Top End Explorer & The Ghan 2025

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. Meals (B.L.D)

Today your touring with Outback Spirit commences. Depart Darwin heading towards Kakadu National Park. Much of the route is along the Arnhem highway, passing the productive region of Humpty Doo, 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, we enter the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, stopping at the Mamukala Wetlands and the Bowali Visitor Centre before arriving at your accommodation, the Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru, so named for the crocodile shape it takes. Meals (B.L.D)

NOTE: Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April, we will visit the Bowali Visitor Centre on Day 2, and the cruise will occur on Adelaide River with crossings at Mary River, West Alligator and South Alligator Rivers

*Due to availability, some stays may be at Cooinda Lodge 

This morning is a 6.45am departure to Jabiru Airport, where you'll gain another perspective on this incredible environment. Take to the skies on a 60-minute scenic flight over ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers, exhibiting the results of 1.8 billion years of continuous erosion. Your flight includes live commentary from your pilot as you glide over these spectacular ancient lands.

Following our morning flight, we depart Kakadu National Park and head towards Batchelor, the gateway to Litchfield National Park. Containing several types of typical Top End habitats, Litchfield National Park is abundant with lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, and cascades.

After stopping for morning tea, we head onto Wangi Falls; a large plunge pool surrounded by shady grassed areas. The falls flow all year round and after a light lunch, you can take a dip in the crystal-clear pool. Our next stop is Florence Falls. Here you can watch from the scenic viewing platform as the spectacular falls cascade into the plunge pool below. We then head for Darwin, arriving early evening, where your Outback Spirit Tour comes to an end. Meals (B.L)

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