The Ghan Deluxe Railway Experience | Alice Spring to Darwin - 2 Days 1 Nights

Day 1: Alice Springs - Setting the Scene

Your adventure begins this evening with an early departure from the Alice Springs Terminal. Settle in and enjoy the start of your journey with modern Australian cuisine and a selection of fine regional wines onboard. Take this opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers in the comfortable social spaces before you retire to the privacy of your cabin for a restful night.

*Please note: Off-train excursions are not included for guests commencing their journey in Alice Springs. However, you have the option to enhance your experience by selecting one of the following tours at an additional cost:

Optional Tours - Alice Springs (with extra cost)

① A TOWN CALLED ALICE - $100 per person

Discover the heart of Alice Springs on this comprehensive tour:

• Alice Springs School of the Air: Visit the world's largest classroom and learn about its vital role in educating remote students. You may even witness a live lesson.
• Alice Springs Reptile Centre: Encounter the fascinating scaly inhabitants of the region, including frillneck lizards, thorny devils, perentie goannas, and geckos, with an informative display.
• Yubu Napa Gallery: Admire high-quality Aboriginal artworks from artists working in comfortable studios and receiving fair compensation.
• Alice Springs Town Highlights Coach Tour: Explore the colourful history and unique culture of this iconic outback town.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Guests will need to climb coach stairs several times and be able to walk and stand for short periods. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Dress for the weather with sunscreen, a hat, and long sleeves recommended.

② DESERT PARK - $100 per person

Immerse yourself in the unique environment of the Alice Springs Desert Park:

• Desert Habitats: Explore three distinct desert environments – Desert Rivers, Sand Country, and Woodland – and learn about the interconnected stories of the Arrernte people, plants, and animals.
• Nocturnal House Guided Walk: Discover the fascinating creatures of the desert night, such as bilbies and rare mala wallabies, in their natural habitat.
• Birds of Prey Aerial Display: Witness the thrilling natural hunting and foraging skills of desert raptors in a free-flying show. Enjoy a backstage pass for an up-close encounter with the birds and trainers.
• Yubu Napa Gallery (Alice Springs): Admire quality Aboriginal artwork with a focus on fair artist practices.
• Alice Springs Town Highlights Coach Tour: A brief overview of the town's key landmarks.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Guests will walk approximately 4km on gravel and sandy pathways, broken into short distances. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Dress for the weather with sunscreen, a hat, trousers, and long sleeves highly recommended. Personal electric scooters are available for mobility assistance (limited availability, request at booking, indemnity form required).

③ SIMPSONS GAP DISCOVERY WALK INCLUDED IN FARE - $100 per person*

Experience the natural beauty and cultural significance of Simpsons Gap (Rungutjirpa):

• Native Flora Walk: Discover the diverse plant life, including ancient Ghost Gums and stands of Mulga, a stronghold for rare species.
• West MacDonnell Ranges Views: Enjoy scenic vistas of the dramatic mountain range.
• Arrernte Dreamtime Stories: Learn about the mythological significance of Simpsons Gap as the home of giant goanna ancestors and a convergence point for important spiritual trails.
• Canyon Serenity: Admire the breathtaking display of light and colour on the canyon walls.

Recommended Fitness Level: High level mobility – Approximately 5km of walking over rocky and natural terrain. Enclosed sturdy shoes and long pants are required. Dress for the weather with sunscreen, a hat, trousers, and long sleeves highly recommended.

PLEASE NOTE: Guests must wear long pants and enclosed shoes for this experience. This experience may be amended if temperatures are forecasted to be 35 degrees Celsius or above.

④ STANDLEY CHASM CULTURAL WALK - $100 per person

Explore the dramatic beauty and cultural heritage of Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye):

• Standley Chasm Exploration: Walk through the narrow, 80-meter-high gorge carved by millions of years of water flow.
• Geological Wonders: Witness the vibrant colours of the outback displayed in the sandstone formations.
• Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for diverse bird species, lizards, wallabies, native flowering plants, and ancient cycad palms along the walking trails.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Approximately 2.5km of walking over natural paths and rocky terrain, with some standing required. Travel time to Standley Chasm is 40 minutes. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Dress for the weather with sunscreen, a hat, trousers, and long sleeves highly recommended.

⑤ CYCLE ALICE INCLUDED IN FARE - $100 per person*

Enjoy an active exploration of Alice Springs and its surroundings by bicycle:

• Todd River Cycle: Ride along a winding trail to the usually dry Todd River.
• Ilentye Trail: Cycle along this path (Galah in Arrernte), experiencing the ochre-coloured dirt and beautiful countryside.
• Riverside Stop: Take a moment to soak in the amazing landscape at a picturesque spot in the sandy riverbed.
• Black-footed Rock Wallaby Habitat: Cycle parallel to rugged terrain where these native animals are often spotted.
• Town History and Geology: Learn about the history and geological formations of Alice Springs.

Recommended Fitness Level: High level mobility – Guests need to be able to ride a push bike for approximately 13km over sandy paths. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Dress for the weather with sunscreen, a hat, trousers, and long sleeves highly recommended.

⑥ SPIRIT OF MT. GILLEN HELICOPTER FLIGHT (OPTIONAL UPGRADE EXPERIENCE - $250 PER PERSON (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)*)

Experience the Red Centre from a breathtaking aerial perspective:

• Scenic Helicopter Flight (15-20 minutes): Soar above spectacular Simpsons Gap and its permanent waterhole.
• Mount Gillen Ridgeline and Larapinta Trail: Track the dramatic cliff faces and iconic hiking trail from the air.
• Expert Pilot Commentary: Learn about the wonders unfolding below from your knowledgeable pilot.
• Post-Flight Relaxation: Wind down with a relaxing swim in the hotel pool, enjoying refreshments and high tea.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Guests must be able to board and disembark the helicopter without assistance. Weight restrictions apply – the maximum weight of any individual cannot exceed 130kgs. Sunscreen and hats are recommended, as well as swimwear for pool use. Towels provided by Crowne Plaza Lasseters.

PLEASE NOTE: This tour is subject to availability and conditions; all upgrade optional experiences are non-refundable. Choosing this experience means you will not be able to participate in the included Off-Train Experiences.

⑦ PYNDAN CAMEL TRACKS OPTIONAL UPGRADE EXPERIENCE - $90 PER PERSON (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

Enjoy a unique outback experience from the back of a camel:

• Camel Ride (45-60 minutes): Explore White Gums Station from a unique vantage point, with views of kangaroos and other native wildlife and the MacDonnell Ranges.
• Gentle Camel Team: Meet and make friends with your camel companions.
• 'Camel Lounge' Visit: Learn about camels in Central Australia, browse souvenirs, and chat with 'cameleers'.
• Outback Refreshments: Sip on a chilled drink and enjoy light canapés featuring bush flavours (e.g., wattle seed dip, bush tomato tapenade).

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Guests need to be able to ascend 6 steps to reach the loading platform. Not recommended for guests with ongoing back issues, planning or recently had a hip replacement, or who are pregnant. Adequate balance is required to sit stably on the camel. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Dress for the weather with sunscreen, a hat, trousers, and long sleeves highly recommended.

PLEASE NOTE: To avoid disappointment, pre-booking is highly recommended. Choosing this experience means you will not be able to participate in the included Off-Train Experiences.