Australia’s Iconic The Ghan Expedition: 4-Day Rail Journey + 2-Night Darwin & Adelaide Stays & BONUS Sunset Dinner Cruise

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your Traveller Details in full.

• Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete the Traveller Details form in your ‘My Escapes’ account within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
• Traveler Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 7 days of booking may result in losing your spot on the tour.
• If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travelers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
• Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
• Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise whether the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
• Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com,who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
• For tours that allow children, the child must be 16 years or over and must share a room with an adult (18+).
• Children are the same price as adults.
• This tour is a limited-time only offer, book by 2 December 2026 to secure your departure.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

Deposits

• Please note that initial deposits are non-refundable but may be applied to another tour of equal or higher value within 14 days of booking.

Service Fee

• The service fee included in the Payment Schedule is non-refundable.

Cancellation Policy

• Outside of the transferable deposit, all payments and service fees are non-refundable.
• All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
• Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
• For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

• Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to schedules and transportation routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
• In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
• You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

• After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
• Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

Accommodations for the duration of your tour are included in the Tour package.

• You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your ‘My Escapes’.

Please note:

• Accommodations are subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
• Rooms will be made available after 2pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Guaranteed late checkout until 12pm is included at H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel and Stamford Plaza Adelaide. Early check-in may be available upon request, subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
• Maximum room capacity (Twin Room) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.
• All special requests, such as those regarding bedding preferences, are subject to availability and can only be confirmed upon check-in. Room assignments and bedding configurations may vary based on the destination and hotel policies, and are handled directly by the hotel staff.

Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation

Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team attours@luxuryescapes.com.

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.

For pre- and post-tour lodging bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.

• Round-trip international flights
• Visas
• Single supplement
• Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
• Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
• Travel insurance (required)
• Tips and gratuities
• Airport transfers
• Rail transfers
• Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.

• Optional experiences may be canceled if minimum numbers to operate are not met. Final confirmation of your optional excursions and activities will be provided while on tour.
• Optional extras can be booked directly with Journey Beyond once you receive your booking ID from our Tours Concierge Team.
• All optional experiences are subject to availability.
• Optional experiences may be updated prior to departure to accommodate changes in weather, seasonal schedules and transportation routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
• Optional experiences that require flight bookings are on a request basis, subject to availability until booked and confirmed, and may incur surcharges.
• Optional experiences are non-refundable within 60 days of departure, unless canceled due to minimum numbers not being met or unforeseen circumstances on tour.
• Off Train Experience selections are preference requests only. Preferences are usually requested within 12 weeks of travel.

• Gold Twin Cabin passengers are permitted two pieces of check-in baggage with a maximum weight of 30kg each on tour
• Gold Premium Twin Cabin passengers are permitted three pieces of check-in baggage with a maximum weight of 25kg each on tour
• Passengers are permitted up to 15kgs of cabin baggage on board. This can include two small bags or one medium bag, plus a foldable garment bag. Maximum cabin baggage dimensions are 58cmX38cmX27cm and a garment bag up to 114cmX60cmX11cm.
• Please note, whilst travelling on The Ghan larger pieces of luggage will be checked in and placed in the luggage car and will only be available for collection at the end of the journey. It is advised guests pack a carry-on sized luggage and/or a duffel bag to have onboard during the rail journey. Please refer to the Journey Beyond website for further information.

Transfers

• Arrival and departure airport transfers are not included. Please make your own way from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel on Day 1 and from Stamford Plaza Adelaide to Adelaide Airport (ADL) on Day 8.
• You may arrive in Darwin and depart Adelaide at any time on the first and final days of your tour. Check-in at H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel is from 2pm.
• On Day 2, meet at Dock 3, Stokes Hill Wharf, 30 minutes before your Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise. Boarding is from 5.30pm to 5.45pm; the cruise runs from 6pm to 8pm.
• On Day 3, make your own way to the Darwin Rail Terminal, or meet at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin at 7.15am on Wednesdays and 6.30am on Saturdays for the complimentary rail-terminal pickup. The following departures are on a Wednesday: 12 April 2027 (Ghan departure: 14 April 2027), 17 May 2027 (Ghan departure: 19 May 2027) and 31 May 2027 (Ghan departure: 2 June 2027). The following departure is on a Saturday: 8 April 2027 (Ghan departure: 10 April 2027) . Please arrive in the hotel lobby 15 minutes before pickup. The Ghan departs at 10am. Check-in opens two hours before departure and closes one hour before departure. Bring your travel itinerary and photo ID.

Tipping

• Tipping and gratuities are not included in your package and are at your discretion. Tipping is not expected in most venues in Australia. Tourism Australia

Please Note:

• The hotel stays and Darwin Harbour dinner cruise sections of this tour are not guided.
• Solo bookings are on request only. Please contact our Tours Concierge Team.

Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any inquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Passports & Visas

• A visa may be required. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they hold a current visa for the countries visited on tour. If the traveler is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
• You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).

Traveler Details

• Traveler Details must be completed for each individual traveler.
• Travelers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
• We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact tours@luxuryescapes.com so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
• Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
• Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
• If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being canceled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure. Changes incur a cost of AU$250.
• Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Tour Pace

• It’s important to note that specific activities and intensity levels may vary between different tour operators and destinations. When selecting a group tour, it’s advisable to carefully review the itinerary, activity descriptions and fitness requirements to ensure a suitable match for your preferences and physical capabilities.
  • Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
  • Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
  • Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
• Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
• **Self-Guided Tour:**You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodations and transportation, pre-booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgment:

• Travelers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities on this tour.
• There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travelers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
• Travelers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Your tour begins at H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel in Darwin and ends at Stamford Plaza Adelaide. Airport transfers are not included. Please make your own arrangements to and from the hotels.

Round-trip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your departure date is not yet guaranteed, please wait for confirmation before booking flights.

Please book flights to arrive at Darwin International Airport (DRW) at any time on Day 1 and depart from Adelaide Airport (ADL) at any time on Day 8.

Important: Please allow for travel time from international destinations. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. You are responsible for arranging your travel and arriving at the tour’s starting location on Day 1.

A visa may be required for Australia, depending on your nationality and travel circumstances. Each traveler is responsible for ensuring they hold the correct visa. Visit Visas Direct for assistance with visa requirements. If you require supporting documentation, please contact us. Click here to visit the website.

Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with your flight requirements, subject to availability. Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Important Destination Information:

Australia

Time zone: Darwin and Adelaide are GMT+9.30 during the tour’s April and May 2027 departures.

Telephone: +61

Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)

Accessing money: ATMs and card payments are widely available in Darwin and Adelaide. Cash may be useful in remote areas.

Language: English

Climate: Darwin has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Coober Pedy and much of the outback are arid, with hot days and cooler nights. Adelaide has a temperate climate. Conditions can vary, so check the forecast before departure.

Dress code: Comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Bring sun protection and a warm layer for cooler evenings and time aboard the train.

Please note: Airport transfers are not included. A complimentary shuttle to Darwin Rail Terminal is available from DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin on Day 3. Guests must make their own arrangements to reach the hotel pickup point or the rail terminal.

• Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
• Dining Credit: The included credit must be used during your stay. Any unused credit will be forfeited and is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Credit excludes minibar and room service. No minimum spend applies. Dining credit is valid for use at Lizard Bar & Restaurant or The Deck Restaurant and is applied to total room charges to be paid at checkout.
• Daily continental breakfast is served at Lizard Bar & Restaurant from 7am to 10.30am. Selection can include cereal, yogurt, pastries, boxed juice and fresh fruit – subject to change.
• Welcome drink includes one house beer, wine or soft drink per guest. Guests will be given a drink voucher on arrival for redemption at Lizard Bar & Restaurant.
• Self-parking is secure, undercover and guaranteed for one vehicle per booking. Vehicle height restrictions of 2.1m apply.

• Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
• Daily buffet breakfast at TG’s Restaurant is available from 6.30am–10.30am Monday to Friday and 7am–11am Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
• Kids eating free with paying adult includes one child meal per one paying adult at full price at La Boca Restaurant.
• Only the Superior Double Double rooms are wheelchair accessible (they are only available in the City category, so no upgrade can be confirmed). Please request this at time of booking.