Ghan and Indian Pacific – Perth to Darwin
Overview
Step aboard for the journey of a lifetime with this two-week rail odyssey from Perth to Darwin—an adventure that echoes the golden age of travel. After a night in the sun-kissed city of Perth, you’ll board the legendary Indian Pacific, gliding eastward across the vast Australian interior toward Adelaide. Spend five nights soaking in the charm of South Australia’s capital, or perhaps venture to the wild beauty of Kangaroo Island, where nature reigns supreme.
From Adelaide, the iconic Ghan awaits to carry you north through the heart of the continent. This is no ordinary train ride—it’s one of the world’s great rail journeys, where time seems to slow as the landscapes shift from ochre deserts to tropical greens. In just three unforgettable days, you’ll arrive in Darwin, gateway to the Top End, where a tour of the awe-inspiring Kakadu National Park rounds off this extraordinary adventure. This is more than a holiday—it’s a memory in the making, a rail journey you’ll treasure forever.
Flights not included but can be added to suit your preferred routing.
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 – Perth. Welcome to Perth! Enjoy a day sightseeing in the capital of Western Australia. Relax on the beach, take a stroll around the huge Kings Park and Botanical Gardens, or perhaps head up Mount Eliza for some great views. (Overnight Perth).
Day 2
Day 2 – Indian Pacific. Climb onboard the Indian Pacific for an amazing journey to Adelaide that will not soon be forgotten. Travel in ultimate comfort and style in your Gold Service twin cabin, which features all-inclusive meals in the discretely ornate Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car, access to the Outback Explorer Lounge, complimentary toiletries, and bath towels, and still wine, beer, and spirits on request all day long. This evening's excursion in Kalgoorlie will introduce you to Hannan's North tourist Mine where you will enjoy a short play performed by local artists, see the Super Pit gold mine. Return to the Indian Pacific for a nightcap and your journey onwards through the night across the Nullarbor Plain. (Overnight onboard the train) B, L, D.
Day 3
Day 3 – Indian Pacific. At dawn, the Indian Pacific rolls into Rawlinna Station, where you will get off the train for a hot breakfast and coffee on the platform. In the afternoon, explore the ghost town of Cook (population four). Back on the train, relax and recharge in your cabin before heading to the lounge or dining carriage. (Overnight onboard the train) B, L, D.
Day 4
Day 4 – Adelaide. It is an early scheduled arrival in Adelaide, and once off the train make your own way to your hotel for check in. Once settled make your way out to enjoy the city at your own leisure. (Overnight Adelaide) B.
Day 5
Day 5 – Adelaide. Get to know the city a little better today with a morning city tour. This morning tour will show you all the key sights in this beautiful city including the Botanic Gardens and iconic North Terrace. (Overnight Adelaide) B.
Day 6
Day 6 – Kangaroo Island. You will be collected from your hotel in Adelaide and treated to some great scenery through the McClaren Vale region to Port Jervis for a 45min ferry crossing to Kangaroo Island. Your luxury coach and guide will escort you around the island, with the first stop being the impressive Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for a delicious two course lunch. Your tour continues in the afternoon and gives you the opportunity to get up close to a breath-taking array of wildlife in its natural habitat. (Overnight Kangaroo Island) L
Day 7
Day 7 – Kangaroo Island to Adelaide. Following pick up at your hotel, continue to explore all this wonderful island has to offer. Clifford's Honey Farm offers you the opportunity to sample numerous honey sourced products, then onto Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for a two-course lunch. In the afternoon travel west to the spectacular Flinders Chase National Park, and here take a scenic coastal stroll around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch - home to families of Long-nosed fur seals. Head back to Penneshaw for your ferry and evening drive back to Adelaide. (Overnight Adelaide) L
Day 8
Day 8 – Adelaide. Spend the day at your own leisure today, perhaps checking out the fantastic Central Market with its great choice of delicious food and drink offerings. (Overnight Adelaide) B
Day 9
Day 9 - The Ghan. Make your way out to Adelaide Parkland Terminal this morning, where you will board the great red carriages of the Ghan train heading north. After settling into your cabin why not head to the Outback Explorer Lounge car for a drink with your fellow passengers. Enjoy the view as you tuck into a fine dinner (Overnight onboard) D
Day 10
Day 10 – The Ghan. Make an early start today as the train stops at the tiny town of Marla some 1000km north of Adelaide, and here you can enjoy breakfast around a campfire watching the sun rise. Once back on board relax at leisure before lunch and arrival into Alice Springs. There are several amazing experiences on offer here but the time to get back onto the train will arrive soon enough. Enjoy discussing your day of fun with your fellow passengers over dinner. (Overnight onboard) B,L,D
Day 11
Day 11 – The Ghan. Its breakfast onboard today but soon enough the train will arrive at Katherine for some of board exploration. Katherines breath-taking gorge can be enjoyed by boat or for the experience of a lifetime why not take a helicopter ride? Lunch and dinner are both served in the Queen of Adelaide restaurant car before the train pulls into Darwin for the end of its journey, some 2,979km. Make you way to your hotel for a 3-night stay. (Overnight Darwin) B,L,D
Day 12
Day 12 – Kakadu National Park. This morning travel along the Arnhem Highway into the Kakadu National Park. the park covers 20,000sq Km of land from rocky escarpment home to historic Aboriginal rock art dating back thousands of years, to floodplains abundant with wildlife. Visit the Warradjan Cultural centre to better understand and appreciate the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu, then join a local guide on a cruise of the Yellow Water Billabong. Keep an eye out for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful array of birdlife for which the area is famed. Following lunch make a stop at Nourlangie for a walk to view ancient rock art, there is also that once in a lifetime experience of an amazing 50min scenic flight across the park (own expense) (Overnight Darwin) L
Day 13
Day 13 – Darwin. Discover all Australia's only tropical capital city has to offer today with this great day tour. Learn the rich history of the city with visits to the Darwin Aviation Museum, Mueum of the Northern Territory and its rich and diverse Botanical Gardens. In the afternoon head down the Stuart Highway to the Adelaide River - the home to over 1600 crocodiles! Cruise the river and get as close as comfortably possible to the crocs as they launch themselves out of the water. Enjoy a great view across the Marraki Plains before visiting the Fogg Dam Nature Reserve to see a wetland ecosystem up close, then head back to Darwin to enjoy your evening. (Overnight Darwin).
Day 14
Day 14 – Return Home.