Home > Outback > Australia Rail Tours - Red Centre to Top End Rail Break

Red Centre to Top End Rail Break from $2616*
9 Days rail experience including the magnificent Ghan  

Experience some of Outback Australia's finest aboriginal icons and then travel via one of the world's great rail journeys - The Legendary Ghan - deep into the Northern Territory.

Australia Aboriginal Tour Highlights:

Day 1: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way, stop at a lookout for panoramic views of its eastern side. Continue on before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. In the late afternoon we travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Witness and photograph the striking colour changes of Uluru at sunset whilst enjoying nibbles and a glass of wine. Accommodation: Outback Pioneer (R), Desert Gardens (F), Ayers Rock Resort

Day 2: Kata Tjuta (Olgas) – Alice Springs

Travel to the sunrise viewing area at the eastern end of Uluru and watch the first sunlight of the day creep across the desert plains. Enjoy a warming cup of tea or coffee as the morning sun slowly changes the colour of Uluru. Travel to the base of Uluru for a closer view of this huge monolith. Join your AAT Kings Driver/Guide for a tour around the base of Uluru. Travel by coach to the Mutitjulu Walk where you will be escorted into the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. View Aboriginal rock art and learn about the Aboriginal and European history of Uluru. Travel around the base of Uluru in the comfort of the coach as your Driver/Guide provides commentary about the numerous sacred areas and features to be found at Uluru. Visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Aboriginal culture and see Aboriginal arts and crafts, before travelling to kings Canyon. Accommodation: Standard Rooms (R, F), Kings Canyon Resort.

Day 3: Kings Canyon - Alice Springs

This morning join your guide for the rocky climb to the rim of magnificent Kings Canyon which is located in Watarrka National Park (this is a 3 hour walk and is for those with a good level of fitness, sturdy footwear required). Alternatively, you may wish to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor, an easier shady walk. There is time to purchase lunch at Kings Canyon Resort (own expense) before travelling to Alice Springs. Accommodation: Aurora Alice Springs (R), Crowne Plaza (F), Alice Springs.

Note: During the hotter months of the year where temperatures can reach and exceed 36° C or 97° F, the Watarrka National Park Rangers strongly advise that visitors do not take part in the Kings Canyon Rim Climb. In this drier desert climate heat exhaustion, over these hotter months, is a very high possibility and a danger in such remote regions. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of our clients we offer a guided walk along the Kings Canyon creek-bed floor and at Kathleen Springs as a suitable alternative on such days.

Day 4: Alice Springs – The Ghan

Travel west from Alice Springs following the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges. Pass the John Flynn Memorial (founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service). Our first stop is at Simpson’s Gap where you will be served morning tea among the red gums. Continue to Angkerle (Standley Chasm). Walk along the stony watercourse lined with cycads, ghost gums, and acacias. A light lunch will be provided before you depart for Alice Springs Desert Park. Explore the Desert Rivers, Sand Country and Woodland habitats and discover many of the secrets of the Central Australian deserts. Visit the Nocturnal House and witness free-flying birds of prey in the nature theatre at the Birds of Prey presentation. Afterwards you will be transferred back to Alice Springs. The afternoon is at your leisure. In the early evening you will be transferred to the Alice Springs railway station to join The Ghan to Darwin. Sit back and relax from the comfort of the train as the ‘outback’ scenery passes by. (L) Accommodation: Red Service Sleeper Cabin (R), Gold Service (F), The Ghan.

Day 5: The Ghan – Darwin

On arrival to Darwin railway station you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.  Accommodation: Mirambeena Resort (R), Holiday Inn Esplanade (F), Darwin.

Day 6: Darwin - Kakadu

Travel deep into Kakadu National Park. Take a guided walk to view Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock. After lunch join the famous Yellow Water Billabong Cruise to observe saltwater crocodiles and prolific bird life. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and view the informative displays and exhibits. (L) Accommodation: Aurora Kakadu (R), Gagadju Crocodile Holiday Inn (F), Kakadu.

Day 7: Kakadu - Darwin

This morning stop at Ubirr with a short walk to view rock art. Join the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River in search of saltwater crocodiles. We have an Aboriginal guide with us and with the special permission of the local people; we will be able to go ashore in Arnhem Land. Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre. There is the opportunity for an optional scenic flight (own expense) over the Arnhem Land Escarpment. Return journey to Darwin. (L) Accommodation: Mirambeena Resort (R), Holiday Inn Esplanade (F), Darwin, 2 nights.

Note: During the months November to April, access to Ubirr and East Alligator River is not always possible. Alternative touring will be arranged

Day 8: Litchfield National Park – Darwin

Leaving Darwin, we follow the Stuart Highway via the township of Batchelor to Litchfield National Park. Visiting the main falls of the Park, you have the opportunity for scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walks. View Florence Falls from a high vantage point before making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below with an opportunity to swim, making your way back via the monsoon forest and open woodland. We visit Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole below and venture to Wangi Falls for another opportunity for a swim in the large crystal clear pool and an optional steady climb through the monsoon vine forest to the top of the falls. During the day we stop for a picnic lunch. A great day also for taking many interesting photos, including the amazing stand of termite mounds. (L)

Note: A good level of fitness is required to access some of the waterfalls. Seasonal conditions may effect inclusions from time to time, in which case alternative touring will be arranged.

Day 9: Darwin

You will be transferred to Darwin airport for your flight (airfare not included in tour price).

DEPARTS: Fri and Mon 2.30pm/3.30pm from Ayers Rock Resort

Concludes: In Darwin

Tour Code: SO10039 (Superior)