Trip Highlights

Fly into Darwin airport, and spend four nights in Darwin enjoying the sights of the city and the included Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocs tours, before settling in for your unforgettable journey to Adelaide on the legendary Ghan. Along the way you'll experience the magnificence of Central Australia, stopping at Katherine, Alice Springs and Manguri with some great excursions to see natural wonders and local marvels. After your train journey you'll pick up a hire car to use over the next five days. Enjoy two nights in Adelaide and then take the ferry to Kangaroo Island to explore this "alive" and wonderous island.

Trip highlights*:

• Enjoy a train experience like no other aboard the Ghan
• See Alice Springs and Katherine with the Ghan's excursion options
• Discover the treasures of Litchfield National Park with a guided tour
• See the Jumping Crocs of Darwin's Adelaide River
• Enjoy the beautiful city of Adelaide in luxury accommodation
• Explore the wild and wonderous Kangaroo Island

* Various itinerary options are available. See full itinerary for details. Package price varies according to season and departure city.

Member Pricing

RETAIL VALUE $5,995pp GETAWAY CASH CREDITS APPLIED -$1,896 YOU PAY* $4,099

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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price, Getaway Cash travel credit usage, Free Flights Voucher usage and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available here.

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Inclusions

Experience the train journey of a lifetime through the heart of Australia, watch green grass and rolling hills turn to red desert and twinkling stars. See breathtaking natural wonders and explore the wild outback. Visit Adelaide, a city of rich history, some of Australia and the world's best wines and marvellous surrounds. Then travel to the rural and wild Kangaroo Island to see natural beauty and enchanting wild life.

This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

You'll have the time of your life. Sit back, relax and take a look at this...

Click/tap to watch this short video and learn about the sights and beauty and that await you.

Package inclusions:

• Flight to Darwin, returning from Adelaide
• 4 nights accommodation in Darwin including breakfast daily
• 1 day Litchfield National Park tour including lunch
• Half day Jumping Crocs and Nature Adventure tour
• 4 days, 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide, including all meals, beverages and off-train excursions in Katherine, Alice Springs and Manguri
• Gold-twin cabin accommodation aboard the Ghan
• 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
• 2 nights accommodation at a 4.5-star Adelaide hotel
• 5 days car hire from Adelaide
• 2 nights accommodation at a top-rated Kangaroo Island B&B or hotel
• Ferry to and from Kangaroo Island
• Lonely Planet guide for South Australia inc. Kangaroo Island & NT
• No fees to alter the itinerary (you just pay for the adjusted itinerary)
• Comprehensive, printed itinerary
• Personal travel consultant

During January, February, March, November and December the shorter 2 night/3-day Ghan rail journey is packaged with 5 nights sea-view accommodation in Darwin and all activities.

Carefully selected accommodation:

Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

Fully customisable:

This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.

Special value:

Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

You will receive this guide to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guide with you in your luggage.

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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard (retail) price comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what would be payable by a non-member for the same package. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

Your Itinerary

Fly into Darwin airport, and spend 4 nights in Darwin, enjoying the sights of the city and included Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocs tours, before departing on the legendary Ghan, experiencing the magnificence of Central Australia, on the way stopping into Katherine, Alice Springs and Manguri, giving you the opportunity to see natural wonders and local marvels. After the train journey you'll have a hire car for five days with two nights to explore Adelaide. Then you catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island and spend two nights there relaxing and taking in the surrounds. This fully planned itinerary also includes time to simply relax by the pool at each destination.

"It's not what you look at that matters. It's what you see." - Henry David Thoreau

Start in picturesque Darwin before an unforgettable crossing from the North to the South...

DAY 1: ARRIVE DARWIN (4 NIGHTS)

Today you will be starting a remarkable journey that will astound you with its natural beauty and fantastic elegance. After flying into Darwin you have the day to enjoy the beauty of this unique city. We recommend a stroll along the Esplanade at Bicentennial Park and then dinner overlooking the harbour, so you can watch the sunset.

DAY 2: LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK

Today you will experience the awe-inspiring beauty and wonder of Litchfield National Park. Here you can see lush monsoon forests, huge termite mounds, curious rock formations, and beautiful waterfalls and cascades.

First stop of the day is Florence Falls, where you'll embark on a scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walk. There is also the chance for a swim by making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below. Travel on to Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole at the base of the falls. To finish the day, you'll visit Wangi Falls with its large crystal-clear pool, another relaxing spot for a swim. A great day for taking many fascinating photos, including the amazing stand of termite mounds.

DAY 3: LEISURE DAY

Today is yours to explore Darwin at your own pace. Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for some inspiration on what to do. Perhaps visit some of the art galleries that show-off the creativity and spirit of the Top End. Or check out the Waterfront Precinct, a bold and beautiful new development that is perfect for anyone wishing to see the best of Darwin.

DAY 4: JUMPING CROCODILES

This morning is free for you to explore Darwin at your leisure. Perhaps make your way down to the waterfront and enjoy the tropical Darwin weather. Much of Darwin’s action happens along its revitalised waterfront, which is lined with restaurants, shops, sandy lagoons and parklands.

This afternoon, your jumping croc adventure begins. Just 60km from Darwin is the Adelaide River, home to more than 1,600 crocodiles and the location of the famous Jumping Crocodiles. Cruise the river and watch as these awesome creatures launch themselves out of the water. The cruise will enable you to see the crocs at close range. Afterwards, continue to the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre for views over the Marrakai Plains, and then it’s onto Fogg Dam Nature Reserve to see a wetland ecosystem up close.

DAY 5: BOARD THE GHAN EXPEDITION

Settle in to the comforts of The Ghan today. Relax in your cabin or mingle with fellow travellers at the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy lunch ahead of your off-train excursion in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge.

DAY 6: THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ALICE SPRINGS

Your arrival into Alice Springs after breakfast provides you with time to explore the iconic town in the red heart of Australia. Prepare for a day of fascinating excursions and, in the evening, dine under a million stars.

DAY 7: THE GHAN EXPEDITION, COOBER PEDY

When you next disembark in remote Manguri, you’ll enjoy a full day exploring the amazing opal mining township of Coober Pedy.

DAY 8: ADELAIDE (2 NIGHTS)

After completing the famous north-south crossing of the interior you will arrive into Adelaide. Once you disembark the train you can drop your bags at the hotel. You can set out to start quietly exploring this wonderful city. Pick up your hire car check out the surrounds including the wine country and Glenelg, a beautiful coastal spot with pubs and restaurants. You can enjoy watching the sun sink into the ocean from the west facing beach.

DAY 9: ADELAIDE

Today you have the opportunity to further explore Adelaide. There is a massive range of things to do and see in Adelaide, from the beautiful beaches to the traditional architecture of the church filled streets, and even the hip bar scene of the ever-evolving Port Adelaide. To see Adelaide’s city we recommend the free city loop bus services, but if you want a more immersive experience then try the walking tours, with topics to explore ranging from controversial outdoor art pieces to following in the footsteps of famous locals.

DAY 10: KANGAROO ISLAND (2 NIGHTS)

Today you will be heading to the wild and wonderful Kangaroo Island. From the kangaroos that give it its name to the sea lions and fur seals that lounge on the beaches, and more, this island is the ultimate destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The wildness of the island isn’t just due to the animals though, the bush, coastal rock formations and limestone caves all add to the wonder and excitement.

DAY 11: KANGAROO ISLAND

Today you have more opportunity to explore the harsh marvels of the island, perhaps visit the sea lions and fur seals, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some little penguins. For some local flavour visit the local honey farm or brewery, and if you are there on a day where its running visit the locally famous farmers market.

DAY 12: FLY HOME

Today you will be taking a ferry back to Adelaide, dropping your hire car off and then flying home after your fantastic holiday.