Experience the legendary Ghan and all-inclusive Adelaide and Murray River touring at its best, featuring a 3 day gourmet southern Murray River cruise aboard the Proud Mary, and 5 days in Adelaide with the Barossa Valley, Victor Harbor and McLaren Vale, 3 days in Darwin with a Darwin town tour plus flights, South Australia luxury coach touring meals and transfers. Take the epic journey from Darwin all the way through the heart of Australia to Adelaide onboard one of the most famous trains in the world. Enjoy fine dining on your 3 day cruise onboard the Proud Mary with included shore excursions and entertainment. Visit the famous Barossa Valley as well as Victor Harbor and McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Enjoy included off-train excursions and short stops along your train journey in Katherine, Alice Springs, Marla and Manguri. Themes include: Rail and Sail, Northern Territory, South Australia, Departs from Darwin, Ghan, River Cruising, Luxury Coach, Returns from Adelaide. + Show more

Package Includes

Ghan Train Darwin to Adelaide (Gold Class)
All Flights (Home to Darwin & Adelaide to Home)
3 Day Proud Mary Gourmet Murray River Cruise
4 Nights Adelaide Hotel (superior 4 star)
3 Nights Darwin Hotel (superior 4 star)
2 Nights Ghan private Gold Class cabin (1 Nights Alice Springs to Adelaide)
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 meals onboard the Proud Mary, FREE onshore tours, FREE guided nature walks and eco-excursions, FREE bike and canoe hire and FREE onboard tea and coffee
Barossa Valley Luxury Coach Tour
Victor Harbor & McLaren Vale Luxury Coach Tour
Adelaide City Tour with River Cruise
Darwin Town Tour
Breakfast Daily, 2 Lunches
All Ghan Off-Train Excursions & Activities (eg Katherine, Alice Springs, Marla & Manguri)
Meet and Greet Personalised Return Transfers (Train Station, Hotel and Airport)
Return Transfers to Proud Mary

Highlights

The Ghan Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Adelaide Hills Barossa Valley Gouger Street Mannum McLaren Vale Montefiore Hill Mount Lofty Ranges Murray River North Adelaide Rundle Mall Torrens Gorge Victor Harbor Adelaide Special Brewery Lunch Murray Bridge Katherine Gorge Cruise Wine Tastings Sunnydale Bush Walk Younghusband Mannum Dock Museum Small Group Discovery Cruise 3 Day Gourmet Murray River Cruise Mypolonga Woodlane Caloote Ponde Willow Banks Teal Flat Special Barbeque Dinner Reedy Creek Environmental Park Gourmet South Australia Wineries of South Australia

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Departure Dates

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Descriptions

DAY 1 Fly to Darwin

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 airport by a DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred from the airport to your 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, Overnight Darwin Accommodation.

DAY 2 Darwin Town Tour

Darwin is the Northern Territory's capital city, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that boasts alfresco restaurants and bars, galleries and museums, a must-see here is the sensational Mindil Beach Sunset Market held every Sunday and Thursday night, just a few hours drive away lie the beautiful Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks.

Enjoy a leisurely start to your day today before your fascinating 4 hour guided tour of Darwin's rich culture and history.

Your friendly local driver will pick you up in the comfortable air-conditioned coach before sharing experiences, fascinating facts and enchanting stories in the on-board full commentary. Enjoy the colourful sights of our unique city, take in the devastation of Cyclone Tracy, marvel at the majesty of Darwin Harbour, tour through the World War II Oil Storage Tunnels (engineering feat built to protect Darwin's oil supplies from the Japanese, now also houses a collection of Allied wartime photographs), see Sweetheart (famous 5.1m crocodile responsible for a series of attacks on boats) at the NT Museum and Art Gallery, and see Historical Palmerston Town, Parliament House, Military Museum, Darwin Waterfront, Darwin Botanic Gardens, Fannie Bay Gaol, Botanical Gardens, the Qantas Hanger and much more.

Luxury Tour with Hotel Pick Up, Overnight Darwin Accommodation.

DAY 3 Explore Darwin

Cosmopolitan Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory and Australia's only tropical city, the city is vibrant and has a wealth of things to see and do, watch a glorious sunset at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, immerse yourself in the colourful, local Aboriginal culture, cruise around beautiful Darwin Harbour and meet the fearsome crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove.

Spend the day exploring Darwin at your own pace before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight Darwin Accommodation.

DAYS 4–6 Ghan to Adelaide & Board the Proud Mary

This morning you will be personally met at the your hotel by a DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred to the Ghan railway station to begin your journey to Adelaide.

Embark upon one of the world’s great train journeys on the Ghan through the ochre red centre of Australia. Watch as you travel from the lush tropical Northern Territory, through the endless vistas of the “Red Centre” to the rolling landscapes of South Australia. Enjoy a cruise along Katherine Gorge and a range of included touring options in Alice Springs while you experience the opulence of luxury train travel.

See below for full details on your Ghan journey. Note: passengers embarking in Alice Springs join on Day 5.

As you arrive into Adelaide you can feel the history and culture of 'The City of Churches' You will be transferred from the Ghan railway station on arrival in Adelaide to the Murray bridge to board the Proud Mary for your 3 day gourmet Murray River cruise.

After settling into your comfortable river view cabin enjoy a delicious supper and meet the crew, introduced by the Captain.

After boarding the Proud Mary, settle into your comfortable river view cabin enjoy a delicious supper and meet the crew, introduced by the Captain.

Cruise under floodlight to your overnight mooring of Sunnyside and take in the river environment from a completely different perspective. Look for nocturnal wildlife and birds of the area such as night herons and owls as you glide past the graceful willows and dark waters of the Murray River.

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

DAY 7 Cruise to Teal Flat

Depart Sunnyside and cruise upriver taking in some of the best scenery of the Murray River system. The willows along the river bank were planted in the early 1900’s by riverboat captains to clearly mark the main river since the inland lagoons were so large that they often could not find clear channels to navigate.

Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast as you cruise towards Mannum. Take a short stroll through this historic town and visit Mannum Dock Museum for an insight into the early days of paddle-steamers and this aboriginal settlement.

Depart Mannum and cruise upstream through Younghusband and Teal Flat while you enjoy a sumptuous lunch prepared by your onboard chefs.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings as you enjoy a guided cruise though the lagoons and inlets of the Murray River on a small boat with an expert ecologist.

Enjoy a drink with your fellow travellers this evening before enjoying a traditional Aussie barbeque on the riverbank under a canopy of stars. Later, enjoy live entertainment around a campfire. You can even request a song and sing along with your resident musician!

Breakfast, Self-Guided Tour of Mannum, Lunch, Guided Ecology Cruise, Special Barbeque Dinner, Overnight Accommodation Onboard the Proud Mary.

DAY 8 Return to Adelaide

Spend some time this morning exploring the bush further if you wish. Cruise back downstream to Mannum while you enjoy a hearty English breakfast.

Arrive in Mannum and board the waiting coach for your tour to Reedy Creek Environmental Park. Enjoy a guided tour with the onboard ecologist and learn about the special landscape and its effect on the surrounding countryside .

Depart Mannum and enjoy a smorgasbord lunch while you cruise downriver to Murray Bridge via Ponde, Caloote Woodlane, Mypolonga and Willow Banks. Enjoy a video presentation of the Murray River ecology as your 3 day cruise comes to an end.

Get picked up from Murray Bridge and transferred back to Adelaide for the night.

Breakfast, Reedy Creek Environmental Park Guided Tour, Lunch, Proud Mary to Adelaide Transfer, Overnight Adelaide Accommodation.

DAY 9 Adelaide Luxury Coach Tour & River Cruise

Adelaide is famous for stylish architecture, beautiful parklands, boutique shopping, cafe strips, sandy swimming beaches, fabulous arts events, festivals, nightlife, and sandstone cottages with sweeping gardens. The diverse cultural mix of its one million population guarantees that the food is sensational. Adelaide is Australia's wine capital and lies between rolling hills to the east and beautiful sandy beaches to the west, with world class vineyards within easy reach.

Your friendly driver will pick you up in the comfortable air-conditioned luxury coach before sharing experiences, fascinating facts and enchanting stories in the onboard full commentary throughout the morning. Today see Victoria Square (heart of Adelaide City), Gouger Street (restaurant cafe strip), King William Street's famous boulevard, The Terraces (4 terraces that separate the city from its greenbelts) and Adelaide's magnificent parks, gardens and greenbelts. See River Torrens with its delightful garden banks, Parliament House, State Library, Trinity Church (Adelaide's oldest church), and fashionable Hutt Street. See Beehive Corner at Rundle Mall, Adelaide Oval (one of Australia's most notable cricket grounds and houses the Bradman collection), the quaint suburbs of historic North Adelaide and St Peter's Cathedral. See the National Wine Centre of Australia and Adelaide’s Cultural Boulevard of North Terrace - drive by the University, Library, Art Gallery & Museum.

Following your tour of Adelaide, embark on a leisurely scenic cruise along the Torrens River on board the famous Adelaide icon, “The Popeye”. Take in the picturesque scenery and prolific birdlife as you cruise through the heart of this wonderful city past the Torrens Weir to the Adelaide Zoo. Be regaled with a fascinating commentary from your captain highlighting all major points of interest along your magical journey. Finish your cruise at Elder Park and spend some time taking in this beautiful oasis in the heart of Adelaide.

Enjoy some free-time this afternoon to explore Adelaide and some of its treasures.

Breakfast, Luxury Coach Tour with Hotel Pick Ups, Torrens River Cruise, Overnight Adelaide Accommodation.

DAY 10 Barossa Valley with Special Lunch

Head to the Adelaide Hills to explore one of Australia’s best and most famous wine-producing regions – the Barossa Valley. Regarded as one of the finest wine regions in the world, the Barossa is home to Australia's most expensive wine, Penfolds Grange. Enjoy your delicious Special Lunch at a renowned winery restaurant, including tastings, winemaking tour and wine education. Explore some of the quaint and charming villages in the Adelaide Hills, part of the Mount Lofty Ranges. See the heavy influence of the original German settlers, such as buildings with steeply sloping roofs, Lutheran stone churches and try the local versions of Germanic cuisine. Visit Hahndorf, the beautiful Lutheran settlement dating back to 1838, with its arts, crafts, cottage industry shops, pubs, traditional small goods and bakeries that evoke the tastes and smells of Bavaria.

Leaving Adelaide, we begin our enchanting journey northwards to the world-renowned Barossa wine region. Watch as the scenery transforms before your eyes as we meander our way through the bucolic vineyards of South Australia’s premium wine district. Discover the art of great winemaking on your 'Behind the Scenes' guided tour of Jacob’s Creek Wines, housed in a charming historic chateau. Enjoy a tutored wine tasting incorporating introductory wine education, view the original winery built in 1897 with traditional winemaking equipment, be taken on a tour of the surrounding vines and cellar door, and then enjoy morning tea as you overlook the postcard perfect vineyards.

Experience the panoramic views over the Barossa Valley from Mengler's Hill lookout, before enjoying a fascinating wine tasting followed by a delicious two-course lunch at Lambert Estate in Angaston. After lunch, we leave the Barossa behind, as our path leads us through the historic Adelaide Hills, a region brimming with country charm. Along the way, we encounter the Herbig Family Tree in Springton, whose hollowed trunk provided a ‘home’ for Friedrich and Caroline Herbig, along with their 16 children, until 1860. Next, we visit Beerenberg Farm Shop, where history and tradition thrive. Explore the shop, overflowing with Beerenberg's products and local treasures, each one carrying a piece of the region's heritage.

From here, the coach will deliver you to whimsical Hahndorf (Australia's oldest German settlement), where you will enjoy free time to stroll under the Elm trees along Hahndorf's main street, see quaint cottages, craft shops, galleries and tea rooms and perhaps visit one of the historic pubs where you can sample some German beers. Head back to Adelaide with a deep appreciation of the Australian wine industry and the beauty of the Adelaide Hills.

Breakfast, Luxury Day Tour with Hotel Pick-Up, Morning Tea, Winemaking Tour, Wine Education, Special Two Course Lunch, Wine Tastings, Overnight Adelaide Accommodation.

DAY 11 Victor Harbor & Southern Highlights

The Fleurieu Peninsula is a holiday playground of wineries, seaside towns and lakes whose population trebles during holiday periods. The splendid seaside resort township of Victor Harbor is where the mouth of the massive Murray River finally meets the ocean. The old paddle-steamer port of Goolwa is on Lake Alexandrina, near the Murray Mouth and is joined by a bridge to Hindmarsh Island.

Tour through the Mt Lofty Ranges with its many quaint villages and panoramic views. Stop at historic Strathalbyn on the Angas River – a delightful town adorned with antique stores, markets, bakeries, and cafes – the perfect place to find some indulgent morning tea. Pass through the Currency Creek wine region on route to the river Port of Goolwa (where the Murray River meets the lakes and sea) to enjoy a brief tour around the wharf, barrage and beach areas, before travelling on to Port Elliot, Horseshoe Bay and Victor Harbor. Enjoy some free time in Victor Harbour to explore this seaside gem. Perhaps grab some lunch, explore the town, ride a horse drawn tram across the causeway to Granite Island or take a Seal Island Cruise.

Next, surrender to the enchantment of spellbinding Encounter Bay and Rosetta Head. Keep your eyes peeled for The Bluff, a majestic sentinel that watches over the charming township of Victor Harbor. Our path then leads us through the renowned wine country of McLaren Vale where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. Before we return to Adelaide, we'll be graced by some of the most picturesque southern metropolitan beaches - Port Noarlunga and Moana, each a haven of natural beauty and tranquillity, where the waves kiss the shore and the sun paints the sky in hues of gold and crimson.

Breakfast, Luxury Coach Tour with Hotel Pick Ups, Overnight Adelaide Accommodation.

DAY 12 Fly Home

Today marks the end of your South Australia holiday.

Time to say goodbye to beautiful Adelaide 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.

Breakfast, 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 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.

Inclusions aboard the Proud Mary

Relax in your river-view cabin with private balcony onboard the Proud Mary along the Murray River and enjoy FREE full board cuisine, FREE onshore tours, FREE guided nature walks and eco-excursions, FREE onboard presentations, FREE live entertainment, FREE bike and canoe hire and FREE onboard tea and coffee. Please note: the Proud Mary charges a fuel levy of $8 per person per night which is payable direct when you finalise your onboard account at the end of your cruise.

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.

Airport and Rail Transfers Included

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

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

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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.

The Proud Mary in Detail

Use this tool for full details and images on the Proud Mary:

Overview Cabins Dining Onboard Facilities

Journey Details Daytime Activities & Shore Excursions Proud Mary Details

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Overview

Join us aboard this superbly appointed premium riverboat for a gourmet cruise experience on the mighty Murray River.

The stylish bar, lounge and dining areas provide the prefect location for indulging in the culinary delights of our resident chefs, while experiencing the passing amazing scenery.

Each cruise is defined by exemplary service from crew members who are genuine ‘river locals’, chefs who are passionate about local seasonal produce and a tour and transport operator dedicated to providing an unforgettable Murray River experience.

The recently refurbished MV Proud Mary is a purpose-built boutique cruising vessel providing an intimate and friendly atmosphere and offering a true insight into South Australia’s bushland and famous Murray River.

Departing from Murray Bridge, just one hour out of Adelaide, the Proud Mary caters for a maximum of just 40 passengers and provides the ideal environment for passengers to explore, experience, indulge and discover all the river has to offer.

The vessel, designed by Naval Architect Mr Peter James, was built in 1982 on the banks of the Murray River in Berri, South Australia, by the Berri Ship building company. It was purposely built with a shallow draft, allowing the vessel to safely navigate shallow sections of the river. The style of the vessel evokes the majestic Mississippi river cruisers.

Optional Upgrades

Ghan Expedition Upgrade

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 April and October. Upgrade your package to incorporate the amazing “Ghan Expedition”. + Show more

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Ghan with Adelaide All-Inclusive & Proud Mary 3 Day Gourmet Murray River Cruise & Darwin Stay

12 Day Train + Cruise + Touring Package

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

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*Holiday costs per person, for 2 people sharing, travelling on indicated dates. Subject to limited availability at these prices, after which higher prices normally apply, book now. Proud Mary charges a fuel levy of $8 per person per night which is payable direct when you finalise your onboard account at the end of your cruise. Prices are subject to change without notice. Select “Single” for solo traveller prices. Booking requests are made subject to availability. Itinerary and vehicle types subject to change without notice. Some governments and service operators have Covid vaccination requirements. Your included flights advised via email with 24 hours to select alternative flights, routing or airline (alternatives may be at a higher price). Included flights may not be the most direct routing. Arrive earlier/stay longer for specified airports only. Stop-overs are not possible. Subject to Booking Conditions, see Important Information before booking. © DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Booking Code: mp287