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Top End Explorer Expedition

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Locally Guided Group Rail Scenic The Ghan
Our Price From 7,139 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 202 Per Person
 Trip Length
9 Days
 Trip Starts
Darwin
 Trip Finishes
Adelaide
9 Day Top End Explorer Expedition Itinerary (Journey Beyond)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Style
Rail Packages
Departures
Accommodation
Boutique
Guide Level
Locally Guided
Trip Code
TXBRTAPTEX

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Journey Beyond's 9 Day Top End Explorer Expedition. 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

You've arrived in Darwin – it's yours to explore. Spend the day at your leisure before checking in to your accommodation. Stay: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, Darwin

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 Sunset Cruise. *Half-day Darwin City Sights tour is not included on April and October travel dates. Stay: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, Darwin (B/D)

Depart Darwin heading towards Kakadu National Park. Much of the route is along the Arnhem highway, passing the productive region of Humpty Do, 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. Stay: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Kakadu (B/L/D)

*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.

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. Stay: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Kakadu (B/L/D)

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.

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)

Settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy lunch ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End's best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge. Stay: The Ghan (B/L/D)

Your arrival into Alice Springs after breakfast provides you with time to explore this iconic town in the red heart of Australia. Your Off Train Experience choices today include visiting the spectacular Alice Springs Desert Park and Reptile Centre, walking Simpsons Gap, or exploring the historic Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service. In the evening, dine under a blanket of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Stay: The Ghan (B/L/D)

From your morning stop at Manguri, you'll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you'll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Dinner is served back on the train, where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. Stay: The Ghan (B/L/D)

This morning, you'll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges before your arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world's great rail experiences. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • 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
  • Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
  • Explore the outback town of Alice Springs and the unusual underground town of Cooper Pedy ;

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

Brochure

Australia

Journey Beyond Australia (2024)

It’s a big, beautiful country, Australia. It’s north to south, east to west of ever-changing landscapes, culture and people. While there are many ways to see it, there’s only one way to do it with ease and in comfort. That’s the fabulous fun of rail travel, where everything comes together in a theatre-like performance.

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Saturday 12 Oct 2024
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Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
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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