of this famous outback town. A full day of touring in Alice Springs gives you ample opportunity to visit the town landmarks, get up close and personal with Australia’s incredible flora and fauna or explore.
There really is no better way to comprehend the vastness of the Northern Territory.
Come the evening you’ll dine beneath a canopy of stars at an authentic Outback BBQ Tour.
WONDER ABOUT LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING
This is a truly unique experience with live Australiana music and a mouthwatering feast.
After dessert, cast your eyes skyward and ponder life, the universe and everything with an informative astronomical talk.
And with a full belly and deep sense of wonderment, it’s back on the train to rest up and roll out of Alice Springs, fulfilled in every sense of the word.
Looking out of your window this morning you’ll notice a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the beautiful green fields and pastoral lands of South Australia.
After breakfast, you’ll have time to reflect on your journey before The Ghan rolls into Adelaide. Here, you may wish to extend your stay with trips to the Barossa Valley or Kangaroo Island topping the to-do list.
NIBBLE, SIP AND MUNCH YOUR WAY THROUGH THE FAMOUS CENTRAL MARKET
Or stay close to the city, nibbling, sipping and munching your way through the famous Central Market, perusing the revitalised Riverbank precinct (including the updated Adelaide Oval and free Donald Bradman Exhibition), before exploring a myriad of chic laneway restaurants, bars and entertainment venues in this, Australia’s City of Churches.
4-star Accommodation in Central Adelaide plus Breakfast
Visit Boutique Wineries – This tour takes you to South Australia’s premium wine region, to sample some of the Barossa’s finest wines including the world-famous Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre and Saltram Wine Estate. Enjoy a sumptuous 2-course lunch at the South Australian Company Store. Then wind your way through to the picturesque Adelaide Hills to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement, where you will have free time to explore the many shops and galleries full of local arts, crafts and produce.
4-star Accommodation in Central Adelaide plus Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of Adelaide and surrounds. Take in the must-see sights including the iconic St. Peters Cathedral, Adelaide Oval and Haigh’s Chocolates for tastings. Admire spectacular city and coast views from Mt. Lofty Summit then explore Australia’s oldest German settlement, Hahndorf.
See more on this comprehensive Adelaide tour that blends the highlights of the city and the quaint but classic Adelaide Hills region. You will see the scenic span of the South Australian landscape from the city to the coast. This tour combines the Adelaide City Highlights and the Adelaide Hills.
4-star Accommodation in Central Adelaide plus Breakfast
Fly back to Sydney or Melbourne for your connecting flight home
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