Fly Stay Cruise - 17 Day Ghan, Kakadu and Luxury Kimberley Coast Cruise
Enjoy an exceptional-value holiday that seamlessly combines return flights, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or tours with a cruise—removing the stress of planning so you can enjoy every moment from departure to return.
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost.
For the true explorer, expedition small-ship cruising is the best way to get off the beaten track.This experience is not just about the ship’s creature comforts but very much the destination, its nature and wildlife. Daily shore excursions by Zodiac inflatable boats allow you to step onshore and explore. A world-class, expert expedition team will help you discover each exciting destination. Onboard you’ll enjoy informative and educational lectures. These trips will be a mix of fully guided or self-guided depending on your chosen package. There’s a land touring component with shared sightseeing and transfers.
This tour is categorised as 2 out of 5
Relax and uncover: Enjoy ample free time alongside key sightseeing and activities. Moderate fitness is still recommended to fully experience the trip.
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.
✓ 10-night Kimberley expedition cruise onboard Le Jacques-Cartier in a balcony stateroom
✓ 4 Day / 3 Night journey onboard The Ghan – Gold Premium Service
✓ Immersive Off Train Experiences in a South Australian wine region, Flinders Ranges, Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine
✓ 1-night 4-star stay in Adelaide
✓ 2-night 4-star stay in Darwin
✓ Full-day Kakadu National Park tour
✓ Select Airport, rail, and hotel transfers
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ All-inclusive dining, beverages, and expert-led excursions onboard the cruise
✓ All-inclusive dining, fine wines, and Off Train Experiences onboard The Ghan
✓ Return Domestic Airfares
Inspiring Value
Sail with Ponant and enjoy small-ship luxury, intimate shore excursions, and personalised service, combined with The Ghan’s unmatched outback experience.
Journey from the heart of the Red Centre of Australia to its most remote wilderness in ultimate style. Travel aboard The Ghan through iconic outback landscapes before boarding a luxury expedition ship to explore waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art, and wildlife along the Kimberley coast—all with first-class service and comfort.
Arrive in Adelaide and make your own way to your 4-star hotel in the heart of the city. Settle in and enjoy time at leisure — perhaps explore the vibrant East End, visit the Adelaide Botanic Garden or unwind with a meal at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants. This evening, relax and prepare for the extraordinary journey ahead.
This morning, transfer to the Adelaide Parklands Terminal and step aboard the legendary Ghan. Settle into your Gold Premium cabin and enjoy attentive service, regionally inspired cuisine and fine Australian wines as the train journeys north. This evening, disembark for an exclusive dining experience in a renowned South Australian wine region — a memorable introduction to outback luxury.
Wake to ever-changing outback landscapes as you arrive in Port Augusta. Today’s Off Train Experience takes you deep into the ancient Flinders Ranges, where rugged peaks, red earth and dramatic gorges create a spectacular setting. Learn about the region’s geology and wildlife before returning to the train for another evening of exceptional dining and relaxation.
Begin your day with a stunning outback sunrise before arriving in Alice Springs. Choose from a range of immersive Off Train Experiences — from cultural encounters to desert landscapes and wildlife experiences. Back onboard, unwind in the lounge or enjoy a final evening of fine dining as the train continues north.
Arrive in Katherine and explore the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge on a guided cruise or choose an alternative experience. Later, continue to Darwin where your rail journey concludes. You’ll be transferred to your waterfront hotel, perfectly positioned to enjoy Darwin’s relaxed tropical atmosphere.
Today, journey into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Cruise the famous Yellow Water Billabong, home to crocodiles and prolific birdlife, and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art sites that date back thousands of years. This immersive experience offers a deep connection to one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
Transfer to the port and board your luxury Ponant expedition ship. From the moment you step onboard, enjoy personalised service, elegant surroundings and all-inclusive comfort. Settle into your balcony stateroom and toast the beginning of your Kimberley voyage as the ship departs Darwin.
Your expedition begins in spectacular fashion at the King George River. Towering sandstone cliffs rise dramatically as you journey towards the magnificent King George Falls. Explore by Zodiac with expert guides, bringing you closer to the raw beauty of this remote wilderness.
Step ashore at Vansittart Bay to discover ancient Gwion Gwion rock art, offering a fascinating glimpse into one of the world’s oldest cultures. Your expedition team will provide expert insights, enriching your understanding of this extraordinary region.
Explore the pristine Ashmore Reef, a protected marine sanctuary teeming with vibrant coral, seabirds and marine life. Conditions permitting, enjoy Zodiac excursions or snorkelling opportunities in this remote and untouched environment.
Visit Careening Bay, home to the historic Mermaid Tree, carved by early explorers in the 1820s. Surrounded by pristine coastline, this peaceful location offers both natural beauty and a sense of history.
Discover Swift Bay’s remarkable Aboriginal rock art galleries, guided by expert expedition leaders. The intricate artworks provide deep cultural insight into the Kimberley’s ancient heritage.
Cruise through the spectacular Hunter River, where lush mangroves meet towering escarpments. Keep watch for saltwater crocodiles, birdlife and unique tidal ecosystems as you explore by Zodiac.
Experience the power of the Kimberley tides at Collier Bay, home to some of the largest tidal variations in the world. Your expedition team will guide you through this dynamic and ever-changing environment.
Continue exploring the wonders of Collier Bay, with opportunities for Zodiac excursions and deeper discovery of this remote coastal wilderness.
Visit the Lacepede Islands, an important breeding ground for seabirds and a sanctuary for marine life. This remote archipelago offers a pristine and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Arrive in Broome and disembark your luxury expedition cruise. Reflect on the incredible landscapes, cultural experiences and exclusive moments that have defined your journey. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Le Jacques-Cartier
Explore the Kimberley in true luxury aboard this elegant Ponant expedition vessel. Designed for intimate exploration, the ship offers French-inspired interiors, spacious balcony staterooms, a marina platform for Zodiac excursions, and a team of expert naturalists and guides. Enjoy gourmet dining, premium beverages, personalised service, and immersive shore landings—all included.
Guaranteed Cabin – What This Means for You
Your cabin is booked on a Guaranteed basis. You are confirmed in your selected cabin category (or higher), but the exact cabin number will be allocated closer to departure. You may receive an upgrade at no additional cost.
Included Cabin Type – Deluxe Stateroom - Deck 3
Private balcony, elegant design, ensuite bathroom, and premium amenities. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the Kimberley landscapes in, while attentive service ensures a refined experience.
Balcony Cabin Upgrade –Prices starting at $550.00 per person - Higher deck balcony staterooms for enhanced views, additional space, and premium positioning onboard.
Price on application. Twin share. Solo fare on request. Cabin upgrades and prices are subject to availability at the time of booking. Once confirmed, the additional cost is included in your invoice.
Payment Information
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Cooling Off Period
This product is not eligible for a cooling-off period.
Terms and conditions
Please note that this package is a Cruises by Inspiring Vacations package. Please review the terms and conditions here: https://cruises.inspiringvacations.com/au/terms-and-conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.
To make your way to your hotel from the airport, there are various connections by express train or limousine bus. The airport information desks can provide helpful advice, too.
Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.
Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.
When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
Airport transfers are included as part of your package, at a suitable time you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport.
Accommodation
All hotels listed are subject to change; any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding requests cannot be guaranteed and are always on a request basis with the hotel.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $23,450 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Itinerary Changes
Please note that as part of our commitment to constantly improving our passenger experience, there may be itinerary changes between the time of booking and when you travel. These changes are always made with your experience in mind and will be clearly communicated in advance if they affect your booking.
Trusted Travel Partner Tour
Your chosen tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences
Documentation
Travel documentation is sent digitally 30 days before departure. No postal documents are issued. You must complete your cruise personaliser directly with the cruise line. We cannot complete this on your behalf. Visit the Know Before You Go section for guidance, and you will receive an email reminder when it is time to complete this.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here is a help link to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
Terms and Conditions
For the full terms and conditions for Cruises by Inspiring Vacations, please see HERE.
This is a flight inclusive package.
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost. Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’.
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
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