Home > Tours > Australia Tours > The Outback Railway

The Outback Railway

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Group Short Break
Sold Out
 Trip Length
6 Days
 Trip Starts
Adelaide
 Trip Finishes
Alice Springs
6 Day The Outback Railway Itinerary (AAT Kings)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Style
Short Break
Accommodation
3 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
49
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
ZRA6

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on AAT Kings 6 Day The Outback Railway. Experience the spectacular Red Centre by rail and road! Board The Ghan in Adelaide for an unforgettable overnight train journey to Alice Springs. Then discover the ancient natural wonders of the outback including sunrise and sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock), as well as Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).

Itinerary

Step aboard the legendary Ghan and take time acquainting yourself with our friendly staff and your comfortable private cabin. From Adelaide, you'll travel through the pastoral fields of South Australia's mid north. Indulge in a pre-dinner drink and lively discussion with fellow diners as you anticipate tomorrow's breathtakingly beautiful outback experience. A multi-course dinner awaits, with a regionally inspired menu and all-inclusive fine wines and beverages. (L/D) Stay: The Ghan Gold Service, Overnight train

Alight the train to watch the sun come up over the desert. You have never truly experienced a sunrise until you have seen one in the heart of the Australian outback. Brunch is served on the train and soon you are crossing the state border and into the Northern Territory. Then you'll glide through the MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Alice Springs (or The Alice, as it is known by the locals). When you arrive your afternoon is free to explore the town. You may like to choose to join an Alice Springs Town Tour to discover the sights of The Alice with a local guide. (B) Stay: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) aboard a luxury vehicle. Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. While travelling through this remote country, your friendly Driver Guide will provide informative and entertaining commentary. Learn about the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna such as the Perentie, the Thorny Devil and the Red Kangaroo. Stop at a local Roadhouse for a quick break and comfort stop then see Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance as you travel through Curtin Springs Station before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort, rested, relaxed and ready to explore the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

This afternoon enter Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park for an afternoon of discovery. Visit the Cultural Centre where you'll have time to explore the galleries and you may be lucky enough to see local Aboriginal Artists at work. Travel to the base of Uluru where you'll be amazed as your local guide shares the Aboriginal Tjukurpa (creation) stories that breathe life into this giant formation. Feel the spirit of the land as your guide takes you on a walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, interpreting the meaning of the ancient Rock Art and sacred sites you'll see along the way. With plenty of time, travel to the Uluru Sunset Viewing Area where you can relax with a sparkling wine or two while you enjoy a famous Uluru sunset. Witness the incredible changing colours as the sun sets below the horizon. You'll arrive back at Ayers Rock Resort 30 minutes after sunset. Stay: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort

The Red Centre is all about spectacular sunrises and sunsets. This morning you'll experience sunrise from Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, a purpose-built viewing area, with tiered platforms so you're able to get the perfect view as the sun peaks over the horizon. Kata Tjuta is very different to Uluru. It's made up of a series of giant textured domes that rise out of the desert like 36 heads. After sunrise you'll take a self-guided walk through Walpa Gorge, a 1.3km track that follows the natural creek bed between two of Kata Tjuta's largest domes. After the hike, sit back and enjoy your ride back to Ayers Rock Resort where you'll arrive in time for lunch.

Travel through spectacular desert scenery from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon. Pass through Curtin Springs Station and view Atila (Mt. Conner). Along the way your Driver Guide will provide informative commentary about the history of the surrounding cattle stations on the way to Kings Canyon Resort. Keep a look out for wild horses and camel along the way. Arrive at Kings Canyon Resort where you may have time to view the stunning sunset behind Carmichaels Crag to finish off the day. Stay: Kings Canyon Resort, Standard Rooms

Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park at sunrise. 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.

Following the hike, travel by luxury vehicle through beautiful desert landscapes. Stop at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station for lunch (own expense) where you'll have the opportunity to try their famous camel burger! Stop at Erldunda, a roadhouse located at the junction of the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway, where you can purchase afternoon tea. Travel along the Stuart Highway before arriving in Alice Springs. Stay: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, Alice Springs

Note: During the hotter months of the year where temperatures can reach and exceed 36° C or 97° F, the Watarrka National Park Rangers strongly advise that visitors do not take part in the Kings Canyon Rim Climb. In this drier desert climate heat exhaustion, over these hotter months, is a very high possibility and a danger in such remote regions. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of our clients we offer a guided walk along the Kings Canyon creek-bed as an alternative.

Your Short Break concludes this morning in Alice Springs. (Airport transfer is an additional cost.)

Trip Inclusions

  • Unforgettable overnight train journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs aboard The Ghan.
  • Sunrise and sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock)
  • Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

  • Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park Ticket
  • Accommodation
  • Experienced Driver Guide
  • Comprehensive commentary
  • Travel in an air-conditioned coach

  • Breakfast (1)
  • Lunch (1)
  • Dinner (1)

  • Flynet in summer months (optional)
  • Sturdy walking shoes (Shoes with heels, sandals, flip-flops or open toe shoes are not permitted)
  • Water bottle to hold 3 litres for the Rim Walk or 1.5 litres for the Creek Bed Walk
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • Warm layers in cooler months

  • Trips begin 12.20pm. International flights to arrive into Adelaide prior to 9:00am. Domestic flights to arrive into Adelaide prior to 10:00am.
  • Trips end Morning of Day 6 in Alice Springs. Flights to depart Alice Springs after 9:00am

  • Kings Canyon Creek Bed Walk (alternative option) - Low level of fitness required You may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor with our Driver/Guide
  • Kings Canyon Rim Walk - High level of fitness required This 6km hike will not be suitable for all guests. The first 30-minute incline is considered “Difficult”. The Tour Director will offer guest an easier alternative along the creek walk for those that are unable.
  • Walpa Gorge Walk - Moderate level of fitness required Uneven surfaces to complete Walpa Gorge walk. Guests can return to the coach at any time if needed.
  • Short guided walk at Uluru - Mutitjulu Waterhole - Low level of fitness required Approximately 1 hour gentle walk

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise and internal flights as specified only. Flights not specified are not included.
Play Youtube Video

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AAT Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from AAT Kings. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

7 Day Wildflower Wanderer (AAT Kings)

7 Days Perth Perth

Operated By: AAT Kings

From 3,783
Save 77
7 Day Tassie's Parks & Nature (AAT Kings)

7 Days Hobart Launceston

Operated By: AAT Kings

From 4,261
Save 277
7 Day South Australian Eyre Peninsula Escape (AAT Kings)

7 Days Adelaide Adelaide

Operated By: AAT Kings

From 3,319
Save 626
12 Day East Coast Islands and Rainforest (AAT Kings)

12 Days Sydney Cairns

Operated By: AAT Kings

From 6,286
Save 792