If you are heading towards Darwin, watching the remote desert come to life at sunrise, freshly brewed coffee in hand, is a truly a one of a kind experience to be had in Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. For those heading towards Adelaide, dinner on the train is followed by an extraordinary evening experience in outback Manguri, South Australia, where you will see the Milky Way like you have never seen it before. Simply breathtaking.
Your time in Alice Springs, the ‘capital out of the outback’, offers numerous opportunities to explore its historic legacy and unique environment. One of the included excursions is the Alice Springs Desert Park - an inspiring portrayal of Australia’s desert environment that effortlessly blends the plants, animals and people of the arid regions. With over 200 desert animals and 400 plants to explore at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges, the Desert Park is a living field guide to Central Australia.
The Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk, just out of Alice Springs, is another enjoyable off train excursion being a 4 kilometre walk through one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Featuring the towering cliffs of Simpsons Range, a permanent waterhole, and a magical location where important elements of flora, fauna and Indigenous culture all come together.
Perhaps explore this fascinating town’s history on the Alice Explorer with visits to the School of the Air, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base, the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame and a short trek up to ANZAC Hill for panoramic views over Alice and beyond to the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Your day ends with an authentic Outback BBQ dinner underneath a canopy of bright stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. A true pinch-me experience. (Ghan Expedition only)
Stopping in Katherine provides you with the opportunity to experience the iconic Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise, in one of the Northern Territory’s most monumental natural wonders. Relax and breathe in the serenity as you cruise along the Katherine River with the impressive sandstone cliffs tower from either side encompassing the stories of the traditional Indigenous owners, the Jawoyn people. It is one of the most connective experiences I have enjoyed in all my travels.
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The Katherine Outback Experience makes for a unique afternoon, run by Tom Curtain and is another optional experience on The Ghan journey. It’s a show but no day is ever the same as the ‘cast’ changes continuously depending on which animals Tom and his team are currently training. So much so, Tom mentioned that he’s been thrown off horses and there have been plenty of times when the horses or dogs won’t listen to instructions when they’re new. Enjoy watching and learning how he trains horses and working dogs and seeing their progression on the spot, all paired with Tom’s music – he is also a singer-songwriter adding to his extended repertoire!
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Coober Pedy, in the South Australian outback, is known as the ‘underground’ town famous for its opal mining and unique abodes, or ‘dugouts’ as they are called, beneath the surface. Here you’ll be whisked away to explore this sun-scorched opal capital of the world. A friendly guide will show you around the tunnels and places of interest followed by a spectacular golf club lunch at the only golf course with reciprocal playing rights to St Andrews in Scotland. To top it off, stop for a breathtaking view and photo opportunity of The Breakaways, like no other landscape you have seen before. Or there is also the option for a half day Opal Experience for a more immersive gemstone exploration or a guided walking and interactive tour of the majestic Breakaways and Umoona Opal Mine and Museum. (Ghan Expedition only)
An unforgettable Australian adventure awaits you, ready to provide you with lasting memories and wonderful explorations of the fascinating outback and interior region, all you need to do is step aboard.
Click here for our legendary Ghan and Ghan Expedition holidays.
Image credit: Journey Beyond Rail
