Once-in-a-Lifetime 5-Day Adventure: All-Inclusive The Ghan Rail Journey, Hilton Darwin Stay & Sunset Dinner Cruise
New dates added: additional 2020 travel dates available
Experience The Ghan — Australia’s greatest train journey — in spectacular all-inclusive Gold Service as you travel through the majestic Red Centre, departing from Darwin or Adelaide in November 2020.
Board The Ghan for a two-night legendary journey through some of Australia’s most impressive landscapes — including Katherine’s stunning Nitmiluk National Park and Alice Springs’ Simpsons Gap. Enjoy exquisite onboard dining, Off Train Excursions, premium Gold Service and twin share accommodation during your journey. Plus, spend two-nights at the five-star Hilton Darwin with a sunset dinner cruise on one evening of your stay.
Includes four nights of accommodation — two nights onboard The Ghan and two nights at the five-star Hilton Darwin — with multi-course daily dining onboard The Ghan and all-inclusive premium Australian wine, beer and spirits. In Darwin, enjoy a Darwin Harbour sunset cruise featuring a Territory-inspired dinner and savour daily breakfast, complimentary movie hire and Wi-Fi as part of your Hilton Darwin stay. Plus, receive complimentary transfers between the railway station and Hilton Darwin.
When departing from Darwin (2, 9 or 16 November 2020), your journey takes you to: Darwin — Katherine — Alice Springs — Adelaide.
When departing from Adelaide (1, 8 or 15 November 2020), your journey takes you to: Adelaide — Alice Springs — Katherine — Darwin.
This Tour package is valid for the following departure dates:
Adelaide to Darwin:
- 1 — 3 November 2020 (The Ghan) and 3 — 5 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin)
- 8 — 10 November 2020 (The Ghan) and 10 — 12 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin)
- 15 — 17 November 2020 (The Ghan) and 17 — 19 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin)
Darwin to Adelaide:
- 2 — 4 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin) and 4 — 6 November 2020 (The Ghan)
- 9 — 11 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin) and 11 — 13 November 2020 (The Ghan)
- 16 — 18 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin) and 18 — 20 November 2020 (The Ghan)
What You’ll Love…
Discover one of the most secluded and unspoiled parts of the world in all-inclusive Gold Service onboard The Ghan. Embark on the journey of a lifetime through majestic landscapes, magical canyons and untouched national park with enduring Indigenous significance and unearth the very best the outback has to offer on Australia’s greatest railway journey.
Spend two nights onboard The Ghan and experience the golden era of rail travel with daily multi-course breakfast, lunch and dinner with all-inclusive Australian wine, beer and spirits. Plus, spend two nights at the five-star Hilton Darwin, an oasis enviably located on the quiet end of iconic Mitchell Street, moments from the Esplanade, Crocosaurus Cove zoo and Darwin Waterfront Precinct.
This five-day adventure departs from Darwin or Adelaide. Please take care choosing the correct departure city.
Covid-19 health and safety practices: Our expert Tours team is working hard to ensure the highest health standards at every point of your journey. Find out more.
Your Package Includes:
- Four nights of accommodation — two nights in Gold Service twin share cabin onboard The Ghan and two nights at the five-star Hilton Darwin, located on Darwin’s iconic Mitchell Street
- All-inclusive daily dining on The Ghan prepared by onboard chefs and served in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
- All-inclusive drinks while onboard The Ghan, including Australian wine, beer and spirits
- Immersive Off Train Excursions including Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine and tour of Simpsons Gap or authentic cattle station tour in Alice Springs
- Darwin Harbour sunset cruise with Territory-inspired dinner
- Daily breakfast in Darwin at Mitchell’s Bar & Grill
- Complimentary transfers between Hilton Darwin and the railway station
The Ghan — Premium Gold Service accommodation with all-inclusive gourmet dining and Off Train Excursions
Breathtaking views greet you at every turn during The Ghan rail journey, from sweeping Flinders Ranges vistas in Adelaide to the striking red earth of Simpsons Gap in Alice Springs.
Explore the breathtakingly beautiful Red Centre in Gold Service and become part of 90 years of frontier history in a Twin Share cabin, featuring an upper and lower-berth bed and private ensuite. The highlight of your experience — aside from the top-tier accommodation — is the daily multi-course dining with all-inclusive 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.
Hilton Darwin — Five-star elegance on the vibrant Esplanade
Your Top End haven awaits at the award-winning Hilton Darwin — arguably Darwin’s premier five-star hotel and a winner in Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards. Boasting a prime position on the quiet end of iconic Mitchell Street, moments from the Esplanade and waterfront precinct, this five-star hotel offers the ultimate escape in the Top End.
Find yourself within the CBD and moments from the region’s best attractions, including Crocosaurus Cove zoo and Bicentennial Park. Part of the world-renowned Hilton collection, with views over Darwin Harbour and a rooftop swimming pool, this top-tier hotel invites you to stay in a sophisticated Standard Room with complimentary in-room movie hire, Wi-Fi and daily breakfast at Mitchell’s Bar & Grill.
Harbour-View Upgrade: Elevate your Top End stay in the luxurious King Guest Room with Harbour View, overlooking the stunning harbour with a complimentary pillow menu and local artwork gracing the walls.
Want to know more about Darwin? 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.
Darwin Harbour Cruise — Watch the sun set into the Timor Sea and enjoy a Territory-inspired dinner
It’s no secret that Darwin is blessed with a spectacular harbour, and what better way to experience its beauty than from the water on a sunset cruise? Departing from Stokes Hill Wharf, board a luxurious cruise ship and watch the Timor Sea unfold before you at an unhurried pace. The waters are brimming with wildlife and onboard there’s an exquisite Territory-inspired dinner featuring chilled Australian prawns, shucked South Australian oysters, Litchfield mango chicken and Northern Territory reef fish.
With over 100sqm of deck space, there’s plenty of room to find a quiet romantic corner to watch the sun fade into the horizon.
Your tour begins in your choice of Darwin, NT or Adelaide, SA.
Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately.
Transfers are included in Darwin only between Hilton Darwin and the railway station as per the itinerary.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist.
Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.
Please note, the itinerary will be in reverse for Adelaide to Darwin trips, with check-in to Hilton Darwin on Day 3 and Darwin Harbour cruise on Day 4.
Day 1: Darwin, Northern Territory
Welcome to Darwin, the gateway to the Northern Territory’s Red Centre. Surrounded on all sides by a seemingly unending sweep of natural beauty, Darwin conjures images of ancient Indigenous art gracing the walls of Katherine Gorge, the magnificent Termite Mounds of Litchfield National Park and sacred Aboriginal land in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. But this little city is also a thriving cosmopolitan centre — albeit with a treasure trove of natural riches and balmy tropical weather.
On arrival, make your own way to the five-star Hilton Darwin. Arguably Darwin’s premier five-star hotel and a winner in Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards, this sleek property doesn’t skimp when it comes to high-end facilities or location. With a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the glittering harbour and an enviable position at the quiet end of Mitchell Street, mere moments from the Esplanade, Hilton Darwin is the ultimate base for exploring the Top End.
Accommodation: Hilton Darwin
Day 2: Darwin
After breakfast at Mitchell’s Bar & Grill, this incredibly diverse city is yours to discover. With a full free day, why not hire a car or join a day tour to Kakadu National Park? 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 Yellow Water billabong, where you can spy crocodiles and water buffalo.
Then there’s Litchfield National Park, where you could wander among the two-metre-high Magnetic Termite Mounds. For an inner-city experience, visit Crocosaurus Cove zoo, where you could swim with a saltwater crocodile, learn about Darwin’s military history or check out Darwin’s laneways — specifically ‘Austin Lane’ which has been transformed into a large-scale stencil and graffiti street art canvas.
This evening, enjoy your included sunset cruise of Darwin Harbour. Departing from Stokes Hill Wharf, board a luxurious 50ft catamaran and watch the Timor Sea unfold before you at an unhurried pace. The waters are brimming with wildlife and on board, there’s an exquisite Territory-inspired dinner.
Accommodation: Hilton Darwin
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: Darwin — The Ghan Embarkation — Katherine
This morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred from the iconic Darwin Hilton to board The Ghan. On arrival, you will be shown to your incredible Gold Service Twin Share cabin and escorted to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, where you can settle in 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 Excursion. 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 returning to The Ghan for your first multi-course dinner.
Accommodation: The Ghan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with all-inclusive onboard drinks
Day 4: Alice Springs
Today, stop in Alice Springs and experience the striking beauty of Simpsons Gap with an Off Train Excursion. The gateway to some of central Australia’s most stirring landscapes and rugged landmarks, Alice Springs invites you to wander between the soaring canyon walls of Simpsons Gap, see the town attractions or get up close to some of the Red Centre’s native wildlife, before returning to The Ghan.
Accommodation: The Ghan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with all-inclusive drinks
Day 5: Adelaide, South Australia — The Ghan Disembarkation
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. Sip a glass of Australian sparkling wine with morning tea as you prepare to arrive in Adelaide, which will mark the end of Australia’s greatest rail journey.
On arrival in this city brimming with up-and-coming cafés, secret bars, award-winning restaurants, serene parklands and vibrant marketplaces, make your own way home or to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast and Morning Tea with all-inclusive drinks
Your comfort and safety are our number one concern. Our expert Tours team is working hard to ensure the highest health standards at every point of your journey. Find out more.
The ‘7 day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures, any cancellation/refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Refund Policy applies.
After you have made your booking, the tour operator will be in touch within 72 hours. Please follow the instructions on your confirmation email and ensure you complete your traveller information details within 7 days of purchasing.
This Tour package is valid for the following departure dates:
Adelaide to Darwin:
- 1 — 3 November 2020 (The Ghan) and 3 — 5 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin)
- 8 — 10 November 2020 (The Ghan) and 10 — 12 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin)
- 15 — 17 November 2020 (The Ghan) and 17 — 19 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin)
Darwin to Adelaide:
- 2 — 4 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin) and 4 — 6 November 2020 (The Ghan)
- 9 — 11 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin) and 11 — 13 November 2020 (The Ghan)
- 16 — 18 November 2020 (Hilton Darwin) and 18 — 20 November 2020 (The Ghan)
IMPORTANT: Please allow for travelling time. Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Darwin or Adelaide (depending on your chosen departure city) on your chosen tour start date.
Booking Process
- Select which package option you would like, taking care to choose the correct departure city (Darwin or Adelaide)
- Click on the green “Check Availability” tab
- Using the plus or minus adjust the number of people you would like to book then click the “View Available Dates & Prices” tab
- Click the blue “Select” button then the Green “Review & Payment” tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Fill out your preferred payment method and click the green “Pay Securely Now” tab
- Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfil your booking
- Your booking is confirmed once your Booking Form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your escape!
IMPORTANT: Twin-Share Package: The package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES.
Please note: solo traveller packages are not available.
Please note that packages cannot be spilt.
Accommodation:
This tour includes accommodation at the following hotel:
- Darwin — Hilton Darwin (Standard Room)
Hilton Upgrade:
- Darwin — Hilton Darwin (King Guest Room with Harbour View)
IMPORTANT:
- Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
- Rooms will be made available after 3pm on day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout are available at an additional fee.
- Maximum room capacity is two adults.
Inclusions
- Choose your preferred departure city: Darwin or Adelaide
The Ghan:
- Two nights of Gold Service in a Twin Share cabin
- Multi-course breakfast, lunch and dinner at the onboard Queen Adelaide Restaurant
- All-inclusive drinks with Australian wine, beer and spirits
- Off Train Excursions, including guided Katherine Springs and Alice Springs experiences
- Complimentary transfers between Hilton Darwin and the railway station
Hilton Darwin:
- Two nights in accommodation as specified in the package option
- Daily breakfast at Mitchell’s Bar & Grill
- Darwin Harbour sunset cruise with Territory-inspired dinner
IMPORTANT:
- Off Train Excursions and activities are subject to availability and are subject to change. Surcharges apply to select off-train excursions not included in this package.
Exclusions
- Return flights
- Visas
- Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
- Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
Age Restrictions
- This tour is restricted to guests aged 18 years or older.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
- Luxury Escapes can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
Passports & Visas
- A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
- Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
Health & Vaccinations
- Travellers are advised to check with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective.
- Proof of vaccination is not usually required unless you are coming from an infected area.
- Proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations are required for entry some countries, in particular Africa. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
The Ghan Baggage Restrictions
- Please note that baggage restrictions apply to your included The Ghan rail journey
- Passengers are permitted two pieces of checked-in baggage with a maximum weight of 30kg per piece.
- Passengers are permitted one carry-on piece with a maximum weight of 7kg.
Fitness Requirements
- Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces and climb stairs.
- Disability access is limited during the tour, please consider this when making your booking.
Transfers
- Transfers are included in Darwin only between Hilton Darwin and the railway station.
Surcharges
Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
Name Change or Corrections
- Name corrections may incur a fee.
- Name changes are not permitted.
Date Changes
- Date changes permitted within the 48-hour Change of Mind Guarantee.
- After 48 hours from booking, strictly no date changes are permitted for this package.
- Free date changes are not applicable to Tour packages.
Refunds
- Refunds permitted within 48 hours of booking
- After 48 hours, strictly no refunds or credits are permitted for this package
Change of Mind Guarantee
- All tours bookings have a 48 hour “Change of Mind Guarantee” where any monies paid within 48 hours of the initial purchase date will be refunded – no questions asked.
- Bookings outside the 48-hour “Change of Mind” window will be non-refundable.
- The ‘7-day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings.
PLEASE NOTE:
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to the website’s terms and conditions.
The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
Please note this tour is operated by one of our trusted third-party partners. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.