The Ghan Expedition Train & East Coast Cruise

Friday 26 September

Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand, arriving mid-morning in Sydney. On arrival, transfer to the Port of Sydney to board Crown Princess in time for a late lunch. Depart Sydney Harbour late afternoon.

Saturday 27 September

A day of cruising at sea. Treat yourself and dine at one of the delicious specialty restaurants this evening and later catch a Broadway-style show in the theatre to complete a perfect evening on board.

Sunday 28 September

The cool and casual capital of Queensland offers all the glitz and glam of a big city, without the big city airs. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River and surrounded by rolling hills, this urban oasis is certainly a great day out. 

Monday 29 September

Another cruising day. Pamper yourself and pay a visit to the spa for a relaxing massage or beauty treatment.

Tuesday 30 September

A sail by at this tiny island sitting beyond the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Islands Territory. Wildlife numbering into the thousands, Willis Island itself caters to many species of seabirds, including Masked, Brown and Red-footed Boobies that cry out nearly 24 hours a day.

Wednesday 01 October

Port Douglas, once a goldfield port and fishing village, is now one of Far North Queensland’s tourism capitals. No other region in the world is bordered by two World Heritage Listed parks. Firstly, there’s the renowned Great Barrier Reef, then in addition the amazing Daintree Rainforest with over 120 species of wildlife. The choice is yours.

Thursday 02 October

Cairns is one of Australia’s hottest vacation destinations. Sixteen miles of superb beaches stretch to the north of the city - the famed Marlin Coast and inland lies the immense Daintree National Park. Cairns itself basks in tropical sunshine and balmy breezes waft in from Trinity Bay. The city’s graceful, tree-lined esplanade was once the gateway to the gold fields of North Queensland.

Friday 03 October

Monday 06 October

This morning arrive into Darwin. Disembark ‘Crown Princess’ and join your fellow passengers on a sightseeing tour of Darwin, getting the perfect introduction to Darwin’s history and quirky charm. Included is a visit to the Royal Flying Doctors Tourist facility and lunch at Stokes Hill Wharf. 

Tuesday 07 October

An early morning start for the drive to Litchfield National Park. The gorgeous, historical town of Batchelor is the gateway to Litchfield National Park. View the termite mounds found at Litchfield National Park and the spectacular double waterfall of Florence Falls from a high vantage point. Return to Darwin this evening.

Wednesday 08 October

Today is free to explore Darwin at your own pace or enjoy some retail therapy.

Thursday 09 October

This morning, depart Darwin and travel along the Arnhem Highway, passing major river systems and wetland regions into Kakadu National Park. Return to Darwin late evening.

The international-acclaimed Kakadu is an enormous, unique natural reserve with wetlands, rivers, sandstone escarpments, and waterfalls and is home to more than 20,000 plant species, crocodiles, flatback turtles and exotic birdlife.

Friday 10 October

A day at leisure today. Why not explore Darwin via the Hop on Hop off bus. Stops along the way include the Botanical Gardens and the Darwin Museum with it’s detailed tribute to the events of Cyclone Tracy. 

Saturday 11 October

This morning transfer to the Darwin Rail Terminal to board The Ghan. Prepare for a journey of comfort, relaxation and a touch of adventure, as the legendary Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. This afternoon you will arrive into Katherine, home of the stunning Katherine Gorge and rich in Indigenous history.

Sunday 12 October

Continue your journey aboard The Ghan making an extended stop in Alice Springs - the heart of the Red Centre. Tonight is an extraordinary evening experience with an outback BBQ under the stars. Breath-taking. 

Monday 13 October

From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations underground. 

Tuesday 14 October

Today arrive into Adelaide late morning. Enjoy a short city tour before transferring to our beachfront hotel in Glenelg. An evening at leisure to enjoy the seaside suburb of Glenelg.

Wednesday 15 October

After breakfast we travel to Hahndorf with free time to explore this quaint German style village. We return to Adelaide with free time this afternoon to further explore the city or the vibrant seaside suburb of Glenelg. 

Thursday 16 October

After breakfast we travel to the Barossa Valley, followed by a heritage tour and farewell lunch at Seppeltsfield Winery. After lunch return to Glenelg. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Friday 17 October

After breakfast transfer to Adelaide Airport for your flight home.

Please contact us to extend your stay in Adelaide!