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Top End Explorer Alice Springs to Darwin

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Fully Guided Locally Guided Group Rail 4WD Scenic The Ghan
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 Trip Length
7 Days
 Trip Starts
Alice Springs
 Trip Finishes
Darwin
7 Day Top End Explorer Alice Springs to Darwin Itinerary (Journey Beyond)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Style
Rail Packages
Accommodation
Boutique
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
TXALSBRT

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Journey Beyond's 7 Day Top End Explorer Alice Springs to Darwin. Combine two national parks with one legendary rail journey and connect with nature, wildlife and incredible landscapes as you traverse the country. Travel through the outback from Adelaide to Darwin on The Ghan, before continuing on to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks for deeper exploration of the Top End’s diverse natural habitats.

Itinerary

Today, you follow in the footsteps of history as you board The Ghan on your way to Darwin. Before long you'll be mingling with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge and preparing for a sumptuous three-course dinner, accompanied by fine wine. Stay: The Ghan, Alice Springs (D)

As you head further north into the tropics, prepare to experience one of the Top End's most impressive natural wonders. The stunning Nitmiluk Gorge lies within the massive 292,000 hectares of Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine. You'll have the chance to explore it from the water with a guided cruise – an Off Train Experience you'll never forget. A few hours later, you'll arrive in Darwin and transfer to your accommodation. Stay: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront (B/L)

Depart Darwin heading towards Kakadu National Park. Much of the route is along the Arnhem highway, passing the productive region of Humpty Doo, where a vast array of tropical fruits is grown, and crossing the Adelaide River, with its vast wetlands, which attract migratory birds. At the Mary River, take to the water on a cruise that showcases the local wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and the abundance of birdlife in the region.

Continuing east, you'll arrive at World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and check in to the Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru, so named for the crocodile shape it takes. Note: During March and April, the cruise will be on Adelaide River, with crossings at Mary River, West & South Alligator Rivers. Due to availability, some stays may be at Cooinda Lodge. Stay: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (B/L/D)

Begin the day with a drive to the East Alligator River region, known as the gateway to Arnhem Land. Take a walk to the World Heritage Ubirr art site, home to some of the world's most outstanding rock art. There will be time for those feeling fit to climb to the top of the escarpment for a magnificent view across the Magela floodplain.

Next up, take a local indigenous cruise on the East Alligator River. Hear the stories of the region as you spot the large saltwater crocodiles that dwell in these waters. Returning to our sturdy yet comfortable vehicle, we'll traverse Cahill's Crossing to visit the town of Oenpelli, stopping at the Injalak gallery to admire the indigenous artworks.

Returning to Jabiru, you'll gain another perspective on the incredible environments you experienced today on a 60-minute scenic flight that takes you over ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers and exhibits the results of 1.8 billion years of continuous erosion. This flight includes live commentary from your pilot as you glide over these spectacular ancient lands.

Note: During March and April, touring may visit Nourlangie Rock Art, and the Bowali Visitor Centre, and cruise the South Alligator River in place of Ubirr, Injalak Gallery and cruising the East Alligator River. The order of sites is subject to change according to weather conditions. Stay: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (B/L/D)

Check out after breakfast to return to the Arnhem highway, diverting towards the town of Batchelor, the gateway to Litchfield National Park. Litchfield National Park contains several types of typical Top End habitats, including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, and cascades. Your first stop is Florence Falls, but one waterfall is never enough, so you'll continue on to Wangi Falls. After a light lunch, you can take a dip in the large, crystal-clear pool of the waterfall before returning to Darwin and checking in to your hotel. Stay: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, Darwin (B/L)

Take in the top sights of this tropical city on a morning tour, including the Stokes Hill Wharf area, Botanic Gardens, the Chinese Temple, the Mooring Basin, and Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, plus Darwin Aviation Museum. In the evening, admire a spectacular sunset while feasting on a Territory-style dinner featuring local seafood and produce on a Darwin Harbour Dinner Cruise.

Note: Half-day Darwin City Sights tour is not included on March, April and October travel dates. Darwin Harbour Dinner Cruise does not operate during March. Stay: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, Darwin (B/D)

Your Top End experience comes to an end as you check out of your accommodation after breakfast and farewell Darwin. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
  • View the aircraft on display at the Darwin Aviation Museum
  • See the largest permanent display of Aboriginal artwork
  • Stroll the George Brown Botanic Gardens
  • Take in the sparkling waters of Darwin Harbour over a delicious dinner of local seafood and produce
  • Cruise on the Mary River spotting wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife
  • Visit the Ubirr art site within Kakadu National Park, home to some of the world's most outstanding rock art
  • Swim in a waterfall at Litchfield National Park

  • 1 nights aboard The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Katherine
  • Transfer from Darwin Rail Terminal to hotel
  • 3 nights' accommodation in Darwin, including breakfast daily
  • 2 nights of intimate small-group Kakadu, East Alligator River and Litchfield touring with Outback Spirit, travelling on board a state-of-the-art 4WD Mercedes-Benz vehicle, including accommodation, guided touring and meals
  • Half-day Darwin City Sights tour (not included on March, April and October travel dates)
  • Darwin Harbour Dinner Cruise (not included on March travel dates)
  • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

  • Guests are required to have a reasonable level of mobility to be able to board and alight the Outback Spirit 4WD coach unaided. Due to space restrictions aboard, we are unable to accommodate guests who require the use of wheelchairs or walkers.
  • Guests requiring physical or mental assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is willing and capable of providing such assistance.

  • As Outback Spirit takes you to some remote parts of Australia, unexpected events can occur that are outside the control of Outback Spirit. Every effort will be made by your crew to ensure that your itinerary is followed. However, Outback Spirit reserves the right to alter the itinerary once on tour as required due to weather and track conditions or operational considerations.
  • Nourlangie Rock Art and Lookout replace the Ubirr Art Sites and Escarpment walks during March and April.
  • Subject to itinerary timings whilst on tour, Florence Falls might only be viewed from the platform lookout above.
Off Train Experiences
Off Train Experiences

When the train stops, the adventures begin. Choose from a huge range of included off-train experiences to create your own rich and rewarding personal journey through Australia’s outback and beyond. Read more

Food & Beverage
Food & Beverage

Sensational destinations are just the beginning. Come with us on a culinary journey starring regionally-inspired food, fine wines, and local specialities, on board our unique dining carriages. All included. Read more

Gold Service
Gold Service

The most popular choice of accommodation, Gold Service Twin and Single Cabins have everything you need to feel right at home for the amazing experience that lies ahead. Read more

Platinum Service
Platinum Service

Stylishly appointed, spacious suites complemented by discreet, personalised service and world-class food and wine make this a very special travel experience. Read more

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 Journey Beyond. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Journey Beyond. 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.

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