Top End Explorer; The Ghan Kakadu Tour

Top End Explorer; The Ghan Kakadu Tour

Duration: 8 Days

Price: from AU$6,140

Departure From: Adelaide

Departure Date: Tuesday & Saturday, March to October 2027

Tour Type: Group Tour

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Journey from the heart of Australia to its tropical Top End aboard The Ghan, before exploring the ancient landscapes, wildlife and rich cultural heritage of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks on this unforgettable 8-day Australian rail holiday.

Travel aboard one of Australia’s most iconic trains on the Top End Explorer; The Ghan Kakadu Tour, combining an unforgettable Adelaide to Darwin rail journey with an immersive exploration of Australia’s spectacular Top End.

Spend two nights aboard The Ghan, travelling through the dramatic landscapes of the Australian outback while enjoying all-inclusive dining, beverages and memorable Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine.

After arriving in Darwin, continue your adventure with intimate small-group touring through Litchfield National Park and World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Discover ancient rock art, cruise wildlife-rich waterways, experience towering waterfalls and explore landscapes shaped over millions of years.

Combining legendary rail travel, remarkable natural wonders and authentic outback experiences, the Top End Explorer; The Ghan Kakadu Tour is an unforgettable way to experience some of Australia’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Top End Explorer The Ghan Kakadu Tour Map

Top End Explorer; The Ghan Kakadu Tour Highlights

  • Journey through Australia’s vast outback aboard the legendary Ghan train
  • Watch the changing landscapes unfold between Adelaide and Darwin
  • Discover the tropical waterfalls and lush landscapes of Litchfield National Park
  • Explore the ancient landscapes and Indigenous heritage of Kakadu National Park
  • Take to the skies on a spectacular scenic flight over Kakadu
  • Encounter Australian wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and native birdlife
  • Discover ancient Indigenous rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy
  • Relax with a spectacular sunset and dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour
East Alligator River Kakadu Crocodiles
Sunset serenity along the East Alligator River, where Kakadu’s ancient landscapes are reflected in every still ripple
Dinner Sunset Cruise Darwin Harbour
Sunset dining on the sparkling waters of Darwin Harbour

The Ghan Train – Your Onboard Experience

Everything is Included.

There is nothing quite like settling into your cabin and letting one of Australia’s great rail journeys unfold around you. Aboard The Ghan, enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of the Australian outback while relaxing in comfort and style.

Your journey includes chef-prepared meals inspired by the regions you travel through, a selection of Australian wines and beverages, and immersive Off Train Experiences that bring you closer to the landscapes and destinations along the way.

From socialising with fellow travellers in the lounge to relaxing in your cabin and watching the vast Australian landscape pass by, travelling aboard The Ghan is as much about the journey as the destinations themselves.

The Ghan from New Zealand
Enjoy the Top End Explorer; The Ghan Kakadu Tour heading North to Darwin

The Ghan Train – Platinum Service

Stylishly appointed and spacious cabins are complemented by discreet, personalised service and access to the exclusive Platinum Club carriage for meals, relaxation and socialising. As you’d expect, the food and wine is of the highest standard. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and four-course dinners, all regionally inspired and paired with champagne and premium wines.

And it all begins before you’ve even stepped aboard. Platinum guests receive private transfers before and after your journey, beginning the adventure in style.

Platinum cabins on the Ghan train offer premium extras, like a full-size en suite, expansive window views from the train, and exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage. Add to that the luxurious linen, French Champagne, Bracegirdle’s chocolates, a nightcap at turndown and more, and you’re in for an exceptional experience.

Platinum Dining Room
Platinum Dining – The Ghan Train

Platinum Service inclusions:

  • All-inclusive dining, beverages, and Off Train Experiences
  • Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Service Twin cabin
  • By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans
  • By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
  • En suite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet and Australian bathroom amenities
  • Power outlets and in-cabin safe
  • In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
  • Panoramic windows offering views from both sides of the train
  • Access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining and socialising
  • Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin
  • Refreshments served in-cabin
  • Transfers at the start and end of your journey available for guests within 60 km of the terminal
  • 90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each)
Platinum Double Cabin Plan LOCO Journeys

The Ghan Train – Gold Premium Service

Gold Premium is a new style of travel, with contemporary cabins that take inspiration from the colours and contours of the Australian outback. Think walnut timber and polished brass details, along with Indigenous prints on the upholstery. The cabins are designed to cocoon guests in comfort and come with exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Dining carriages. Whether you want to share the highlights of your day with fellow guests over an aperitif in the Lounge or relax in your cabin as you admire the colours and contours of the passing landscape, you’ll enjoy special moments throughout the journey and a range of enhanced benefits, such as all-inclusive dining, premium beverages and fascinating Off Train Experiences.

Gold Premium Inclusions:

  • Newly designed, contemporary cabins
  • Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen and silk eye masks
  • Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage
  • Two-course, regionally inspired lunches and four-course dinners
  • All-inclusive premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
  • All-inclusive Off Train Experiences and preferences on tour selections
  • 75kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 25 kg each)
  • Priority luggage check-in
  • Power outlets in cabin
  • In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
  • Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin and Brisbane to selected hotels in the city centre
Gold Premium Twin Cabin Night
Gold Premium Twin Cabin

The Ghan Train – Gold Service

Choose between Gold Twin or Single cabins, both of which provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day’s journey on the Ghan train. Spend hours deep in conversation with new friends in the shared Outback Explorer Lounge, sipping on barista made coffee, or a glass of white wine. Later make your way to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant to dine.

Gold includes hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners. You may also choose to complement your meal with our selection of premium wines and beverages, all included in your fare.

Gold-Service-Twin-cabin LOCO Journeys
Gold Twin Cabin
Gold Service Cabin
Gold Cabin View

Gold Service Inclusions:

  • For Gold Twin, the most popular option, offers a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day
  • Gold Superior cabins feature a ¾ size double bed plus an additional fold down upper berth, lounge area, TV and DVD player, mini-bar and en suite.
  • For Gold Single, a compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage
  • Gold Access Cabins are exclusively reserved for the mobility impaired. This cabin is subject to availability and assessment of the guest’s Fitness to Travel.
  • Power outlets in cabin
  • In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary available
  • All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
  • All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
  • All-inclusive Off Train Excursions and Short Stops
  • Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
  • Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre
Gold Service Twin Cabin The Ghan Plan
Gold Service Single Cabin The Ghan Plan

Top End Explorer; The Ghan Kakadu Prices & Departure Dates

Adelaide to Darwin, 8 days, 7 nights, 18 meals. Departing Sundays and Wednesdays, March to October. Advance Purchase Holiday fares are subject to availability. Within 6 months of travel Saver Holiday fares may be offered, subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Further conditions apply.

CabinFare TypeOCTOBER
PLATINUMEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$8,695
GOLD PREMIUM TWINADVANCE PURCHASE HOLIDAY*
$6,825
GOLD PREMIUM TWINEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$7,330
GOLD TWINADVANCE PURCHASE HOLIDAY*$6,140
GOLD TWINEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$6,650
GOLD SINGLEADVANCE PURCHASE HOLIDAY*$6,920
GOLD SINGLEEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$7,340

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below.


Should you wish to add pre or post night accommodation, activities or international flights to The Ghan Red Centre spectacular, please let us know at the time of booking.

Click here for alternate but equally brilliant Ghan train journeys and holidays or contact LOCO Journeys to discuss your desired journey.

Tour Inclusions

  • 2 nights aboard The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences
  • 3 nights’ accommodation in Darwin, including breakfast
  • 2 nights’ accommodation in Kakadu National Park
  • 2 nights of intimate small-group touring with Outback Spirit
  • Scenic flight over Kakadu National Park
  • Wildlife cruises on the East Alligator River and Mary River
  • Guided touring of Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks
  • Visit to the Ubirr and Burrungkuy rock art sites
  • Darwin Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
  • 18 meals; 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
  • All sightseeing, cruises, rail travel and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
  • Services of experienced train and touring staff

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person, Twin Gold Cabin, Advance Purchase
  • Full payment is required at the time of booking
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
  • Full terms and conditions will be advised at the time of booking.
  • The Ghan is a no smoking environment

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Adelaide – The Ghan (L,D)
Board The Ghan in Adelaide for an incredible showcase journey of inland Australia. As the train leaves the city heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond, the dramatic changes in landscape from pastoral land to arid outback scenes will ignite your imagination. Lunch is served on board – this is the first of many superb, chef-prepared gourmet meals, showcasing regional flair and season flavours.
Wake to an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla before continuing north towards Alice Springs. Enjoy the changing landscapes and choose from a selection of Off Train Experiences, including cultural and wildlife encounters, scenic exploration and optional helicopter flights.
Experience the dramatic landscapes of Katherine and choose from a selection of Off Train Experiences. Cruise through the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge, discover the stories of the Australian outback or take to the skies on an optional helicopter flight. Continue to Darwin, where you will disembark The Ghan and transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring Darwin's vibrant Waterfront Precinct.
Your Top End adventure begins as you travel from Darwin towards Litchfield National Park. Discover lush monsoon forests, remarkable termite mounds, waterfalls and unique rock formations. Visit Florence Falls and Wangi Falls before continuing east into World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.
Take to the skies for a spectacular scenic flight over Kakadu's ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers. Continue to the East Alligator River for an Indigenous cultural cruise before visiting the renowned Ubirr rock art site. Discover some of the world's most remarkable ancient rock art and enjoy spectacular views across the surrounding floodplains. Later, explore the Burrungkuy rock art site before returning to your accommodation.
Travel along the Arnhem Highway through Mary River National Park, home to vast wetlands and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a wildlife cruise along the Mary River, keeping watch for saltwater crocodiles and the region's diverse birdlife. Continue through the tropical landscapes of the Top End before returning to Darwin.
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Darwin at your own pace. Wander along the Waterfront Precinct, visit the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens or simply relax and enjoy the tropical atmosphere. In the evening, board a Darwin Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise and enjoy a Territory-style dinner featuring local produce as the sun sets over the harbour.
After breakfast, your unforgettable Top End Explorer; The Ghan Kakadu Tour comes to an end as you check out of your accommodation and farewell Darwin.

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.