Top End Explorer 2023

Overview

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.

The Ghan promises access to parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to – the perfect balance of comfort and adventure culminating in an experience that will move you in every sense of the word.

Prepare for a holiday of unimaginable proportions as the legendary Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. Enjoy the comfort and solitude of your private cabin, lose yourself in conversation with newfound travelling companions, or simply gaze out of the window taking inspiration from the ever-changing landscape. And when the train stops along the way, the adventures begin. Experience the dramatic scenery of central Australia on the back of a camel, and explore the ancient, awe-inspiring wonders of the Northern Territory.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the outback town of Alice Springs
• 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

Package operates April - November 2023
Advertised price based on 19 November 2023 departure date. Surcharges apply for other travel dates - hurry, availability is limited!

Inclusions

• 2 nights aboard The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs and 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 Tours,travelling on board a state-of-the-art 4WD Mercedes-Benz vehicle, including accommodation, guided touring and meals
• Half-day Darwin City Sights tour
• Darwin Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

Package operates April - November 2023
Advertised price based on 19 November 2023 departure date. Surcharges apply for other travel dates - hurry, availability is limited!

Itinerary

DAY 1 – BOARD THE GHAN IN ADELAIDE

Step aboard The Ghan in Adelaide for an unforgettable adventure to the Top End. Settle in to your cabin and see the changes in landscape from your window as the train leaves the city, heading for the Flinders Ranges and  beyond. (L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights The Ghan

DAY 2 – THE GHAN, ALICE SPRINGS

After your first night enjoying the fine dining and relaxed luxury of this iconic train, you’ll wake to an amazing outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track. Enjoy more incredible scenery before arriving into Alice Springs early in the afternoon to enjoy an Off Train Experience that reveals more of this historic outback town. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 – THE GHAN, KATHERINE AND DARWIN

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. (B,L)
OVERNIGHT: 1 night Double Tree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin

DAY 4 – DARWIN TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

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. (B,L,D)

TOP END EXPLORER

*During March and April, the cruise will be on Adelaide River, with crossings at Mary River, West & South Alligator Rivers
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
*Due to availability, some stays may be at Cooinda Lodge

DAY 5 – KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

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 30-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. (B,L,D)
**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.

DAY 6 – KAKADU NATIONAL PARK, LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK,  DARWIN 

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. (B, L)
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin

DAY 7 – DARWIN, DARWIN HARBOUR DINNER CRUISE 

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 (B, D).

DAY 8 – FAREWELL

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