Overview
Exploring Australia with the Legendary Ghan Train
The right vacation to Australia can easily transport you to another state of mind, especially if it includes a crocodile cruise in Darwin, a glass-bottom-boat tour at the Great Barrier Reef, a wetlands cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, and many other exciting modes of transportation. The most moving experience on this grand tour of Australia, however, is an overnight rail journey on the legendary The Ghan Train—an exhilarating crossing through the heart of the Australian Outback to the tropical coast of the Northern Territory. A stop to cruise through the majestic Katherine Gorge offers the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and imagination. As you venture in every direction on this encompassing tour of Australia—including untamed Tasmania—you’ll also be moved by big-city lights, Red Center sunsets, growling Tasmanian devils, and calm, cuddly koalas. All aboard for an above-and-beyond adventure through the “Land Down Under.”
Highlights of Exploring Australia with the Legendary Ghan Train
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Travelers Notes
We’ve prepared everything you need for the perfect vacation—from transfers to and from your hotel and included intra-vacation flights to expert Local Guides and included VIP sightseeing access to the world’s iconic sites. Your Globus Tour Director is always there to help you make the most out of your free time!Your Train 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. Experience this fascinating train journey in the comfort of Gold Service, featuring private overnight sleeper cabins, a separate restaurant car, and access to the Outback Explorer Lounge, the perfect place to gather with friends to enjoy a drink as you marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes. Twin cabins feature upper and lower berths, washbasin, toilet, and shower. Single cabins feature a single berth and washbasin with shared toilet and shower facilities.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Related Option Title
Exploring Australia with the Legendary Ghan Train
Notes
This vacation visits remote regions where some facilities are not up to the first-class standards you expect from Globus. However, we have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort. Off-train experiences are subject to change and will be advised by the Tour Director while on tour. During the wet season (December–April), it can be difficult to see crocodiles in the wild.
Product Group
Exploring Australia with the Legendary Ghan Train
UNESCO Sites
Australian Convict Sites|Great Barrier Reef|Kakadu National Park|Sydney Opera House|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park|Wet Tropics of Queensland
Meals
Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Welcome to Melbourne! Hotel check-in available upon arrival. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Schedule flights to arrive by 3 pm in time for a welcome meeting and dinner. (D)
Day 2
MELBOURNEMELBOURNE Morning guided sightseeing includes Parliament House, the Shrine of Remembrance, Queen Victoria Market, and beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. Free time in the afternoon and evening. (B)
Day 3
MELBOURNEMELBOURNE Free day. (B)
Day 4
MELBOURNE–HOBARTFly to Hobart. HOBART Guided walking tour of the waterfront district. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 5
HOBART. EXCURSION TO THE TASMAN PENINSULA TASMAN PENINSULA Sightseeing includes the blowhole, the Devil’s Kitchen, and the Tasman Arch formations. Walking tour with a Local Guide at Port Arthur Historic Site (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo. HOBART Free time this evening. (B,L)
Day 6
HOBART–ADELAIDE Fly to Adelaide (via Melbourne). ADELAIDE Orientation drive. Free time this evening. (B)
Day 7
ADELAIDE. EXCURSION TO KANGAROO ISLANDTravel by motorcoach and ferry to Kangaroo Island. KANGAROO ISLAND [LF] Sightseeing includes Seal Bay Conservation Park with a Park Ranger plus visits to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to see native koalas, wallabies, and wombats. Visit Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery before returning to Adelaide this evening. (B,L)
Day 8
ADELAIDE–ULURU (AYERS ROCK) Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock) (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). ULURU Sunset drink followed by [LF] Outback barbecue. (B,D)
Day 9
ULURU (AYERS ROCK) ULURU Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a walking tour at Uluru, and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Free time this evening. (B) ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Uluru with a camel ride through the desert at sunset. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 10
ULURU–ALICE SPRINGS–THE GHAN TRAIN Scenic drive through the Outback en route to Alice Springs. ALICE SPRINGS Embark on the legendary The Ghan train. (B,D)
Day 11
THE GHAN TRAIN–KATHERINE–DARWINKATHERINE GORGE [LF] Choice of sightseeing includes a scenic cruise or a visit to a working Outback cattle station. DARWIN Free time this evening. (B,L)
Day 12
DARWIN–KAKADU NATIONAL PARKDARWIN Jumping crocodile guided cruise.KAKADU NATIONAL PARK Guided sightseeing in Kakadu National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). (B,D)
Day 13
KAKADU NATIONAL PARK–DARWIN KAKADU NATIONAL PARK Guided [LF] wetlands cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong.DARWIN City orientation drive includes Darwin Museum and lunch at a local roadhouse. (B,L)
Day 14
DARWIN–CAIRNS Fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” (B)
Day 15
CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEFOUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF Scenic catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) includes the option of snorkeling, a glass-bottom-boat tour, an underwater observatory, and watching a fish feeding. CAIRNS Free time this evening. (B,L)
Day 16
CAIRNSCAIRNS Free day. (B)
Day 17
CAIRNS–SYDNEYCAIRNS Visit to the Koala Gardens includes having your photo taken with a koala. Fly to Sydney. SYDNEY Free time this evening. (B)
Day 18
SYDNEY SYDNEY Guided sightseeing includes the financial district, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, the botanic gardens, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Walking tour with a Local Guide includes the Sydney Opera House (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Bondi Beach, followed by a Sydney Harbour cruise. Free time this evening. (B)
Day 19
SYDNEYSYDNEY Free day before dinner at a waterfront restaurant. (B,D)
Day 20
SYDNEYYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2022-09-01 | 2022-09-03 | 2022-09-22 | $7929 | $0 | $9266 | PX20903 | Not Available |
| 2 | 2022-09-15 | 2022-09-17 | 2022-10-06 | $8489 | $0 | $9826 | PX20917K | Not Available |
| 3 | 2022-09-22 | 2022-09-24 | 2022-10-13 | $7649 | $0 | $8986 | PX20924 | Not Available |
| 4 | 2022-09-29 | 2022-10-01 | 2022-10-20 | $6469 | $0 | $7806 | PX21001 | Not Available |
| 5 | 2022-10-06 | 2022-10-08 | 2022-10-27 | $7649 | $0 | $8986 | PX21008 | Not Available |
| 6 | 2022-10-13 | 2022-10-15 | 2022-11-03 | $7069 | $0 | $8406 | PX21015K | Not Available |
| 7 | 2022-10-20 | 2022-10-22 | 2022-11-10 | $7649 | $0 | $8986 | PX21022 | Please Call |
| 8 | 2022-10-27 | 2022-10-29 | 2022-11-17 | $6469 | $0 | $7806 | PX21029 | Not Available |
| 9 | 2022-11-03 | 2022-11-05 | 2022-11-24 | $8209 | $0 | $9546 | PX21105K | Please Call |
| 10 | 2022-11-10 | 2022-11-12 | 2022-12-01 | $7649 | $0 | $8986 | PX21112 | Please Call |
| 11 | 2022-11-17 | 2022-11-19 | 2022-12-08 | $6439 | $0 | $7776 | PX21119 | Not Available |
| 12 | 2023-01-26 | 2023-01-28 | 2023-02-16 | $7789 | $0 | $9126 | PX30128 | Not Available |
| 13 | 2023-02-02 | 2023-02-04 | 2023-02-23 | $7769 | $0 | $9106 | PX30204 | Not Available |
| 14 | 2023-02-16 | 2023-02-18 | 2023-03-09 | $8519 | $0 | $9856 | PX30218K | Not Available |
| 15 | 2023-02-23 | 2023-02-25 | 2023-03-16 | $7909 | $0 | $9246 | PX30225 | Not Available |
| 16 | 2023-03-09 | 2023-03-11 | 2023-03-30 | $7759 | $0 | $9096 | PX30311 | Not Available |
| 17 | 2023-03-16 | 2023-03-18 | 2023-04-06 | $7729 | $0 | $9066 | PX30318 | Not Available |
| 18 | 2023-03-23 | 2023-03-25 | 2023-04-13 | $8869 | $0 | $10206 | PX30325K | Not Available |
| 19 | 2023-04-13 | 2023-04-15 | 2023-05-04 | $8299 | $0 | $9636 | PX30415 | Not Available |
| 20 | 2023-04-27 | 2023-04-29 | 2023-05-18 | $8499 | $0 | $9836 | PX30429 | Not Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins | Situated in the heart of downtown Melbourne, The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins is ideally located for exploring the city. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar, gym, and complimentary Wi-Fi. | Melbourne | 630 Little Collins Street | First-Class |
| 2 | The Old Woolstore Hotel | The hotel is centrally located within a stone's throw of the city center and just a block away from Hobart's waterfront. The hotel offers a restaurant, lounge, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas. Rooms are apartment style with a separate bedroom, sitting room, and kitchen. Amenities include iron/ironing board, mini-refrigerator, hairdryer and bath amenities, air conditioning, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, DVD player, full kitchen, and washing machine and dryer. | Hobart | 1 Macquarie Street | First-Class |
| 3 | Majestic Roof Garden Hotel | Style and function are themes of the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel. As the Majestic's flagship, built in 2004, this award-winning hotel boasts simplicity, efficiency, and an eco-centric design. And as it sits just off of the lively Rundle Street, the convenience of bars, restaurants, shopping and museums is unparalleled. After a busy day of sightseeing and on-the-go activities, guests are welcomed back to comfortable accommodations and locally fresh cuisine in the hotel's restaurant - not to mention a great selection of wine! Follow it up with a view of the city from a relaxing garden roof-top, for which the hotel is aptly named. | Adelaide | 55 Frome Street | First-Class |
| 4 | Desert Gardens Hotel | Centrally located to all resort facilities, the hotel offers a range of accommodation, outdoor pool, coin-operated self-service laundry, and the popular Bunya bar. It's only a short stroll to the Resorts' numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia's best sunset, with the spectacular play of colors across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert. | Uluru | Yulara Drive | First-Class |
| 5 | The Ghan Train - Alice Springs to Darwin | 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. Experience this fascinating train journey in the comfort of Gold Service, featuring private overnight sleeper cabins, a separate restaurant car, and access to the Outback Explorer Lounge, the perfect place to gather with friends to enjoy a drink as you marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes. Twin cabins feature upper and lower berths, washbasin, toilet, and shower. Single cabins feature a single berth and washbasin with shared toilet and shower facilities. | Overnight Train | ||
| 6 | Hilton Darwin | Overlooking Darwin Harbour, Hilton Darwin offers fabulous Esplanade views and an ideal location in the heart of the city. The impressive, marble-floored lobby, surrounded by warm colors and Aboriginal artwork, immediately welcomes you with a touch of authentic Australian style. The attentive hotel staff always make for a great stay. Enjoy the sunshine at the 10th floor outdoor swimming pool, or sip drinks at the stylish bar before savoring a delicious meal in their restaurant, which features an innovative menu of local specialties, including kangaroo, crocodile and barramundi. Laundry is available through the hotel for a fee. | Darwin | 32 Mitchell Street | Superior First-Class |
| 7 | Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel | Situated in the heart of the World Heritage Kakadu National Park sits the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. Take part in the unique experience of the Australian Outback at this one-of-a-kind hotel, which from above resembles a crocodile - an animal well known in these parts. After hours of exploration and touring of the land, feel restored after taking a dip in the outdoor pool, lounging in the shady garden, or partaking of the many unique Outback flavors at the on-site restaurant and bar. The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is committed to supporting its environment and the community within it, while providing friendly service and comfort for its visitors. The hotel features coin-operated, self-service laundry. | Kakadu National Park | Flinders Street | First-Class |
| 8 | Pullman Cairns International | Pullman Cairns International is an upscale hotel exuding the architectural grandeur of the city's rich colonial past. Overlooking Cairns Harbour and the lush mountain hinterland, this 321-room hotel is perfectly positioned in the CBD to take advantage of all the city has to offer. After a great day of sightseeing, dine in Coco's Restaurant, grab a drink at the Lobby Bar, or pamper yourself at Vie Spa. Laundry is available through the hotel for a fee. | Cairns | 17 Abbott St | Superior First-Class |
| 9 | Sydney Harbour Marriott | Ideally placed in Circular Quay, the Sydney Harbour Marriott welcomes guests with elegant rooms, luxury amenities, and an award-winning commitment to outstanding service. Take advantage of the fitness center, indoor pool and on-site dining. | Sydney | 30 Pitt Street | Deluxe |
