Classic 10-Day The Ghan Rail Journey
From Adelaide To Darwin - 9 Nights

Package Details

Details

Experience the Australian outback during this in-depth journey through two Northern Territory highlights: the Red Centre and the Top End. Traverse Central Australia aboard The Ghan, the cross-continental rail journey from Adelaide to Darwin. Settle into your top-tier private sleeper carriage, savour all-inclusive fine dining and drinks onboard and jump into unmissable Off-Train Experiences.

Stay in five-star comfort in Adelaide, then explore Darwin and the tropical Top End after your epic rail jrouney. Visit the welcoming Wurrumiyanga community of Bathurst Island, then fly to remote Arnhem Land, where you’ll glide along the waterways of wildlife-rich billabongs.The Northern Territory’s many charms await – come discover lush bushlands and crimson sands during the best time of the year to do so.

Key benefits of Classic Tours

• Unmissable experiences
  The best of every destination: curated activities and must-see highlights
• Premium accommodation
  Carefully selected 4- and 4.5-star hotels for comfort and convenience throughout
• Max 24 travellers
  Small-group journeys with a maximum of 24 travellers

Inclusions

• Two nights aboard The Ghan in a Gold Solo Cabin or Gold Premium Twin Cabin, with all-inclusive drinks and dining
• Five-star stay in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD
• Delve into the rich heritage of the Tiwi Islands on a day trip from Darwin
• 22 meals included – Nine breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
• Unearth ancient rock art on guided cultural excursions through Arnhem Land
• Witness incredible wildlife at an Arnhem Land billabong, including basking saltwater crocodiles
• Toast to Arnhem Land’s astounding beauty on a sunset cruise with a complimentary glass of wine or beer
• Your choice of Off-Train Experiences in Katherine and Alice Springs
• Return flights and hotel transfers between Darwin (DRW) and Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge, plus railway transfers to your Darwin hotel
• Local guides across Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands

Terms

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
Date Changes

Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’
Itinerary Amendments & Changes

Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).
Surcharges

After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.
Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

Accommodation
Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your ‘My Escapes’.
Please note:

Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 11am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request, subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
Maximum room capacity (Twin Room) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.
All special requests, such as those regarding bedding preferences, are subject to availability and can only be confirmed upon check-in. Room assignments and bedding configurations may vary based on the destination and hotel policies, and are handled directly by the hotel staff.
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation

Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.

Exclusions
Return international flights
Return airport transfers
Visas
Transfer from hotel to Adelaide Station
Single supplement
Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
Travel insurance (required)
Tips and gratuities
Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.

Optional Experiences
Optional experiences may be cancelled if minimum numbers to operate are not met. Final confirmation of your optional excursions and activities will be provided while on tour.

Optional experiences can only be booked online up to 60 days prior to departure, dependent on your tour’s guidelines, via My Escapes or by contacting our dedicated Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Optional experiences that require flight bookings are on a request basis, subject to availability until booked and confirmed, and may incur surcharges.
Bookings for optional experiences can be made via My Escapes. After this time, optional experiences can be booked through your tour guide on the tour.
All optional extras are subject to availability. After this time, bookings can be made through your guide while on the tour.
All optional experiences are subject to availability.

Optional experiences may be updated prior to departure to accommodate changes in weather, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.

Optional experiences are non-refundable within 60 days of departure, unless cancelled due minimum numbers on tour not being met or unforeseen circumstances on tour.

For all optional experiences, the following apply:

What to bring: Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Sunscreen, hat, trousers and long sleeves are highly recommended. Guests on Alice Springs experiences are advised to take appropriate clothing with them for the Telegraph Station Outback Dinner as they may not be able to return to the train between activities.
Weight restrictions apply: The maximum weight of any individual may not exceed 100kg (Alice Springs experiences) or 130kg (Katherine experiences), dependent on activity.
Recommended Fitness Level:
Spirit of Mount Pinden & Nitmiluk Gorge helicopter flights: Moderate level mobility is required; guests must be able to board and disembark all aircraft unassisted.
Pyndan camel tracks: Guests climb six steps to reach the loading platform and must be able to climb aboard the camel unassisted. Adequate balance is required to sit stably on the camel. Not recommended for guests with back or hip issues, or who are pregnant.

Important information
Transfers

Arrival and departure transfers are NOT included in your tour, please plan accordingly.
Tipping

Tipping and gratuities are not expected in this destination, but are welcome at your discretion.
Please Note:

Please be aware that off-train accommodations on this tour are not considered luxury. Due to the limited offerings within the region, the best accommodation available has been selected throughout.
Guests aged 80 years and over are required to provide a medical certificate demonstrating appropriate level of fitness by 70 days prior to travel. For more information, please contact our dedicated Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Paid optional Off-Train Experiences may be available at a later time than booking. For more information please contact our dedicated Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes will confirm Off-Train Experience preferences by email after booking. Off-Train Experiences are reviewed yearly and subject to change. Optional upgrades will be available to purchase closer to time of travel.

Baggage Restrictions
Gold Solo passengers are permitted two pieces of baggage with a maximum weight of 30kg each on tour
Gold Premium Twin passengers are permitted three pieces of baggage with a maximum weight of 25kg each on tour
Passengers are permitted one additional, smaller piece of hand-luggage with a maximum weight of 7kg on tour.
For flights to and from Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge, travellers may carry a soft canvas bag with a maximum weight of 12kg only. Main luggage can be stored at the Vibe Hotel Darwin and collected upon return to Darwin on Day 5.
Please note, whilst travelling on The Ghan larger pieces of luggage will be checked in and placed in the luggage carriage and will only be available for collection at the end of the journey. It is advised guests pack a carry-on sized luggage and/or a duffel bag to have onboard during the rail journey. Please refer to the Journey Beyond website for further information.

Before You Go Essentials
Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Passports & Visas

A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they hold a current visa for the countries visited on tour. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
Traveller Details

Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller.
Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact tours@luxuryescapes.com so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Tour Pace

It’s important to note that specific activities and intensity levels may vary between different tour operators and destinations. When selecting a group tour, it’s advisable to carefully review the itinerary, activity descriptions and fitness requirements to ensure a suitable match for your preferences and physical capabilities.
Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.
Travel Styles

Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities on this tour.
There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Destination Information
Your tour begins at your Adelaide accommodation and ends at your Darwin accommodation.

Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**

Please book your flights to arrive at Adelaide Airport (ADL) at any time on Day 1 and depart from Darwin International Airport (DRW) at any time on Day 10.

Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.

Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Important Destination Information:

South Australia

Time zone: AEST (GMT +10:30)

Telephone: +61

Currency: AUD

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within cities. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.

Language: English

Climate: Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (December to February) and mild winters (June to August).

Northern Territory

Time zone: AEST (GMT +9:30)

Telephone: +61

Currency: AUD

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within cities. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.

Language: English

Climate: Climate varies drastically between the Top End and the Red Centre. In the Top End, the dry season (May-October) is when most tourists visit, during which days are typically sunny and hot, and evenings cool, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s to mid 30s. The Red Centre is typically warm and with low rainfall throughout this time, with temperatures averaging lows of 5 degrees and highs of 25 degrees.

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