Ghan to Darwin with Kakadu Self-Drive

8 Day Train + Self-Drive Package

Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin, 3 nights accommodation in Darwin, car hire and 2 nights Kakadu accommodation. Experience the Ghan to Darwin and immerse yourself in the culture of the Northern Territory with 2 nights’ accommodation in Kakadu with car hire. Themes include: South Australia, Northern Territory, Departs from Adelaide, Ghan, Fly-Drive Car, Returns from Kakadu. + Show more

Package Includes

  • Ghan Train Adelaide to Darwin (Gold Class)
  • All Flights (e.g. home to Adelaide & Darwin to home)
  • 3 Days Car Hire, "no worries" unlimited kms, comprehensive insurance
  • 3 Nights Darwin Hotel (superior 4 star)
  • 2 Nights Kakadu Hotel
  • 2 Nights Ghan private Gold Class cabin (1 night ex Alice Springs)
  • All meals onboard Ghan, FREE beverages throughout your journey, FREE toiletries kit, Cabin Steward service, in-cabin music and commentary, use of "Outback Explorer Lounge"
  • All Ghan Off-Train Excursions & Activities (eg Alice Springs, Katherine, Marla, Manguri)
  • Meet and Greet Personalised Return Transfers (Train Station, Hotel and Airport)
  • FREE DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Bonus Voucher Book ($500 Value discounts and bonuses in Northern Territory) 

Highlights

  The Ghan   Alice Springs   Arafura Sea   Charles Darwin National Park   Cullen Bay Marina   Cyclone Tracy Museum   Fannie Bay   Humpty Doo   Marrakai Wetlands   Mindil Beach Sunset Markets   Mitchell Street restaurants and cafes   Palmerston   Timor Sea   USS Peary Memorial   Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre   Wetlands Visitor Centre   World War II Oil Storage Tunnels   Darwin   Nourlangie Rock   Rock Art Galleries (up to 50,000 years old)   Kakadu National Park   Katherine Gorge   Katherine
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Descriptions

DAYS 1-3 Ghan Adelaide to Alice Springs to Darwin

Fly into Adelaide and be personally met at the airport by a DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred from the airport to the Ghan railway station to begin your journey to Darwin.

Take a magical journey through the heart of the continent, for three days you'll be transfixed by the sheer beauty of Australia's ever changing landscape, the green rolling hills of Australia's fertile south, the vibrant ochre earth and cobalt skies of Australia's red-centre and the balmy tropical grandeur of Northern Territory's capital Darwin.

See below for full details on your Ghan journey. Note: passengers embarking in Alice Springs join on Day 2.

When you arrive into Darwin you can sense the cosmopolitan and thriving atmosphere of this historic tropical north Australian city. You will be personally met at the Ghan railway station by DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred to your Darwin hotel. You can relax and use the rest of the day to explore your hotel and its facilities, perhaps take a stroll around the neighbourhood and central Darwin. 

Meet and Greet Personalised Arrival Transfer, 2 Nights Gold Service Cabin on the Ghan (1 Night ex Alice Springs), 2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners, Luxury Alice Springs Coach Tour (Adelaide to Darwin customers only), Luxury Katherine Gorge Tour, Meet and Greet Personalised Rail Transfer, Overnight Darwin Accommodation.

DAY 4 Explore Darwin

The vibrant city of Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory has a wealth of exciting things to see and do, get a taste of the city on a visit to Mindil Beach Markets, sail Darwin's fabulous harbour, enjoy outdoor festivals, art precincts and waterside restaurants, the city is also the gateway to sensational Litchfield National Park and the Tiwi Islands.

Overnight Darwin Accommodation.

DAY 5 Darwin to Kakadu

Journey towards the ancient Kakadu. Visit the Country of Indigenous peoples; see exotic wetlands, tumultuous falls, native flora and fauna of the Top End. Perhaps fish for Barramundi when you hit the Arnhem Highway.

Today you can see Howard Springs (shaded swimming area, many native birds and animals, crocodile free- check with ranger!), Humpty Doo (Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre), Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises, Corroboree Park outback Tavern, Annaburroo, Mary River National Park (small reserve areas protecting Mary River), Bark Hut Inn (iconic outback pub), Kakadu National Park, Gungaree Monsoon Rainforest Walk, Mamukala Wetlands Walk, Bowali Visitor Centre (guided tours available), Ubirr Art Site, Nourlangie Rock, Gorges and waterfalls, Two Mile Hole or Jabiru (small township in Kakadu National Park, starting point for exploration of park). Direct driving 210km (2.40 hours) .

Overnight Kakadu Accommodation.

DAY 6 Explore Kakadu

Discover the splendid wilderness of the world famous Kakadu National Park set in the romantic tropics of the Top End and skirted in the north by the Timor Sea and how the world was before we came. 

As large as some European countries, Kakadu is a place of landscapes and natural wonders so pristine and of such importance that Kakadu is recognised as one of the most ecologically, geologically and biologically diverse regions anywhere on our planet. The Kakadu National Park World Heritage Listed area is a land of 6 changing seasons covering some 20,000 sq km of raging rivers, rugged escarpments, thundering waterfalls and sparkling waterholes, woodlands and lush rainforests, open savannah lands and spectacular wetlands alive with unique wildlife, flora and fauna and amazing experiences.

Kakadu is the spectacular world of outback adventure travel, nature activities and aboriginal culture - and Country of the Indigenous owners, the Bininj/Mungguy peoples for 50,000 years. See history chronicled on some 5000 amazing rock art sites in the Kakadu National Park, see some 50 species of mammals including kangaroos, wallabies; see wetlands crowded with elegant waterlilies and witness dainty Jesus birds seamlessly 'walking on water' in the billabong, close to massive reptiles from prehistoric times, saltwater crocodiles.

Before you leave this wonderland of nature, take a moderately steep climb to the top of Ubirr and an outlook with vistas clear across the floodplains to experience the tropical sun setting spectacularly across the floodplains. However long you stay, you will wish you had longer in the awesome Kakadu National Park.

Overnight Kakadu Accommodation.

DAY 7 Kakadu to Darwin

Time today to see more of the treasures of Kakadu and to visit the treasures you discovered en-route when you return to Darwin. Perhaps fish for Barramundi when you hit the Arnhem Highway or get up close and still be comfortable on a guided boat ride into crocodile territory.

Today you can take your pick of what to see, allowing some 3 hours for the return journey in daylight; Two Mile Hole or Jabiru (small township in Kakadu National Park, starting point for exploration of park) Ubirr Art Site, Nourlangie Rock, Gorges and waterfalls, Bowali Visitor Centre (guided tours available), Mamukala Wetlands Walk, Gungaree Monsoon Rainforest Walk, Bark Hut Inn (iconic outback pub), Corroboree Park outback Tavern, Annaburroo, Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises, or round off your visit to Kakadu National Park with a visit to Howard Springs (shaded swimming area, many native birds and animals, crocodile free- check with ranger!). Direct driving 210km (2.40 hours).

Overnight Darwin Accommodation. 

DAY 8 Fly Home

Time to say goodbye to beautiful Darwin, your fellow travellers and friendly hotel hosts. You will be personally met at your hotel by a DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.

Meet and Greet Personalised Departure Transfer.

Inclusions Onboard The Ghan

Relax in your private Gold Class Cabin and watch the red heart of Australia pass by through your large window. Enjoy all meals onboard the Ghan in the stylish Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car (flexible times, hearty breakfasts, two course lunches, three course dinners). Your package includes FREE soft drinks, beers, high-quality standard wines, base spirits, tea and coffee throughout your journey on board. You will also receive a FREE toiletries kit. You have your own en suite, Cabin Steward service, in-cabin music and detailed journey commentary (available from your cabin sound system) and you will love the cosy but exclusive atmosphere of the Outback Explorer Lounge. Your package includes Gold Class but can be upgraded to Platinum Class.
 
Upgrade to Platinum Class: Experience the luxury of larger cabin space (twice the size of a Gold Class Twin Cabin) along with private Platinum Transfers, in-cabin breakfasts and access to the exclusive new Platinum Lounge and Restaurant. See Upgrade Options below for details.

Upgrade to the Ultimate Ghan Expedition: Savour the Ghan experience with this extended Ghan journey. The epic Ghan Expedition special departures have four days of leisurely and immersive off-train experiences, adding an extra day. See Upgrade Options below for details.

Flights Included

This package includes all flights as detailed below in the price section (including all fees, levies and taxes). However, we can tailor this package to include our special discounted 'package only' airfares from anywhere. Simply let us know.

Rail and Airport Transfers Included

You will be personally met by a DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred from the airport to the railway station, from the railway station on arrival in Darwin to your hotel and from your hotel to the airport to meet your flight home.

DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Bonus Voucher Book

You’ll receive the FREE DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Bonus Voucher Book that includes $500 value of discounts and bonuses throughout Darwin & the NT at shops, restaurants attractions, wineries etc. It’s a great way to save even more on your Northern Territory holiday.

All Off-Train Excursions & Activities Included

This package includes all Off-Train activities with various touring options:

Alice Springs: Choose from a selection of included tour options. (Upgrade to the Ghan Expedition and also experience the Outback Pioneer Dinner)

Katherine: Choose from a selection of included tour and gorge cruise options.

Marla (Ghan Classic Adelaide to Darwin): Disembark to enjoy a light breakfast and tea or coffee in this remote and tiny enclave.

Manguri (Ghan Classic Darwin to Adelaide): Disembark to enjoy a nightcap, served with premium chocolate, by the light of an Outback bonfire.

Coober Pedy (Ghan Expedition upgrade): Full day in Coober Pedy. Tour the tunnels and caves of this underground town, visit the underground Serbian Orthodox church, see Umoona Opal Mine, enjoy a gourmet underground lunch and visit the Breakaways stunning outback moonscape.

The Ghan in Detail

Use this tool for full details and images on the Ghan:
Overview Cabins Dining & Lounge Inclusions
Ghan Classic Ghan Expedition Off-Train Excursions Train Details

Overview

Prepare for a holiday of unimaginable proportions… aboard the legendary Ghan. This remarkable journey connects Darwin and Adelaide, travelling through the red heart of Australia. The contrast of the opulent Ghan journeying through the ever-changing landscape of rugged outback will live with you forever. From Adelaide, witness South Australia's rolling green hills gradually change to the ochre red of the Flinders Ranges, then travel through the Red Centre to Alice Springs, before reaching the tropical Top End through Katherine to Darwin. You will feel the true spirit of our ancient land.

When the train stops, the adventures begin with a wide choice of included off-train touring and activities. Onboard enjoy your elegant private cabin with ensuite and savour the delicious food and wines with incredible dining experiences and attentive service.

DISCOVER AUSTRALIA has included everything in your package, there’s no more to pay.


Optional Upgrades

Ghan Expedition Upgrade 850*$

The Ultimate Ghan Experience. Upgrade to the ultimate “Ghan Expedition” for a special extended 4 day train journey allowing you to stop and really immerse yourself in some of the most remote yet captivating parts of Australia in style and luxury. Extras Include: extra night aboard The Ghan, extended off-train excursions and special BBQ dinner in Alice Springs, immersive Katherine touring/cruising options, full day in Coober Pedy where touring options come with gourmet lunch. The additional time taken creates an incredible, one-of-a-kind Ghan experience. The popular Ghan Expedition (4 day, 3 nights) operates from Darwin to Adelaide only between 6 March 2019 to 23 October 2019 and 4 March 2020 to 28 October 2020. All touring options included in the price. Upgrade your package to incorporate the amazing “Ghan Expedition” from just $850 per person more.
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Ghan to Darwin with Kakadu Self-Drive

8 Day Train + Self-Drive Package

Limited Availability at these prices. Deal ends soon. Questions? Call 1300 887 469 or Click to Ask Us
$ 4649 *
Typically $6555

* Starting holiday costs, per person, for 2 people sharing, on selected travel dates (off-peak). Travel on other dates attracts a surcharge. Early Bird Specials require travel outside of the next 6 months (ie travel in more than 6 months time). As prices vary based on travel dates, be flexible with dates to get the for the best deals!  Itinerary and vehicle types subject to change without notice. Subject to limited availability at these prices, after which higher prices apply, book now.  Ex Adelaide/Alice Springs prices include only flights back to Adelaide/Alice Springs. Some governments and service operators have Covid vaccination requirements. Subject to Booking Conditions, see Important Information before booking. © DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Booking Code: mp135

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