8 Day The Ghan Expedition & Kakadu
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, travel on The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide through the fiery red centre, witness crocodiles in Kakadu and stunning landscapes
✓ 3 nights on board The Ghan in a Gold Twin cabin. All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages. A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
✓ 4 nights’ accommodation in 4 star hotels
✓ 14 meals throughout
✓ Day tour to experience Kakadu National Park
✓ Transportation included as per the itinerary
✓ In depth sightseeing as per itinerary
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Darwin! On arrival, make your way to your Darwin hotel. Your hotel is located approximately 10km from Darwin Airport and a taxi ride will cost you between $25 and $35.
This morning you’ll be collected from your hotel. Travel across the Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains and deep into Kakadu National Park. Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre and view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu; we join our local guide for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned. After a lunch stop at Nourlangie Rock, your guide will lead a walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art, before returning to Darwin this evening.
Today is a full day at leisure to enjoy the tropical surrounds of Darwin.
This afternoon, make your way to the pier to board your sunset cruise at 5:45PM. It’s a great way to take in the view of the famous Darwin sunset whilst enjoying a delicious Territory style buffet. The menu typically includes Australian seafood, a variety of meat and poultry options, fresh salads, a selection of cakes and local fruits. You can choose to enjoy the spread from the air-conditioned comfort of the lower deck or capture the stunning scenery from the Captain’s Deck whilst the infamous Darwin sunset spreads magnificent colours across the harbour.
The cruise departs from: DOCK 3, located at the very end of Stokes Hill Wharf, City Side. Crew members will meet guests under the large white umbrellas and will commence boarding 20 minutes prior to the cruise departure time.
Your journey begins with a morning departure from Darwin. The Ghan will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the station. Once you’re settled into your private cabin, mingle with fellow travellers or sample the exceptional food, wine, and service onboard. When it’s time for lunch, savour the regionally-inspired menu accompanied by a selection of all-inclusive wines and beverages, before an early afternoon arrival 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 experience 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.
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 barbeque dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Experience an amazing scenic flight and landing at Uluṟu;
You will fly just south of Pine Gap where the United States and Australian Joint Defence Space Research Facility is located before heading directly to Uluṟu – Kata Tjuṯa National Park. On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, you will be met by your tour guide to commence your immersive experience of Uluṟu.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before travelling around the base of Uluṟu by vehicle. Hear cultural stories and environmental information from your local guide.
On return to Ayers Rock Airport, board your aircraft and take to the skies again where you will fly closely around Uluṟu for a different perspective and see Kata Tjuṯa. Return to Alice Springs Airport and The Ghan to freshen up for dinner.
Transfer to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station for a truly unique and authentic dinner experience (already included as part of the Ghan package)
To avoid disappointment we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour, however, the space may not be guaranteed. By choosing this option we will be able to pre-register your interest in joining.
Important:This tour is subject to flight weather conditions and National Park access.
Please note weight restrictions do apply and vary depending on total weight of all passengers in the aircraft.
If you choose this excursion, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Excursions.
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.
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. In the smart southern city, you can extend your experience with a holiday package to the Barossa Valley, fascinating Kangaroo Island, or an expertly-curated tour of this food and wine loving capital.
On arrival in Adelaide, farewell your train and make your own way to your hotel. The Ghan station (Adelaide Park Terminal) is located approximately 5km from your hotel. We recommend a taxi which are easily found on arrival at the station.
Today your Ghan & Kadadu trip comes to an end. At the appropriate time make your way to the airport or continue your onward journey.
A taxi or Uber to Adelaide airport from your accommodation costs approximately $25 per car. Hotel check out is at 10am. You are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area if departing later.
Gold Service (Included)
Platinum Service - From $2,360 per person additional
Platinum Service promises and delivers a journey beyond expectations, it includes deluxe extras such as Platinum Transfers, access to the Platinum Club plus a superior food and wine offering.
Platinum cabins are almost twice the size of Gold Twin Cabins in both your room and private en suite. By day your cabin is configured as a private lounge with deluxe lounge seating, a table and two ottomans, by night the lounges convert into two comfortable twin beds.
From an additional $2,360 per person and is subject to availability upon booking.
Please note, there are no single rooms in the Platinum category
The Ghan offers a range of included off train experiences which can be viewed by CLICKING HERE
Off Train Experiences are included in your fare and can be booked on boarding the train (no pre-booking available).
Optional tours offered are paid. These optional activities are paid directly to The Ghan on board (no pre-booking available)
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
Pay In Full Option:
Installment Payment Plan Option:
Booking Process
Booking On Request
You can enhance your holiday by arriving early or staying longer upon conclusion of the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post tour accommodation
Pre and Post accommodation is subject to availability and pricing may differ based on your season of travel.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability. We appreciate your understanding.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “2”.
2 - Leisurely Pace - This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Please note:
Gold Service - Available in twin configuration only. If selecting double upon check out, this configuration will only apply to your hotel accommodation.
Platnium Service - Available in double or twin configuration
Covid Itinerary Changes
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure
Single Supplement on the Ghan
There is no single supplement for the Ghan if utilising a Single Room. Single Rooms on the Ghan are very limited and pricing is subject to availability. If the single cabins are not available at the time of booking, you will need to pay for a twin cabin at an additional cost of approx $3,900 for a Gold Twin in addition to the package price. This price is subject to change and as such, cannot be confirmed until after a booking has been made. If you are not happy with the price of the single supplement provided, you can request to cancel and receive a refund of your deposit. If the single supplement cost is suitable, this will be added to your invoice and part of the final balance payable. For an indicative cost prior to purchase, you are welcome to contact our Customer Service team.
Single Supplement for the hotels
The single supplement for this portion of the trip is $728. Please see above regarding The Ghan.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Group Size
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. Group size will differ from operator to operator and can be as small as 2 people or up to 60 people depending on the activity. There may be unique cases where it exceeds this for special events or types of activities. For packages which include a train or cruise, you will travelling with other customers up to the capacity of this component.
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators to deliver you this holiday. Each package will consist of multiple operators which means guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. However, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the destination.
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