13 Day The Ghan Expedition, Kimberly & Kakadu
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, travel on The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin through the fiery red centre, witness crocodiles in Kakadu, fly over the Bungle Bungles, visit Willie Creek farm & enjoy 5 nights in Broome to relax or explore at your own pace
✓ 2 nights on board The Ghan in a Gold Twin cabin (upgrades available). All-inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages. A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
✓ 10 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels
✓ Included flights from Darwin to Kununurra and Kununurra to Broome
✓ Unbelievable flights over the Purnululu National Park & the Bungle Bungles
✓ 7 meals throughout
✓ Day tours to experience Kakadu, Katherine, Bungle Bungles, Willie Creek & Broome
✓ Transportation included as per the itinerary
✓ In depth sightseeing as per itinerary
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Broome! On arrival, please make your own way to your hotel.
Check in & arrival information.
A taxi from Broome airport to your accommodation costs approximately $20-23 per car. Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Broome to relax by the pool, or join in more sightseeing.
Enjoying full commentary, we begin in Chinatown hearing fascinating stories of this colourful precinct. Learn about the ancient art of pearling from one of the local pearl producers, Cygnet Bay, and enjoy a historical sound show at the famous Sun Pictures, the worlds oldest operating open air picture garden (now listed in the Guinness World Records).
We take a drive through Old Broome to view typical Broome architecture and old Pearling Masters homes then view the aqua waters of Roebuck Bay at Town Beach and learn of Broome’s One Day War. We then stop at Matsos Broome Brewery to sample their hand made ales and famous ginger beer (complimentary tasting included). Afterwards, visit the tranquil Japanese Cemetery and take an easy paced walk at Gantheaume Point known for dinosaur footprints and the story of Anastasia’s Pool.
Today you will be collected from your hotel to journey deep into the heart of pristine wilderness. Experience the Horizontal Falls and more via return scenic flights and fast boat cruise. Be amazed by the incredible forces of one of the world’s largest tidal movements. Your highly experienced skipper navigates your boat back and forth through the Horizontal Falls.
Itinerary note: Due to tidal conditions, this activity may take place a day prior or a day after. This tour runs twice per day, morning (Starting 5:30am) and afternoon (Starting 11:30) and runs for approximately 6 hours. You will be booked based on availability on either the morning or afternoon tour.
Meals: Note, either breakfast OR lunch will be provided on this day depending on your tour starting time
This morning you will be collected from your hotel for a Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour. You will follow the progress of the huge Pinctada Maxima shells as they are placed in panels and suspended to feed in the fast flowing tidal waters of Willie Creek. The world’s largest and most precious pearls grow on the Pearl Coast. After your tour including snacks and tea, the Willie Creek Showroom reveals more insights into pearls and pearling, as well as offering affordable loose pearls, unique pearl farm jewellery and pearl shell products. Visiting the farm by air-conditioned coach is an excellent way to see some of the countryside with an experienced guide. Your coach captain will take the time to acquaint you with some of the more unusual native plants and wildlife on the 38km trip
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning. At the appropriate time, make your way to the airport to board your flight to Kununurra.
Kununurra is the gateway town to the East Kimberley, and a great base if you'd like to explore some of Western Australia's most remarkable natural attractions.
On arrival in Kununurra, board your included transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Today you will be collected from your accommodation at 11.30am and taken by coach through Durack country to Lake Argyle. As we near Lake Argyle, we will take a short break at the historic Durack Homestead Museum. This Museum was constructed as a replica of the original family Homestead and uses the original Homestead stone.
Reboarding the coach, you will drive a short distance to Lake Argyle Resort before viewing the enormous Lake Argyle from a scenic look-out. Crossing the Ord Top Dam wall, you will see the Ord Hydro-Power Station before boarding your boat for a scenic journey back to Kununurra. Marvel at the spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna found along the way, including the elusive freshwater crocodile! Enjoy afternoon tea at our riverside camp before heading back to Kununurra. Take in a colourful East Kimberley sunset before docking back at the Marina and re-boarding your coach for your accommodation, arriving at approximately 6.00pm
The sandstone massif of the Bungle Bungle Range is almost 50 times the area of Uluru – there are more stunning features and spectacular landforms to see in this half hour scenic flight than you would imagine possible.
View the hidden red rock gorges of the north-west tip, Piccaninny Gorge from end to end and the unique beehive formations that have contributed to the listing of Purnululu National Park as one of Australia’s World Heritage areas.
Today you’ll be collected from your hotel before boarding a scenic flight that takes you on an unforgettable adventure over the Bungle Bungle Range. This highly popular scenic flight departing from Kununurra takes you on an adventure over some of the most stunning and renowned sites in the Kimberley. Aircraft are air-conditioned and comfortable, with large windows ideal for viewing the spectacular landscape below. During this two-hour flight, you will soar over the beautiful Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and the Ord River Irrigation Area. You will also witness the stunning Carr Boyd and Osmand Ranges, the Ord and Bow Rivers, before returning to Kununurra.
Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Kununurra airport to board your flight to Darwin. Most flights depart Kununurra from 3:30pm onwards giving you free time in the morning.
On arrival in Darwin, please make your way to your hotel for check-in. Your hotel is located approximately 10km from Darwin Airport and a taxi ride will cost you between $25 and $35.
This morning you’ll be collected from your hotel. Travel across the Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains and deep into Kakadu National Park. Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre and view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu; we join our local guide for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned. After a lunch stop at Nourlangie Rock, your guide will lead a walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art, before returning to Darwin this evening.
Your journey begins with a morning departure from Darwin. The Ghan will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the station. Once you’re settled into your private cabin, mingle with fellow travellers or sample the exceptional food, wine, and service onboard. When it’s time for lunch, savour the regionally-inspired menu accompanied by a selection of all-inclusive wines and beverages, before an early afternoon arrival at the Top End township of Katherine. Choose between a relaxing cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge’s ancient natural wonders and exploring the region’s rich Indigenous culture, or experience a glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home, with a fascinating day of discovery on a huge cattle station. Enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the outback, then back in your cabin you’ll find your bed turned down. Fall asleep as the train rolls soothingly onwards.
After your first night on The Ghan, you’ll be greeted by a morning view of the spectacular Red Centre. A full day of excursions awaits you in the outback town of Alice Springs. An optional upgrade is a scenic flight to Uluru, returning in time to meet the rest of your fellow guests at a spectacular barbeque dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
After your first night on The Ghan, you’ll be greeted by a morning view of the spectacular Red Centre. A full day of excursions awaits you in the outback town of Alice Springs. An optional upgrade is a scenic flight to Uluru, returning in time to meet the rest of your fellow guests at a spectacular barbeque dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Experience an amazing scenic flight and landing at Uluṟu;
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. On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, you will be met by your tour guide to commence your immersive experience of Uluṟu.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before travelling around the base of Uluṟu by vehicle. Hear cultural stories and environmental information from your local guide.
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. Return to Alice Springs Airport and The Ghan to freshen up for dinner.
Transfer to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station for a truly unique and authentic dinner experience (already included as part of the Ghan package)
To avoid disappointment we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour, however, the space may not be guaranteed. By choosing this option we will be able to pre-register your interest in joining.
Important:This tour is subject to flight weather conditions and National Park access.
Please note weight restrictions do apply and vary depending on total weight of all passengers in the aircraft.
If you choose this excursion, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Excursions.
From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues.
From your cabin window this morning you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape, as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges and prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great travel experiences. In the smart southern city, you can extend your experience with a holiday package to the Barossa Valley, fascinating Kangaroo Island, or an expertly-curated tour of this food and wine loving capital.
Your 13 Day The Ghan Expedition, Kimberley & Kakadu comes to an end upon arrival to Adelaide. The Ghan station (Adelaide Park Terminal) is located approximately 5km from the city centre.
Contact us should you want to extend your stay in Adelaide and we can assist you arrange additional accommodation at Adelaide’s Crowne Hotel.
Gold Service (Included)
Platinum Service - From $2,630 per person additional
Platinum Service promises and delivers a journey beyond expectations, it includes deluxe extras such as Platinum Transfers, access to the Platinum Club plus a superior food and wine offering.
Platinum cabins are almost twice the size of Gold Twin Cabins in both your room and private en suite. By day your cabin is configured as a private lounge with deluxe lounge seating, a table and two ottomans, by night the lounges convert into two comfortable twin beds.
From an additional $2,630 per person and is subject to availability upon booking.
Please note, there are no single rooms in the Platinum category
The Ghan offers a range of included off train experiences which can be viewed by CLICKING HERE
Off Train Experiences are included in your fare and can be booked on boarding the train (no pre-booking available).
Optional tours offered are paid. These optional activities are paid directly to The Ghan on board (no pre-booking available)
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Flexible Date Change Option
INCLUDED - Date change may be requested prior to 65 days* before your original selected departure date ONLY IF due to government imposed restrictions only ie. Border closures.
*some packages may have a varied period in which you can request a date change due to limitations with the third-party provider.
The Flexible Date Change option does not cover cost incurred for components not fulfilled by Inspiring Vacations or in the event extra services have been booked with Inspiring Vacations outside of the standard package, including but not limited to airfares, pre/post accommodation or insurance.
Airfare Inclusive packages - The Flexible Date Change option applies to the tour portion of your package. Airfare flexibility will be subject to the airline’s fare rules and a change fee plus any fare difference may be applicable.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period.
Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply. Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected]
We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
Pay In Full Option:
Installment Payment Plan Option:
Booking Process
Booking On Request
You can enhance your holiday by arriving early or staying longer upon conclusion of the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post tour accommodation
Pre and Post accommodation is subject to availability and pricing may differ based on your season of travel.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability. We appreciate your understanding.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “2”.
2 - Leisurely Pace - This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Please note:
Gold Service - Available in twin configuration only. If selecting double upon check out, this configuration will only apply to your hotel accommodation.
Platnium Service - Available in double or twin configuration
Covid Itinerary Changes
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure
Single Supplement on the Ghan
There is no single supplement for the Ghan if utilising a Single Room. Single Rooms on the Ghan are very limited and pricing is subject to availability. If the single cabins are not available at the time of booking, you will need to pay for a twin cabin at an additional cost of approx $3,900 for a Gold Twin in addition to the package price. This price is subject to change and as such, cannot be confirmed until after a booking has been made. If you are not happy with the price of the single supplement provided, you can request to cancel and receive a refund of your deposit. If the single supplement cost is suitable, this will be added to your invoice and part of the final balance payable. For an indicative cost prior to purchase, you are welcome to contact our Customer Service team.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Group Size
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. Group size will differ from operator to operator and can be as small as 2 people or up to 60 people depending on the activity. There may be unique cases where it exceeds this for special events or types of activities. For packages which include a train or cruise, you will travelling with other customers up to the capacity of this component.
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators to deliver you this holiday. Each package will consist of multiple operators which means guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. However, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the destination.
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