Australia – The Ghan – Red Centre Spectacular

The Ghan Expedition

 

The ultimate outback adventure, The Ghan Expedition takes guests on a journey through the heart of Australia.

The Ghan Expedition is your ticket to outback Australia with Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and the quirky underground town of Coober Pedy. Watch as the tropics of the Top End make way for the red desert dirt of Central Australia and transform again to the green pastures of South Australia. This is a legendary train journey over nearly 3,000 kilometres from Australia’s top to bottom, taking you to some of the most remote and captivating parts of Australia. Leave ordinary behind and say hello to an indulgent adventure truly deserving of its title as one of the world’s best rail journeys.

Red Centre Spectacular –

Darwin to Adelaide

If your dream is to see the best of the Australian outback and immerse yourself in the heart of it with hands-on experiences, this is your ultimate holiday. Ignite your spirit of adventure, diving deep into the stories of the land and the places few get to experience.

Eleven days between March and October 2024

from AUD 9’550 per person

Australia – The Ghan – Red Centre Spectacular

+41 43 557 23 04

info@bonfiretravel.ch

Day 1: Board The Ghan Expedition in Darwin

Settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relaxing in your cabin or mingling with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy lunch ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge.

Overnight: 1 night in The Ghan

Day 2: Arrival in Alice Springs

After breakfast you’ll arrive into Alice Springs, where a day of fascinating Off Train Experiences awaits. Once your experience is complete, you will be transferred to your hotel to enjoy the evening.

Overnight: 2 nights DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Day 3: Alice Springs

Today your 5-night Red Centre adventure with Outback Spirit starts. You will be met by your professional crew and enjoy a brief afternoon tour of Alice Springs, including Anzac Hill. You’ll learn what makes this unique outback town tick before dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Alice Springs to Kings Canyon

Today, depart Alice Springs and travel the Mereenie Loop through the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Visit Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge before arriving at Kings Canyon.

Overnight: 2 nights Kings Canyon Resort

Day 5: Kings Canyon - Watarrka National Park

Experience the wonders of majestic Kings Canyon with your choice of walk, including the 6km rim walk, featuring breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park, or a less arduous 2.6km walk along the canyon floor.

After returning to the resort in the afternoon, there is the opportunity to take a 15-minute helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and the Watarrka National Park.

Please note: Additional costs are applicable and weight limits apply to all scenic flights.

Day 6: Kings Canyon to Uluru

Pass through Kings Creek Station and enjoy an informative paper talk and lunch at Curtin Springs, before arriving at Uluru. This evening’s unique ‘Sounds of Silence’ dining experience under the stars is a highlight. Beginning with canapes and chilled sparkling wine, listen to the atmospheric sound of the didgeridoo. The resident star talker will decode the southern night sky while you enjoy a premium bush tucker-inspired meal.

Overnight: 2 nights at Sails in the Desert Hotel

Day 7: Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park

Early risers will experience the sun rising over Uluru and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. After breakfast, visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge. Learn about traditional Anangu culture on a guided tour around the base of Uluru.

This evening, head to an exclusive dune-top location with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro’s global phenomenon ‘Field of Light’ comes to life, before exploring the stunning display via dedicated pathways.

Please note: Dinner this evening will be at approximately 9pm

DAy 8: Uluru to Alice Springs

After a leisurely breakfast, set your sights on Alice Springs. Pause at Mount Conner, known as the third desert giant, before arriving at your hotel in Alice Springs in the afternoon.

Overnight: 1 night DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Day 9: Alice Springs

Checking out after breakfast, the day is yours to explore Alice Springs. Return to your hotel to join a scheduled transfer to the Alice Springs Rail Station to re-join The Ghan Expedition.

This evening, enjoy a unique dining experience. Tuck into a mouth-watering meal as you sip on a cold beer or a glass of fine wine under a chandelier of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

Overnight: 2 nights in The Ghan

Day 10: Coober Pedy

From your morning stop at 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 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.

Day 11: 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 majestic Flinders Ranges before your arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail journeys.

Highlights & Inclusions

– Three nights aboard The Ghan Expedition from Adelaide to Darwine, including all meals and beverages

– Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy

– Two nights Alice Springs accommodation (including breakfast and transfer from / to Alice Springs Rail Terminal)

– Five nights small group touring in the Red Centre with Outback Sp, travelling on board a state-of-the-art 4WD Mercedes Benz vehicle, including accommodation, meals and guided touring

– Dine under the stars at the breathtaking “Sounds of Silence” dining experience

– Visit the ancient Nitmiluk Gorge

– Discover the incredible rugged beauty of Australia’s Red Centre

– Visit Kings Canyon for a guided scenic walk and journey through the West MacDonnell Ranges, visiting Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge

– Visit World Heritage-listed Uluru and enjoy a guided base tour

– Early risers will experience the magic and beauty of the sun rising over Uluru

– Explore the rock formations of Kata Tjuta and Walpa Gorge

– Admire the internationally acclaimed “Field of Light” display at Uluru and watch as it illuminates the desert night

– Explore underground sights in Coober Pedy

Impressions