7 minute read
Central Australia and the Ghan
from Australia 2023/2024
11 Day Itinerary Darwin > Adelaide
Day 01 Darwin
Welcome to cosmopolitan Darwin for a two-night stay at the Adina Darwin.
Meals: D
Day 02
Darwin f
Freechoice: Cruise on the Adelaide River, home to the ‘jumping crocodiles’ or take a day trip to Litchfield National Park to soak up its lush green scenery and dramatic waterfalls. Alternatively, enjoy a sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour; take the hop-on-hopoff bus around town or the WWII Bombing of Darwin tour.
Meals: B
Day 03
Darwin > Kakadu
Travel to the amazing World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park to experience its stunning raw beauty first hand. Marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock, some of the oldest and most impressive Rock Art. Visit Bowali Visitors Centre for a greater understanding of the area before cruising on the Yellow Water Billabong, spotting crocodiles and birdlife. Your overnight stay tonight is at the Kakadu Crocodile Hotel.
Meals: B.D
Day 04
Kakadu> Darwin Optional flight
Take an optional flight over Kakadu National Park for a bird’s-eye view of the wetlands and rocky terrain (at additional cost, please book prior to departure). Return to Darwin this morning and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Meals: B
Day 05
Ghan Expedition t
Your journey begins with a morning departure from Darwin, settle into your private cabin, before delightful regionally-inspired lunch, accompanied by a selection of all-inclusive wines and beverages. Arrive early afternoon at the Top End township of Katherine. Choose between a relaxing cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge’s ancient natural wonders and exploring the region’s rich Indigenous culture, or taking a glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home, with a fascinating day of discovery on a huge cattle station. Enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the outback, then back in your cabin you’ll find your bed turned down. Fall asleep as the train rolls soothingly onwards.
Meals: B.L.D
Day 06
Ghan Expedition
After your first night on The Ghan, you’ll be greeted by a morning view of the spectacular Red Centre. A full day of excursions awaits you in the outback town of Alice Springs. An optional upgrade is a scenic flight to Uluru, returning in time to meet the rest of your fellow guests at a spectacular barbecue dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Meals: B.D
Day 07
Ghan Expedition
From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and 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 in the most unique of locations: underground. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues.
Meals: B.D
Day 08 Adelaide
From your cabin window 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 majestic Flinders Ranges and prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great travel experiences. You will then be transferred to the Crowne
Plaza Hotel, your home for the next three nights.
Meals: B.D
Day 09 Adelaide f
Freechoice: Today, discover the history and culture of Adelaide on a walking tour or taste your way through the Adelaide Central Markets. Alternatively, choose an Adelaide city sights tour, which includes a charming Torrens River cruise to explore Adelaide’s picturesque riverside or a visit to the Adelaide Zoo.
Meals: B
Day 10 Barossa Valley
Today travel to one of Australia’s oldest wine producing regions, Barossa
Valley. Spend the day discovering the Barossa Valley. Visit Maggie Beers Farm shop for a cooking demonstration, before a vineyard tour of the award-winning Jacob’s Creek Winery. Appreciate the chance to try wine from the year of your birth at Seppeltsfield and then returning to Adelaide.
Meals: B.L.D
Day 11 Adelaide
It’s time to say goodbye to your newfound friends and the delightful tastes of Outback Australia.
Meals: B
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to pages 88-91 or scenic.ca/terms-andconditions. Deposit
Handcrafted luxury inclusions:
Fully escorted small group land journey
Your choice of 9 Scenic Freechoice activities f
1 memorable Scenic Special Stay t
19 Meals - 10 breakfasts(B), 2 lunch (L) and 7 dinners (D)
Expert Tour Director and knowledgeable local guides
Return airport transfers
All tipping and gratuities
Departure Dates Journey Code: AUDA
For the latest offers and up to date availability visit scenic.ca, call 1 866 689 8611 or contact your Travel Professional
Territory Explorer
To the heart of the matter
Rugged, ancient and stunningly beautiful, the Red Centre of Australia is a must-see. From the epic monument that is Uluru to the history of Alice Springs, not to mention the joy involved in taking one of the world’s great rail journeys on the legendary Ghan. Spend time in the gorgeous Northern Territory and you’ll never want to leave.
From sunrise to sunset, Uluru is a kaleidoscope of colour and movement. Take a cultural tour, venture further afield to the marvels of Kata Tjuta and Walpa Gorge, and be awed by the once-in-a-lifetime ‘Field of Light’ art installation, lighting up the desert night.
Visit the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air, both monumentally important in connecting outback Australia to the outside world. The luxurious cabins, fine dining and incredible panoramas that greet you on The Ghan will truly delight as you make your way to sultry and welcoming Darwin on the journey of a lifetime.
Day 01 Uluru t
Welcome to the very heart of Australia. Begin your discovery of the Red Centre this afternoon with a visit to the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Your Special Stay for the next two nights is Sails in the Desert where you will enjoy a welcome dinner.
Meals: D
Day 02
Uluru fe
Freechoice: Be filled with wonder as the sun rises over Uluru, followed by breakfast and an informative walking tour of significant sights around its base, or join a dot painting workshop. Alternatively, see the desert from the top of a camel or enjoy a trek around the base of Uluru. Discover the mysteries of Kata Tjuta and Walpa Gorge during your afternoon visit.
Optional flight
View Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air (at additional cost, must be booked before departure).
Enrich
Tonight, enjoy a unique dining experience set amidst the ‘Field of Light’. With Uluru as a back drop, as the sun sets and the lights start to twinkle, just like the stars above, you’ll enjoy canapés and authentic Australian cuisine.
Meals: B.D
Day 03
Uluru > Kings Canyon
Travel to the rugged Kings Canyon. Walk along the canyon floor for a relaxed walk.
Optional flight
An opportunity to gaze in wonder at this amazing canyon from the air on a scenic flight (at additional cost, must be booked before departure).
Your overnight stay is at the Kings Canyon Resort.
Meals: B.D
Day 04
Kings Canyon > Alice Springs
Observe the majesty of the East MacDonnell Ranges as you approach Alice Springs, Australia’s most famous outback town. Enjoy a city tour, including a visit to the legendary Royal Flying Doctor Service, then check into the Doubletree by Hilton for a two night stay. Dinner tonight is served outdoors and is an outback bush BBQ with bush damper cooking and entertainment by a bush balladeer.
Meals: B.D
Day 05
Alice Springs f
Freechoice: Journey by 4WD to the oasis of Palm Valley or experience the grandeur of the West MacDonnell Ranges and Standley Chasm.
Meals: B.D
Day 06
Alice Springs > The Ghan t
Visit Anzac Hill for panoramic views of Alice Springs before an Aboriginal Cultural Tour to the Alice Springs Desert Park and a visit to the School of Air. All aboard for your overnight Special Stay on the famous Ghan train (Gold Service). This is one of the world’s greatest train journeys. Relax in the Outback Explorer Lounge before dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.
Meals: B.D
Day 07
The Ghan > Darwin
Enjoy breakfast on board as you gaze out of the window taking inspiration from the ever-changing landscape. Upon arrival in Katherine, choose between a guided cruise through Katherine Gorge, where you will marvel at the towering red ochre sandstone walls and hear stories of the Jawoyn people or enjoy The Ghan’s cultural experience that will take you to the heart of this area.
Create your own Indigenous painting, learn to throw a spear and hear ancient Dreamtime tales. Reboard the train and travel to Darwin. Your two night stay in Darwin is at the Hilton Hotel.
Meals: B
Day 08
Darwin f
Freechoice: Cruise on the Adelaide River, home to the ‘jumping crocodiles’ or visit Litchfield National Park. Take the hop-on-hop-off bus around town or the WWII Bombing of Darwin tour. Enjoy dinner tonight at the hotel.
Meals: B.D
Day 09
Darwin
Say goodbye to your new found friends, before returning home with many wonderful memories.
Meals: B
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to pages 88-91 or scenic.ca/terms-andconditions.
Outback Bush BBQ
For a true taste of the Australian Outback, the Bush BBQ in Alice Springs is not to be missed. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of entertainment and outback cuisine, set in the remote and isolated East MacDonnell Ranges.
Handcrafted inclusions:
Fully escorted small group land journey
1 exclusive Scenic Enrich experience e
Your choice of 10 Scenic Freechoice activities f
2 memorable Scenic Special Stays t
15 meals – 8 breakfasts (B) and 7 dinners (D)
Expert Tour Director and knowledgeable local guides
Return airport transfers
All tipping and gratuities
Departure Dates Journey code: AKD
Deposit per person (required within 48 hours of booking): $500
All prices are per person in CAD, and include taxes and charges. Full payment due 90 days to departure. Itinerary and departure date are subject to change. For full terms and conditions, please refer to pages 88-91 or scenic.ca/terms-and-conditions.
Field of Light, Ulur u, Northern Territory
S 25° 344’ E 131° 037’