The Ghan Spectacular

Tour Code: ant-nrdd

Highlights

FIRST CLASS HOLIDAY INCLUSIONS

  •    Journey on The Legendary Ghan
  •    Tour the sights of Katherine
  •    Cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park
  •    Learn about Aboriginal life and culture with the Manyallaluk people
  •    Visit beautiful Edith Falls
  •    Explore World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park
  •    Join a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park
  •    Visit Arnhem Land whilst on the Guluyambi Cruise
  •    Visit the multi-award winning Territory Wildlife Park

Transportation

  •    Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, reclining seats, seat belts and large panoramic windows

Professionally Escorted

  •    Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver

Dining Inclusions

  •    Full Buffet Breakfasts (7) (B)
  •    Lunch (1) (L)
  •    Dinners on The Ghan (2) (D)
  •    Hotel Dinners (4) YOUR CHOICE

Accommodation

  •    Gold Kangaroo Service private sleeping berth on The Ghan
  •    Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels

Plus

  •    Welcome drink
  •    All purpose travel bag and map
  •    Airport transfers (Day 1 from Adelaide Airport – flights to arrive prior to 3.00pm; Day 8 to Darwin Airport – flights anytime)
  •    Hotel porterage included

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Itinerary

Day 1 Sun: Arrive Adelaide

On arrival in Adelaide you will be transferred to Keswick Station and board The Legendary Ghan Train for the journey north to Alice Springs.

Accommodation: Gold Kangaroo Service, The Ghan, 2 nights. (D)

Day 2 Mon: The Ghan

Marvel at the spectacular Australian landscape from the comfort of the lounge or your cabin. On arrival in Alice Springs you may like to join an optional tour to the Alice Springs Desert Park. Return to The Ghan this afternoon to continue the journey through the outback to Katherine. (BD)

Day 3 Tue: The Ghan – Katherine

Upon arrival in Katherine this morning join a local Driver/Guide for a town tour. Visit the School of the Air, Katherine Museum and historic Springvale Homestead. Meet your Tour Director this afternoon and join an afternoon cruise through Katherine Gorge. The towering gorge walls provide shelter to many species of birds and animals. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink.

Accommodation: Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine, 2 nights. (B)

Day 4 Wed: Manyallaluk

Travel to Manyallaluk and join our Aboriginal guides for a walk through the bush. Learn about 'bush tucker' and traditional bush medicines. See damper being prepared and when cooked, enjoy it with a barbecue lunch. This afternoon join in the activities including traditional bark painting, fire lighting, spear throwing, playing the didjeridu and learning the craft of basket weaving. A memorable learning experience! Later, transfer back to the town of Katherine. (BL)

Day 5 Thu: Katherine – Kakadu

This morning stop at beautiful Edith Falls, where there is time for a refreshing swim and to relax. We pass through the gold mining town of Pine Creek and travel deep into Kakadu National Park. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, before joining a wildlife cruise on Yellow Water Billabong. Our local guide will keep us well informed about the bird life and vegetation of the region. Hopefully we will see the saltwater crocodiles that inhabit many of Kakadu's river systems.

Accommodation: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, Jabiru, 2 nights. (B)

Day 6 Fri: Kakadu National Park

This morning join the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River, bordering the rocky escarpment of Arnhem Land. Saltwater crocodiles and wetland birds may be seen. We have an Aboriginal guide with us and with the special permission of the local people, we will be able to go ashore in Arnhem Land. Later, walk around Ubirr and view Aboriginal rock art dating back some 20,000 years. This afternoon there is the opportunity for an optional scenic flight over Kakadu. (B)

Day 7 Sat: Kakadu – Darwin

Today we return to Darwin, stopping to visit the Bowali Visitor Centre which contains a wealth of information on Kakadu National Park. Continue on to the multi-award winning Territory Wildlife Park. See some of the Northern Territory's most elusive animals in the Nocturnal House and the exciting 'Birds of Prey' display.

Accommodation: Saville Park Suites, Darwin. (B)

Day 8 Sun: Depart Darwin

Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Darwin Airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)

Aboriginal Cultural Experiences

Symbol denotes INCLUDED

THE LEGENDARY GHAN

Travel in style and comfort to Darwin on The Ghan. The Legendary Ghan gives you all the fun, excitement and romance of rail travel, so crossing through the heart of Australia will be one of the highlights of your holiday. Step aboard and sit back, relax and watch the scenery go by, or take advantage of all of the great facilities on board.

Prices & Dates

Tour Dates
Departs Returns
2005
A$3590
  17 Apr     24 Apr  
  08 May     15 May*
  15 May     22 May  
  22 May     29 May  
  05 Jun     12 Jun*
  12 Jun     19 Jun  
  19 Jun     26 Jun  
  26 Jun     03 Jul*
  10 Jul     17 Jul*
  17 Jul     24 Jul  
  24 Jul     31 Jul  
  31 Jul     07 Aug  
  07 Aug     14 Aug  
  14 Aug     21 Aug*
  21 Aug     28 Aug  
  28 Aug     04 Sep  
  04 Sep     11 Sep  
  18 Sep     25 Sep*
  02 Oct     09 Oct  
  16 Oct     23 Oct  
  13 Nov     20 Nov  
A$3470
  04 Dec     11 Dec  
2006
A$3470
  26 Mar     02 Apr  
* = Guaranteed Departure
Supplements
Adult Single Supplement   A$410
Triple Discount Save A$90
Child Discount Save A$936
Concession Card Holders Save A$631
Friendly Fours Save A$90
Frequent Traveller Save A$90
Meal Discount Save A$120