Your epic four day, three night Ghan adventure from tropical Darwin in the Top End to South Australia's elegant capital city Adelaide transports you in modern comfort through some of Australia's most diverse and beautiful landscapes, invoking the romance of long distance rail travel and providing unforgettable memories on one of the world's only true transcontinental railway journeys. The Ghan's unusual name derives from the Afghan camel drivers who helped open up Australia's vast and inhospitable interior in the late 19th century, as you board the Ghan at Darwin Railway Station you'll be traversing the same route as these hardy men journeyed all those years ago through the red centre of this vast continent. Aboard the Ghan settle into your welcoming cabin which will be your home for the next four days, after you've enjoyed a sumptuous lunch in the elegant Queen Adelaide Restaurant carriage you'll have arrived in the town of Katherine where you'll enjoy your first off-train excursion to the magnificent Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) where you can cruise the beautiful Katherine River taking in the wonderful surrounds, alternatively upgrade your excursion to an amazing helicopter flight over Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks for an unforgettable experience. Back on board the Ghan a mouth watering dinner awaits accompanied by a sensational sunset over the ancient landscape, the perfect ending to a perfect day. Dawn's first light illuminates the ruggedly beautiful outback landscape and breakfast prepares you for your arrival in the iconic outback town of Alice Springs and another day of adventure and awe with an off-train excursion in this legendary town. A full day in 'Alice' offers ample opportunity to explore the town and its attractions, see the recently renovated Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Pioneer Women's Memorial and enjoy the panoramic view of the town from Anzac Hill, evening is spent under star spangled outback skies with an authentic Outback Bush Barbecue. The following morning sees your arrival at remote Manguri where a full day off-train excursion takes you to sun-bleached Coober Pedy, the underground opal mining town, explore underground tunnels and caves and enjoy a delicious underground lunch in surreal surrounds. Head back to the Ghan with a wealth of new memories as you prepare yourself for your final night on this legendary train, share your experiences with fellow travellers or retire to your welcoming cabin to relax and be alone with your thoughts. Sunrise comes up over a dramatically different landscape, the ochre earth of the outback replaced by the rolling hills and greenery of South Australia's pastoral lands, after breakfast the Ghan arrives in Adelaide, the beautiful 'City of Churches'.
