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Australia

Rail

The Ghan & Top End

Journey from Adelaide through the Top End to Darwin.

INCLUSIONS

• 2 nights aboard The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin with stops in Alice Springs and Katherine
• 4 nights accommodation in Darwin
• View Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr
• Travel into World Heritage Kakadu National Park and visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
• Cruise the Yellow Water billabong
• Visit Nourlangie Rock and view X-ray style Aboriginal rock paintings
• Join the Guluyambi Cruise with an Aboriginal guide
• Stop at Window on the Wetlands for drinks
• Enter Litchfield National Park and visit its magnificent termite mounds
• See the striking double waterfall Florence Falls
• Swim at the base of Wangi Falls

ITINERARY

The focus of this package is the Top End of the Northern Territory and Kakadu, the National Park made famous by the movie Crocodile Dundee. After riding from Adelaide via Alice Springs and Katherine, you’ll be based at a Darwin hotel while you take day tours to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks.

DAY 1 Adelaide, The Legendary Ghan
Depart Adelaide’s Keswick Railway Station at 12.20 p.m. aboard The Ghan for Alice Springs, following the route made famous by the Afghan camel trains. (D)

DAY 2 The Ghan, Alice Springs, Darwin
Rise early today to take in the magnificent sunrise as you traverse the famous desertscapes of Australia’s Red Center amid the elegance of The Ghan. Enjoy a four hour stopover in Alice Springs. Then on to the tropical city of Darwin. The second leg of the journey to Darwin gives you the opportunity to marvel at spectacular Northern Territory landscapes from the comfort of the Legendary Ghan train. (BD)

DAY 3 The Ghan, Katherine, Darwin
Savor your last day aboard The Ghan, taking in the fabulous Outback scenery. Enjoy a short stopover in the beef and cattle town of Katherine before arriving in Darwin and transferring to your hotel. Enjoy this evening at your leisure to explore the fine restaurants and lively nightlife of Darwin for yourself. Stay: Darwin, choice of hotel.(B)

DAY 4 Kakadu National Park, Nourlangie Rock, Yellow Water, Warradjan Aboriginal Center
Travel across the Marrakai Plains and into renowned Kakadu National Park, inscribed on the World Heritage List for both outstanding cultural and natural values. Visit Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center to gain a greater understanding of the rich Aboriginal culture and their long association with the park. Later, join your guided boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Yellow Water billabong, Kakadu’s most famous wetland area. Keep a look out for fearsome crocodiles and the park’s abundant birdlife. Then visit the art site of Nourlangie Rock and view the fascinating galleries of ancient Aboriginal X-ray style rock paintings. Stay: Kakadu National Park, choice of hotel. (L)

DAY 5 Ubirr, Guluyambi Cruise, Walk into Arnhem Land, Bowali Visitor Center
Enjoy time this morning for an optional scenic flight over the spectacular expanse of the escarpment (own expense). Later, we make our way to Ubirr to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. Learn about the cultural significance and meaning connected to these fascinating X-ray style paintings. Continue on to the East Alligator River. With an Aboriginal guide, join the Guluyambi Cruise and discover the river’s natural wonders. Observe birdlife and crocodiles before stopping for a walk into Arnhem Land. Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre to further your understanding of the region’s rich culture. This afternoon stop at Window on the Wetlands for complimentary drinks while admiring the changing light of day over the floodplains. Two Night Stay: Darwin, choice of hotel. (L)

DAY 6 Litchfield National Park
Today explore majestic Litchfield National Park where dry woodlands and forests dominate the sandstone plateau. Stop to view the fascinating magnetic termite mounds. See the striking double waterfall forming Florence Falls, then continue to Tolmer Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the park. Here, admire the crystal-clear water tumbling into the deep pool below. Journey to stunning Wangi Falls where there’s time for a swim at the waterfall’s base (conditions permitting). Or, perhaps take a nature walk to the top of the falls. (L)

DAY 7 Darwin at Leisure
Explore Darwin before your transfer to the airport or railway station.

Note: December to April Ubirr, East Alligator River Cruise and Arnhem Land are subject to seasonal conditions and may be substituted for alternative touring.