Australia Luxury Vacation: Outback, Rail & Wildlife

Itinerary

• Day 1: Sydney, Arrival

  G'day Sydney! Arrive in this fascinating metropolis and meet your private Driver greeting you with a big smile for a smooth transfer to your hotel. Settle down in your room and for the rest of the day you can recover from jet lag or discover this city under your own steam. Perhaps you'd like to relax your muscles with a spa treatment at your hotel. Heading out for gourmet food and gorgeous views is also a great way to spend the day.

  • Sydney

• Day 2: Charms of Sydney

  Explore Sydney and its tapestry of culture today! Head to the Rocks, a historic neighborhood on the western side of the Circular Quay where cozy cafés and boutique shops galore. Join a small group walking tour here to learn about the intriguing stories behind 19th-century buildings and cobblestone streets.

  Savor a delectable lunch at a restaurant featuring splendid views of the Quay (at your own expense). Afterward, be fascinated by the design of the Sydney Opera House as you go underneath the iconic sails during a one-hour guided tour. Time permitting, visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales on your own for a deep dive into the world of art. Featuring world-class artworks by both Australian and international artists, this museum is a must-see in Sydney for anyone into art.

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  • Sydney

• Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Tour

  Venture into the Blue Mountains today, a UNESCO World Heritage featuring timeless Aboriginal rock art and precious flora and fauna. Your private Driver Guide picks you up at the hotel lobby and after a comfortable road trip, you reach Lincoln's Rock to be greeted by a spectacular view of deep valleys and verdant mountains. Stop at Wentworth Falls to admire its cascading white rapids and go on an easy walk on the nearby trails if time permits, before sitting down at a local restaurant with a great view for lunch (at your own expense).

  This afternoon, with a Scenic World Unlimited Discovery Pass in hand, enjoy the facility's Railway, Walkway, Cableway, and Skyway in your style. Take the Railway to descend to the floor of Jamison Valley, relax in the lush environment during a stroll on the Walkway, and see the Three Sisters as the Skyway brings you from one clifftop to another. Return to Sydney after a wonderful day.

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  • Sydney

• Day 4: Fly to Darwin

  Leave Sydney and all its bright vibes behind you as you head to the airport by taxi for the flight to Darwin. After around four and a half hours, arrive in the capital city of the Northern Territory and take a taxi to your centrally-located hotel.

  For the remainder of the day, explore this charming tropical city at your own pace or rest in your hotel room and recharge your energies for the adventures ahead. Perhaps you'd like to visit Mindil Beach and soak up the gorgeous Top End sunset with a relaxing stroll, see massive saltwater crocodiles up close at the Crocosaurus Cove, or drink in Darwin's laid-back vibe at one of Waterfront Precinct's cafés and restaurants. Enjoy Darwin!

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  • Darwin

• Day 5: Hello, the Outback!

  Embark on a train journey that is truly epic today! Starting from Darwin in the tropical north, the Ghan Expedition takes you through the Outback's captivating landscape to Adelaide on the southern coast in four days. This all-inclusive train ride includes comfortable accommodations, meals, fine wines, beverages, and a carefully curated selection of Off Train Experiences so that you can have a wonderful time from the minute you come aboard.

  This morning, travel to the train station by a vehicle arranged by the train company, board the Ghan Expedition, settle down in your cabin, and enjoy a welcome drink with canapes. Delight your taste buds with lunch prepared using local ingredients, before joining an Off Train Experience in Katherine. Cruise the Nitmiluk Gorge to admire its rustic beauty, explore the Cutta Cutta Caves, or opt to capture a spectacular birds-eye view of Nitmiluk Gorge from a helicopter at an extra fee.

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  • On Train

• Day 6: Uluru & Alice Springs Adventure

  Wake up today in pristine wilderness as the Ghan Expedition approaches Alice Springs, the gateway to Australia's Red Center. Enjoy a hearty breakfast ahead of a thrilling day of Off Train Experiences. Select from an extensive range of activities from Alice Springs discovery to off-road e-bike adventures, wildlife encounters at the Desert Park, bushwalks taking you to the stunning Simpsons Gap, and more. Alternatively, take in Uluru and Kata Tjuta against a backdrop of rugged desert landscape from the air with an optional scenic helicopter flight.

  Tonight is reserved for one of the highlights of the entire train journey, a special dinner served in front of the historic Telegraph Station! Learn about the venue's importance in building a communication network across the country, savor the tastes of local ingredients bursting in your mouth, and enjoy a glass of wine under a canopy of stars. Every moment of this evening will be unforgettable.

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  • On Train

• Day 7: Coober Pedy Discovery

  Rise early today for the sunrise over Manguri's vast wilderness before heading to Coober Pedy, a town renowned for opal mining. Go on a day of discovery, taking in the Breakaways Reserve, delving into the history of opal mining at Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, trying your luck at the Quest Mine, or visiting Coober Pedy's highlights such as the subterranean Serbian Orthodox Church, all of which are Off Train Experiences included in the fare. At lunchtime, savor gourmet food at a unique underground location in the Quest Mine. Want to spice up your experience? Consider an optional Painted Hills and Lake Eyre scenic flight!

  Tonight, indulge in delicious food and refreshing wines and beverages as the Ghan Expedition speeds further south in the direction of Adelaide. Enjoy a nightcap with your fellow travelers before retiring to your comfortable cabin for a night of sound sleep.

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  • On Train

• Day 8: Arrive in Adelaide

  Cherish one last morning on the Ghan Expedition train as it whisks you through South Australia's rolling green fields. Enjoy a delectable brunch before this one-of-a-kind train journey comes to an end as you arrive in Adelaide at around noon. Head to the hotel on your own by taxi and settle down.

  The time is all yours this afternoon to have a good rest or explore the city in your own way. Visit the Central Market bursting with colors for a taste of local life, stroll along the leafy boulevard of North Terrace, and step into the Art Gallery of South Australia to gain a deeper appreciation of Australian art, or take a relaxing walk through the Botanic Garden overflowing with vitality. Have fun in Adelaide!

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  • Adelaide

• Day 9: Wine Tasting in Barossa Valley

  Located an hour's drive north of Adelaide, Barossa Valley is one of Australia's top wine regions, famed for its wineries and cellar doors steeped in centuries of history and the bold, rich red wines they produce. Embark on a full day wine tasting tour today with your private Driver Guide to savor Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more, stroll around lush vineyards to soak up the country atmosphere, and satiate your appetite with gourmet food!

  Visit three wineries and cellar doors (selection may change depending on the date of your visit to create the best experience), have a seat in the beautiful tasting room, savor the Barossa's unique flavors of red wine (and perhaps white and fortified wines!), and learn about the intriguing stories behind each bottle. At lunchtime, enjoy a sumptuous meal featuring fresh local ingredients at a winery, and taste cheese made using local cow and goat milk later in the day. Get back to Adelaide for the night when a great day ends.

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  • Adelaide

• Day 10: Onward to Kangaroo Island

  Venture to Kangaroo Island today to meet its fascinating wildlife, immerse in stunning coastal views, and savor local specialty food! Your private Driver Guide picks you up at the hotel lobby at the appointed time, and after a two-hour drive through South Australia's lush fields, arrive at Cape Jervis for the ferry ride to the island that constantly ranks among Australia's best destinations.

  This afternoon is dedicated to wildlife encounters. Say hello to Australian sea lions surfing the waves or sunning themselves on the beach during a guided tour led by experienced guides of the Seal Bay Conservation Park. Learn more about their daily habits as you walk into the heart of the colony. Afterward, get up close to koalas, kangaroos, and more at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. There is also the option to hold a cuddly koala in your arms (your own account)!

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  • Kangaroo Island

• Day 11: Kangaroo Island Exploration

  Start the day on Kangaroo Island with a freshly prepared, delicious breakfast. This morning, have some free time to drink in the sweeping ocean views, roam around the neighborhood to mingle with the locals or enjoy the amenities of the hotel before your Driver Guide picks you up for the day's sightseeing.

  Visit Raptor Domain, a place passionate about protecting and conserving birds and reptiles, for a Free-Flight Birds of Prey Presentation. Meet Black Kites, Wedge-tailed Eagles, Barn Owls, Cockatoos, and many more bird species, and get to know their daily habits and behaviors. Afterward, delight your taste buds with local specialty food such as Kangaroo Island's tasty oysters and abalones (at your own expense) and return to Cape Jervis still by ferry. Drive back to Adelaide and have the rest of the evening at leisure.

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  • Adelaide

• Day 12: Fly to Melbourne

  Today, a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Adelaide takes you to Melbourne, the country's cultural capital and the last stop of your Australia vacation. Upon arrival, find your way to your hotel.

  For the last day in this amazing country, you might wish to do some last-minute shopping and bring home lovely souvenirs as memorabilia for your trip. Besides shopping, Melbourne also boasts numerous restaurants that offer fine dining experiences in an elegant setting. Relaxing your muscles with a spa treatment at your hotel is also a great way to spend the day.

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  • Melbourne

• Day 13: Melbourne, Departure

  Immerse in Melbourne's lively vibes for some more time today. At an appointed time, meet your private Driver for an easy, smooth transfer to the airport. With sweet memories in your heart, say goodbye to Melbourne and board the flight home.

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