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Australia Rail Extravaganza
17-day Independent Tour

Trains:  Ghan
Indian Pacific

Train Type:  First-Class

The Tour
This sweep of Australia allows you to experience the continent’s two most famous trains, the Ghan and Indian Pacific, with time to explore Perth, on the west coast, and Darwin in the north and fantastic sites in between. This program abounds in UNESCO World Heritage sites, from Kakadu National Park to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).

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On This & Other Tours

“As we shudder to a halt in Adelaide, I am sorry to leave the Ghan and even sorrier to part from the staff's excellent care. The service is one of the best aspects of Platinum class...the cheerfulness is genuine.”
— Phoenix Arrien, The International Railway Traveler®

The Itinerary
Day 1: Indian Pacific
Board Indian Pacific in Sydney this afternoon. Enjoy dinner on board as you head toward the far West of New South Wales.

Day 2: Indian Pacific
Train travels north, pausing in Broken Hill and Adelaide, with time for Whistle Stop Tours* at each stop. Meals and overnight on the train.

Day 3: Indian Pacific
Travel through salt lake country and vast Nullarbor Plain; stop at one of world’s most isolated outposts, Cook. Further on, evening stop at Kalgoorlie where guests can take Whistle Stop Tour*.

Day 4: Arrive Perth
Take in the scenery of Avon Valley over breakfast before arriving Perth. Transfer to Crowne Plaza Perth for three-night stay.

Day 5: Perth
Discover Perth’s major tourist attractions, including a replica of 1899 Perth Tram. Cruise Swan River to Fremantle, enjoy scenic tour of historic Port City. Free time cruising back to Perth.

Day 6: Perth

Day at leisure. Optional tours available.

Day 7: Perth to Darwin
Fly Perth-Darwin today*, check in Crowne Plaza Darwin.

Day 8: Kakadu National Park
Head deep into Kakadu National Park; visit rock art site at Ubirr. Lunch in the bush followed by a cruise on the East Alligator River with guide. Overnight Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn.

Day 9: Kakadu National Park
Visit Bowali Visitor Center and Aboriginal art site at Nourlangie Rock with unique x-ray style artwork. Continue to Katherine and enjoy sunset cultural dinner cruise on Katherine Gorge. Overnight All Seasons Katherine.

Day 10: Katherine to Darwin
Stop at Adelaide River War Cemetery and then on to Litchfield National Park for views of the picturesque waterfalls. Travel to Wangi Falls for nature walk or refreshing swim. Tour ends with overnight in Darwin.

Day 11: Darwin
Free day. Optional tours available.

Day 12: The Ghan
Board The Ghan; travel south past lush, tropical scenery to Katherine. Enjoy Whistle Stop Tour* at Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park.

Day 13: The Ghan to Alice Springs
Arrive Alice Springs; transfer to Voyages Alice Springs Resort. Afternoon free.

Day 14: Ayers Rock
Coach trip to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Stop at Outback Camel Farm en route. Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative where you may watch Aboriginal artists at work. See ancient cave paintings of Kuniya Tjukurpa. Tour base of Uluru. Enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets on Uluru, a beautiful site. Overnight Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 15: Uluru & Olgas
Rise early to watch sun’s first rays on Uluru. Drive to 36 rock domes of Kata Tjuta with guided walk into the Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Return to Alice Springs this afternoon.

Day 16: The Ghan to Adelaide
Morning free in Alice Springs; optional tours available. Transfer to train station and board The Ghan heading south for Adelaide.

Day 17: Adelaide
Arrive Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal.

*Whistle Stop tours and flights not included in the pricing.

The Prices

  17-day tour Sydney-Perth; Darwin-Adelaide
  Accommodations
Price
Deposit
  Double
$7,759
AUD
15%
  Single
$9,225
AUD
15%
 Upgrades available
  Upgrade to Platinum
  Service on the Ghan
$2,614
AUD,
double
$4,899
AUD
single
  Upgrade to Gold
  service sole use of
  double
$1,410
AUD
on Indian Pacific
$1,385
AUD
on Ghan

Other:
Tour priced in Australian dollars. For approximate exchange rates, visit http://www.xe.com.

*Whistle Stop tours and flights not included in the pricing.

While IRT recommends Gold Kangaroo or Platinum service, there is the less-expensive Red Kangaroo Service. Please inquire. Prices we offer here assume Gold Kangaroo service. Note we offer pricing for sole use of a double on both Indian Pacific and Ghan. Our single travelers tell us that it is far more comfortable for them than the usual single cabin.

To see a recent account by writer Phoenix Arrien of her experience on the Ghan in Platinum class, click here.


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Australia Rail Extravaganza (Length:17 days)
The Highlights
World-famous Indian Pacific journey from Sydney to Perth
The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide
Experience the new Platinum service on The Ghan (optional)
Kakadu National Park
Kata Tjuta and Uluru
Tour the western city of Perth by replica 1899 tram

Australia Rail Extravaganza
The Ghan at The Darwin Terminal, Northern Territory. (Photo courtesy of Great Southern Rail)

Australia Rail Extravaganza
The Indian Pacific. (Photo courtesy of Great Southern Rail)

Australia Rail Extravaganza
The Ghan crossing over Elizabeth River. (Photo courtesy of Great Southern Rail)

Australia Rail Extravaganza
Indian Pacific locomotive. (Photo courtesy of Great Southern Rail)
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