Journey Beyond's Black Friday offers are live!
All Black Friday deals on sale now!
The day has arrived! All of our exclusive offers are now LIVE and ready for you to snap up!
These will be on sale until 14 December 2024 so be sure to take advantage of them while they last.
Offer 1: 30% OFF GOLD SINGLES
Offer 2: FREE GOLD PREMIUM CABIN UPGRADE
Offer 3: 30% OFF SELECT INDIAN PACIFIC JOURNEYS
Aussie Rail Journeys On Sale
2025 Departures Now Available
Two unforgettable rail journeys across Australia’s iconic Outback
Experience Australia’s heartland aboard The Ghan with two unforgettable journeys: Darwin to Adelaide and Alice Springs to Adelaide. Both routes offer an extraordinary rail adventure through iconic Outback landscapes, complete with all-inclusive fine dining, immersive off-train experiences, and luxurious cabins.
Travellers will journey through the Red Centre, witness the stunning desert scenery, and explore cultural treasures like Nitmiluk Gorge and the rugged Flinders Ranges. Make their desert dreams a reality with these remarkable expeditions on The Ghan.
The Ghan 2025 Departures now available, check out two packages below:
7 DAY GHAN EXPEDITION
- 4 Day / 3 Night The Ghan Expedition Journey
- Gold Service Twin Cabin
- All-inclusive meals & beverages
- One-of-a-kind off train experiences!
- Pre & Post accom. in Darwin & Adelaide
- Croc N History Explorer tour
- Darwin Harbour sunset dinner cruise
Price from NZD $6,889* per person
Travel Season: 15 May 2025 - 23 October 2025.
7 DAY RED CENTRE GHAN EXPLORER
- 2 Day / 1 Night The Ghan Rail Journey
- Gold Service Twin Cabin
- All-inclusive meals & beverages
- Cruise the Nitmiluk Gorge
- Pre & Post accom. in Ayers Rock & Darwin
- Field of Light pass
- Afternoon Uluru Sacred Sites & Sunset
- Morning West MacDonnell Ranges tour
Price from NZD $4,549* per person
Travel Season: 01 May 2025 - 20 November 2025.
The Ghan - Adelaide to Darwin 3 day/2 night
Adelaide to Darwin: A legendary train. An unforgettable Australian adventure. Travel aboard The Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin on this all-inclusive adventure.
Departing Adelaide, travel through the Red Centre, experiencing Australia at its dramatic best on a three-day journey on The Ghan. Watch the landscape change from verdant greens to arid plans, where the colours of the outback saturate the landscape. Stop in Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine to learn about the history, culture, natural beauty and significance of each remote outpost as you travel on this legendary train.
Departs Wednesdays March to November. From AU$2,590 per person.
Note: this itinerary also available in reverse Darwin to Adelaide.
HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS
3 days / 2 nights aboard The Ghan, travelling from Adelaide to Darwin
All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages
A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
Immersive Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine
Cruise the Nitmiluk Gorge or learn more about Katherine’s ancient Indigenous rock paintings
Gold Twin, advance purchase - Mar-Apr/Sep-Nov AU$2,890; May-Aug AU$3,190.
Gold Twin, everyday - Mar-Apr/Sep-Nov AU$3,390; May-Aug AU$3,590.
Gold Twin, flexible - Mar-Apr/Sep-Nov AU$3,790; May-Aug AU$4,090.
Gold Single, advance purchase - Mar-Apr/Sep-Nov AU$2,590; May-Aug $2,890.
Gold Single, everyday - Mar-Apr/Sep-Nov AU$2,990; May-Aug AU$3,290.
Gold Single, flexible - Mar-Apr/Sep-Nov AU$3,390; May-Aug AU$3,690.
Platinum Twin, everyday - Mar-Apr/Sep-Nov AU$5,190; May-Aug AU$5,490.
Platinum Twin, flexible - Mar-Apr/Sep-Nov AU$5,990; May-Aug AU$6,290.
Adelaide to Darwin
01 March to 30 November 2025
* Price per person, one way from AUD. Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Updated 24 January 2024.
The Ghan Expedition - Darwin to Adelaide 4 day/3 night
An icon of Australian rail travel and one of the world’s great train journeys, ride the rails of history aboard The Ghan Expedition between Darwin and Adelaide.
Beginning in Darwin, this four-day, all-inclusive expedition takes you to some of the most remote and captivating parts of Australia. Operating April to October, your adventure through the country’s vast, varied, and captivating interior will demonstrate the true meaning of the Australian outback. In the Northern Territory, explore Katherine and Alice Springs, where you’ll enjoy a signature dining experience at The Historic Telegraph Station, and in South Australia, stop at Manguri and Coober Pedy before reaching your final destination of Adelaide.
Departs Wednesdays and Saturdays April to October. From AU$3,790 per person.
HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS
4 days / 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide
All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages
A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and Manguri
A spectacular dinner under the stars at The Historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs
Explore Nitmiluk Gorge’s powerful natural wonders and rich Indigenous culture
Venture into the underground opal mining town of Coober Pedy
CABIN FARE TYPE APR & SEP - OCT MAY - AUG
PLATINUM EVERYDAY $7,590 $7,990
PLATINUM FLEXIBLE $8,690 $9,290
GOLD PREMIUM ADVANCE PURCHASE $5,090 $5,490
GOLD PREMIUM EVERYDAY $5,890 $6,290
GOLD PREMIUM FLEXIBLE $6,590 $6,990
GOLD TWIN ADVANCE PURCHASE $4,290 $4,590
GOLD TWIN EVERYDAY $4,890 $5,190
GOLD TWIN FLEXIBLE $5,490 $5,890
GOLD SINGLE ADVANCE PURCHASE $3,790 $4,090
GOLD SINGLE EVERYDAY $4,390 $4,690
GOLD SINGLE FLEXIBLE $4,890 $5,290
Darwin to Adelaide
April to October 2025
* Price per person, one way from AUD. Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Updated 24 January 2024.
*Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Further conditions apply.
The Ghan - Adelaide to Alice Springs 2 day/1 night
Adelaide to Alice Springs
One night and two days. Roll from the deep green pastures of the south into rich red outback splendour. Departs Sundays March to November & departs Wednesdays April to October. From AU$1,790 per person.
HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS
2 days / 1 night aboard The Ghan, travelling from Adelaide to Alice Springs
All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages
A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
Early morning off train experience in Marla
Gold Twin, advanced purchase - Mar-Apr & Sep-Oct AU$2,090; May-Aug AU$2,190.
Gold Twin, everyday - Mar-Apr & Sep-Oct AU$2,290; May-Aug AU$2,490.
Gold Twin, flexible - Mar-Apr & Sep-Oct AU$2,590; May-Aug AU$2,890.
Gold Single, advanced purchase - Mar-Apr & Sep-Oct AU$1,790; May-Aug AU$1,990.
Gold Single, everyday - Mar-Apr & Sep-Oct AU$2,090; May-Aug AU$2,290.
Gold Single, flexible - Mar-Apr & Sep-Oct AU$2,390; May-Aug AU$2,590.
Platinum Twin, everyday - Mar-Apr & Sep-Oct AU$4,290; May-Aug AU$4,490.
Platinum Twin, flexible - Mar-Apr & Sep-Oct AU$4,990; May-Aug AU$5,190.
Darwin to Adelaide
01 March to 31 October 2025
* Price per person, one way from AUD. Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Updated 24 January 2024.
The Ghan - Alice Springs to Adelaide 2 day/1 night
Alice Springs to Adelaide
One night and two days. Roll from the deep green pastures of the south into rich red outback splendour. Departs Thursdays March & November. From AU$1,790 per person.
HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS
2 days / 1 night aboard The Ghan, travelling from Alice Springs to Adelaide
All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages
A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
Early morning off train experience in Marla
Gold Twin, advanced purchase - Mar & Nov AU$2,090.
Gold Twin, everyday - Mar & Nov AU$2,290.
Gold Twin, flexible - Mar & NovAU$2,590.
Gold Single, advanced purchase - Mar & Nov AU$1,790.
Gold Single, everyday - Mar & Nov AU$2,090.
Gold Single, flexible - Mar & Nov AU$2,390.
Platinum Twin, everyday - Mar & Nov AU$4,290.
Platinum Twin, flexible - Mar & Nov AU$4,990.
Darwin to Adelaide
01 March to 31 October 2025
* Price per person, one way from AUD. Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Updated 24 January 2024.
The Ghan Experience
EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED
There’s nothing like putting down your suitcase and allowing your journey to simply unfold. Once you step aboard our trains, you can relax, knowing everything has been considered and included in your fare.
From world-class food and wine to a range of immersive Off Train Experiences, the hardest decision you’ll need to make is what to have for lunch and which experience to join.
PLATINUM SERVICE
Nothing enhances the romance of rail travel quite like Platinum Service. Tailored for the discerning traveller, our Platinum Service adds a new level of sophistication to your journey. Stylishly appointed and spacious cabins are complemented by discreet, personalised service and access to the exclusive Platinum Club carriage for meals, relaxation and socialising. As you’d expect, the food and wine is of the highest standard. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and four-course dinners, all regionally inspired and paired with champagne and premium wines.
And it all begins before you’ve even stepped aboard. Platinum guests receive private transfers before and after your journey, beginning the adventure in style.
Platinum cabins offer premium extras, like a full-size en suite, expansive window views from the train, and exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage. Add to that the luxurious linen, French Champagne, Bracegirdle’s chocolates, a nightcap at turndown and more, and you’re in for an exceptional experience.
GOLD SERVICE
Immerse yourself in the world of romance that epitomises rail travel with our Gold Service offering. Our most popular service option has everything you’ll need to feel at home for the duration of your journey.
Choose between Gold Twin or Single cabins, both of which provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day’s journey. Spend hours deep in conversation with new friends in the shared Outback Explorer Lounge, sipping on barista made coffee, or a glass of white wine. Later make your way to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant to dine.
Gold includes hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners. You may also choose to complement your meal with our selection of premium wines and beverages, all included in your fare.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
In addition to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin onboard, you’ll find yourself indulging in sumptuous cuisine, fine wines, and camaraderie in our dining carriages.
Taking our cue from the diverse environments our trains travel through, our expert culinary team works closely with local suppliers, farmers and providores to source the best ingredients, creating an innovative, regionally-inspired menu accompanied by all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.
OFF TRAIN EXPERIENCES
The beauty of experiencing Australia by train is that you have a front-row seat from which to observe the changing colours of the landscape. While the views of the outside world from the comfort of your cabin are captivating, sometimes it’s good to step off the train and stretch your legs to explore the remote pocket of Australia you find yourself in.
In between tracing the landscape, each leg of our rail journeys are marked with tailored Off Train Experiences and authentic encounters. These experiences tell the unique story of the land, providing a sense of place, people, and culture.
Train & Cruise
EXPLORE AUSTRALIA BY LAND & SEA
Explore the country’s endless and magnificent landscapes indulging in the romance and relaxation of rail. Pair your spectacular train journey with an epic adventure on the sea, where our cruise partners are ready to meet your every need.
Sophisticated small-group cruise expedition operator PONANT is a world leader in luxury expeditions, offering regular Zodiac® outings and shore excursions with naturalist guides and expedition experts to help you discover the culture, history, and sheer natural beauty of the landscapes you travel through.
If evocative art deco elegance is more your style, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is for you. This elegant liner may carry 2000-odd passengers but she’s not short of space, with uncrowded decks setting the perfect backdrop for a flawless cruise experience.
Alternatively, join Princess aboard Coral Princess®, a 2000-guest custom-built vessel. This mid-sized seafarer features more than 700 balcony staterooms from which to watch the coastline pass by. Or choose to feel at home on a Majestic or Royal Princess cruise, enjoying exceptional accommodation, fine dining, entertainment and luxury retail shopping aboard these grand 3000-guest vessels.
Off Train - Katherine
NITMILUK GORGE CRUISE
INCLUDED IN FARE
There is a tangible connection you will feel to the dramatic, ancient scenery unfolding as you wind your way down the Katherine River on a relaxing cruise.
Making this experience even more memorable is the commentary that explains the significance of Nitmiluk to the Indigenous Jawoyn people and the many stories that celebrate their spiritual connection to the gorge.
You’ll hear the characteristic shrill of the cicadas reverberating off the cliff faces as your expert guide navigates you through the swirling waters of the First and Second Gorges. Keep a keen eye out for the many species of wildlife and unique plants that have adapted to this unique environment – your guide will point out what you need to look for.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests to board and disembark boats unassisted. Approx. 2km of walking over natural paths and rocky terrain.
KATHERINE OUTBACK EXPERIENCE
INCLUDED IN FARE (MAY - OCT)
The Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, with a fascinating day of discovery, showing what it’s like to live and work on a huge cattle station.
You’ll hear rollicking stories, join interactive experiences, see cattle dog demonstrations and hear live music performances. You’ll also meet the many dedicated people and animals it requires to keep a station functioning.
Head to the Stockyards where an entertaining exhibition of outback life includes a live demonstration of the art of horse-breaking and the intimate connection between man and horse. Enjoy a demonstration by the Riverboyne Dog Team as the work cattle, goats or even ducks into orderly submission.
You’ll also get to sit back and relax, listening to live music including some well-known Aussie anthems and originals often performed from horseback.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Recommended for guests with mobility requirements. Katherine Outback Experience show is conducted in an undercover arena with full seating available.
CUTTA CUTTA CAVES
INCLUDED IN FARE (APR - OCT)
Formed millions of years ago and still growing today, the Cutta Cutta Caves are found 15 metres below the surface. The cave system is home to a variety of native wildlife and is rich in Indigenous culture and modern European history.
The park covers 1499 hectares of limestone landscape. Inside the caves, you may see sparkling limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave system is home to five species of bats, including the rare Ghost and Horseshoe bats. Around 170 species of birds have been recorded within the park, including the Hooded Parrot and the endangered Gouldian Finch. It is also possible that you will see a harmless brown tree snake coiled on a cave ledge. Cutta Cutta is a Jawoyn word meaning “many stars”, as they believe that caves are where the stars rest during the day.
Cutta Cutta Caves are associated with Barrac Barrac, or Diver Duck dreaming creation stories by the local “Jawoyn” Indigenous people.
Recommended Fitness Level: High – Guests must be able to navigate steep stairs, walking in low light and comfortable being underground.
NITMILUK GORGE HELICOPTER FLIGHT
OPTIONAL UPGRADE - $250 PER PERSON (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
While science suggests that this stunning landscape was carved over the millennia by the elements, the traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn people, believe that the Gorge system was created by Bula. The most important figure in Jawoyn dreaming stories, Bula and his two wives hunted across this land and in doing so he transformed the landscape through his actions.
Take a helicopter flight to fully appreciate the sheer enormity of the river. As you fly over all 13 gorges, see if you can follow the path of Bula as you move through the region as he did. A view from the air is the best way to appreciate the complexity of the system that makes up Nitmiluk Gorge.
As this experience is an optional upgrade, a cost of $250 per person will be payable direct to your Hospitality Attendant. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Guests required to board and disembark helicopter unassisted.
PLEASE NOTE: Weight restrictions of 130kg per person do apply.
Off Train - Alice Springs
STANDLEY CHASM CULTURAL WALK
INCLUDED IN FARE*
Standley Chasm is a significant cultural icon in Central Australia. Traditionally called ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, which means ‘Gap of Water’, the impressive chasm is a 3-metre-wide and 80-metre-high gorge found in the West MacDonnell Ranges, about 50km west of Alice Springs.
Once a narrow tributary of the Finke River system, persistent rainfall and flooding of a lusher bygone era has intricately carved the sandstone slope over millions of years, creating a dramatic and unbelievably picturesque effect where the colours of the Outback are on display. A natural spring nearby brings out an unlikely abundance of life to the arid-climate area, and the best time to catch a glimpse of the native wildlife is in the early morning or late afternoon.
Learn about this beautiful site with a guided cultural walk led by an indigenous Western Arrernte community member. Learn about ancient geology, native flora, fauna, bush medicine and bush tucker as you discover what makes this place unique.
Guests on The Ghan Expedition enjoy some extra time in Standley Chasm. The day is spent enjoying a ploughman’s lunch with a special dot painting workshop in between learning the traditional techniques behind Western Arrernte artwork.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Approx. 2.5km of walking on natural paths and rocky terrain.
*Inclusive for Platinum and Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum and Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.
ALICE EXPLORER
INCLUDED IN FARE*
Travel to the world’s largest classroom, The School of the Air, covering more than 1.3 million square kilometres. Alice Springs School of the Air was established in 1951 and is still in operation today. It was the first to use two-way radio broadcasts to help with the education of students in remote areas who were unable to attend face-to-face lessons. If you are lucky, you may be able to witness a class first hand.
You’ll then visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base to learn about the vital medical care the service provides to thousands living in Outback Australia.
Visit the Reptile Centre, home to the largest reptile display in Central Australia with more than 100 reptiles exhibited. Terry the Saltwater Crocodile’s exhibit features underwater viewing enabling you to get up close to this mighty predator.
Capture a stunning photograph of Alice Springs atop ANZAC Hill before returning to The Ghan to freshen up prior to dinner.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Coach tour with short walks required.
*Inclusive for Platinum and Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum and Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.
DESERT PARK
INCLUDED IN FARE*
Join your experienced guide for an exclusive walking tour to unravel ancient cultural stories, the science behind the region’s breath-taking landscapes, mysterious animal life and geological marvels. Your exclusive guided walking tour takes you through tall river red gums, enduring Spinifex or vibrant wildflowers for an unforgettable close-up exploration of outback flora and fauna.
Step inside the Nocturnal House to discover the mysterious lives of desert animals of the night including the iconic bilby and mala. Watch closely as these animals go about their natural interaction and foraging for food.
As a guest travelling on The Ghan there is a front row seat reserved for you at the spectacular free flight bird show. See the resident dingoes before viewing the changing heart film on desert evolution on the big screen or alternatively take time to enjoy some retail therapy in the gift shop.
Recommended Fitness Level: : Moderate – Guests required to walk approx. 3-4km, broken into short distances. Personal electric scooters are available for mobility assistance – these need to be requested at time of guest tour booking. No electric wheelchair access (collapsible only).
*Inclusive for Platinum and Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum and Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.
SIMPSONS GAP DISCOVERY WALK
INCLUDED IN FARE* (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
A magical location where important elements of flora, fauna and Indigenous culture all come together, the Simpsons Gap area incorporates large stands of Mulga and is a major stronghold for over 40 rare and relict plants.
Here you will enjoy walks that pass the native plants of the area including ancient Ghost Gums and views of the range.
Known as Rungutjirpa to the Indigenous, Simpsons Gap was the mythological home of a group of giant goanna ancestors. Several dreaming trails and stories cross at this important spiritual site.
Enjoy the serenity and peacefulness as you watch the walls glow from reflected sunlight, creating a breath-taking display of stark form and rich colour.
The Simpsons Gap walks are on a natural site. While every precaution has been taken to ensure the walk is safe for everyone, we do insist that all walkers are of high fitness, carry a water bottle and wear a hat and sunscreen.
Recommended Fitness Level: High – Approx. 5-6km of walking on natural paths and rock terrain.
PLEASE NOTE: Guests must wear long pants and enclosed shoes for this experience. If temperatures are forecasted to be 35 degrees or above, this experience may be amended.
*Inclusive for Platinum and Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum and Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.
TELEGRAPH STATION OUTBACK DINNER
INCLUDED IN FARE
After a day of touring, sit back and relax under the stars for a truly unique and authentic dinner experience. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the history of the Australian Outback.
Step back in time as you walk around this historic site, immersing yourself with the early settler life. Learn about the importance of the telegraph station to colonial life and Australian communication to the rest of the world.
You can also watch the blacksmith crafting away using traditional tooling and methods, or maybe take the opportunity to climb aboard a camel for a short ride.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Seated outdoor dinner.
PLEASE NOTE: During the winter months the temperatures can drop significantly at night time. Please remember to bring warm clothing.
ULURU FIXED WING SCENIC FLIGHT
OPTIONAL UPGRADE - $1,399 (FROM 1 APRIL 2023) (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)*
You will fly just south of Pine Gap where the United States and Australian Joint Defence Space Research Facility is located before heading directly to Uluṟu – Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Take in the spectacular outback scenery and vastness of Australia with a unique bird’s eye view.
On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, you will be met by your tour guide to commence your immersive experience of Uluṟu.
Rising out of the surrounding Central Australian desert, Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuṯa (The Olgas) dominate the landscape. World Heritage-listed Uluṟu is one of Australia’s most iconic symbols and best known natural landmarks. The ancient monolith is impressive; Uluṟu is 348 metres above the plain, more than 860 metres above sea level and has a circumference of 9.4 kilometres – that’s higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Chrysler Building in New York.
Here you will visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, home of Wanampi, an ancestral water snake. For centuries Mutitjulu was an important campsite for Anangu at Uluṟu. On this walk, you will learn about Kuniya Tjukurpa – the great battle between Kuniya (woma python) and Liru (poisonous snake man).
Enjoy a picnic lunch before travelling around the base of Uluṟu by vehicle. Hear cultural stories and environmental information from your local guide. Stop for the picture-perfect postcard photo – the one to make your friends jealous and to take pride of place on your mantelpiece.
On return to Ayers Rock Airport, board your aircraft and take to the skies again where you will fly closely around Uluṟu for a different perspective and see Kata Tjuṯa.
Kata Tjuṯa is a Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal tribe word meaning ‘many heads’. It is made up of 36 domes spread over an area of more than 20 kilometres. The tallest dome is Mount Olga and rises 546 metres above the plain, or 1,066 metres above sea level. The ochre-coloured shapes are an intriguing and mesmerising sight.
As this experience is an optional upgrade, a cost of $1399 will be payable direct to your Hospitality Attendant. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Guest required to board and disembark aircraft unassisted, some walking and standing throughout the experience.
To avoid disappointment we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour, for more information on how to pre-book please contact our team.
PLEASE NOTE: This tour is subject to flight weather conditions and National Park access. Weight restrictions of 100kg do apply and vary depending on total weight of all passengers in the aircraft.
Off Train - Coober Pedy
DISCOVER THE MAJESTIC BREAKAWAYS
INCLUDED IN FARE
The Breakaways Reserve got its name from the colourful low hills that appear from a distance as if they are ‘broken away’ from the higher ground of the reserve. The landscape was once an inland sea and over time has been transformed into a dramatic landscape that changes colour with the passing of the sun creating an almost surreal panorama.
The Breakaways Lookout is a highlight for guests of the walking tour and provides the perfect vantage point to truly appreciate the breathtaking landscape.
Your local walking guide will take you on a journey that will bring the land to life by showcasing some of the vibrant local flora and fauna and delight you with indigenous ‘dream time’ stories and tales from the past.
You will discover the beauty and history of Australia’s national gemstone at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, one of Coober Pedy’s original attractions showcasing Aboriginal history and fossils.
A guided interactive tour of the museum is a perfect back drop to allow you the opportunity to explore the underground caverns, hand dug shafts and tunnels featuring an original underground dugout home and memorabilia from the past.
A visit to the Opal Quest Mine is where you will be able to don a hard hat and try your luck finding fortune while enjoying an underground lunch.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – approximately 500m of walking and standing for long periods at the Breakaways. The remainder of the experience involves stairs, steep inclines and navigating underground tunnels.
EXPLORE COOBER PEDY
INCLUDED IN FARE
Coober Pedy is an ‘underground’ town where you could arrive with just the shirt on your back and leave a millionaire.
Tour the town and hear about its history. See the Serbian Orthodox Church, built underground with rock carvings in the walls, high roof ‘ballroom’ style design and stained glass windows making this one of Coober Pedy’s most awe inspiring structures.
Visit Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, an underground museum with detailed historical content of the town, an Aboriginal Interpretive Centre, an underground home known as a ‘dugout’ and an original opal mine. Should you wish, some professional advice is available on opal quality and pricing in the gift shop.
With your fortune stored safely in your pocket, travel along a portion of The Dog Fence, the longest continual construction in the world. Stretching some 5,300 kilometres, it begins east of Surfers Paradise in Queensland and ends up north of Ceduna in the Great Australian Bight, South Australia.
Stop en route for a great photo opportunity before arriving at The Breakaways, a striking example of arid scenery. Looking out over the Breakaways it is hard to believe that a vast inland sea covered the area. Marvel at the scenery that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate to high – stairs, steep inclines, short walks and navigating underground tunnels required.
OPAL EXPERIENCE
INCLUDED IN FARE
On this half day tour guests discover the beauty and history of Australia’s national gemstone at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, one of Coober Pedy’s favourite attractions. This immersive experience reveals all there is to know about these alluring gemstones and you’ll also get to see the very best examples of them on display.
Umoona also features historic artefacts, underground caverns, hand dug shafts and tunnels, as well as one of the original underground homes. At the Opal Quest Mine, you’ll have the chance to fossick for your own opal and enjoy a relaxed lunch underground.
Watch the earthy colours of the ancient mesas and valleys transform as the sun moves across this surreal panorama. Your second lookout is the Big Winch, which offers another perfect vantage point to truly appreciate this powerful place.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – stairs, steep inclines, short walks and navigating underground tunnels required.
PAINTED HILLS AND LAKE EYRE SCENIC FLIGHT
OPTIONAL UPGRADE - $1,290 PER PERSON (COMMENCING APRIL 2023)
The Anna Creek Painted Hills is a spectacular and recently discovered section of the beautiful Breakaways country in the far north of South Australia. Travelling from Coober Pedy Airport, the area can only be accessed by air due to its fragility and natural beauty, and guests fly over the dramatic landscape to see it in all its glory.
Continue flying over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake. A seemingly endless expanse that stretches an impressive 144 by 77 kilometres of shimmering salt crystals of pink and orange, which are captivating whether full of water or totally dry.
Stop at William Creek for a quintessential Australian pub lunch at the famous William Creek Hotel, followed by a guided ground tour of the township. Fly over Anna Creek Cattle Station, the world’s largest working cattle station, for the final sector of this experience as you circle back to Coober Pedy before re-joining the rest of The Ghan at Manguri for drinks by a bonfire.
The Painted Hills and Lake Eyre Scenic Flight experience offers a day of unmatched beauty where the vibrant colours of the Outback are truly on display.
As this experience is an optional upgrade, a cost of $1290 will be payable direct to your Hospitality Attendant. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Guest required to board and disembark aircraft unassisted, some walking and standing throughout the experience, weight restrictions apply.
To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour, for more information on how to pre-book please contact our team.
PLEASE NOTE: Weight restrictions of 130kg per person do apply.
Off Train - Marla
MARLA
While you may not have heard of the outback town Marla before, it is fair to say it is worth the early start just to see the sunrise over this South Australian desert landscape.
Located closer to Alice Springs than Adelaide, Marla is just shy of 1000 kilometres into the journey. The train arrives in the dark and guests are welcome to step off to stretch their legs as the sun light slowly bathes the surrounding outback and start their day with a steaming mug of coffee and bacon and egg roll.
Take a moment to enjoy the stillness on this short 45 minute stop with the promise of the day stretching before you. Re-board the train (you can even hop back into bed!) and brunch will be served from 10am.
PLEASE NOTE: This stop is only on northbound journeys from Adelaide to Darwin.
Off Train - Manguri
MANGURI
Not a formal Off Train Experience as such but an added bonus that we like to include if we can! Magnificent Manguri is a rail siding 30 minutes outside of Coober Pedy in South Australia and in this instance, darkness is our friend. The outback’s pitch-black sky unsullied by man-made lights mean the stars out here are truly something to behold.
We pull into Manguri after dinner and invite guests off to enjoy a nightcap around a bonfire while taking in the brilliant carpet of bright stars on a clear night. You’re unlikely to find yourself in Manguri at any other time so while this is a short stop, it’s the kind of stop that adds to a very memorable journey on The Ghan.
PLEASE NOTE: This stop is only on the southbound journey from Darwin to Adelaide in March and November.
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