The Ghan Like Never Before: 9-Day Luxury Escapes Exclusive Charter from Darwin to Adelaide with 4-Day Rail Journey, VIP Events & Unmissable Off Train Experiences
There’s never been a journey like this before. You’re invited to experience a new level of exclusive luxury and the very best in bespoke touring onboard our first-ever Luxury Escapes private charter of The Ghan Expedition – Australia’s greatest train journey – on this once-in-a-lifetime nine-day tour from Darwin to Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and Adelaide.
This unmissable, one-of-a-kind journey starts in Darwin with a Hilton stay. Discover the best of Australia’s largest national park, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu, with a breathtaking Yellow Water Billabong cruise, where rugged escarpments come alive with ancient rock art and wildlife. And find refuge from the tropical warmth of the Top End in the refreshing swimming holes of Litchfield National Park’s Florence and Wangi Falls.
Then, step onboard The Ghan Expedition and into unparalleled indulgence with premium onboard dining and drinks. Unmissable Off Train Experiences will take your escape to new heights as you embark on this legendary crossing of almost 3,000 kilometres. In Katherine, choose between two Nitmuliuk gorge cruises or celebrate life on the land with a unique outback experience; in Alice Springs, choose from four included experiences, all culminating with an outback dinner under a chandelier of stars at Alice Springs Telegraph Station; and in Coober Pedy, choose from three experiences including visits to Umoona Opal Mine and Museum and Opal Quest Mine, where you can try your luck at finding fortune.
Reaching its end in Australia’s most livable city for 2021, this unparalleled journey concludes with a stay at Hilton Adelaide and an experience that’s sure to stay with you long after you leave – a private, immersive wine tasting at the highly acclaimed Penfolds Magill Estate, including a coveted Grange. Plus, it’s a Luxury Escapes private charter so every moment counts. You’ll also be invited to VIP Luxury Escapes-exclusive welcome and farewell events in Darwin, including a Welcome to Country experience, and Adelaide – at the iconic Adelaide Oval – with free-flowing drinks and canapés that will truly set the mood for this bucket-list journey.
- Five nights of handpicked accommodation, including three nights at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Darwin and two nights at Hilton Adelaide
- Three nights onboard The Ghan with Gold Service accommodation
- Daily dining as per the itinerary, including premium drinks and meals onboard The Ghan
- Exclusive Luxury Escapes-hosted welcome event at One Wharf in Darwin and farewell event at Adelaide Oval, with canapés and free-flowing drinks
- Incredible full-day tour of Kakadu National Park with a Yellow Water Billabong cruise
- Plunge into swimming holes with a full-day Litchfield National Park tour
- Your choice of Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy
- Test your wine knowledge with a private, immersive 1.5-hour wine tasting experience, including a coveted Grange, at Penfolds Magill Estate in Adelaide
- Roundtrip shared airport transfers and transportation in air-conditioned coaches
- The services of expert on-ground representatives
- All entrance fees and sightseeing per itinerary
Gold Plus Upgrade: Make your stay extra special with our exclusive Gold Plus packages (made specifically for this once-in-a-lifetime charter). Enjoy upgraded accommodation in Darwin (with a welcome bottle of wine) and Adelaide, additional food and drink upgrades for select experiences and a Luxury Escapes exclusive, bespoke Penfolds iconic tasting and culinary experience. Crafted specifically for guests of our private charter, this Penfold Magill Estate visit includes a two-course lunch with paired wines and iconic wine tasting, including a coveted Grange.
Platinum Upgrade: Elevate your experience with the Platinum Upgrade and benefit from elevated five-star Hilton Darwin and Adelaide stays (with a bottle of wine on arrival in Darwin and Executive Lounge access in Adelaide), private roundtrip transfers and top-tier Platinum Service with elevated premium drinks and dining onboard The Ghan. Plus, a welcome sunset cruise in Darwin with outback-inspired, three-course dinner and Australian wine, an included scenic flight over Kakadu National Park, a bespoke Penfolds wine tasting experience including a coveted Grange, created specifically for this charter, where you’ll be treated to a private, five-course degustation twilight dinner with matched wines at Penfolds Magill Estate and more.
Platinum Plus Upgrade: It doesn’t get any better than this. In addition to the incredible inclusions in the Platinum Upgrade (including One-Bedroom Suite upgrades with Executive Lounge access in Darwin and Adelaide), you’ll be treated to a full-day scenic flight from Alice Springs to Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa, complete with a drive around the base of the monolith itself.
Your Ghan Expedition takes you to: Darwin – Kakadu National Park – Litchfield National Park – Katherine – Alice Springs – Coober Pedy – Adelaide.
The Ghan Expedition — Premium Gold Service accommodation with premium onboard dining, drinks and Off Train Experiences
Breathtaking views greet you at every turn during The Ghan Expedition, from the luscious national parks of Darwin to the sweeping striking red earth of Simpsons Gap in Alice Springs and Flinders Ranges vistas in Adelaide, South Australia.
Explore the breathtakingly beautiful Red Centre in Gold or Platinum Service and become part of 90 years of frontier history in a solo traveller or twin share cabin, featuring an upper and lower-berth bed and private ensuite or single cabin with shared bathroom facilities. The highlight of your experience — aside from the top-tier accommodation — is the Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, and gourmet daily multi-course dining with premium Australian wine, beer and spirits.
This once-in-a-lifetime gourmet experience invites you to feast on a regionally inspired menu featuring the likes of crocodile boudin blanc sausage, grilled saltwater barramundi and lemon myrtle cheesecake, all while discovering the beauty of Australia’s Red Centre. Better yet, regardless of which Off Train Experience you choose in Alice Springs, you’ll be treated to an unmissable outback dinner under a chandelier of stars at Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Want to know more about The Ghan Expedition? Join Seasoned Traveller and influencer, Sofia Levin, as she details the very best The Ghan Expedition has to offer.
Choose your level of luxury – Tailor your experience with four levels
Choose from four levels of luxury travel – two created exclusively by Luxury Escapes – for a truly bespoke journey. Each package provides the choice of Gold Service or Platinum Service onboard The Ghan and a host of ways to make your journey extra special. This includes pre-and post-accommodation room upgrades, expertly curated, additional experiences and upgraded drink inclusions for select packages.
Gold – Your quintessential journey
Your otherworldly escape begins with a stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Darwin in a Guest Room, conveniently situated along Darwin Harbour and the Esplanade, followed by two hours of free-flow welcome drinks by the poolside. Ending in South Australia’s capital, you will spend two nights at Hilton Adelaide in a King Hilton Guest Room.
Experience the golden era of rail travel with the most popular choice of accommodation, Gold Service Twin and Single Cabins. Gold Twin cabins feature comfortable sleeper cabins with private ensuite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day. Gold Single cabins include compact sleeper cabins featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower and toilet facilities at the end of the carriage. Premium onboard dining, drinks and a range of fascinating Off Train Experiences at key stops are included within your package.
Indulge your inner sommelier with a 1.5-hour private tasting experience at Penfolds Magill Estate. The Ultimate Penfolds Experience begins with a guided tour of Magil Estate – home of Australia’s leading red wine producer – before taking a seat in a private space for an intimate, luxury tasting of Penfolds’ most awarded and sought after wines, including one vintage of Grange.
Gold Plus – Special touches every step of the way
In addition to the Gold benefits, you will enjoy an upgraded stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin in a Guest Room with a welcome bottle of wine, and a King Hilton Deluxe Room at Hilton Adelaide.
Additional food and drink upgrades include welcome canapés with your free-flow welcome drinks by the pool on Day 1, along with upgraded wine or beer at lunch in Kakadu National Park on Day 2.
Your bespoke Penfolds Magill Experience, made specifically for guests of Luxury Escapes private charter of The Ghan Expedition, will take place on the day of arrival in Adelaide (Day 7) for a Penfolds Iconic Experience, including a visit to the renowned Grand Cottage and vintage cellar, where you will also experience the underground drives and see the original hiding spot of Max Schubert’s hidden Grange. Your host will then lead you through a structured tasting of some of the most highly coveted wines, followed by a two-course lunch prepared by Magill Estate Kitchen – with three perfectly matched Penfold wines, of course.
Platinum – Take your experience to the next level
Your stay is off to a great start with roundtrip private airport transfers, a stay at Darwin’s premier five-star hotel – Hilton Darwin in a Guest Room with a welcome bottle of wine – and a welcome sunset cruise with sparkling on arrival and an outback inspired, three-course dinner with Australian wine freely served throughout.
On Day 2, the Platinum Upgrade will take your expedition new heights with an included scenic flight above Kakadu National Parks, where you can marvel at escarpments that stretch into the distance, vast flood plains and lush billabongs.
For an enhanced experience on The Ghan Expedition, Platinum Service accommodation adds a layer of sophistication with superbly appointed cabins complete with full-size ensuite, expansive windows and exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage. By day, this luxe cabin will share a resemblance to a private lounge and at night, it will transform into either a double or twin bed. In addition to elevated premium dining of the highest standard and Off Train Experiences, your onboard meals – daily breakfast, two-course lunches and four-course dinners – will be accompanied by a selection of elevated premium drinks.
To welcome you to Adelaide, there’s no place more iconic than Penfolds Magill Estate, and this evening of indulgence will be sure to leave a lasting impression. Arrive and enjoy a welcome drink at the Cellar Door Front Terrace with sweeping views over Adelaide and the lush vineyard. Then, you’ll be shown around the estate with the added twilight ambience to add to this extraordinary experience before taking a seat at the table within a private dining space, where a five-course degustation with matched wines sets the tone for an eventful evening that will delight your inner gourmand. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is exclusive to Luxury Escapes guests of our private The Ghan Expedition charter and was crafted just for you.
Platinum Plus – It doesn’t get any better than this
For the discerning traveller, Platinum Plus offers an enhanced level of luxury to your journey. Not only will you receive all the VIP inclusions of the Platinum Upgrade, but you’ll also receive upgraded stays in a suite at Hilton Darwin and Hilton Adelaide (with Executive Lounge benefits, including nightly pre-dinner drinks and canapés in Darwin and Adelaide, and a welcome bottle of wine on arrival). When you thought it couldn’t get any better, your escape will soar above all your expectations with an Uluṟu fixed-wing scenic flight on Day 5.
Take in the spectacular outback scenery and vastness of Australia with a unique bird’s eye view of Uluṟu. Rising out of the surrounding Central Australian desert, Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuṯa (The Olgas) dominate the landscape. Setting down, you will visit Mutitjula Waterhole, home of Wanampi, an ancestral water snake, enjoy a picnic lunch and travel around the base of Uluṟu by vehicle. On return to Ayers Rock Airport, board your aircraft and take to the skies again where you will fly closely around Uluṟu for a different perspective and see Kata Tjuṯa.
Your tour begins at Darwin Airport (DRW) and ends at Adelaide Airport (ADL) with shared roundtrip airport transfers. Platinum and Platinum Plus will receive private transfers.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed.
Please book your flights to arrive at Darwin Airport (DRW) by 3.30pm on Day 1 and depart from Adelaide Airport (ADL) any time after 10am on Day 9.
Roundtrip airport transfers (shared for Gold and Gold Plus; private for Platinum and Platinum Plus) are included in your tour on the first and last day only. Arrival transfers are available until 3.30pm on Day 1, and departure transfers up until 2.30pm on Day 9 for Gold and Gold Plus, and until 6pm for Platinum and Platinum Plus.
Luggage: See the Fine Print for weight restrictions.
Due to space constraints, guests are advised to take onboard only hand luggage containing the requirements for their rail journey. Checked-in luggage cannot be accessed during the journey. Guests should bring an overnight bag to their cabin containing everything needed for the journey. Not sure what to pack? See The Ghan Expedition’s guide here.
You MUST complete your booking form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements. Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information: Red Centre
Time zone: AEST GMT +9:30
Telephone: +61
Currency: AUD
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: English
Climate: The dry season (May-October) is when most tourists visit. The days are typically sunny and evenings cool.
Important Destination Information: South Australia
Time zone: AEST GMT +10:30
Telephone: +61
Currency: AUD
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: English
Climate: Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (December to February) and mild winters (June to August).
Day 1: Darwin, Northern Territory
Renowned as the gateway to the Top End, your journey begins in the spirited capital of the Northern Territory where a stirring blend of history, a myriad of cultural influences and tropical beauty are capped off daily by sunsets sure to leave you speechless.
Gold
Your journey begins with a shared transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) with your fellow travellers to reach DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Darwin, where a sublime stay awaits. Enjoy time to settle and be ready for two hours of free-flow welcome drinks (local beer, wine, sparkling and soft drinks) at the poolside garden (venue or location may be subject to change) as you get acquainted with your newfound companions. At the same time, your on-ground representative will reveal details of the day to follow. The night is yours to take advantage of the many dining options that Darwin has to offer. Need inspiration? Our insider travel guide includes handpicked places to eat and drink, the best activities in the area, and special experiences to make your trip memorable.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Darwin (Guest Room)
Meals: Two Hours of Free-Flow Welcome Drinks
Gold Plus
In addition to complimentary drinks and included shared transfers, you’ll also be treated to canapés by the poolside and a welcome bottle of wine in your Guest Room on arrival.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin (Guest Room)
Meals: Welcome Bottle of Wine and Two Hours of Free-Flow Welcome Drinks with Canapés
Platinum
Upon arrival at Darwin Airport (DRW), enjoy a private transfer to your Top End haven, the five-star Hilton Darwin, where a welcome bottle of wine will be waiting. It’s no secret that Darwin is blessed with a spectacular harbour, and what better way to experience its beauty than from the water? Be ready at approximately 5pm to enjoy your included 2.5-hour sunset cruise, where you’ll be greeted with a premium glass of sparkling on arrival. Watch as sun melts into the glistening Timor Sea and enjoy unparalleled viewing from the sun deck. Then, savour an exquisite Territory-inspired, three-course dinner with Australian bottled wine served throughout, before you’re returned to the award-winning Hilton Darwin.
Accommodation: Hilton Darwin (Guest Room)
Meals: Welcome Bottle of Wine, Welcome Glass of Sparkling and Three-Course Dinner with Australian Wine
Platinum Plus
In addition to the Platinum inclusions, enjoy an elevated stay in a high-floor One-Bedroom Suite at the Hilton Darwin, boasting a luxurious separate living room, a bathtub and shower, plus a welcome bottle of wine on arrival and Executive Lounge benefits, which include VIP access to the lounge and nightly pre-dinner drinks and canapés.
Accommodation: Hilton Darwin (One-Bedroom Suite)
Meals: Welcome Bottle of Wine, Welcome Glass of Sparkling and Three-Course Dinner with Australian Wine
Day 2: Darwin – Kakadu National Park – Darwin
Gold
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Australia’s largest national park is in a league of its own. The walking trails, photogenic sunsets and Indigenous art are exquisite, but the undisputed highlight of Kakadu is the billabong, Yellow Water, where you can spy crocodiles and water buffalo.
Following a 90-minute drive along the exquisite Arnheim Highway and through the Marrakai Plains, you will arrive in this magnificent landscape. Cruise the Yellow Water wetlands and learn about the fascinating history, culture and traditions of the Bininj people – Kakadu’s traditional owners – while spotting saltwater crocodiles and colourful birdlife, including sea eagles, brolgas and tiny, brilliantly-hued kingfishers. After lunch, there will also be time to discover outdoor galleries of ancient art at Nourlangie, home to drawings ranging from 15,000 years to 150-years old, dazzling with Dreamtime folklore and first contact with white settlers.
Then, make the return journey back to DoubleTree, where you’re free to enjoy the remainder of your evening at leisure.
Optional Activity (included for Platinum and Platinum Plus): Choose to elevate your Kakadu experience with an optional scenic flight, soaring above the magnificent plains of Australia’s largest national park (from A$260 per person, subject to availability, and can be pre-booked on request with Luxury Escapes Tours Concierge).
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Darwin (Guest Room)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch with Soft Drinks
Gold Plus
In addition to the Gold package inclusions, enjoy the added luxury of included beer or wine with your lunch (timings may vary).
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin (Guest Room)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch with Beer and Wine
Platinum
Along with premium wine and beer included at lunch, your day will also be one to remember with a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park for Platinum and Platinum Plus guests. Please note: times will vary across the group.
Accommodation: Hilton Darwin (Guest Room)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch with Beer or Wine
Platinum Plus
Accommodation: Hilton Darwin (One-Bedroom Suite)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch with Beer or Wine
Day 3: Darwin – Litchfield National Park – Darwin
Rugged rock formations, piercing-blue natural watering holes, powerful waterfalls and lush monsoon rainforest: the Northern Territory is swathed in landscapes brimming with natural wonder. Today you’ll see it all and more with a full-day tour of Litchfield National Park. Take in the ever-changing landscape that unfolds around you, while keeping watch for the hundreds of native bird species that call the area home.
Throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to hop from one peacock-blue hued plunge pool to another as you marvel at the twin cascades of the spring-fed Florence Falls, listen to the thundering sounds of Tolmer Falls and splash about at Wangi Falls. On your return journey to Darwin, there will be time for a stop at Howard Springs Nature Park to feed wild barramundi and turtles before wandering among the two-metre-high Magnetic Termite Mounds.
Recharge in your room then prepare for the night ahead – an exclusive Luxury Escapes welcome event Wharf One, set against a dazzling background of the harbour. Spend the night in awe as you are greeted with a Welcome to Country experience and become acquainted with your fellow travel companions while enjoying substantial canapés and free-flowing wine and beer before tomorrow’s cross-country expedition on The Ghan.
Gold
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Darwin (Guest Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Evening Canapés with Beer and Wine
Gold Plus
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin (Guest Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Evening Canapés with Beer and Wine
Platinum
Accommodation: Hilton Darwin (Guest Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Evening Canapés with Beer and Wine
Platinum Plus
Accommodation: Hilton Darwin (One-Bedroom Suite)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Evening Canapés with Beer and Wine
Day 4: Darwin – The Ghan Expedition Embarkation – Katherine
Today is the day you will embark on the journey of a lifetime aboard The Ghan Expedition, passing majestic landscapes and unearthing the very best the outback has to offer. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the terminal to board The Ghan and shown to your cabin. Settle in and venture to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, where you can sit back and unwind with a glass of fine Australian wine.
Watch as the passing scenery transforms as you make your way into Katherine, replete with prehistoric-looking ferns and twisted mangroves that tumble down dramatic cliff faces. It’s here you will enjoy your first Off Train Experience, with your choice of two guided cruises showcasing the incredible Indigenous rock paintings covering the walls of the Nitmiluk Gorge or an outback experience at a working farm. Later, return to The Ghan for your first multi-course dinner.
Nitmuliuk First Gorge Art Cruise: Upon entering Nitmiluk Gorge, you’ll be enveloped in birdsong, the buzz of insects and tremendous nature within the 292,000 hectares of the Nitmiluk National Park. Experience its beauty up close with a guided cruise showcasing the incredible Indigenous rock paintings covering the walls of the gorge, before a short walk to the top of the First Gorge, where artwork remains even after thousands of years exposed to the elements.
Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise: Listen to call of the cicada resonate across the water and bounce between the sandstone cliffs of Nitmulik Gorge on this breathtaking cruise, taking you between the First and Second Gorge. Please note, a 500m walk over rocky terrain is required in both directions between the gorges.
Outback Experience: Celebrate life on the land with real horse-starting and working dog demonstrations, entwined with live music and humorous bush tales during this quintessential outback experience. You will have the opportunity to interact with some of the four-legged station characters including Tin Shaker the Brahman Steer and Bill the Buffalo, while learning about the Northern Territory’s rich pastoral history before enjoying a delicious morning or afternoon tea.
Optional Activity: See the gorge from an entirely different perspective with a not-to-be-missed Nitmiluk Gorge helicopter flight over all 13 gorges (approximately A$220 per person, subject to limited availability, and can be pre-booked on request with Luxury Escapes Tours Concierge)
Gold and Gold Plus
Accommodation: The Ghan (Gold Service cabin)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with Premium Onboard Drinks
Platinum and Platinum Plus
Accommodation: The Ghan (Platinum Service cabin)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with Elevated Premium Onboard Drinks
Day 5: Alice Springs
Leave your window blinds slightly ajar to catch the first rays of morning sun flood your cabin with a glorious, orange-tinted light. Today, stop in Alice Springs and experience the striking beauty of the region with a selection of Off Train Experiences. Each incredible experience concludes at Alice Springs Telegraph Station, where you’ll be immersed in the spirit and grandeur of the Australian outback as you tuck into a mouthwatering meal, served with cold beer or fine wine under a chandelier of stars.
Alice Explorer and Outback Outback BBQ Dinner: Visit the Alice Springs School of the Air and learn about the education provided to children living in the most remote parts of the Northern Territory. Then, during a guided tour of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, hear how medical aid reaches those who live in the furthest reaches of Australia’s outback, before continuing to the Reptile Centre, home to more than 100 reptile exhibits. Capture a stunning photo of Alice Springs from ANZAC Hill, before a truly unique dining experience at Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Alice Springs Off-Road Exploration and Outback BBQ Dinner: Your off-road mountain bike adventure begins at the birthplace of Alice Springs, the historic Old Telegraph Station. The trail winds around the famous dry Todd River, where you’ll glide along the Illentye trail before pulling over to dig for water and soak in this amazing landscape. Your ride continues underneath the shade of ghost gum trees, before lunch in one of Tadd Mall’s quaint cafés and a transfer back to Alice Springs Telegraph Station for an unmissable dining experience under the stars.
Alice Springs Desert Park and Outback BBQ Dinner: Join an experienced guide for an exclusive guided walking tour that will unravel ancient cultural stories, the science behind the region’s breathtaking landscapes, verdant animal life and geological marvels. Step inside the Nocturnal House, enjoy a front-row seat at the spectacular free-flight bird show with a backstage pass to meet the birds and trainers for a private training session, and see resident dingoes before a film on desert evolution.
Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk and Outback BBQ Dinner: Soak in the serenity and peacefulness of Simpsons Gap as you watch the walls glow from reflected sunlight, creating a breathtaking display of stark form and rich colour, before you’re transferred to Alice Springs Desert Park for lunch and free time in this inspiring desert oasis.
Uluṟu Fixed-Wing Scenic Flight and Outback BBQ Dinner included for Platinum Plus (Gold, Gold Plus and Platinum Guests can request to book this experience for A$1,259 per person, subject to availability): Take in the spectacular outback scenery and vastness of Australia with a unique bird’s eye view of Uluṟu. Rising out of the surrounding Central Australian desert, Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuṯa (The Olgas) dominate the landscape. Setting down, you will visit Mutitjula Waterhole, home of Wanampi, an ancestral water snake, enjoy a picnic lunch and travel around the base of Uluṟu by vehicle. On return to Ayers Rock Airport, board your aircraft and take to the skies again where you will fly closely around Uluṟu for a different perspective of this iconic monolith and Kata Tjuṯa.
This tour is subject to flight weather conditions and National Park access. Weight restrictions do apply and vary depending on total weight of all passengers in the aircraft.
Gold, Gold Plus and Platinum
Accommodation: The Ghan (Gold Service cabin)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch as per Off Train Experience and Dinner with Wine or Beer
Platinum Plus
Off Train Experience: Uluṟu Fixed-Wing Scenic Flight
Accommodation: The Ghan (Platinum Service cabin)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with Wine or Beer
Day 6: Manguri and Coober Pedy
Get ready for another day of sun-soaked scenery deep in the South Australian desert with a morning stop at Manguri with time to venture into the wonderful opal mining town of Coober Pedy, where a selection of Off Train Experiences await.
Discover the Majestic Breakaways: The Breakaways Reserve got its name from the colourful low hills that appear from a distance as if they are ‘broken away’ from the higher ground of the reserve. Experience this spectacle first-hand as you venture to The Breakaways Lookout, walk amid vibrant local flora and fauna, listen to Indigenous ‘dream time’ stories and discover the beauty of Australia’s national gemstone at Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, one of Coober Pedy’s original attractions and the Opal capital of the world. A visit to the Opal Quest Mine is where you will be able to don a hard hat and try your luck finding fortune while enjoying an underground lunch.
Explore Coober Pedy: Tour the town and hear about its history. See the Serbian Orthodox Church, built underground with rock carvings in the walls, visit Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, an underground museum, see the grassless golf course, the only golf club with reciprocal playing rights to St Andrews in Scotland, and witness a working opal field at the Quest Opal Mine. Then, marvel at The Breakaways, once a vast inland sea.
Opal Experience: Embark on a half-day tour to Umoona Opal Mine and Museum. This immersive experience reveals all there is to know about these alluring gemstones and you’ll also get to see the very best examples of them on display. At the Opal Quest Mine, you’ll have the chance to fossick for your own opal and enjoy a relaxed lunch underground. Watch the earthy colours of the ancient mesas and valleys transform as the sun moves across this surreal panorama. Your second lookout is the Big Winch, which offers another perfect vantage point to truly appreciate this powerful place.
Gold and Gold Plus
Accommodation: The Ghan (Gold Service cabin)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with Premium Onboard Drinks
Platinum and Platinum Plus
Accommodation: The Ghan (Platinum Service cabin)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with Elevated Premium Onboard Drinks
Day 7: The Ghan Expedition Disembarkation – Adelaide
Gold
This morning you will be rewarded with stunning views from within the Queen Adelaide Restaurant as the landscape outside transforms from the rich, ochre tones of the outback into the sprawling lusciousness of the Flinders Ranges and then Adelaide CBD. Disembark The Ghan and be transferred to your accommodation in Australia’s most liveable city 2021. The remainder of the day is yours to do as you please. Want to know more about Adelaide? Our insider travel guide includes handpicked places to eat and drink, the best activities in the area, and special experiences to make your trip memorable.
Accommodation: Hilton Adelaide (King Hilton Guest Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Gold Plus
From The Ghan terminal, you will be whisked away to a private, immersive Penfolds’ tasting experience, crafted specifically for guests of Luxury Escapes private charter of The Ghan, with a gourmet two-course lunch. On arrival, you will be greeted by your personal host and taken on a private tour of the renowned Magill Estate. Taking a seat in Penfolds’ private dining area, your Penfolds Iconic Tasting and Culinary Experience begins with a wine tasting, including a vintage of a coveted Grange. Now that your palate has been awakened, savour a two-course set menu, with each handcrafted dish paired with the perfect glass of Penfolds. Following this decadent culinary experience, you will have time to peruse the cellar door and perhaps pick up a bottle or two (with special pricing offers for guests who wish to purchase) before your Penfolds journey comes to an end.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day and evening is at your leisure.
Accommodation: Hilton Adelaide (King Hilton Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Private Penfolds Wine Tasting with Grange and Two-Course Lunch with Wine
Platinum
Bid farewell to The Ghan and be transferred to your accommodation with the afternoon to enjoy as you choose before reconvening at approximately 5pm for your transfer to Penfolds Magill Estate. This private experience will set your senses alight as you’re treated to the ultimate Penfolds Luxury Experience, personalised specifically for guests of the Luxury Escapes private charter of The Ghan. Your bespoke Penfolds tasting begins with a welcome drink on arrival at the Cellar Door Front Terrace, where you’ll be treated to views over the estate’s magnificent vineyard and Adelaide city.
At approximately 5.45pm, you’ll be invited to join your personal host for a private twilight tour of the estate, prior to your decadent dinner, served in a private space within the Magill Estate Restaurant. Over 2.5 hours, your tastebuds will be taken on a sensory journey with a five-course degustation, with each dish paired with a glass from Penfolds Collection and Cellar Reserve wines. The evening ends with a shared transfer to your five-star accommodation: Hilton Adelaide, where you’ll enjoy a stay in a King Hilton Executive Room with Executive Lounge benefits.
Accommodation: Hilton Adelaide (King Hilton Executive Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Private Penfolds Wine Tasting with Grange and Five-Course Dinner with Wine
Platinum Plus
Enjoy the same private and utterly indulgent five-course degustation Penfolds Magill Estate dining experience as Platinum guests, in addition to an upgraded stay in a Hilton Suite with Executive Lounge benefits.
Accommodation: Hilton Adelaide (Hilton Suite)
Meals: Breakfast, Private Penfolds Wine Tasting with Grange and Five-Course Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Adelaide
Spend the day exploring Adelaide at your desired pace. Why not start in the trendy West End, or wander along North Terrace, stopping in at the Art Gallery of South Australia to get your culture fix, before visiting some of the best cafés and restaurants in the East End. You would even take a quiet moment in the flora-filled Adelaide Botanic Garden, before venturing the National Wine Centre of Australia for a tasting or two.
To celebrate the end of an unforgettable journey, be ready to meet in the hotel lobby for your shared transfer to the Luxury Escapes farewell event. Hosted within the iconic Adelaide Oval event space, this decadent evening promises substantial hot and cold canapés, free-flowing beer and wine and plenty of farewells to your fellow Ghan travellers.
Gold
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will be allocated time to meet in the lobby for an immersive 1.5-hour private tasting experience at Penfolds Magill Estate, with the opportunity to explore the vineyard-lined grounds. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you choose, before this evening’s farewell event.
Accommodation: Hilton Adelaide (King Hilton Guest Room)
Meals: Breakfast, 1.5-Hour Private Penfolds Wine Tasting with Grange and Evening Canapés with Free-Flowing Beer and Wine
Gold Plus
Accommodation: Hilton Adelaide (King Hilton Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast and Evening Canapés with Free-Flowing Beer and Wine
Platinum
Accommodation: Hilton Adelaide (King Hilton Executive Room with Executive Lounge access)
Meals: Breakfast and Evening Canapés with Free-Flowing Beer and Wine
Platinum Plus
Accommodation: Hilton Adelaide (Hilton Suite with Executive Lounge access)
Meals: Breakfast and Evening Canapés with Free-Flowing Beer and Wine
Day 9: Adelaide
After a filling breakfast, your journey ends with a shared transfer to Adelaide Airport (ADL) for your journey home.
Gold and Gold Plus
Meals: Breakfast
Platinum and Platinum Plus
Meals: Breakfast
Platinum and Platinum plus guests will benefit from private transfers to Adelaide Airport (ADL).