Pioneers Path and The Ghan

Tour Code: ant-nsdr

Highlights

FIRST CLASS HOLIDAY INCLUSIONS

  •    Sample local wines in the Clare Valley
  •    Explore Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges
  •    Enjoy a tour of Coober Pedy
  •    See the spectacular colours of sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock) with wine and nibbles
  •    Guided Uluru (Ayers Rock) base walking tour
  •    Walk through Kata Tjuta (Olgas)
  •    Climb Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park
  •    Tour the Battery Hill precinct at Tennant Creek
  •    Join the Desert Discovery Tour with your Aboriginal guide
  •    Visit Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm
  •    Cruise through tranquil Katherine Gorge
  •    Join a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park
  •    Journey on The Legendary Ghan

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 (18) (B)
  •    Lunch (1) (L), Dinners on Ghan (2) (D)
  •    Exciting Highlight Dinners (2) (HD)
  •    Hotel Dinners (10) YOUR CHOICE

Accommodation

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

Plus

  •    Welcome drink
  •    All purpose travel bag and map
  •    Airport transfers (Day prior from Sydney Airport – flights anytime; Day 19 to Adelaide Airport – flights to depart after 11.00am)
  •    Hotel porterage included

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Itinerary

Day 1 Mon: Sydney – Griffith

Depart Sydney and travel along the Hume Highway, via Goulburn and Wagga Wagga to Griffith. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your Tour Director and travelling companions.

Accommodation: Griffith Motor Inn, Griffith.

Day 2 Tue: Griffith – Adelaide

Travel via vast Hay Plains and Mildura, located on the mighty Murray River. We cross the South Australian border and continue on to the city of Adelaide.

Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Adelaide. (B)

Day 3 Wed: Flinders Ranges

See the sights of Adelaide on an orientation tour, before we make our way north and sample some local wines at Sevenhill Cellars. Later, travel through the picturesque Flinders Ranges and into Wilpena Pound.

Accommodation: Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinders Ranges. (B)

Day 4 Thu: Port Augusta

Enjoy time to explore Wilpena Pound. This afternoon travel through Pitchi Richi Pass to Port Augusta and visit the Wadlata Outback Centre.

Accommodation: Standpipe Golf Motor Inn, Port Augusta. (B)

Day 5 Fri: Coober Pedy

Visit Woomera, before travelling to Coober Pedy. Visit an underground church and home.

Accommodation: Desert Cave Hotel, Coober Pedy. (B)

Day 6 Sat: Coober Pedy – Uluru (Ayers Rock)

We cross the border into the Northern Territory and continue to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. This evening enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles as you watch sunset over Uluru. There is the option to join the fabulous Sounds of Silence dinner tonight.

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights. (B)

Day 7 Sun: Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Kata Tjuta (Olgas)

This morning you may wish to join an early tour to view sunrise over Uluru. Enjoy a walk into Mutitjulu Waterhole and stop at the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

You may wish to join the famous Liru Walk through bushland. This afternoon visit Kata Tjuta. Enjoy sunset with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a barbecue dinner under the stars. (B) (HD)

Day 8 Mon: Kings Canyon

Travel to Kings Canyon today. For the energetic, a guided climb to the Canyon rim will be rewarded with magnificent views of Watarrka National Park. Alternatively, you may prefer to explore the Canyon floor.

Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon. (B)

Day 9 Tue: Alice Springs

Leaving Watarrka National Park behind, we travel through to Alice Springs. See the sights of Alice Springs, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air and the Telegraph Station. We stop for panoramic views of Alice Springs from Anzac Hill.

Accommodation: Alice Springs Resort, 2 nights. (B)

Day 10 Wed: Aboriginal Culture – Alice Springs Desert Park

This morning spend time with a local Aboriginal guide on a Desert Discovery Tour. This afternoon we travel to Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap and visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. (B)

Day 11 Thu: Tennant Creek

Travelling north we arrive at Karlwekarlwe (Devils Marbles). There is time to walk around these precariously balanced boulders. On arrival in Tennant Creek we join a local guide for a tour of the historic Battery Hill Precinct. Tour an underground mine and experience the life of an early miner. Enjoy a barbecue dinner at the Battery Mine Centre.

Accommodation: Eldorado Motor Inn, Tennant Creek. (B) (HD)

Day 12 Fri: Mataranka – Katherine

Travel across vast outback stations. Visit the historic Daly Waters Hotel, before continuing into 'Never Never' country. Stop at the tropical oasis of Mataranka for a swim.

Accommodation: Paraway Motel, Katherine. (B)

Day 13 Sat: Katherine Gorge – Kakadu

We join our local guide on an early morning cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Visit the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre and then continue deep into Kakadu National Park. Join an afternoon cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong.

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

Day 14 Sun: Kakadu – Darwin

Travel to Ubirr and climb to the top of this rocky outcrop for rewarding views. We stop at Bowali Visitor Centre. The displays here will take you on a journey through Kakadu's varied habitats and landscapes. This afternoon travel to Darwin and enjoy a sightseeing tour.

Accommodation: Saville Park Suites, Darwin, 3 nights. (B)

Day 15 Mon: Litchfield National Park

This morning we travel to Litchfield National Park to see beautiful Florence Falls and the Magnetic Termite Mounds. (B)

INDEPENDENT TOURING DAYS 16-19

Day 16 Tue: Darwin at leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure in the tropical city of Darwin. Take a stroll along the Esplanade or simply sit back and relax by the hotel pool. (B)

Day 17 Wed: Darwin – The Ghan

Board The Legendary Ghan this morning in Darwin. Upon arrival in Katherine you may like to join an optional town tour including the School of the Air, Katherine Museum and historic Springvale Homestead. Return to The Ghan.

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

Day 18 Thu: The Ghan

Arrive in Alice Springs this morning and enjoy a guided tour of the Alice Springs Desert Park. Continue to Adelaide. (BLD)

Day 19 Fri: Depart Adelaide

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on The Ghan, before arriving at Keswick Station in Adelaide. You will be transferred to Adelaide Airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)

Aboriginal Cultural Experiences

Symbol denotes INCLUDED

Symbol denotes OPTIONAL

Prices & Dates

Tour Dates
Departs Returns
2005
A$6455
  04 Apr     22 Apr*
  02 May     20 May  
  30 May     17 Jun*
  20 Jun     08 Jul  
  11 Jul     29 Jul  
  01 Aug     19 Aug*
  29 Aug     16 Sep*
  19 Sep     07 Oct  
  26 Sep     14 Oct*
  10 Oct     28 Oct  
  31 Oct     18 Nov*

A$6335

  28 Nov     16 Dec  
  26 Dec     13 Jan  
2006
A$6335
  09 Jan     27 Jan  
  06 Feb     24 Feb*
  06 Mar     24 Mar  
  03 Apr   21 Apr
  01 May   19 May
  29 May   16 Jun
  19 Jun   07 Jul
  10 Jul   28 Jul
  31 Jul   18 Aug
  28 Aug   15 Sept
  18 Sept   06 Oct
  25 Sept   13 Oct
  09 Oct   27 Oct
  30 Oct   17 Nov
  27 Nov   15 Dec
  25 Dec   12 Jan

* = Guaranteed Departure

Supplements

Adult Single Supplement A$1450
Triple Discount Save A$230
Child Discount Save A$1511
Concession Card Holders Save A$661
Friendly Fours Save A$230
Frequent Traveller Save A$230
Meal Discount Save A$300