18 Day The Ghan – Ocean to Outback Kimberley Cruising 2027

Please note, itineraries are subject to change

• 1 Day 1: BOARD THE GHAN IN ADELAIDE

  Your journey on The Ghan begins this afternoon, as you step aboard and settle into the rhythm of life on the rails. Watch the countryside roll past your window as the train
  makes its way north, a hint of the adventure to come.

  By early evening, you’ll arrive at Long Plains, where you’ll step off the train and transfer to a celebrated South Australian wine region. Here, a special dinner experience awaits, showcasing the region’s exceptional produce and fine wines. As the sun sets over the vineyards, raise  glass to the days of discovery ahead.

  After dinner, return to the train and retire for the night as The Ghan continues its journey towards north. (D)

  OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan

• 2 Day 2: THE GHAN, FLINDERS RANGES

  Wake to the changing landscapes of South Australia as The Ghan arrives into Port Augusta, South Australia’s gateway to the outback. After breakfast, step off the
  train and prepare for a full day discovering one of the nation’s most remarkable regions: the Flinders Ranges.

  Your Off Train Experience takes you deep into this ancient landscape, where rugged ranges, dramatic gorges and red rock outcrops tell stories millions of years in the making. From sweeping lookouts to encounters with native wildlife, the Flinders Ranges offers a striking introduction to the outback.

  After a day of exploration, rejoin the train for a relaxed evening on board recalling the days adventures. (B,L,D)

• 3 Day 3: THE GHAN, ALICE SPRINGS

  After a night of fine dining and relaxed comfort aboard The Ghan, wake to a spectacular outback sunrise at Marla, a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border and gateway to the legendary Oodnadatta Track.

  With red dirt beneath your feet and a bonfire castingwarmth into the cool morning air, pause to take in the stillness of this extraordinary place.

  Back on board, enjoy a leisurely brunch as the desert landscape unfolds on the journey north to Alice Springs. Here, a variety of Off Train Experiences awaits. Choose an off-road e-bike adventure across ochre-coloured earth, explore the town’s key landmarks on the A Town Called Alice tour, or embrace a cultural experience at Standley Chasm. Nature lovers can meet the wildlife at the Desert Park or marvel at the striking beauty of Simpsons Gap. For a bird’s-eye view, upgrade to a scenic helicopter flight and witness the sheer scale of this remarkable region.

  Return to the train in the late afternoon, with time to refresh before dinner is served and another unforgettable evening begins. (B,L,D)

• 4 Day 4: THE GHAN, KATHERINE AND DARWIN

  Your final day begins in the tropical north, where the landscape gives way to rocky escarpments and fastflowing canyon streams. Here, you’ll experience one of the Top End’s greatest natural wonders on a cruise through the majestic Nitmiluk Gorge. As you glide along the water, your guide will share the cultural significance of this place to the Jawoyn people, weaving in stories that highlight their deep spiritual connection to the land.

  Alternatively, step into the lives of those who call the outback home at the Katherine Outback Experience, or venture underground to explore the limestone chambers of the Cutta Cutta Caves, rich in native wildlife, Indigenous culture and European history. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and witness the scale and grandeur of Nitmiluk from above.

  After your day’s adventures, return to the train and journey onwards to Darwin, where you’ll disembark The Ghan and be transferred to your accommodation. After checking in, you may wish to explore the Waterfront Precinct with its many restaurants and bars. (B,L)

  OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Hilton Darwin

• 5 Day 5: DARWIN

  Today is for further exploration of Darwin city, taking in the relaxed pace of life in the north.

  Alternatively, consider an optional tour (additional expense) to make the most of your time in the Top End. (B)

• 6 Day 6: COLLIER BAY AND HORIZONTAL FALLS

  This area is so lovely you get another day here to enjoy it.

• 7 Day 7: CAREENING BAY

  Careening Bay was named by Lieutenant Phillip Parker King after his ship, the HMC Mermaid, was careened there during his third voyage of discovery in 1820. At high tide, on a warm September afternoon, King ran the leaking HMC Mermaid onto the sands. As the crew worked hard to refloat the vessel, the ship’s carpenter carved the name of the vessel and the year into a conspicuous boab tree. The boab tree is now three metres wide and National Heritage listed. (B,L,D)

• 8 Day 8: HUNTER RIVER

  Arguably one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, Prince Frederick Harbour and the Hunter River are lined with pockets of ancient rainforest, pristine mangroves, and mosaic sandstone cliffs. The sandstone escarpment at the river mouth, known as “Kampamantiya” rises over 200 metres high before giving way to extensive mud banks and mangrove forests home to numerous bird species and the saltwater crocodile. The Expedition Team will share their knowledge as you explore by Zodiac, keeping a lookout for wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to reach the Mitchell Falls by helicopter from Naturalist Island beach (additional cost). (B,L,D)

• 9 Day 9: SWIFT BAY

  The Bonaparte Archipelago consists of a rugged maze of islands stretching almost 150 kilometres along Western Australia’s coast. Its remote location has ensured it remains a remarkably pristine location to explore and experience. The ‘T’ shaped bay is composed of heavily fractured sandstone providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these shelters are examples of Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a guided walk to a number of rock art galleries depicting these unique rock art styles. (B,L,D)

• 10 Day 10: VANSITTART BAY

  Jar Island contains ancient rock art galleries depicting the Gwion Gwion style unique to the Kimberley region. Gwion Gwion art may extend back to over 30,000 years before our time and represents the first wave of seagoing colonisers of the Australian continent. As it is, these are the oldest detailed depictions of human figures in the world. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a short walk, past some fascinating rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries. (B,L,D)

• 11 Day 11: KING GEORGE RIVER

  The journey up the King George River is nothing short of  breathtaking. The 80-metre-high sides of the gorge display varying degrees of weathering of the ancient Warton sandstone. The colours and textures change with the light creating a continually changing vista that is simply stunning. The journey culminates at the King George twin
  falls, the highest single drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley. Your Expedition Team will escort you to the foot of the twin falls and explain the stunning geological formations of the canyon. (B,L,D)

• 12 Day 12: LE SOLEAL or LE JACQUES CARTIER AT SEA

  Enjoy a leisurely day at sea to take advantage of the luxurious onboard services or sip a cool drink by the pool. Your expedition team will offer an enrichment programme
  focusing on Australian history, flora, and fauna. Enjoy some down time on the deck, relax in the sauna, or sample culinary specialties prepared by the Chef and Galley Team. Lovers of the open sea can visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. (B,L,D)

• 13 Day 13: DARWIN

  Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory and a  melting pot of people and cultures that prides itself on its friendly, laid-back lifestyle. Early this morning, Le Soleal or Le Jacques Cartier will dock in the Port of Darwin where you will disembark and be transferred to your hotel. The day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Discover the town’s history through its emblematic buildings, such as the new Parliament House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture, or Admiralty House, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids. (B)

  OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Hilton Darwin

• 14 Day 14: DARWIN

  Today is for further exploration of Darwin city, taking in the relaxed pace of life in the north. Alternatively, consider an optional tour (additional expense) to make the most of your time in the Top End. (B)

• 15 Day 15: BOARD THE GHAN EXPEDITION IN DARWIN

  Celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome drink and light refreshments and pause for a photo with The Ghan’s iconic red locomotive before stepping on board. Settle into your home for the next few days, enjoying the comforts of your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. As The Ghan
  begins to travel south, a chef-prepared lunch awaits before your Off Train Experience in Katherine.

  Here you’ll choose how to explore this remarkable region. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge and uncover its deep cultural significance. Alternatively, step into the Katherine Outback Experience for an authentic glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home. Or venture underground at the Cutta Cutta Caves, where fascinating limestone formations, native wildlife and stories of Indigenous culture are waiting to be shared. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and take in the scale of Nitmiluk from above. (B,L,D)

  OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan Expedition

• 16 Day 16: THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ALICE SPRINGS

  Wake to the wide-open skies of the outback as The Ghandraws closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. After a hearty breakfast on board, step into the heart of Central Australia with a choice of Off Train Experiences designed to suit every traveller.

  Take to the red dirt on an off-road e-bike adventure, join the A Town Called Alice tour to uncover the town’s major landmarks, or immerse yourself in culture with a guided journey through Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. Here, sheer rock walls blaze red in the sunlight and ancient landscapes hold deep spiritual significance for the Arrernte people. Wildlife lovers can meet desert creatures at Alice Springs Desert Park, while those seeking a grander
  perspective can opt for a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

  As night falls, the hallmark experience of The Ghan Expedition awaits. At the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, dine beneath a canopy of stars, surrounded by the red earth of the desert. With white tablecloths, fine food and live entertainment, it’s an evening you’ll never forget. (B,L,D)

• 17 Day 17: THE GHAN EXPEDITION, COOBER PEDY

  Today brings you to the extraordinary outback town of Coober Pedy, where life is anything but ordinary. Known as the opal capital of the world, this desert settlement hides its treasures both above and below, and more than half the population live underground. Your adventure begins with a morning stop at the remote outpost of Manguri to take in the sunrise, before continuing on to Coober Pedy for a day of exploration. A highlight is a gourmet lunch enjoyed underground, a dining experience as unique as the town itself.

  Off Train Experiences include visiting the striking Breakaways, uncovering the town’s quirky attractions, or learning the fascinating history of opal mining on the Opal Experience. For an unforgettable view, upgrade to a scenic flight over the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre.

  Back on board for your final night, dinner is served in the dining carriage before one last nightcap in the lounge with fellow travellers as The Ghan journeys towards Adelaide. (B,L,D)

• 18 Day 18: 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.

  Stepping off the train, you’ll carry more than memories of extraordinary landscapes. You’ll take with you the stories shared, the connections made, and the sense of wonder that only a journey through the heart of Australia can bring. (B)