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 : Darwin
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.
Day 6 : 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 7 : 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 8 : 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 9 : 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 10 : Adelaide City Tour
Your morning tour will introduce you to Adelaide city, which is surrounded by parklands with a blend of historic buildings, wide streets, cafés, and restaurants. Drive past Adelaide's cultural precinct - North Terrace, the National Wine Centre, Adelaide Botanic Gardens and the beautiful Botanic Park, home to the Bicentennial Conservatory and the Adelaide Zoo. Continue through historic North Adelaide, where you’ll see tree-lined streets, mansions and historic buildings. Stop and visit the iconic St Peters Cathedral or the newly developed Adelaide Oval then travel through the city's east on the way to the Haigh's Chocolates Visitor Centre for a visit to this famous South Australian chocolate icon. Return to the city via the South Parklands, West Terrace and North Terrace.
Day 11 : 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 12-13 : Barossa Wine Tour
Leave the city and travel through the Adelaide Hills to the first winery, Château Yaldara, one of the most photographed historic buildings in South Australia. Continuing through picturesque scenery, cross the world-famous Jacobs Creek towards the heart of the Barossa Valley and the beautiful and historic township of Tanunda. Enjoy some of the Barossa’s most internationally acclaimed wines at the beautiful Peter Lehmann winery with a lunch platter of local Barossa Valley produce. Following a stop at Mengler’s Hill Lookout, head onwards to the next wine-tasting experience at Lambert Estate Wines. The final destination is Wolf Blass Wines, one of the world’s most iconic award winning wine brands with time to explore the state of the art cellar door. The day blends historical wineries, wonderful regional food, beautiful scenery and the people that make the Barossa Valley a truly world class region.
Day 14-15 : Arrive UK
Be sure to arrive at the airport in time and check-in for your homeward flight.