Adelaide & Darwin Classic City Stay

You've arrived in Adelaide – it's yours to explore. Spend the day at leisure before checking in to your accommodation.

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.

• McLaren Vale Winery Experience ($250 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.

Check out of your accommodation this morning before transferring to Adelaide Parklands Terminal. Your journey on The Ghan begins this afternoon, as you step aboard and settle into the rhythm of life on the rails. Watch the countryside roll past your window as the train makes its way north, a hint of the adventure to come.

By early evening, you'll arrive at Long Plains, where you'll step off the train and transfer to a celebrated South Australian wine region. Here, a special dinner experience awaits, showcasing the region's exceptional produce and fine wines. As the sun sets over the vineyards, raise a glass to the days of discovery ahead. After dinner, return to the train and retire for the night as The Ghan continues its journey towards north.

Wake to the changing landscapes of South Australia as The Ghan arrives into Port Augusta, South Australia's gateway to the outback.  After breakfast, step off the train and prepare for a full day discovering one of the nation's most remarkable regions: the Flinders Ranges.

Your Off Train Experience takes you deep into this ancient landscape, where rugged ranges, dramatic gorges and red rock outcrops tell stories millions of years in the making. From sweeping lookouts to encounters with native wildlife, the Flinders Ranges offers a striking introduction to the outback. After a day of exploration, rejoin the train for a relaxed evening on board recalling the days adventures. 

After a night of fine dining and relaxed comfort aboard The Ghan, wake to a spectacular outback sunrise at Marla, a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border and gateway to the legendary Oodnadatta Track. With red dirt beneath your feet and a bonfire casting warmth into the cool morning air, pause to take in the stillness of this extraordinary place.

Back on board, enjoy a leisurely brunch as the desert landscape unfolds on the journey north to Alice Springs. Here, a variety of Off Train Experiences awaits. Choose an off-road e-bike adventure across ochre-coloured earth, explore the town's key landmarks on the A Town Called Alice tour, or embrace a cultural experience at Standley Chasm. Nature lovers can meet the wildlife at the Desert Park or marvel at the striking beauty of Simpsons Gap. For a bird's-eye view, upgrade to a scenic helicopter flight and witness the sheer scale of this remarkable region.

Return to the train in the late afternoon, with time to refresh before dinner is served and another unforgettable evening begins.

Your final day begins in the tropical north, where the landscape gives way to rocky escarpments and fast-flowing canyon streams. Here, you'll experience one of the Top End's greatest natural wonders on a cruise through the majestic Nitmiluk Gorge. As you glide along the water, your guide will share the cultural significance of this place to the Jawoyn people, weaving in stories that highlight their deep spiritual connection to the land.

Alternatively, step into the lives of those who call the outback home at the Katherine Outback Experience, or venture underground to explore the limestone chambers of the Cutta Cutta Caves, rich in native wildlife, Indigenous culture and European history. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and witness the scale and grandeur of Nitmiluk from above.

After your day's adventures, return to the train and journey onwards to Darwin. 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.

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.

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.

• 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.