Treasures of the Top End & the Iconic Ghan

Day 1

ARRIVE IN ULURU (AYERS ROCK), AUSTRALIA Welcome To The Red Centre! Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome meeting and drink.

Day 2

ULURU Into The Outback This morning, explore Uluru, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive sandstone monolith is one of the world’s most mysterious and religious sites. Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole with the chance to discover Aboriginal rock paintings and learn their significance. Later, experience a walk at the 36 unique domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). This evening, enjoy [LF] the Sounds of Silence dinner experience. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
SCENIC WONDERS Your evening begins with canapés and chilled sparkling wine upon a dune top overlooking Uluru. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of a didgeridoo and sit down for an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy a bush-tucker inspired menu along with a selection of Australian wines and beers. Afterward, sit back and listen to a star talker decode the southern night sky. Before the end of the evening, you’ll be to locate the Southern Cross, signs of the zodiac, the Milky Way as well as planets and galaxies. From amazing scenery to delicious food and wide open spaces, it’s sure to be a memorable evening!

Day 3

ULURU Spectacular Sunrise To Sunset Today is at leisure. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE For an unforgettable experience, you may choose to rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru. Other options include a helicopter tour to see more of the region by the air, shopping for Aboriginal art, or just relaxing by your hotel’s pool with a cool drink. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Day 4

ULURU–ALICE SPRINGS–GHAN TRAIN All Aboard Today, travel through the heart of the Outback, keeping a lookout for red kangaroos, dingoes, camels, and feral horses, known as “Brumbies.” Arrive in Alice Springs where you’ll visit the historic Telegraph Station, ANZAC Hill, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Later, board the Ghan train for an overnight journey and a unique perspective of the Outback. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
NORTHWARD BOUND [LF] 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. Sit back and relax as you take in the changing scenery. Enjoy a meal in the restaurant car or a friendly conversation with fellow passengers from around the world in the lounge car. You’ll soon see why this train journey is on every Australians’ bucket list!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FLIGHT FOR LIFE The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was established in 1928 to bring much needed medical care to the residents of the remote Outback. Learn the history of Reverend John Flynn, the founder, and hear the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS. Through the interactive displays you can experience what it’s like to fly with an RFDS pilot and the issues they have faced from dirt runways, inadequate maps, and more.

Day 5

GHAN TRAIN–KATHERINE–DARWIN The Top End This morning, the train stops at Katherine with a visit to nearby Katherine Gorge. Arrive this evening in Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SCENIC WONDER Located in Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Gorge is home to incredible scenery, Aboriginal history, and unique birds and animals. Choose between an included scenic cruise in the gorge, a cruise that features indigenous rock art dating back 40,000 years, or an optional upgraded excursion to see Nitmiluk Gorge by helicopter. Off-train experiences are subject to change and will be advised by the Tour Director while on tour.

Day 6

DARWIN Sights & Bites Start your day with an orientation tour of Darwin. 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 spend time at the fascinating Darwin Museum. Tonight, you may wish to join the optional dinner cruise in Darwin Harbour. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT In 1942, more than 188 Japanese aircraft attacked Darwin’s harbor and airfield. It was the first and largest foreign attack ever mounted on Australia. At the Darwin Museum, hear first-hand accounts from the men and women who survived the horror of that morning, learn about the Top End’s role in WWII through interactive displays, take a walk through the lush garden to see military vehicles, or climb to the top of the gun emplacement to check out the 9.2 foot (2.8 meter) gun that it houses.

Day 7

DARWIN. EXCURSION TO LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK Chasing Waterfalls Today is spent exploring beautiful Litchfield National Park home to stunning waterfalls, waterholes, dense bush lands, and fascinating termite mounds. Return to Darwin late this afternoon. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SCENIC WONDERS Marvel at one of Litchfield’s most unique sights, the Magnetic Termite Mounds which are unique to Northern Australia. These structures stand up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) high and can be more than 100 years old. Then, there’s time to cool off at one of the park’s famous plunge pools, Wangi Falls. The falls flow into a large, easily accessible swimming hole surrounded by lush monsoonal rainforest making them the Park’s most popular attraction. Depending on weather conditions, you may be able to swim at the base of the falls.

Day 8

DARWIN–KAKADU NATIONAL PARK A River Runs Through It This morning, travel down the murky waters of the Adelaide River and be thrilled and awed on a [LF] Jumping Croc Cruise. Continue to Kakadu National Park where sightseeing includes a visit to Nourlangie Rock to see ancient art carvings. Afterward, cruise the unspoiled waterways of the Yellow Water Billabong. Enjoy incredible scenery with the opportunity to spot water buffalo, crocodiles, and an abundance of bird species. This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring local delicacies and bush food. Perhaps try some of the Northern Territories’ famous Barramundi. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
WILD & WONDERFUL Australian Saltwater Crocodiles are the world’s largest reptile. They can reach sizes of up to 2,204 lbs./997 kg. On the exciting Jumping Croc Cruise, you’ll have the chance to see these prehistoric creatures up close and in their natural habitat. Learn about croc biology, territorial habits and their importance to the ecosystem. Have your cameras ready for some fantastic photo ops!

Day 9

KAKADU NATIONAL PARK–DARWIN Scenic Wonders This morning, visit Jim Jim Falls. Return to Darwin where there is time at leisure before a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURALLY SPECTACULAR Jim Jim Falls is Kakadu’s biggest waterfall. At 656 feet (200 meters) high it’s taller than all the waterfalls in Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks. Enjoy a walk through monsoon forest and along Jim Jim Creek. Keep your eyes open for black wallaroo, chestnut quilled rock pigeons, plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Arrive at the stunning view of the falls where the deep natural waterfall pool is surrounded by towering stone escarpments and is considered a special place to connect with an ancient land. NOTE: the visit to Jim Jim Falls is dependent of weather and road/trail conditions.

Day 10

DARWIN Until We Meet Again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)