Ghan Rail Australia Journey

Today, you will meet the group at a nearby location to visit the historic Rocks area and learn more about early convict history, the financially focused Central Business District and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 19th-century sandstone architecture, such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. Then, continue to Mrs Macquaries Point to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Continue through Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the world’s most impressive harbours, take a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of the Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay and Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay.

Your next stop is the famous Bondi Beach, where you can visit the beachfront promenade, dip your toes in the surf and watch locals riding the Bondi waves. Re-board your bus and continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street.

Head back through the city towards Darling Harbour and Barangaroo for a brief stop to see Sydney’s newest entertainment precinct. The tour concludes at either Darling Harbour or Circular Quay, where you can spend the rest of the day strolling and exploring.
 

Meet the group to start your journey to The Blue Mountains National Park, one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalyptus forests boasts luxury retreats and stunning views. 

Today, your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region. The first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill, a working farm also home to kangaroos, emus, wombats and koalas. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at your leisure.

From Calmsley Hill, continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley, composed of beautiful vistas. When possible, this excursion will be away from the crowds of tourists that visit the mountains each day, ensuring guests enjoy a stress-free experience, taking in the views and information imparted by their guide.  

You’ll then arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point for views of the famous Three Sisters. Here, your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation. There will also be time available for you to take some scenic photos.

The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you set your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap, you’ll know why it’s one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180 metres to the base of the cliff, and the lookout provides sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness.

Finally, you’ll stop at the delightful Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, where you enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road and its fruit orchard industry.
 

Dynamic, dazzling and endlessly photogenic, Sydney is Australia’s most iconic city—where natural beauty and cosmopolitan living meet in spectacular fashion.  Explore buzzing neighbourhoods like Surry Hills, Newtown and Paddington, then take a ferry across the harbour to Manly or watch the sun set behind the Opera House.

This day is yours to discover Sydney’s culinary delights, shops and culture at your own pace.
 

Check out of your hotel and meet your driver, who will escort you to the airport to board your flight to Darwin.

Upon arrival in Darwin, your chauffeur will meet you at the airport for your transfer to the hotel.   
Spend the rest of your day at leisure exploring the city.
 

There is a reason the breathtaking Kakadu National Park is world-famous. With almost 20,000 square kilometres of diverse terrain encompassing wetlands, ancient woodlands and stunning and age-old rock formations, not to mention being home to a third of Australia’s bird species and a fifth of its mammal species, there is nowhere else on earth to experience the true wonder of nature quite like Kakadu.

On this 1-day Kakadu Wilderness tour, take in the wonders of this national park as you travel to the lands of the Bininj and Mungguy People. Their continued management of this park in association with Parks Australia is the key to why this region thrives and supports unparalleled wildlife and ecosystems.

Today, you’ll embark on a tour of Darwin, immersing yourself in the city's rich history, cultural heritage and natural wonders. Your tour includes the Darwin Aviation Museum, where you can delve into the fascinating world of aviation history. Admire the impressive collection of 19 aircraft on display, including the iconic B-52 Bomber on loan from the United States Air Force.

Continue to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), a treasure trove of artistic and scientific excellence. Explore its internationally renowned collections and research programs. It also houses the largest permanent display of Aboriginal Art in Australia. Visit the tranquil Darwin Botanic Gardens, where you can discover a diverse array of plant life amidst serene surroundings. With its blend of history, culture and natural beauty, this half-day tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Darwin.

Finally, you’ll make your way to the end of Stokes Hill Wharf for beautiful views of the Top End city. There is no better way to experience Darwin’s renowned sunsets than on board the Charles Darwin for 2.5 hours. Enjoy a Territory-style dinner with fresh seafood and local produce. 
 

Today, you’ll meet your driver in the lobby for your transfer to the Rail Terminal to board The Ghan Expedition train.

Settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. As The Ghan begins to travel south, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine.

In a region renowned for its jaw-dropping nature, Katherine boasts one of the Top End's best —the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge. You have several options to explore this area. A cruise is on offer to showcase the beauty of this spot. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience offers a glimpse into the day-to-day 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.  
 

Today, you’ll wake up to the epic view of the Australian outback as the train draws closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs.

There's an experience to suit everyone, including an off-road e-bike adventure, the Alice Explorer tour that takes in The Historic Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson's Gap. Alternatively, you can spot Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air with an optional scenic flight (upgrade).

In the evening, the hallmark experience of The Ghan Expedition begins. Dine under a blanket of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, with red earth at your feet and white tablecloths at your fingertips.
 

From your morning stop at the remote Manguri, where you'll see the sunrise, you'll venture into the wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you'll enjoy a day of discovery and a gourmet lunch.  

Enjoy your final night on board The Ghan with dinner served on the train as your journey continues towards 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 in Adelaide, completing one of the world's great rail experiences.

You will be met by your driver, who will escort you to your hotel to check in. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
 

Today, you’ll tour through several island habitats and see wildlife in their natural environments. Kangaroo Island is a haven for Australian wildlife, which exists without the threat of introduced predators. It’s home to some 250 species of birds, many of which, through isolation from the mainland, have developed their own subspecies and are therefore unique to Kangaroo Island. 

You can listen to their distinct sounds echo throughout the island’s tall Eucalyptus trees. As you travel the island, also keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles and wildflowers.
At the spectacular Seal Bay Conservation Park, you’ll enjoy a memorable walk along the beach, home to a healthy Australian sea lion colony, which, from a distance, you may see basking on the beach or among the sand dunes after their extensive fishing expedition.

You’ll then enter an exclusive Heritage-listed natural bush property to enjoy a delicious gourmet picnic-style lunch. Follow your lunch with a pleasant bushwalk or a stroll along the beach. Travel through the island’s interior, keeping an eye out for koalas and echidnas. Explore spectacular beaches and enjoy a bushwalk. Listen for Australia’s rarest cockatoo, the Kangaroo Island glossy black cockatoo and watch out for the Tammar wallaby, with its small, fine features.

Later in the afternoon, as the day draws to a close, you can glimpse the kangaroos leave the safety of the bush to begin grazing in the open pastures. Your tour concludes in Penneshaw in time for the return ferry to the mainland and coach transfer to Adelaide.

Explore the historic Barossa Valley with a local guide, discovering boutique wineries that are big on character. Known for producing hearty Shiraz, Barossa is perfect for the red wine lover.

Visiting 4 boutique wineries in a day, where professionally trained wine guides will create a unique and engaging wine experience for your group. Avoiding the crowds in a small group, guests will visit both big-name and small, family-owned wineries, and taste some of the best wines available in the region.

This tour experience also includes a lunch at a popular Barossa restaurant.  
 

Today, you’ll pack up and meet your driver in the lobby to be transported to the airport to board your flight to Melbourne.

Upon your arrival in Melbourne, you’ll be driven from the airport to your hotel, where you can check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
 

Experience this majestic coastal drive in style with your small group and enjoy time to relax and fully appreciate the wonders of this world-famous touring route. Be on the lookout for some very special animals, including koalas and kangaroos.  

To start the day, your expert Oceania Guide will collect you from your Melbourne hotel to commence your exciting road trip. Your next stop will be at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town which is most noteworthy for its setting among the soft rolling hills.

From here, you’ll enjoy a walk in the forest in the Otway Ranges, capped off by a visit to the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
 

Today, you’ll discover Phillip Island’s unique nature experiences and dramatic landscapes. You’ll drive south-east from Melbourne to reach Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, 
where you will see kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, plus an array of colourful birds and reptiles.

Your journey then leads to Phillip Island, the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the famous little penguins. Upon arrival on the island, depending on the time of year 
and your particular interests, you will visit Woolamai Beach to see surfers riding the waves. From here, you’ll head to the western corner of the island to enjoy magnificent views of 
Bass Strait and the Nobbies, which is home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia.

Finally, you will head to the Visitor Centre to shop, have a coffee and meander along the boardwalk to the viewing platform where you will see the little penguins come ashore, 
decked out in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows.
 

Today is yours to take in all the sights, shops and culinary delights that Melbourne has to offer.  Spend your day exploring at your leisure.
 

Today, you’ll be transferred to the Melbourne airport for your flight to Sydney.

On arrival in Sydney make your way to the airport hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure, taking in any Sydney sights you may have missed.
 

Today marks the end of your great Australian adventure. You’ll make your way to the airport to board your flight home.