Adelaide and Darwin City Stay

You've arrived in Adelaide – it's yours to explore. Spend the day at leisure before checking in to your accommodation. Stay: The Playford Adelaide – MGallery (3 Nights)

Explore more of Adelaide at your leisure. If you'd like to get to the source of that gourmet experience by visiting another wine growing region, McLaren Vale is the perfect option. (B)

• McLaren Vale Winery Experience ($235 per person)
  A tour to McLaren Vale along the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula includes four cellar door experiences and a delicious restaurant lunch. The region is best known for its Shiraz, but expert vignerons will explain why Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes also thrive in this unique microclimate.

Today, delight your senses with boutique wine and food touring to the historic Barossa Valley, with its 80 cellar doors. You'll even visit one of the oldest vineyards in the world, where Shiraz vines were planted in 1843. Enjoy running commentary from your driver as you make your way towards the world-renowned wine region and be guided though some of the best wines South Australia has to offer.

Tours are small groups up to eight people only to ensure a relaxed and unhurried day. Whether you prefer red or white, there will be something to tantalise and delight with tastings at three wineries throughout the day, and a delicious lunch with an accompanying glass of wine included in your tour. (B/L)

Check out of your accommodation this morning and transfer to Adelaide Parklands Terminal. Step aboard The Ghan for an unforgettable adventure to the Top End. Settle into your cabin and see the changes in landscape from your window as the train leaves the city, heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond. Stay: The Ghan (2 Nights) (B/L/D)

After your first night enjoying the fine dining and relaxed comfort of this iconic train, you'll wake to an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track. Enjoy the magnificent scenery as you make your way onwards to Alice Springs, where you have a selection of Off Train Experiences to choose from.

There's an experience to suit everyone, from an off-road mountain bike adventure, to the Alice Explorer tour, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park, or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson's Gap. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight. (B/L/D)

When the landscape transforms into rocky gorges and fast-flowing canyon streams, prepare to experience one of the Top End's most impressive natural wonders on a boat cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home. There is also a helicopter flight upgrade available, for those wishing to see Nitmiluk from an aerial perspective.

A few hours later as evening falls, you'll arrive in Darwin and transfer to your accommodation, where you can settle in and reflect on your outback adventure thus far. Stay: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront (3 Nights) (B/L)

Stroll around Darwin today, taking in the fascinating history of the northern capital at your own pace. Wander to the Stokes Hill Wharf area, stroll through the Botanic Gardens or the Chinese Temple and don't forget a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. You haven't seen a sunset until you see a Darwin sunset, and this evening you'll understand why they're so special.

Board Darwin Harbour Cruise's catamaran, the Charles Darwin, to savour the sights and enjoy the swirl of the sea breeze as you cruise the harbour by water. Enjoy a sumptuous meal on board focused on local produce and fresh seafood. Nothing is more relaxing than soaking up the splendour of the skies, champagne flute in hand. (B/D)

Today is for further exploration of the Darwin waterfront and its top-notch restaurants, taking in the relaxed pace of life in the north. Alternatively, consider an optional tour (additional expense) to make the most of your time in the Top End. (B)

• Croc ‘N' History Explorer Ticket Additional Expense (please ask our friendly Travel Consultants for pricing)
  Combine three of Darwin's premier attractions with one ticket and save. The flexible Croc ‘N' History Explorer package gives you full day entry to Crocosaurus Cove, RFDS Tourist facility and the Darwin Big Bus, for a hop-on, hop-off transport option.

After breakfast check-out of your accommodation and say farewell to Darwin. You're leaving with memories of awe-inspiring landscapes and unique outback experiences that will last a lifetime. (B)