1
Board The Ghan in Adelaide
The Ghan
Board The Ghan in Adelaide, heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond. The city streets will give way to rural South Australia before the impressive mountains of the Flinders Ranges come into view. Lunch and dinner will be your introduction to dining on board and set the scene for the meals to come. (L,D)
2
The Ghan, Alice Springs
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
After your evening of enjoying the fine dining and relaxed comfort of this iconic train, you’ll wake to an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track. After breakfast in Marla, board The Ghan and head onwards to Alice Springs.
Our arrival in Alice marks the start of a new adventure. We’ll venture further into the heart of Australia on the eight-day Red Centre Spectacular tour with Outback Spirit. Here, you will be met by the passionate Outback Spirit crew, who will be guiding you as you take in all the Red Centre has to offer over the next eight days.
Check-in at DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs, where we'll stay for the first two nights. In the evening, the group will meet for welcome drinks and a short briefing on what you can expect during your tour. Tonight's dinner is at the hotel. (B,L,D)
3
Outback Spirit, Alice Springs
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Today, explore Alice Springs and its surrounds, taking in natural rock formations that are truly spectacular. After breakfast, venture to the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a walk to Simpsons Gap. Known as 'Rungutjirpa' by the Arrernte people, Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site and home to dozens of rare plants and a host of native wildlife.
We'll then visit Standley Chasm – Angkerle Atwatye – a cultural icon of Central Australia, which is 100% owned and operated by the Arrernte community. We'll break for morning tea before departing the West MacDonnell Ranges to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here, enjoy a guided tour that will challenge your perception of the desert, leaving you with an understanding that the desert is full of life.
This evening, enjoy a classic-style outdoor BBQ and show under the incredible night sky. (B,L,D)
4
Outback Spirit, Alice Springs to Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon Resort
Today, we say goodbye to Alice Springs as we go deeper into the outback. First up is a visit to Ellery Creek for a short walk and morning tea, then we travel to Ormiston Gorge to see its towering red cliffs. We'll stop for lunch at Glen Helen, a haven of outback hospitality, before journeying to the mighty Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park.
As we drive through the outback, we'll take the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Kings Canyon Resort, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Tonight, dinner is at Carmichael’s, a relaxed restaurant situated in Kings Canyon Resort, surrounded by native trees and bushlands. If you’re lucky, you may spot an inquisitive dingo wandering through the grounds. (B,L,D)
5
Outback Spirit, Kings Canyon - Watarrka National Park
Kings Canyon Resort
This morning, we depart early to experience the beauty of Kings Canyon. Two walks are available, including the spectacular 6km rim walk, which features breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park before descending into the 'Garden of Eden'. For those who wish to save energy, a more relaxed walk is available along the creek on the canyon floor (2.6km).
There is also the opportunity to take a 15-minute helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park (at own expense).
After the morning's activities, return to Kings Canyon Resort for lunch and to rest and refresh. The afternoon is spent learning about Aboriginal culture with Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours. In the Aranda language, Karrke is the name for the western Bowerbird, which is native to Central Australia. Our guide will teach us about bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and physical healing.
For those wishing to take the optional helicopter flight over Kings Canyon, you will take to the air in the afternoon to enjoy the aerial perspective.
As afternoon turns to evening, enjoy sunset drinks and canapes at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, who also created the Field of Light. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill. (B,L,D)
6
Outback Spirit, Kings Canyon to Uluru
Sails in the Desert
We depart Kings Canyon for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, passing through Kings Creek Station to enjoy an informative talk on paper-making and lunch at Curtin Springs, a million-acre cattle station. In the early afternoon, we arrive at the award-winning Sails in the Desert Hotel, part of the Ayers Rock Resort.
This evening, we attend the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner. This is a breathtaking cultural storytelling experience, told through choreographed drones, lasers and projections illuminating the night sky.
After a short journey from the resort, we venture to an open-air theatre set atop a dune. Enjoy cocktails infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views of Uluru. As darkness descends, dine on a gourmet dinner hamper, where native ingredients are combined with modern techniques to create a balanced and flavourful meal as the night sky lights up before our eyes. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told and feel a powerful connection to country listening to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language. (B,L,D)
7
Outback Spirit, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
Sails in the Desert
After breakfast, we depart to discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature.
Take in the cultural centre and take a guided tour around the base of Uluru, which stands 348 metres above the desert plains. Learn about traditional Anangu culture and why Uluru, one of the largest monoliths in the world, is such a sacred site.
In the afternoon, we will let our creativity shine during a Maruku Arts dot painting workshop. A local Anangu artist will teach us about traditional art, symbols, tools, and more. Through the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to create something to take home with you.
Departing the resort before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune-top location, again with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro's global phenomenon Field of Light gently illuminates. Aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), Field of Light features 50,000 slender stems, crowned with radiant, frosted-glass spheres, spread across an area the size of seven football fields. After your host provides insight into this remarkable installation, you can explore the stunning display via dedicated pathways.
This evening, return to the hotel for dinner. (Please note dinner will be at approximately 9.00pm). (B,L,D)
8
Uluru to Alice Springs
Sails in the Desert
Early risers can experience the sun rising over Uluru this morning and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. Breakfast is at the hotel, before we depart for the Mala Walk. Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls.
We return to the hotel for lunch with an afternoon ahead of us. You can spend this time at your leisure or participate in additional touring of the area, including a visit to the Gallery of Central Australia and Bush Tucker Experience.
This evening, enjoy the unique Sounds of Silence dining experience under the stars. Offering the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours, the evening begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of the didgeridoo and enjoy a premium bush tucker-inspired buffet incorporating native bush ingredients. Afterwards, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky.
After this incredible experience, we return to Sails in the Desert for our final night. (B,L,D)
9
Board The Ghan in Alice Springs
The Ghan
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before making the journey by road from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal where your Red Centre Spectacular tour comes to an end.
Re-join The Ghan and reacquaint yourself to life on train as The Ghan heads north, enjoy watching the beautiful scenery pass by your window as you relax with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. (B,L,D)
10
The Ghan, Katherine and Darwin
Hilton Darwin
When the landscape transforms into rocky gorges and fast-flowing canyon streams, prepare to experience one of the Top End’s most impressive natural wonders on a boat cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, there is also a helicopter flight upgrade available, for those wishing to see Nitmiluk from an aerial perspective.
Continue to Darwin and upon arrival it’s time to say farewell to The Ghan. At the Darwin terminal, you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation and after checking in, you may wish to explore the Waterfront Precinct, with its many restaurants and bars. (B,L)
11
Outback Spirit, Darwin to Kakadu National Park
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel*
Today your second tour with Outback Spirit commences. This morning we depart Darwin and head towards Kakadu National Park. Much of the route is along the Arnhem Highway, passing the productive region of Humpty Doo, where some of the Top End’s tropical fruits are grown. Cross the Adelaide River, with its vast wetlands, attracting migratory birds before arriving at Mary River, where you will take to the water on a cruise that showcases local wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife.
Continuing east, we enter the dual World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, for both environmental and cultural values, 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. (B,L,D)
*Due to availability, some stays may be at Cooinda Lodge
12
Outback Spirit, Kakadu National Park
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel*
This morning we rise with the sun for an early departure to Jabiru Airport. Here we take to the skies to gain a new perspective of this incredible environment. Enjoy 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.
After landing at Jabiru Airport we depart for the East Alligator River region, known as the gateway to Arnhem Land. Take a spectacular local indigenous cruise on the East Alligator River and listen to the stories of the region as you spot the large saltwater crocodiles that dwell in these waters.
After a peaceful cruise, it's time to reboard the coach and head to the World Heritage Ubirr art site, home to some of the world's most outstanding rock art. Then, it’s time to stretch your legs on a 1-kilometre circular track walk, taking in the amazing rock art that remains today. There will be time for those feeling fit to make the steep 250m climb to the top of the rocky escarpment for magnificent views across the Magela floodplain.
Enjoy a light lunch before heading out to Nourlangie where we’ll see more ancient rock paintings and spectacular vistas on a 1.5 kilometre walk around this incredible Indigenous site.
Then it's time to head back to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner. (B,L,D)
*Due to availability, some stays may be at Cooinda Lodge
** Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April you may visit the Bowali and Warradjan Visitor Centres in place of Ubirr, and the cruise will occur on Yellow Waters.
13
Outback Spirit, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Darwin
Hilton Darwin
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 concludes. (B,L)
14
Leisure Day, Darwin Harbour Cruise
Hilton Darwin
Today is free for you to enjoy the sights of Darwin at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the Waterfront Precinct or visit the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. In the evening, see why Top End sunsets are so special on a Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise. You’ll feast on a Territory-style featuring local seafood and produce as the colour of the sky transforms to hues of vibrant red and orange. (B,D)
15
Farewell
This morning, it’s time to check out of your hotel, completing your Ultimate Territory Tour. You’ve just spent 15 days exploring Australia’s outback, walking away with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of culture and country. (B)