Croc’s to ‘Roos, a Journey of Discovery
Rail Journey
DARWIN | THE GHAN - KATHERINE, ALICE SPRINGS, COOBER PEDY | ADELAIDE | KANGAROO ISLAND | BAROSSA VALLEY
Experience Australia’s “Top End”, the magnificent Ghan train journey south to Adelaide and explore the delights of Kangaroo Island and the South Australia wine country. Experience the true outback, explore “The Alice” and be amazed at the night-time sky-scape as you journey across Australia. See crocodiles, kangaroos and the unique town of Coober Pedy as you experience the ‘real’ Australia.
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Your Itinerary
Day 1-2 : UK - Darwin
Arrive in Darwin and make your way to your hotel for a four night stay. The rest of the day is free. With everything from Asian food markets and crocodile encounters to open-air movies and dazzling sunsets, Darwin has something for everyone.
Day 3 : Darwin city tour
Your morning city sights tour is the perfect introduction to Darwin. See the lush Botanic Gardens and the Chinese Temple, which was re-built after it was demolished by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Tour the historic sites of the city including the East Point Military Precinct. See the Stokes Hill Wharf area, the Mooring Basin and Darwin Aviation Museum. There is also time available to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, whose collections encompass Aboriginal art, visual arts and Northern Territory history and natural sciences.
Day 4 : Jumping Crocs tour
This 5 hour tour takes you to Adelaide River, 60km from Darwin, home to over 1600 Crocodiles and the location of the famous Jumping Crocodiles. Cruise the river and thrill as these awesome creatures launch themselves out of the water. The cruise will enable you to see these prehistoric creatures at close range. Afterwards, continue to Fogg Dam Nature Reserve to view a wetland ecosystem up close.
Day 5-8 : Darwin - Litchfield National Park Waterfalls
A free day to explore the city on your own. Perhaps take the ferry across to Mandorah on the other side of the harbour or a cruise on the Harbour for a different perspective of the city.
Then, enjoy this tour that takes you to Litchfield National Park, which contains Top End habitats including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls and cascades. Stop at Florence Falls, where you have the opportunity for a scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walk. There is also the chance for a swim by making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below. Travel on to Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole at the base of the falls. Finally visit Wangi Falls, with its large crystal clear pool, another relaxing spot for a swim. During the green season four major waterfalls thunder from the cliffs to tropical rock pools many metres below. During the dry season, the waterfalls flow more gently, making the waterholes perfect spots for a cool dip. The Park’s traditional owners are the Wagait Aboriginal people, many of whom live in the area. On the way back to Darwin, stop at Howard Spring Nature Park where you will have the chance to feed the barramundi and turtles. On your return to Darwin you will be transferred to your Darwin accommodation. What to bring: bottle of water, hat, sunscreen, swimmers, towel and wear comfortable walking shoes
Day 9 : The Ghan - Katherine
Transfer to the station and take the Ghan train. The train leaves mid-morning and first stop is at Katherine where you have a three hour stop and can enjoy an included excursion to the Nitmiluk Gorge. Back on the train to enjoy dinner before your overnight journey to Australia’s Red Centre.
Accommodation for 3 nights: The Ghan, Gold Service.
Day 10 : The Ghan - Alice Springs
Enjoy breakfast onboard before arriving in Alice Springs mid-morning. The train stays all day in Alice Springs and leaves in the evening, so you’ve plenty of time to enjoy the town on a sightseeing tour, or maybe you’ll opt for an optional flight-seeing trip over Uluru. Enjoy a barbeque dinner under a million stars this evening at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Day 11 : The Ghan – Coober Pedy
From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri you’ll adventure into the weird and wonderful opal mining township, of Coober Pedy. where more than half the population live underground. Enjoy a day of discovery and la gourmet lunch in the most unique location – underground. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues.
Day 12 : Adelaide
Arrive into Adelaide mid-morning after a leisurely brunch on board. Make you way to your hotel for a four night stay then the rest of your day is free to explore. Soak up Adelaide’s colonial elegance in the spacious green parklands, bustling Adelaide Central Markets and the museums and libraries of North Terrace.
Day 13 : Full Day Uncork the Barossa Valley
This tour provides you with the opportunity to uncork the historic Barossa Valley, discovering lesser-known boutique wineries that are big on character. Meet passionate locals, sample outstanding wine and enjoy a tasting menu lunch at one of the region’s best restaurants. You will taste the old and the new, the famous and the yet to be discovered, with a tour itinerary flexible to your tastes. Return to Adelaide and be transferred to your Adelaide accommodation.
Day 14 : Morning Dolphin Sanctuary Guided Eco Kayak Tour
This tour provides you with the opportunity to paddle through a 10,000 year old mangrove forest amidst hundreds of migrating and native dolphin species. It is a special experience that simply can’t be replicated. During the tour, you will come across a number of wildlife and shipwreck sighting opportunities. You will listen to local Aboriginal stories. The mangrove forest makes the ultimate feeding grounds for dolphins due to the abundance of seagrass, saltmarsh, and the tidal flats and creeks.
Day 15 : Kangaroo Island
You will be collected from your hotel early for a scenic coach journey to Cape Jervis. This long day tour will commence by taking in the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula with its vineyards, coastal views and rolling hills. On arrival board the SeaLink Kangaroo Island ferry for the 45 minute crossing to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park to enjoy a guided beach walk with an experienced guide amongst a breeding colony of wild and rare Australian sea lions. Following a 2 course Aussie pub lunch spend the afternoon in the Flinders Chase National Park. See the regeneration of the native bush devastated by the January 2020 bushfires. View the rugged coastline from walks around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Your last visit of the day is to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to feed some kangaroos and get up close to the Kangaroo Island Koalas while listening to the Keeper talk about the cuddly mammals. Return to Penneshaw for the return ferry to the mainland and coach transfer to Adelaide.
Day 16-17 : Arrive UK
Be sure to arrive at the airport in time and check-in for your homeward flight.