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8 Day The Ghan & The Red Centre Highlights

Train
The Ghan

This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.

Pace
Moderate Pace

On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.

Escorted Type
Independent

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

Cooling Off Period
7 Days

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. 

Confidence
Book With Confidence
4246 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Incredible sightseeing, travel on The Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs through the fiery red centre, experience the majesty of Uluru and tour Kings Canyon
✓ 1 night on board The Ghan in a Gold Twin cabin (upgrades available). All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages. A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
✓ 6 nights’ accommodation in 4 star hotels 
✓ 11 meals throughout
✓ Day tours to experience West MacDonnell Ranges, Uluru and  Kings Canyon 
✓ Transportation included as per the itinerary
✓ In depth sightseeing as per itinerary

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What we love about this tour

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.

Itinerary

Hotel
Train: The Ghan or Similar
Meals
Lunch, Dinner

Your unbelievable journey on the Ghan begins today. Departing Adelaide, what lies ahead is rugged, beautiful and spectacular – through the Red Centre to the tropical north of Australia. Settle into your cabin and watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia from your window, or meet your fellow travellers in the lounge car. Before long some of the oldest rock formations in the world, the Flinders Ranges, come into view. As darkness envelops the rugged outback, it’s time to indulge in a regionally-inspired dinner and all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.

The train departs from the Adelaide Parklands Terminal on Richmond Road Keswick South Australia, 5035 (also known as Keswick Terminal). Terminal access from Richmond Road or Sir Donald Bradman Drive.

Your train departs at approximately 12:10PM. Check in for your rail journey opens approximately two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. All guests are required to check in at least 60 minutes prior to departure to be welcomed onboard. Please bring your travel itinerary and Photo I.D.

Please note: Off train excursions are booked upon boarding the train

Hotel
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Begin with a freshly brewed coffee or juice as the day dawns at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. It is here, deep inland, that you will enjoy a one of a kind experience, as you watch the desert come to life at sunrise. All aboard for brunch as you make your way through the MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs. 

On arrival join your hotel transfer and be transferred to your hotel.

Hotel
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will be picked up from your hotel to join a tour of the West Macdonnell Ranges at approximately 7:00AM. The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are extraordinary for their immensity and array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples. View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as we travel along through magnificent Outback Country, stopping at the many historic locations. As we depart town, we will stop at the historical Flynn’s Grave Memorial. Enjoy beautiful walks at both Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. The tour concludes back at your hotel at approximately 12:00PM where the rest of the day is at leisure. 

Hotel
Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today you will be collected from your hotel at approximately 7:00am and transferred to Uluru. 

Learn the natural and geological history of the region (commentary only), as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna, and hear about the traditional customs and beliefs of the local Aboriginals. View flat-topped Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance, before exploring the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

On arrival in Uluru you will be dropped at your hotel at around 1:00PM where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Optional Tour - Uluru Sunset

Sit back and relax as you travel into the amazing Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park. Your Driver Guide will provide expert commentary while you enjoy the amazing surroundings and the sight of Uluru in the distance. This fascinating icon stands 348 metres high, however, most of its mass is below ground level. You’ll be overwhelmed by its incredible size, presence and inherent spirituality.
Please note: Starts 60 minutes before sunset and concludes approximately 30 minutes after sunset, includes hotel pick up/drop off.

Hotel
Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This afternoon, you’ll be collected from your hotel. Travel in the comfort of your coach around the base of Uluru with your Driver Guide who will provide details on its incredible history. You’ll be fascinated by the Aboriginal stories that go back many thousands of years. Learn the significance of ancient Aboriginal rock art, about the area’s flora and fauna, and culture of its traditional owners, the Anangu. Your day concludes with a spectacular sunset at Uluru.

Hotel
Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today is a free day to relax and enjoy your resort and its surroundings.

Optional Tour - Uluru Sunrise Visit and Kata Tjuta

The early rise is well worth it as you experience the two major landmarks in Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park. Start with an amazing sunrise at Talinguru Nyakunytaku, the Uluru (Ayers Rock) sunrise viewing area. Afterwards, on the 45 kms drive to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) your Driver Guide will provide you with an historical overview of the National Park. The walk through the sheer walls of Walpa Gorge won’t disappoint as you’re led into a world of rare plant species and lush evergreen shrubs.
Please note: Starts 90 minutes before sunrise and concludes approximately 11:30AM, includes hotel pick up/drop off.

Hotel
Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today is an early start. At approximately 4:30am you will be collected from your hotel to begin the journey to Kings Canyon. Breakfast will be served at Kings Creek Station. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points. Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor. After lunch (not included), return to Ayers Rock.

Today concludes back at your hotel at approximately 5:30pm.

Meals
Breakfast

Today your adventure comes to an end. At the appropriate time, the hotel shuttle transfer will drive you to Ayres Rock airport to board your ongoing flight.

Inclusions

  • Departing from Adelaide, travel coast to coast through the fiery red centre, experiencing Australia at its dramatic best on board The Ghan
  • Make stops at Marla, Alice Springs and Nitmiluk Gorge as your train traverses North from Adelaide to Darwin
  • Enjoy staying in the heart of Australia at Alice Springs and explore the West MacDonnell ranges
  • Witness the spiritual power of Uluru and enjoy a day and sunset visit
  • Travel to the grandeur of Kings Canyon

  • Incredible sightseeing, travel on The Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Sprigns
  • 1 night on board The Ghan in a Gold Twin cabin (upgrades available). All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages. A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
  • 6 nights’ accommodation in 4 star hotels
  • 11 meals throughout
  • Day tours to experience West MacDonnell Ranges, Uluru & Kings Canyon
  • Transportation included as per the itinerary
  • In depth sightseeing as per itinerary

Gold Service (Included)

  • Gold Twin, a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day
  • Gold Single, a compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage
  • Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
  • Power outlets in cabin

Platinum Service - From $1,900 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.

  • Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Service Twin cabin
  • By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans
  • By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
  • En suite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet and Australian bathroom amenities
  • Panoramic windows offering views from both sides of the train
  • Access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining and socialising
  • Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin
  • Transfers at the start and end of your journey available for guests within 60 km of the terminal
  • 90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each)

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.

Please note, there are no single rooms in the Platinum category

Fine Print

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.

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 support@inspiringvacations.com, 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:

  • Full payment due at the time of the booking.
  • Please select this option at the payment page prior to finalizing your booking

Installment Payment Plan Option:

  • Book now and secure your package with only a $99.00 deposit per person.
  • Pay a 1st installment of $2,550.00 per person within 7 days.
  • Pay a 2nd installment of $0.00 per person within 0 days.
  • You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Booking Process

  • Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password)
  • Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
  • Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
  • Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
  • Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure)

Booking On Request

  • Your Inspiring Vacations package is made up of multiple components and travel partners. Once your booking is made and passenger details form submitted, we will begin to confirm all of your arrangements. Please note, this process can take several business days to complete
  • Once all elements have been confirmed we will send you an email confirmation, if we are unable to confirm we will provide you with alternative dates or offer a full refund of your deposit or re-credit your account if a travel credit was used
  • Please DO NOT book any additional services, such as flights, until we have confirmed your Inspiring Vacations package in writing. Inspiring Vacations will not be liable for any fees or charges incurred to change or cancel components not booked by Inspiring Vacations should your selected package be unavailable

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-tour accommodation in Adelaide: From $296 per room per night for double/twin/single including breakfast
  • Post-tour accommodation in Darwin: From $282 per room per night for double/twin/single including breakfast

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):

  • Uluru (Day 4) - Uluru Sunset - $86 per person
  • Uluru (Day 6) - Uluru Sunrise Visit and Kata Tjuta - $150 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 “3”.

3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

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.   

Please note: Single rooms have shared bathroom facilities. There are no single Platinum Rooms available on board the Ghan

Single Supplement for the hotels
The single supplement for this portion of the trip is $1,790. 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. As such, group size will differ between operators and can be as intimate as 2 people or as lively as up to 60 people, depending on the activity and advertised inclusions. There may be unique cases where your selected travel date exceeds the expected group size for special events or types of activities, particularly during popular times of travel. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.  

When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. 

Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.

Tour Styles - This package is a Independent style. 
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

  • Independent - On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.
  • Partially Escorted - A portion of these packages runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is independent, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
  • Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.

  • International or domestic airfares not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • Uluru Park Pass
  • Visas (if applicable)
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Tipping
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
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