- Bamurru Plains
- Darwin
- The Ghan Expedition
- Barossa Valley
Discover the wilds of Bamurru Plains, travel the outback aboard The Ghan and relax in the lush Barossa Valley wine region
Itinerary highlights
- Explore the wetlands of the Bamurru Plains and spot crocodiles
- Discover the Australian Outback while onboard The Ghan
- See a bird's-eye view of Uluru on a chartered flight
- Taste wine from Australia's premiere wineries in the Barossa and McLaren regions
What's included
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Luxury train journey aboard The Ghan in a gold cabin
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
This 10-day trip, operating between March-October, combines wildlife, wine and outback adventure with one of the most luxurious train rides in the world, The Ghan.
Your Australian adventure begins with a few days exploring Bamurru Plains, a luxury bush camp set in the floodplains of the Northern Territory’s Kakadu National Park. Enjoy an exhilarating airboat safari, spotting crocodiles, buffalo and a huge variety of Australia’s native birds along the way.
Departing from Darwin, the next stage of your trip will see you board The Ghan, Australia’s most legendary rail journey. Over the course of four days and three nights, The Ghan will travel from Darwin to Adelaide on an expedition that crosses the entire country. You’ll pass directly through the vast, dusty desert of the Australian Outback. Enjoy a chartered flight over the iconic magnificent sandstone monolith Uluṟu as well as a variety of unforgettable off-train excursions.
Your journey ends in the tranquil vineyards of the Barossa Valley wine region, quenching your thirst with world-class wines. Spend your remaining days enjoying private wine tastings, tours and local produce from some of Australia’s most celebrated wineries.
Example trip itinerary
Bamurru Plains
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Bamurru Plains
Accommodation in Bamurru Plains
Top End
Highlights
- 10 safari-style bungalows
- Infinity pool
- Restaurant
- Birdwatching
- Treetop sleepout
- River cruises
- Four-wheel drive safaris
Overview
A luxury bush camp on the vast floodplains of the Northern Territory, Bamurra Plains is a wonderful way to experience this unique and beautiful landscape. Set within 300km2 of private land to the west of Kakudu National Park, guests will enjoy access to miles of undisturbed coastal floodplains, savannah woodland and paperbark swamps.
Reconnecting with nature needn’t mean going back to basics, and ten safari-style bungalows ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. Each bungalow overlooks the floodplains and features mesh walls so you can hear, see and almost touch the wildlife and wilderness that surrounds you.
Décor reflects the region’s indigenous, hunting and pastoral history with buffalo horns, explorer maps, Aboriginal art and old photographs adorning the walls. Each bungalow comes with a species list so you can identify the animals that wander past.
The largest Kingfisher suite features a generous living space and enough room for extra beds, making it a great option for adventurous families. With no internet access, TV or mobile signal, switching off has never been easier and you’ll soon find yourself tuning in to the sounds of the bush as you drift off to sleep.
Dining at Bamurru Plains is a real treat, with locally sourced produce used to create a menu that is authentic yet contemporary. Meals are served in the wildlife observation deck and there is a self-service bar which guests are welcome to use.
In this sanctuary of flora and fauna lives a vast, thriving eco system which includes many species of bird hiding in the swamps and savannah woodlands. Enjoy the heights amongst the tree tops when you settle down to an evening in The Hide while those who love to fish are encouraged to embark on a river fishing or airboat fishing excursion.
→ Find out moreEnjoy your days exploring the wilds of Bamurru Plains. The wildlife on show is some of the most impressive in Australia and expert field guides will help you discover it. Watch hundreds of birds take flight from the lake as you fly by on an airboat, or slowly cruise down the Sampan River watching for silver flashes of fish breaking the surface. All sorts of creatures move in the grass, the air is warm and all eyes scan the shallows for big saltwater crocodiles. On guided walks and drives, search for free roaming horses, buffalo, dingos and wallabies or spend some time up in the tower hide spotting the vibrant bird life of the area.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Darwin
Darwin
Accommodation in Darwin
Top End
Overview
Overlooking Darwin harbour and in the heart of the city, Mantra on Esplanade is in a prime location with panoramic views across the waterfront.
The hotel has a variety of rooms and apartments to choose from as well as the Penthouse Suite, all with modern decor and bright furnishings that draw on the tropical Darwin surroundings. The apartments each feature a private balcony and a fully-equipped kitchen.
The hotel has welcoming communal spaces including a lagoon-style swimming pool and an onsite beauty salon with pampering treatments. In the evenings enjoy fine dining at the hotels Finz Restaurant and Bar or head down the road to Mitchell Street – the city’s restaurant precinct.
A short drive from the hotel will see you at some of the biggest attractions and sites of the area including the Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Katherine Gorge.
→ Find out more
The capital of Australia's Northern Territory, this former frontier outpost boasts a vibey waterfront and popular beaches. Stroll through Bicentennial Park, or browse Southeast and Asian Pacific art at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Transfer
Private transfer to The Ghan
The Ghan Expedition
Accommodation in The Ghan Expedition
Luxury Rail Travel Australia
Highlights
- 30 carriages
- Queen Adelaide restaurant car
- Outback explorer lounge
- Possible routes: Darwin to Adelaide, Darwin to Alice Springs, Adelaide to Alice Springs
- All journeys are available in both directions
- Off-train experiences
Overview
The Ghan is named after the cameleers who used to travel into Australia’s Red Centre over 150 years ago. Many were migrants from what is now Pakistan, but back in the 1800s they were believed to have come from Afghanistan and were known as Afghans, or Ghans.
The original line followed the route of explorer John MacDouall Stuart, from Adelaide to Alice Springs, but now the track stretches for almost 3,000km and finishes in Darwin. Passengers can choose to do the entire journey or break it down and travel between Darwin and Adelaide, Darwin and Alice Springs or Adelaide and Alice Springs.
Cabins serve as a lounge area during the day and are converted into comfortable bedrooms come evening. Gold level guests will enjoy an en suite cabin with upper and lower berths while those travelling in Platinum will bed down in extremely spacious suites with a double or twin beds. Large windows allow you to take in the beautiful scenery as you relax in your cabin.
Dine on delicious local cuisine in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car, which is bursting with old-world charm and grab a drink and exchange stories in the Outback Explorer Lounge. All meals and drinks are included in the tariff. Platinum guests will also enjoy exclusive access to the Platinum Club with its leather banquette lounge seating, brass fittings and timber flooring.
→ Find out moreYour journey aboard the legendary Ghan begins at Darwin rail station. Board the train where friendly staff will lead you to your comfortable private cabin where you can take your time settling in and exploring the amenities as the view outside your window begins its smooth and spectacular transformation.
Enjoy lunch in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant as you make your way to Katherine, ready to experience your first off-train excursion to the magnificent and spiritual Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. This is a unique window that offers a glimpse into the real Australian Outback and the inner workings of life on a cattle station through the sharing of stories and experiences, cattle dog demonstrations and live music performances. Enjoy a live demonstration of the art of horse-breaking, depicting the psychology between man and horse. There is even time to sit back and relax, listening to live music including some well-known Aussie anthems and originals, often performed from a top of a horse.
Back on board you'll return to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, enjoying dinner as the sun sets over the Outback. Back in your room you'll find your bed turned down. As the train rolls soothingly onwards, fall asleep in awe of wonders seen, and excited by those yet to come.
Wake up to a new view outside your window, in a world which feels a million miles from home. An Outback sunrise could be one of the most spectacular you'll ever see, setting the tone for the day ahead. After breakfast you'll arrive in Alice Springs, ready for another day of exploration.
Here you have the opportunity to embark on one of the included off train excursions, taking in the delights of this famous Outback town. A full day in Alice Springs gives you ample opportunity to visit the town's landmarks and get up close to Australia's incredible flora and fauna.
Come the evening you'll dine beneath a canopy of stars at an authentic Outback BBQ. This is a truly unique experience with live Australiana music and a mouthwatering feast. After dessert, cast your eyes skyward and enjoy an informative astronomical talk. It's then back on the train to rest up and roll out of Alice Springs.
See the spectacular beauty and vastness of the Outback with this chartered flight to Uluṟu and the protected Kata Tjuṯa National Park. You’ll enjoy a unique bird’s-eye view of the World Heritage-listed Uluṟu, one of Australia’s most iconic symbols and best-known natural landmarks. Higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Chrysler Building in New York, this ancient monolith stands at 348 metres above the plain, which is more than 860 metres above sea level.
After your flight, enjoy a guided walk to the Mutitjula Waterhole, an important campsite for Aṉangu, the Aboriginal landowners of Uluru. Hear cultural stories of the Aboriginal people before enjoying a picnic lunch and exploring around the base of Uluṟu by vehicle. You’ll return to Ayers Rock Airport to take to the skies again where you’ll fly closely around Uluṟu and also the remarkable domed rock formation of Kata Tjuṯa. After landing, you'll return The Ghan to freshen up for dinner.
This morning you'll pull into the middle-of-nowhere stop at Manguri. Here, a friendly tour guide is ready to whisk you away for the day. Your destination is the sun-scorched opal mining capital of world, Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground.
Venture into the tunnels and caves of this underground town, visiting the otherworldly underground Serbian Orthodox church and take a glimpse of Umoona Opal Mine. Below the earth's surface, you'll enjoy a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations before setting off to the stunning Outback moonscape that is the Breakaways.
It's then back on board for dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant and mingling in the Outback Explorer Lounge.
Looking out of your window this morning, you'll notice a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the Outback make way for the beautiful green fields and pastoral lands of South Australia. After breakfast, you'll have time to reflect on your incredible journey before The Ghan rolls into Adelaide.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in the Barossa Valley
Barossa Valley
Accommodation in Barossa Valley
South Australia
Overview
The Louise is the perfect countryside retreat from where to enjoy and experience the bounties of South Australia and the Barossa Valley. As well as offering fine local wines, the region has the gourmet offerings to match.
The 15 residences are reflective of your surroundings, creating a spacious and inviting environment. Outdoor rain showers, gas log fireplaces and king size beds contribute to a collection of relaxing suites, complete with marble en suite bathrooms and some with private courtyards and terraces.
For those culinary enthusiasts, the award-winning restaurant Appellation won’t disappoint with its menu of fresh and seasonal ingredients. The kitchen pays attention to delicious food and wine pairings, making use of the bold Shiraz and aromatic Riesling.
Step inside the sauna to let off some steam after a day spent exploring the orchards, olive groves and meadows. Follow up your sessions in the fitness centre with a refreshing dip, our infinity pool ideal for escaping the warm Australian sun. For those active visitors, there is even an area for boules and a court for a lively game of grass croquet.
→ Find out moreThe Barossa Valley is an internationally renowned wine region. Spend your time exploring the many wineries that are dotted across the region, sampling the world-class wine and enjoying the beautiful views and tranquility.
The McLaren Vale wine region is located just south of Adelaide on the beautiful and geographically diverse Fleurieu Peninsula. It is close to the south coast with its wonderful beaches and crystal clear waters and is bounded by the sea on one side and hills to the south.
The region is home to over 70 different wineries from some of South Australia’s internationally renown producers, such as Wirra Wirra and d’Arenberg, to many 5 star boutique wineries such as Primo Estate, Olivers Taranga and Kay Brothers. Your expert guide will help you explore the incredible food and wine of the McLaren Vale region.
Set off into the beautiful wine-producing region of Barossa Valley, with this exclusive tour that visits some of the country’s most celebrated vineyards. Throughout your tour, you can enjoy private tastings, vineyard tours and masterclasses at selected wine farms, a lunch and matched wines, and a VIP experience at Henschke Wines, a 150-year-old winery, which produces iconic labels.
Transfer
Private transfer to Adelaide airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
Get in touch
North to South Luxury Australia by Rail
How we work
This 10-day trip, operating between March-October, combines wildlife, wine and outback adventure with one of the most luxurious train rides in the world, The Ghan. Your Australian adventure begins with a few days exploring Bamurru Plains, a luxury bush camp set in the floodplains of the Northern Territory’s Kakadu National Park. Enjoy an exhilarating airboat safari, spotting crocodiles, buffalo and a huge variety of Australia’s native birds along the way. Departing from Darwin, the next stage of your trip will see you board The Ghan, Australia’s most legendary rail journey. Over the course of four days and three nights, The Ghan will travel from Darwin to Adelaide on an expedition that crosses the entire country. You’ll pass directly through the vast, dusty desert of the Australian Outback. Enjoy a chartered flight over the iconic magnificent sandstone monolith Uluṟu as well as a variety of unforgettable off-train excursions. Your journey ends in the tranquil vineyards of the Barossa Valley wine region, quenching your thirst with world-class wines. Spend your remaining days enjoying private wine tastings, tours and local produce from some of Australia’s most celebrated wineries. | Whats included?
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Days 1-3 |
Bamurru Plains |
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Bamurru Plains |
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Accommodation in Bamurru Plains
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Bamurru Plains - $$$$$
A luxury bush camp on the vast floodplains of the Northern Territory, Bamurra Plains is a...
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Two nights in Bamurru Plains Enjoy your days exploring the wilds of Bamurru Plains. The wildlife on show is some of the most impressive in Australia and expert field guides will help you discover it. Watch hundreds of birds take flight from the lake as you fly by on an airboat, or slowly cruise down the Sampan River watching for silver flashes of fish breaking the surface. All sorts of creatures move in the grass, the air is warm and all eyes scan the shallows for big saltwater crocodiles. On guided walks and drives, search for free roaming horses, buffalo, dingos and wallabies or spend some time up in the tower hide spotting the vibrant bird life of the area. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Darwin |
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Days 3-4 |
Darwin |
Accommodation in Darwin
•
Mantra on the Esplanade - $$$$$
Overlooking Darwin harbour and in the heart of the city, Mantra on Esplanade is in a prime...
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One night in Darwin The capital of Australia's Northern Territory, this former frontier outpost boasts a vibey waterfront and popular beaches. Stroll through Bicentennial Park, or browse Southeast and Asian Pacific art at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to The Ghan |
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Days 4-7 |
The Ghan Expedition |
Accommodation in The Ghan Expedition
•
The Ghan - $$$$$
The Ghan is named after the cameleers who used to travel into Australia’s Red Centre...
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The Ghan Expedition: Day One Your journey aboard the legendary Ghan begins at Darwin rail station. Board the train where friendly staff will lead you to your comfortable private cabin where you can take your time settling in and exploring the amenities as the view outside your window begins its smooth and spectacular transformation. Enjoy lunch in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant as you make your way to Katherine, ready to experience your first off-train excursion to the magnificent and spiritual Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. This is a unique window that offers a glimpse into the real Australian Outback and the inner workings of life on a cattle station through the sharing of stories and experiences, cattle dog demonstrations and live music performances. Enjoy a live demonstration of the art of horse-breaking, depicting the psychology between man and horse. There is even time to sit back and relax, listening to live music including some well-known Aussie anthems and originals, often performed from a top of a horse. Back on board you'll return to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, enjoying dinner as the sun sets over the Outback. Back in your room you'll find your bed turned down. As the train rolls soothingly onwards, fall asleep in awe of wonders seen, and excited by those yet to come. |
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The Ghan Expedition: Day Two Wake up to a new view outside your window, in a world which feels a million miles from home. An Outback sunrise could be one of the most spectacular you'll ever see, setting the tone for the day ahead. After breakfast you'll arrive in Alice Springs, ready for another day of exploration. Here you have the opportunity to embark on one of the included off train excursions, taking in the delights of this famous Outback town. A full day in Alice Springs gives you ample opportunity to visit the town's landmarks and get up close to Australia's incredible flora and fauna. Come the evening you'll dine beneath a canopy of stars at an authentic Outback BBQ. This is a truly unique experience with live Australiana music and a mouthwatering feast. After dessert, cast your eyes skyward and enjoy an informative astronomical talk. It's then back on the train to rest up and roll out of Alice Springs. |
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Uluru and Kata Tjuta Scenic Flight (from Alice Springs) See the spectacular beauty and vastness of the Outback with this chartered flight to Uluṟu and the protected Kata Tjuṯa National Park. You’ll enjoy a unique bird’s-eye view of the World Heritage-listed Uluṟu, one of Australia’s most iconic symbols and best-known natural landmarks. Higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Chrysler Building in New York, this ancient monolith stands at 348 metres above the plain, which is more than 860 metres above sea level. After your flight, enjoy a guided walk to the Mutitjula Waterhole, an important campsite for Aṉangu, the Aboriginal landowners of Uluru. Hear cultural stories of the Aboriginal people before enjoying a picnic lunch and exploring around the base of Uluṟu by vehicle. You’ll return to Ayers Rock Airport to take to the skies again where you’ll fly closely around Uluṟu and also the remarkable domed rock formation of Kata Tjuṯa. After landing, you'll return The Ghan to freshen up for dinner. |
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The Ghan Expedition: Day Three This morning you'll pull into the middle-of-nowhere stop at Manguri. Here, a friendly tour guide is ready to whisk you away for the day. Your destination is the sun-scorched opal mining capital of world, Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Venture into the tunnels and caves of this underground town, visiting the otherworldly underground Serbian Orthodox church and take a glimpse of Umoona Opal Mine. Below the earth's surface, you'll enjoy a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations before setting off to the stunning Outback moonscape that is the Breakaways. It's then back on board for dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant and mingling in the Outback Explorer Lounge. |
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The Ghan Expedition: Day Four Looking out of your window this morning, you'll notice a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the Outback make way for the beautiful green fields and pastoral lands of South Australia. After breakfast, you'll have time to reflect on your incredible journey before The Ghan rolls into Adelaide. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in the Barossa Valley |
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Days 7-10 |
Barossa Valley |
Accommodation in Barossa Valley
•
The Louise - $$$$$
The Louise is the perfect countryside retreat from where to enjoy and experience the bounties...
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Three nights in the Barossa Valley The Barossa Valley is an internationally renowned wine region. Spend your time exploring the many wineries that are dotted across the region, sampling the world-class wine and enjoying the beautiful views and tranquility. |
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McLaren Vale food and wine tour The McLaren Vale wine region is located just south of Adelaide on the beautiful and geographically diverse Fleurieu Peninsula. It is close to the south coast with its wonderful beaches and crystal clear waters and is bounded by the sea on one side and hills to the south. The region is home to over 70 different wineries from some of South Australia’s internationally renown producers, such as Wirra Wirra and d’Arenberg, to many 5 star boutique wineries such as Primo Estate, Olivers Taranga and Kay Brothers. Your expert guide will help you explore the incredible food and wine of the McLaren Vale region. |
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Ultimate Barossa day tour Set off into the beautiful wine-producing region of Barossa Valley, with this exclusive tour that visits some of the country’s most celebrated vineyards. Throughout your tour, you can enjoy private tastings, vineyard tours and masterclasses at selected wine farms, a lunch and matched wines, and a VIP experience at Henschke Wines, a 150-year-old winery, which produces iconic labels. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Adelaide airport |