Spectacular Australia with the Historic Ghan Train

20 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
The right vacation to Australia can easily transport you to another state of mind, especially if it includes a wetland cruise on Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park, a glass-bottom-boat tour at the Great Barrier Reef, a scenic cruise on Sydney Harbour, and many other exciting modes of transportation. The most moving experience on this grand tour of...
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$10,515
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

What's this trip about?

    The right vacation to Australia can easily transport you to another state of mind, especially if it includes a wetland cruise on Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park, a glass-bottom-boat tour at the Great Barrier Reef, a scenic cruise on Sydney Harbour, and many other exciting modes of transportation. The most moving experience on this grand tour of Australia, however, is an overnight rail journey on the legendary The Ghan Train—an exhilarating crossing from South Australia through the heart of the Australian Outback. A stop to see an amazing Outback sunrise in Marla offers the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and imagination. As you venture in every direction on this encompassing tour of Australia—including untamed Tasmania—you’ll also be moved by big-city lights, Red Center sunsets, growling Tasmanian devils, and calm, cuddly koalas. All aboard for an above-and-beyond adventure through the “Land Down Under."

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
End CitySYDNEY

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Adelaide
  • Alice Springs
  • Cairns
  • Darwin
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Hobart
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • Tasmania

Activities

  • Culture

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Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

G’day– Welcome to Melbourne! Your hotel room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 3pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner. (Dinner)

MELBOURNE-SKYLINE.jpg

Day 2: MELBOURNE

Toast of the Town Today’s sightseeing tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, then drive past the lush Botanic Gardens. You’ll discover the city’s differing ...

Day 3: MELBOURNE

Cosmopolitan Cool Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. Dine at a local restaurant and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s passionate food and wine scene or walk along Chapel and Brunswick Streets, famous for great shopping. (Br...

Day 4: MELBOURNE–HOBART

On the Waterfront Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the famed Tasmanian devil. As the second oldest of Australia’s state capitals, Hobart has a wild convict past and a rich history still evident in its beautifully restored Georgian buildings and colonial cottages. Din...

Day 5: HOBART. EXCURSION TO THE TASMAN PENINSULA

Devilish Fun Travel to the remote and rugged Tasman Peninsula. Make stops at the scenic blowhole, Devil’s Kitchen, and Tasman Arch coastal formations. Visit Port Arthur Historic Site, which began housing convicts in the 1830’s. Then visit the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo. R...

Day 6: HOBART–ADELAIDE

Sweet Adelaide Today, fly via Melbourne to South Australia’s capital city. Adelaide is home to world-class art, live music, major festivals, must-try restaurants, and sits at the gateway to amazing wineries. Upon arrival, take a brief orientation tour along the wide,...

Day 7: ADELAIDE. EXCURSION TO KANGAROO ISLAND

Australia's Galapagos Early this morning, depart Adelaide and travel by motorcoach and ferry to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park and Flinders Chase National Park, a sanctuary for native Australian animals, ...

Day 8: ADELAIDE–THE GHAN TRAIN

All Aboard Mid-day departure on the [LF] Ghan train for an overnight journey and a unique perspective of the Outback. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE NORTHWARD BOUND The Ghan is an Australian legend and the ultimate journey through the heart of Australia...

Day 9: THE GHAN TRAIN–MARLA–ALICE SPRINGS

Into the Outback This morning you are invited to step off the train in the outback town of Marla. There’s time to stretch your legs as the sun light slowly bathes the surrounding outback. Take a moment to enjoy the stillness and sip on a steaming mug of coffee and sn...

Day 10: ALICE SPRINGS–ULURU (AYERS ROCK)

Rock Stars Today, travel through the heart of the Outback. Keep a lookout for red kangaroos, dingoes, camels, and feral horses, known as “Brumbies.” Visit the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological spectacle of some 36 brilliant domes. Tonight [LF] dinner is...

Day 11: AYERS ROCK–ALICE SPRINGS–DARWIN

Sunrise and Wheels Up For an unforgettable experience, you may choose to rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru. Later, travel to Alice Springs for your flight to Darwin. (Breakfast)

NOTE: Due to this remote location and limited f...

Day 12: DARWIN

Remembrance & Resilience Enjoy an orientation tour of the capital of the Northern Territory. See the elegant colonial architecture of the city’s historic buildings that survived Cyclone Tracey in 1974. Visit the splendid Botanic Gardens, beautiful East Point and s...

Day 13: DARWIN. EXCURSION TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

Picturing History Journey to Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to exceptional natural beauty and a unique biodome. Take a scenic cruise and then explore ancient Aboriginal rock petroglyphs at No...

Day 14: DARWIN–CAIRNS

Aussie Adventures Today, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Check-in to your Cairns hotel for a 3-night stay. Cairns is known for its mild winters, great nightlife, and plenty of fun things to see and do. Why not explore the Cairns Night Markets wh...

Day 15: CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF

Below the Surface Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a brilliant kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Retu...

Day 16: CAIRNS

Ticket to Paradise A full day at leisure. (Breakfast)

ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE For a truly amazing experience, consider an optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. You may also wish to take a 4 wheel-drive excursion into the Daintree Rai...

Day 17: CAIRNS–SYDNEY

Koalas, Crocs & Roos, Oh My! This morning, enjoy a special visit to the [LF] Koala Gardens. Afterward, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. Sydney is home to first-class restaurants, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions such as the Sydney ...

Day 18: SYDNEY

Spectacular Sydney Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Sydney Opera House and travel to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s botanic gardens for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor and Harbour Bridge. Next, visit world-fa...

Day 19: SYDNEY

Sights & Bites Enjoy a full day at leisure. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a festive farewell dinner. (Breakfast,Dinner)

ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Join an optional excursion to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s lead...

Day 20: SYDNEY

Until We Meet Again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (Breakfast)

SYDNEY-BONDI-BEACH.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,319
Price per day$416
Last Updated: 10/14/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
09 Apr 2025
28 Apr 2025
$9,199
23 Apr 2025
12 May 2025
$9,339
13 Aug 2025
01 Sep 2025
$9,479
07 Sep 2025
26 Sep 2025
$9,729
14 Sep 2025
03 Oct 2025
$10,159
01 Oct 2025
20 Oct 2025
$9,399
12 Oct 2025
31 Oct 2025
$9,729
26 Oct 2025
14 Nov 2025
$10,159
02 Nov 2025
21 Nov 2025
$9,729

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

Situated in the heart of downtown Melbourne, The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins is ideally located for exploring the city. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar, gym, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Melbourne

Australia

630 Little Collins Street

The Old Woolstore Hotel

The hotel is centrally located within a stone's throw of the city center and just a block away from Hobart's waterfront. The hotel offers a restaurant, lounge, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas. Rooms are apartment style with a separate bedroom, sitting room, and kitchen. Amenities include iron/ironing board, mini-refrigerator, hairdryer and bath amenities, air conditioning, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, DVD player, full kitchen, and washing machine and dryer.

Hobart

Australia

1 Macquarie Street

Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

Style and function are themes of the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel. As the Majestic's flagship, built in 2004, this award-winning hotel boasts simplicity, efficiency, and an eco-centric design. And as it sits just off of the lively Rundle Street, the convenience of bars, restaurants, shopping and museums is unparalleled. After a busy day of sightseeing and on-the-go activities, guests are welcomed back to comfortable accommodations and locally fresh cuisine in the hotel's restaurant - not to mention a great selection of wine! Follow it up with a view of the city from a relaxing garden roof-top, for which the hotel is aptly named.

Adelaide

Australia

55 Frome Street

The Ghan Train - Alice Springs to Darwin

The Ghan is an Australian legend and the ultimate journey through the heart of Australia. It takes its name from the pioneering Afghan cameleers who blazed a permanent trail into the "Red Center of Australia" 150 years ago. Experience this fascinating train journey in the comfort of Gold Service, featuring private overnight sleeper cabins, a separate restaurant car, and access to the Outback Explorer Lounge, the perfect place to gather with friends to enjoy a drink as you marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes. Twin cabins feature upper and lower berths, washbasin, toilet, and shower. Single cabins feature a single berth and washbasin with shared toilet and shower facilities.

Australia

Overnight Train

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

The modern Crowne Plaza Alice Springs is located at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges, in Australia's red center. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, and in-room dining.

Alice Springs

Australia

93 Barrett Drive

Desert Gardens Hotel

Centrally located to all resort facilities, the hotel offers a range of accommodation, outdoor pool, coin-operated self-service laundry, and the popular Bunya bar. It's only a short stroll to the Resorts' numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia's best sunset, with the spectacular play of colors across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert.

Uluru

Australia

Yulara Drive

Hilton Darwin

Overlooking Darwin Harbour, Hilton Darwin offers fabulous Esplanade views and an ideal location in the heart of the city. The impressive, marble-floored lobby, surrounded by warm colors and Aboriginal artwork, immediately welcomes you with a touch of authentic Australian style. The attentive hotel staff always make for a great stay. Enjoy the sunshine at the 10th floor outdoor swimming pool, or sip drinks at the stylish bar before savoring a delicious meal in their restaurant, which features an innovative menu of local specialties, including kangaroo, crocodile and barramundi. Laundry is available through the hotel for a fee.

Darwin

Australia

32 Mitchell Street

Pullman Cairns International

Pullman Cairns International is an upscale hotel exuding the architectural grandeur of the city's rich colonial past. Overlooking Cairns Harbour and the lush mountain hinterland, this 321-room hotel is perfectly positioned in the CBD to take advantage of all the city has to offer. After a great day of sightseeing, dine in Coco's Restaurant, grab a drink at the Lobby Bar, or pamper yourself at Vie Spa. Laundry is available through the hotel for a fee.

Cairns

Australia

17 Abbott St

Sydney Harbour Marriott

Ideally placed in Circular Quay, the Sydney Harbour Marriott welcomes guests with elegant rooms, luxury amenities, and an award-winning commitment to outstanding service. Take advantage of the fitness center, indoor pool and on-site dining.

Sydney

Australia

30 Pitt Street

Transportation & Flights

Participation in this tour requires a purchase of additional local flights. ,
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
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