Arnhem Land & Red Centre Spectacular – The Ghan 2025

Your 13-day Arnhem Land Wilderness Adventure commences with a flight from Cairns to Nhulunbuy. On arrival in Nhulunbuy, you will be greeted by your friendly and professional Tour Director. This afternoon, you’ll explore this frontier village, which came into existence in the 1960s after the discovery of Bauxite on the Gove Peninsula. Visit the Roy (Malpi) Marika Lookout for incredible views towards the coast, Gayngaru Wetlands and Gove Harbour before settling in for a two-night stay at the Walkabout Lodge. (D)

Today, your journey into the heart of Arnhem Land begins. Departing Nhulunbuy, we follow the Central Arnhem Road south-west to the Goyder River, the main tributary flowing into the massive Arafura Swamp. Enjoy a picnic lunch before taking a track to the north, which follows an escarpment before descending to the Arafura floodplains. This area, known as ‘Murwangi’, is the site of your exclusive safari camp, where we will be staying for the next two nights. Check in to your deluxe safari suite before dinner in the lodge dining room. (B,L,D)

This morning, head into Ramingining for a visit to Bula’bula Art Centre. Here you can chat with local artists and watch them paint. There is also the opportunity to purchase artwork if so desired.

After morning tea at the Art Centre, we head further west towards Maningrida. To get there, we will cross the Blyth and Cadell Rivers, arriving at Barramundi Lodge early in the afternoon. The lodge is one of the most recognised fishing destinations in Australia. With special permission from the Traditional Owners, the lodge has exclusive fishing licenses for numerous remote waterways, including the Tomkinson and Liverpool Rivers. Fishing aside, the lodge features 12 beautiful safari suites and a restaurant overlooking the floodplains below.

After lunch on the lodge deck, you will hear a familiarisation talk from the lodge managers. You are then free to settle into your safari suite, with the remainder of the afternoon yours to relax, soaking up the stunning view of the floodplains. (B,L,D)

Departing Maningrida after breakfast, our travels take us through the stone country of west Arnhem Land. We’ll cross the Goomadeer and Liverpool Rivers before arriving at the turnoff to Davidson’s Arnhem Land Safaris, Mount Borradaile. From here, we travel along a 40km bush track into the safari lodge, arriving in time for lunch. You will then check-in to your cabin, your home for the next two nights.

This afternoon, the team at Mount Borradaile will take you through 40,000 years of Aboriginal culture in a truly awe-inspiring landscape. The area contains some of the most stunning rock art galleries in the world. In terms of artistic quality, quantity, colourfulness, and state of preservation, it is virtually unrivalled. The walls of the many rock shelters are decorated with innumerable pictures, documenting traditional Aboriginal life over thousands of years. Subjects range from now-extinct animals to 20th-century sailing ships and the creator Rainbow Serpent.

We will return to the lodge in the afternoon, before dinner. (B,L,D)

Please note: The walk to Mount Borradaile Rainbow Serpent is a 1km, 2-hour walk, over rocks, roots, caves and sand.

Departing Mount Borradaile early, we head north and venture into the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. Travel up the eastern side of Port Essington to Black Point where we'll meet the marine crew from Seven Spirit Bay and board the lodge’s custom-made adventure craft for the short transfer across Port Essington. Upon arriving at the lodge, you’ll be allocated your room for the next three nights, a unique and luxurious ‘habitat' villa. We meet again later this evening for dinner in the lodge restaurant. (B,L,D)

The Cobourg Marine Park abounds with barramundi, Spanish mackerel, golden trevally, and coral trout, to name just a few. After breakfast, we board the lodge's state-of-the-art fishing vessels for an exclusive half-day fishing adventure in Port Essington. Featuring an on-board restroom, shade canopy and comfortable seating, each boat takes only six people, so everyone will have the equal chance to reel something in.

Seven Spirit Bay's fishing guides are true professionals with intimate knowledge of the marine park. They will take you to the best fishing spots and share their marine sanctuary expertise while and you can admire some of the most spectacular coastline to be found in northern Australia. Our guides fish these waters regularly and have up-to-date knowledge of the potential sites that are producing fish, giving you the best chance of success.

Barramundi is just one of species we target. You may have the opportunity to wrestle with an arm-stretching trevally or black jewfish.

A mix of small meandering creeks, mangrove-lined bays, rocky outcrops, and deeper water “bommies” mean there is nearly always something to be found somewhere. Once you have tested your luck, we will make our way to a sheltered beach landing at Low Point, where we disembark and rendezvous with the lodge's chef for a delicious BBQ bush lunch under a shady tree.

After lunch, take a 4WD safari to appreciate the wonders of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. First up is a visit to the stunning Nypa Palm gallery (Nypa Fruticans), one of only three locations in Australia where they can be found (the others are Melville Island and the Wenlock River). A short drive further brings us to the upper reaches of Trepang Creek, one of many creeks that are a mix of spring-fed and tidally influenced systems that help provide nourishment to the marine life of the park.

Next, you will explore the savannah woodlands of the park, potentially spotting Banteng and Buffalo and gaining some insight into the varied coastal habitats, before a visit to Gunners Quoin lookout. Return to the lodge late afternoon for your third and final evening at Seven Spirit Bay. (B,L,D)

Your 13-day Arnhem Land Wilderness Adventure comes to an end this morning.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, check out and make your way to the lobby of DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade, 116 The Esplanade, Darwin, ready to check in for the next part of your adventure – a journey on The Ghan Expedition.

After boarding, settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy lunch ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge and a cruise is on offer to showcase the beauty of this spot. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, while the Cutta Cutta Cave system is home to a variety of native wildlife and is rich in Indigenous culture and modern European history. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight over Nitmiluk.

Back on the train, you’ll enjoy the cuisine and creature comforts of The Ghan, including a delectable on-board dinner, as you continue on towards Alice Springs. (B,L,D)

Today, explore Alice Springs and its surrounds, taking in natural rock formations that are truly spectacular. After breakfast, venture to the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a walk to Simpsons Gap. Known as 'Rungutjirpa' by the Arrernte people, Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site and home to dozens of rare plants and a host of native wildlife.

We'll then visit Standley Chasm – Angkerle Atwatye – a cultural icon of Central Australia, which is 100% owned and operated by the Arrernte community. We'll break for morning tea before departing the West MacDonnell Ranges to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here, enjoy a guided tour that will challenge your perception of the desert, leaving you with an understanding that the desert is full of life.

This evening, enjoy a classic-style outdoor BBQ and show under the incredible night sky. (B,L,D)

This morning, we depart early to experience the beauty of Kings Canyon. Two walks are available, including the spectacular 6km rim walk, which features breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park before descending into the 'Garden of Eden'. For those who wish to save energy, a more relaxed walk is available along the creek on the canyon floor (2.6km).

There is also the opportunity to take a 15-minute helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park (at own expense).

After the morning's activities, return to Kings Canyon Resort for lunch and to rest and refresh. The afternoon is spent learning about Aboriginal culture with Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours. In the Aranda language, Karrke is the name for the western Bowerbird, which is native to Central Australia. Our guide will teach us about bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and physical healing.

For those wishing to take the optional helicopter flight over Kings Canyon, you will take to the air in the afternoon to enjoy the aerial perspective.

As afternoon turns to evening, enjoy sunset drinks and canapes at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, who also created the Field of Light. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we depart to discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature. Take in the cultural centre and take a guided tour around the base of Uluru, which stands 348 metres above the desert plains. Learn about traditional Anangu culture and why Uluru, one of the largest monoliths in the world, is such a sacred site.

In the afternoon, we will let our creativity shine during a Maruku Arts dot painting workshop. A local Anangu artist will teach us about traditional art, symbols, tools, and more. Through the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to create something to take home with you.

Departing the resort before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune-top location, again with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro's global phenomenon Field of Light gently illuminates. Aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), Field of Light features 50,000 slender stems, crowned with radiant, frosted-glass spheres, spread across an area the size of seven football fields. After your host provides insight into this remarkable installation, you can explore the stunning display via dedicated pathways.

This evening, return to the hotel for dinner. (Please note dinner will be at approximately 9.00pm). (B,L,D)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before making the journey by road from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal, where your Red Centre Explorer tour comes to an end.

Re-join The Ghan Expedition and enjoy a unique dining experience this evening. Tuck into a mouthy-watering meal as you sip on a cold beer or a glass of fine wine under a chandelier of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. (B,L,D)

This morning, you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges before your arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail journeys. (B)