Red Centre Spectacular - The Ghan

‍DAY 1 (2027 itinerary)

BOARD THE GHAN IN ADELAIDE, CLARE VALLEY

Your journey on The Ghan begins in Adelaide this afternoon, as you step aboard and settle into the rhythm of life on the rails. Watch the countryside roll past your window as the train makes its way north, a hint of the adventure to come. By early evening, the train arrives at Long Plains, where you step off and transfer into the rolling vineyards of the ClareValley – one of South Australia's most celebrated wine regions. At Penobscot Farm, a signature dinner awaits in the reimagined Woolshed, curated exclusively for guests of The Ghan. Every dish is drawn from the farm's own biodynamic produce, paired with Clare Valley's celebrated Rieslings and reds under the guidance of Executive Chef Nicola Palmer. As the sun sets over the vines, raise a glass to the days of discovery ahead. After dinner, return to the train and retire for the night as The Ghan continues its journey north. (D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights The Ghan

Day 2

THE GHAN, FLINDERS RANGES

Wake to the changing countryside as The Ghan arrives into Port Augusta, South Australia's gateway to the outback. After breakfast, step off the train and prepare for a full day discovering one of the nation’s most remarkable regions: the Flinders Ranges. Your Off Train Experience takes you deep into one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, where 600 million years of geological history has folded the land into dramatic gorges and red rock outcrops. Stand amid ancient rock formations and take in a landscape millions of years in the making. From here, head to the historic town of Quorn, once a vital crossroads on the Trans-Australian Railway and now home to the heritage Pichi Richi line. Settle in for lunch paired with the botanicals of Flinders Gin, distilled from the landscape around you. Visit the ruins of Kanyaka Station and hear stories of the ruined dreams of colonial farmers in this harsh and unrelenting landscape — a striking introduction to the outback. After a day of exploration, rejoin the train for a relaxed evening on board recalling the day’s adventures. (B,L,D)

Day 3

‍THE GHAN, ARRIVE ALICE SPRINGS

Wake to an outback sunrise at Marla and enjoy jaw-dropping landscapes as you travel to Alice Springs. Our arrival in Alice marks the start of a new adventure. We’ll venture further into the heart of Australia on the eight-day Red Centre Explorer tour with Outback Spirit. Here, you will be met by the passionate Outback Spirit crew, who will be guiding you as you take in all the Red Centre has to offer over the next eight days. Check-in at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, where we'll stay for the first two nights. In the evening, the group will meet for welcome drinks and a short briefing on what you can expect during your tour. Tonight's dinner is at the hotel. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters (or similiar)

DAY 4

ALICE SPRINGS

Today, explore Alice Springs and its surrounds, taking in natural rock formations that are truly spectacular. After breakfast, venture to the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a walk to Simpsons Gap. Known as 'Rungutjirpa' by the Arrernte people, Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site and home to dozens of rare plants and a host of native wildlife. We'll then visit Standley Chasm – Angkerle Atwatye – a cultural icon of Central Australia, which is 100% owned and operated by the Arrernte community. We'll break for morning tea before departing the West MacDonnell Ranges to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here, enjoy a guided tour that will challenge your perception of the desert, leaving you with an understanding that the desert is full of life. This evening, enjoy a classic-style outdoor BBQ and show under the incredible night sky. (B, L, D)

DAY 5

ALICE SPRINGS TO KINGS CANYON

Today, we say goodbye to Alice Springs as we go deeper into the outback. First up is a visit to Ellery Creek for a short walk and morning tea, then we travel to Ormiston Gorge to see its towering red cliffs. We'll stop for lunch at Glen Helen, a haven of outback hospitality, before journeying to the mighty Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. As we drive through the outback, we'll take the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Kings Canyon Resort, where we'll spend the next two nights. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Kings Canyon Resort

DAY 6

KINGS CANYON – WATARRKA NATIONAL PARK

Experience Kings Canyon with a walk – the 6km rim walk, featuring breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park or a less arduous 2.6km walk along the canyon floor. As afternoon turns to evening, enjoy sunset drinks and canapes at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, who also created the Field of Light. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill. (B,L,D)

DAY 7

KINGS CANYON TO ULURU KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK

Pass through Kings Creek Station and enjoy an informative talk and lunch at Curtin Springs, before arriving at Uluru. This evening, we attend the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner. This is a breathtaking cultural storytelling experience, told through choreographed drones, lasers and projections illuminating the night sky. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights at Sails in the Desert

DAY 8

ULURU KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, we depart to discover Kata Tjuta (theOlgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature. Departing the resort before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune-top location, again with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro's global phenomenon Field of Light gently illuminates. Aptlynamed Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), Field of Light features 50,000 slender stems, crowned with radiant, frosted-glass spheres, spread across an area the size of seven football fields. (B,L,D)

PLEASE NOTE: Dinner this evening will be at approximately 9pm. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 ‍

ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK

Early risers can experience the sun rising over Uluru this morning and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. Breakfast is at the hotel, before we depart for the Mala Walk. Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls. This evening, enjoy the unique Sounds of Silence dining experience under the stars. (B,L,D)

DAY 10

ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK TO ALICE SPRINGS, REBOARD THE GHAN

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before making thejourney by road from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to theAlice Springs Rail Terminal where your Red Centre Explorertour comes to an end. Re-join The Ghan and reacquaint yourself to life on train as The Ghan heads north, enjoy watching the beautiful scenery pass by your window as you relax with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night The Ghan

DAY 11

THE GHAN, KATHERINE AND DARWIN

When the landscape transforms into rocky gorges andfast-flowing canyon streams, prepare to experienceone of the Top End’s most impressive natural wonders on a boat cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. Alternatively,the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, there is also a helicopter flight upgrade available, for those wishing to see Nitmiluk from an aerial perspective (additional cost). Continue to Darwin and upon arrival it’s time to say farewell to The Ghan. At the Darwin terminal, transfers to select Darwin CBD hotels are included. (B,L,)