Iconic Kimberley Cruise & The Ghan

• 10-night cruise aboard Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’ ship
• Enjoy all-inclusive shore and zodiac excursions on your cruise (scenic helicopter flight at Mitchell Falls at additional cost)
• Cruise aboard a small expedition ship with a maximum of 120 guests per sailing

• 2 nights in Gold Service on The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin
• Includes a comfortable sleeper cabin with a private en suite bathroom
• All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide restaurant
• All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages

• 4 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation in Darwin

• Enjoy 38 meals including all meals aboard The Ghan and while cruising
• All-inclusive selection of wines and beverages aboard The Ghan
• Dine in the classically styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant aboard The Ghan
• Selected wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages are served complimentary with lunch and dinner while cruising

• Transfer from Darwin Berrimah Terminal to Darwin CBD
• Post-cruise transfer to Broome CBD Hotel or Broome Airport

• Cabin Upgrades: Cabin upgrades are available (see checkout for details)

(Depart at 12:15)

Your Australian adventure begins in Adelaide where you will board The Ghan for an unforgettable rail experience. Make your way to Adelaide Parklands Terminal in time for your departure at 12:15.

What lies ahead is rugged, beautiful and spectacular as you journey through the Red Centre to the tropical north of Australia. Settle into your cabin and watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia from your window or meet your fellow travellers in the lounge car. Before long, the Flinders Ranges will come into view and you can marvel at some of the oldest rock formations in the world. As darkness envelops the rugged outback, it’s time to indulge in a regionally-inspired dinner and all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.

Overnight: The Ghan

Meals included: Lunch; Dinner

Begin your morning with a freshly brewed coffee or juice as the day dawns at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. While you may not have heard of the outback town of Marla before, watching the South Australian desert come to life at sunrise is a one-of-a-kind experience that's well worth the early start. It's then all aboard for brunch as you make your way through the MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs where your choice of included Off Train Experiences awaits. Alice Springs is an iconic Red Centre outpost that's 1,500 kilometres from the nearest major city. It may be remote but it offers plenty to explore as it's home to doctors who fly, rivers that run dry and a cast of colourful characters. Your time in the ‘capital out of the outback’ offers numerous opportunities to discover its historic legacy and unique environment.

Included Off Train Experiences

Optional Activity: Alice To Off-Road

What better way to connect with the local environment than cycling through it? The Alice To Off Road mountain bike adventure begins at the Alice Springs Rail Terminal.

Optional Activity: Standley Chasm Cultural Walk

Standley Chasm is a significant cultural icon in Central Australia. Traditionally called ‘Angkerle Atwatye’ which means ‘Gap Of Water’, the impressive chasm is a 3-metre-wide and 80-metre-high gorge found in the West MacDonnell Ranges, about 50 kilometres west of Alice Springs.

Optional Activity: Alice Explorer

Visit the School Of The Air to learn about the unique facets of the children’s lives in the Australian outback, get up close and personal with outback reptiles at the Reptile Centre and travel by coach to the historical precinct of the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

Optional Activity: Desert Park

The acclaimed Alice Springs Desert Park is a ‘living highlight reel’ of the outback. There are 200 desert animals and over 400 plants to explore as the basis of an enthralling experience that will elevate your understanding of life in the harsh desert environment.

Optional Activity: Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk

This is a magical location where important elements of flora, fauna and Indigenous culture all come together. The Simpsons Gap area incorporates large stands of Mulga and is a major stronghold for over 40 rare and relict plants. Guests wishing to do this experience must wear long pants and enclosed shoes.

Please note: See the Important Information for full details of the included Off Train Experiences.

Overnight: The Ghan

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

(Arrive at 17:30)

Your day dawns in the tropical north where the pristine wilderness of Katherine is stirring and powerful. You’ll have the chance to explore the area from the water on an Off Train Experience as you cruise the jaw-dropping Nitmiluk Gorge, learn about the ancient Indigenous rock paintings and gain insight into the culture of the Jawoyn people who are the traditional owners of Nitmiluk.

As evening falls, you'll arrive at Darwin Berrimah Terminal which is approximately 20 kilometres from Darwin CBD. Here you'll disembark The Ghan and a complimentary transfer will take you to Darwin CBD where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.

Included Off Train Experiences

Optional Activity: Top Didj Cultural Experience

Indigenous artist Manuel Pamkal, winner of the 2013 Tourism NT Brolga Award for Outstanding Interpretive Guide, hosts an insightful cultural experience in Katherine.

Optional Activity: Katherine Outback Experience

The Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the Outback home. Enjoy a fascinating day of discovery showing what it’s like to live and work on a huge cattle station.

Optional Activity: Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise

There is a tangible connection you will feel to the dramatic, ancient scenery unfolding as you wind your way down the Katherine River on a relaxing cruise.

Optional Activity: Nitmiluk Rock Art Cruise

As a more relaxed cruise experience, your guide will share some of the ancient secrets of the region as you gently cruise down the First Gorge. Here you'll have the chance to witness the awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs and sheer drops that reach amazing heights.

Please note: See the Important Information for full details of the included Off Train Experiences.

Overnight: Travelodge Resort Darwin (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Darwin, the vibrant capital of Australia's Northern Territory. Why not delve into the city's history as a former frontier outpost where tales of exploration and adventure come to life? Darwin is also the gateway to the iconic Kakadu National Park, a sprawling natural wonder that awaits just beyond Darwin's borders.

Overnight: Travelodge Resort Darwin (or similar)

Meals included: None

Enjoy a free day in Darwin to stroll by the city's popular waterfront area with its inviting beaches or simply visit the city’s green spaces like Bicentennial Park. For a cultural experience, you could explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory which showcases Southeast Asian and Pacific art alongside maritime exhibits featuring a pearling lugger and other seafaring vessels.

Overnight: Travelodge Resort Darwin (or similar)

Meals included: None

Enjoy a final day at leisure in Darwin before you set off on your Kimberley cruise! Take time to explore the diverse landscapes of George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens including monsoon forests, coastal dunes, mangroves and open woodlands. You can even cap off your adventure with a leisurely lunch at the garden's café. Consider a visit to Crocosaurus Cove, situated in the heart of Darwin on Mitchell Street, where you can get an up-close encounter with the world's largest reptile, the saltwater crocodile.

Overnight: Travelodge Resort Darwin (or similar)

Meals included: None

(Embark at 08:00)

This morning, make your own way to Darwin Fort Hill Wharf for boarding at 08:00. Enjoy time to settle into your stateroom before a 09:00 departure with a light breakfast available upon boarding before you cruise across Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters.

Overnight: Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Fed by the King George River and draining across the Gardner Plateau, the 80-metre-tall King George Falls is the most impressive Kimberley waterfall and the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Before reaching the mist-like spray rising from the base of King George Falls, you'll cruise through steep-sided gorges that were carved by a flooded river system 400 million years ago.

Early in the waterfall season, you may cruise around the base of impressive King George Falls while in later months you'll enjoy the opportunity to view the honeycomb erosion patterns of sandstone cliffs up close.

Overnight: Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Vansittart Bay is home to many cultural and historically significant sites like the remarkable Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) Aboriginal rock art galleries that are estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. Nearby Jar Island is named after the pot shards found here, thought to be brought to the island by Makassar fishermen harvesting sea cucumbers (also known as trepang).

On the nearby Anjo Peninsula lays the well-preserved wreckage of a US Airforce C-53 Skytrooper aircraft. This is the result of a pilot losing his bearings flying from Perth to Broome in 1942 and coming down on a salt pan near present-day Truscott Airbase.

Overnight: Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Tumbling down the Mitchell Plateau in a series of tiered waterfalls and emerald green rock pools, the photogenic poster child for the Mitchell River National Park. Take a scenic helicopter flight (additional cost) to multi-tiered Mitchell Falls where shimmering rock pools cascade down the escarpment and ancient rock art galleries are concealed in caves behind curtains of water. Keep an eye out for significant numbers of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and bird species in Mitchell River National Park who are lured here by a year-round water source. You'll find sandstone terraces beside tiered rock pools make a terrific viewing platform from which to savour the serenity of this ancient landscape.

An alternative option to Mitchell Falls is exploring the sandstone caves of Wollaston Bay (or Wollaston Creek). This mass of weathered tunnels, arches and columns form a labyrinth-like maze that was once an Aboriginal midden. Another option while anchored at Winyalkan Bay is a visit to a series of Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries at Swift Bay.

In the evening, you will enjoy watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean while indulging in a gourmet BBQ.

Overnight: Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Prince Frederick Harbour is one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular locations at the southern end of York Sound. The harbour is dotted with islands that are lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of ochre-hued escarpment. White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here and at low tide, expansive mudflats reveal large populations of mudskippers and mangrove crabs. Ride on the Xplorer tender vessel as you cruise up Porosus Creek to view striking rock formations. You'll learn about how Bigge Island’s Indigenous name is Wuuyuru, and the Indigenous group of the area are the Wunambal people.

Overnight: Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

King Cascade is a classically beautiful terraced waterfall that is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Kimberley. Falling from a considerable height and being around 50 meters across, water tumbles down a staggered terrace of Kimberley sandstone. You'll also notice layer upon layer of ochre-hued and blackened rock sprouts grasses, mosses and ferns in a sort of lushly vegetated hanging garden. As you reach King Cascade after cruising in the Xplorer tender vessel, take a look down the steep-sided Prince Regent River which is a remarkable anomaly as the river runs dead straight along a fault line.

Lieutenant Phillip Parker King named nearby Careening Bay after he beached his leaking vessel the 'HMC Mermaid' to effect repairs. While stranded on this remote coastline for 17 days the ship’s carpenter carved 'HMC Mermaid 1820' into the bottle-shaped trunk of a boab tree near the beach. Over 200 years later, the Mermaid Boab Tree has since split into two trunks and sports a mammoth girth of 12 metres. Significantly, the bulbous tree is listed on the National Register of Big Trees and the carpenter’s careful inscription now stands almost as tall as a person.

Overnight: Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 300 square kilometres and was named by Phillip Parker King. Twice daily, as the sea recedes in mammoth 11-metre tides, Montgomery Reef rises from the Indian Ocean in a cascade of rushing water revealing a flat-topped reef pockmarked with rock pools and rivulets.

As the reef emerges, you'll get up close in the Xplorer and Zodiac inflatable tenders to witness the spectacle as the Expedition Team share their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad of wildlife. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the emerging reef by feeding on marine life left exposed in rock pools, you might also spot turtles, dolphins, dugongs and sawfish that are attracted as the ocean recedes.

You'll notice the ocean is awash in a swirl of eddies and whirlpools as the moon’s gravitational force takes hold, then a few hours later the entire water-borne drama is reversed as the tide comes in and Montgomery Reef disappears below sea level.

Overnight: Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Raft Point guards the entrance to Doubtful Bay, a vast body of sheltered water that harbours significant sites such as the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries. Located a short walk from the beach, they are considered some of the finest in the Kimberley. You'll get the chance to visit the rock art galleries when Traditional Owners are available to guide you. Doubtful Bay is the traditional country of the Worrora people who follow the Wandjina which is their god, law-maker, and creator. Images of Wandjina are found throughout the Kimberley as well as recordings of their stories, knowledge and culture in stone.

Red Cone Creek flows gently downstream until it meets the small but impressive Ruby Falls. Named by local mariner Caption Chris Trucker after his daughter, Red Cone Creek is carved through rock formations stacked atop each other like building blocks. These rock walls are great for climbing and clambering over before reaching a series of freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls. The falls may be a gurgling torrent or a gentle trickle, depending on the time of the year. The other sites you might visit in Doubtful Bay include the mighty Steep Island and Ruby Falls at Red Cone Creek.

Overnight: Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Horizontal Falls is one of Kimberley’s biggest attractions and are a result of the mammoth 11-metre tides the area is renowned for. Naturalist David Attenborough even described the Horizontal Falls as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world". This natural phenomenon has been created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Water builds up on one side and is forcibly pushed through the bottleneck, creating a rushing horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. Riding the rapids aboard the Zodiac inflatable tenders is one of the highlights of the Kimberley expedition cruises.

Talbot Bay is at the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago where rocks on the 800 or so islands are estimated to be over 2 billion years old. At Cyclone Creek, you will see evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations and cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, before enjoying sunset drinks at Nares Point.

Overnight: Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The Lacepede Islands are a protected class-A nature reserve and are significant as a seabird nesting rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns. Other species often sighted at the Lacepedes include Australian Pelicans, frigate birds, egrets and gulls. The four low-lying islands are also an important breeding and nesting habitat for green turtles. If the weather and tide conditions are suitable, you will explore the lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels.

As your incredible Kimberley adventures draw to a close, you will enjoy the Captain’s farewell drinks amongst new-found friends on your last evening aboard.

Overnight: Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Your incredible adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes in Broome this morning at 8:00am. Bid farewell to new-found friends, the Captain and crew. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included.

If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day visiting world-famous Cable Beach or stroll the historic streets of Chinatown in central Broome.

Meals included: Breakfast

 
After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase. Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
 
On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.
 
Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.
 
CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TripADeal website.
 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with. We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
 
Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).
 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 3rd July 2024.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.
 
Single Traveller Supplement
A solo option is not available for this deal.
 
Departure Dates
2024
July: 3
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
 

Coral Expeditions ‘Coral Adventurer’ Ship
Launched in April 2019, Coral Adventurer is a 120-passenger ship built to take you closer to unspoiled vistas in comfort, style and safety. When Coral Expeditions set out to build Coral Adventurer, they wanted a ship that would last decades. Their search for build quality and technology took them to the shipbuilders of Norway who have a long history of building durable ships for the harsh environments of the North Sea. They then looked deep inside to capture the requirements of their guests, their crew and the areas they sail to. The result is a happy marriage of modern shipbuilding technology and cruising Australian style.
 
Cabins/Staterooms
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
The Explorer Deck staterooms are located below the Bridge Deck and are comfortably furnished with a junior king-size bed that can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas.
Cabin Size: 21.4m²
 
Promenade Deck Stateroom
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer Deck and are identically furnished with a junior king-size bed that can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside.
Cabin Size: 17m² 
 
Coral Deck Stateroom
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and furnished with a junior king-size bed that can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A porthole window gives you views of the world outside.
Cabin Size: 17m²
 
Please note: Cruise timetables are subject to change. Some cruise cabins may have restricted views, based on availability. Cruise cabins are booked on a guaranteed basis and are assigned by the cruise line before departure. Your cruise cabin number will be reflected in your final documents.
 

Accommodation Used

4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)

• Darwin, Australia: Travelodge Resort Darwin

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

 
Extra Nights
Not available.
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 5 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available.
 
Bedding Configuration
Cruise Cabin & Hotel
Double/Twin (subject to availability).
 
The Ghan Train: Gold Twin Cabin
The most popular choice of accommodation on The Ghan and Indian Pacific, Gold Twin cabins have everything you need to make you feel right at home for the amazing experience that lies ahead. This is your private oasis, a superbly comfortable overnight room to recline and let the rhythm of the tracks sway you to sleep ahead of your next adventure. During the day, relax on the three-seater lounge that converts to your upper and lower sleeping berth at night. Enjoy the high-quality linen, pillows, doonas and complimentary Australian-made toiletries. Gold Twin cabins have a compact en suite with toilet, washbasin and shower giving you all the comfort, privacy and amenities you require. Choose from six in-cabin music and journey commentary channels to add ambience to your travels.
One of the highlights of your journey will undoubtedly be the quality of the all-inclusive food and wine you enjoy in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant. Highly-experienced onboard culinary teams work closely with local suppliers, farmers and providores sourcing the finest ingredients to create innovative, regionally-inspired menus accompanied by all-inclusive fine wines and beverages offered on every route. You’ll savour regional delicacies like Top End barramundi, locally produced beef and lamb, Margaret River cheeses, Barossa Valley small goods and native Australian fare.
 

Optional Tours/Activities

ALICE SPRINGS: INCLUDED OFF-TRAIN EXPERIENCES
Alice To Off-Road
What better way to connect with the local environment than cycling through it? The Alice To Off Road mountain bike adventure begins at the Alice Springs Rail Terminal. After embarking through town, you’ll wind down a bike trail that tracks the famously dry Todd River. Soon the flocks of pink crested birds diving and swirling overhead signal you’re on the Ilentye Trail – an indigenous Arrernte word meaning ‘galah’. Your local guide will lead you along stretches of the signature ochre-coloured earth to some stunning photographic spots only the locals know about.
After a leisurely cycle on the ochre-coloured dirt, your tour guide will lead you to a picturesque spot in the sandy river, where you will take time to soak in this amazing landscape. Your bike ride resumes along the Ilentye trail that runs parallel to the unique rugged terrain that is home to many black-footed rock wallabies, often spotted moving over the rocks. Ghost Gum trees line the trail and provide a stark contrast to the blue sky and red landscape.
Recommended Fitness Level: High – Mountain bike ride approximately 12 kilometres across sandy bike paths. Enclosed shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended.
 
Standley Chasm Cultural Walk
Standley Chasm is a significant cultural icon in Central Australia. Traditionally called ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, which means ‘Gap of Water’, the impressive chasm is a 3-metre-wide and 80-metre-high gorge found in the West MacDonnell Ranges, about 50 kilometres west of Alice Springs.
Once a narrow tributary of the Finke River system, persistent rainfall and flooding of a lusher bygone era have intricately carved the sandstone slope over millions of years, creating a dramatic and unbelievably picturesque effect where the colours of the Outback are on display. A natural spring nearby brings out an unlikely abundance of life to the arid-climate area, and the best time to catch a glimpse of the native wildlife is in the early morning or late afternoon.
Learn about this beautiful site with a guided cultural walk led by an indigenous Western Arrernte community member. Learn about ancient geology, native flora, fauna, bush medicine and bush tucker as you discover what makes this place unique.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Approximately 2.5 kilometres of walking on natural paths and rocky terrain.
 
Alice Explorer
Visit the School of the Air to learn about the unique facets of the children’s lives in the Australian Outback. You will hear their stories of school from afar, life on the land, and share in their dreams, achievements and journeys. Get up close and personal with the reptiles of the Australian Outback at the Reptile Centre, where you will meet Terry the Saltwater Crocodile and a range of other scaly friends such as goannas, frill-neck lizards and thorny devils.
Travel by coach to the historical precinct of the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Here you will learn about the day-to-day life of the first European settlement in Alice Springs and how the station played a pivotal role in bridging the isolation and communication gap between remote Australian towns. Established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, it is the best preserved of the 12 stations along the Overland Telegraph Line.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Coach tour with short walks required.
 
Desert Park
The acclaimed Alice Springs Desert Park is a ‘living highlight reel’ of the outback. There are 200 desert animals and over 400 plants to explore as the basis of an enthralling experience that will elevate your understanding of life in the harsh desert environment. An experienced guide will lead you on a tour of the park, revealing the culture and history of the local Arrernte people, the geology of the unique local landforms and explain how the native wildlife has adapted. When you step inside the Nocturnal House, you’ll get to peek into the night-time habits of the creatures that avoid the harsh temperature of the day – including native marsupials like the iconic bilby and rare mala wallaby.
As a guest travelling on The Ghan, you have a reserved front-row seat waiting for you at the spectacular free-flight bird show. When it’s over you’ll also get special backstage access to see birds up close and watch a private training session.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guided walking tour, approximately 3-4 kilometres broken into short distances. Personal electric scooters are available for mobility assistance, these need to be requested at the time of guest tour booking. No electric wheelchair access (collapsible only).
 
Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk
A magical location where important elements of flora, fauna and Indigenous culture all come together, the Simpsons Gap area incorporates large stands of Mulga and is a major stronghold for over 40 rare and relict plants. Here you will enjoy walks that pass the native plants of the area including ancient Ghost Gums and views of the range.
Known as Rungutjirpa to the Indigenous, Simpsons Gap was the mythological home of a group of giant goanna ancestors. Several dreaming trails and stories cross at this important spiritual site. Enjoy the serenity and peacefulness as you watch the walls glow from reflected sunlight, creating a breathtaking display of stark form and rich colour.
The Simpsons Gap walks are on a natural site. While every precaution has been taken to ensure the walk is safe for everyone, we do insist that all walkers are of high fitness, carry a water bottle and wear a hat and sunscreen.
Recommended Fitness Level: High – Approximately 5-6 kilometres of walking on natural paths and rock terrain.
Please note: Guests must wear long pants and enclosed shoes for this experience. If temperatures are forecasted to be 35 degrees or above, this experience may be amended.
 
ALICE SPRINGS: OPTIONAL OFF-TRAIN EXPERIENCES (UPGRADES)
Spirit Of Mt. Gillen Helicopter Flight: Optional Upgrade - $235 Per Person (Limited Availability)
Early explorers trekked on foot across harsh deserts to find magnificent landscapes that are now ingrained in Australian history and culture. Fast forward hundreds of years and today’s explorers enjoy these same landscapes with a touch more comfort and a bird’s eye view. Transfer to the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, where you have the opportunity to sit back and relax around the pool area with a drink while waiting for your helicopter flight. The pilot will take you up and over Alice Springs to experience amazing views of Simpson’s Gap – one of the most prominent water holes in the region – Mt. Gillen Ridgeline and the Larapinta Trail. It’s only from the air that you’ll experience the sheer magnitude of this ancient and timeless land. Absorb the spirit of the Outback as your pilot reveals its mystery through detailed commentary.
Don’t forget your camera to capture memories of these unique and unforgettable landscapes that will last forever. After your flight, enjoy a swim in the pool or the hotel facilities while you wait for your transfer back to Alice Springs Rail Terminal. This really feels like a touch of luxury in the centre of Australia. As this experience is an optional upgrade, a cost of $235 per person will be payable directly to your Hospitality Attendant. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Guests are required to board and disembark the helicopter unassisted. 
Please note: Weight restrictions of 130kg per person do apply.
 
Pyndan Camel Tracks:   Optional Upgrade - $99 Per Person (Limited Availability)
The ride begins at Pyndan Camel Tracks yards and travels into White Gums Station. The track follows an avenue of Iron Bark and Mulga trees, across a clay pan flat, and climbs a slight incline to reach sweeping views across the MacDonnell Ranges through Temple Bar Gap. Keep your eye out for kangaroos and wallabies, birds and lizards and don’t forget your camera for those spectacular panoramic landscape views.
Hop off and wander through the camel museum or purchase your own memento of your camel experience from the quaint souvenir shop. Relax and listen to the sounds of the surrounding bushland as you sit back with a chilled drink and light canapes inspired by the flavours of the bush. As this experience is an optional upgrade, a cost of $99 per person will be payable directly to your Hospitality Attendant. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests are required to navigate steps to climb aboard the camel. Not recommended for guests with ongoing back issues, recent hip replacements or are pregnant.
 
KATHERINE: INCLUDED OFF-TRAIN EXPERIENCES
Top Didj Cultural Experience
Indigenous artist Manuel Pamkal, winner of the 2013 Tourism NT Brolga Award for Outstanding Interpretive Guide, hosts this insightful cultural experience in Katherine. Welcoming guests to Top Didj with a traditional didgeridoo performance, Manuel shares what it was like growing up in the bush, cultural differences, tribal life and insights into his family tree. Listen to a dreamtime story and see a demonstration of the Woomera Spear and how it can be used to hit a target. Manuel is famous for his unique painting technique Rarrk (cross-hatch), and he will guide you through his technique so you can create your masterpiece to take home. After the hands-on activities, feel free to wander through the Aboriginal Art Gallery or choose to interact with some of Australia’s wildlife as there are always adorable joey wallabies around.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Recommended for guests with mobility requirements.
 
Katherine Outback Experience
The Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, with a fascinating day of discovery showing what it’s like to live and work on a huge cattle station. You’ll hear rollicking stories, join interactive experiences, see cattle dog demonstrations and hear live music performances. And you’ll meet the many dedicated people and animals it requires to keep a station functioning.
Head to the Stockyards where an entertaining exhibition of outback life includes a live demonstration of the art of horse-breaking and the intimate connection between man and horse, watch the Riverboyne Dog Team working cattle, goats or ducks into orderly submission. You’ll also get to sit back and relax, listening to live music including some well-known Aussie anthems and originals often performed on horseback. The Katherine Outback Experience is a fabulous snapshot of the true Outback way of life.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Recommended for guests with mobility requirements. Katherine Outback Experience show is conducted in an undercover arena with full seating available.
 
Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise
There is a tangible connection you will feel to the dramatic, ancient scenery unfolding as you wind your way down the Katherine River on a relaxing cruise. Making this experience even more memorable is the commentary that explains the significance of Nitmiluk to the Indigenous Jawoyn people and the many stories that celebrate their spiritual connection to the gorge. You’ll hear the characteristic shrill of the cicadas reverberating off the cliff faces as your expert guide navigates you through the swirling waters of the First and Second Gorges. Keep a keen eye out for the many species of wildlife and unique plants that have adapted to this unique environment – your guide will point out what you need to look for.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests to board and disembark boats unassisted. Approximately 2 kilometres of walking over natural paths and rocky terrain.
 
Nitmiluk Rock Art Cruise
As a more relaxed cruise experience, your guide will share some of the ancient secrets of the region as you gently cruise down the First Gorge, witnessing the awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs and sheer drops that reach amazing heights. Listen to Dreamtime stories about the creation and significance the Gorge played in the lives of its traditional owners, the Jawoyn people. Take a short walk to the top of the First Gorge to visit a stunning Indigenous rock art site where artwork remains even after thousands of years exposed to the elements. These works are ancient evidence of the existence of the Jawoyn culture in the area during the last Ice Age.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests to board and disembark boats unassisted. Approximately 2 kilometres of walking over natural paths and rocky terrain. 
 
Nitmiluk Gorge Helicopter Flight: Optional Upgrade - $250 Per Person (Limited Availability)
While science suggests that this stunning landscape was carved over the millennia by the elements, the traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn people, believe that the Gorge system was created by Bula. The most important figure in Jawoyn dreaming stories, Bula and his two wives, hunted across this land and in doing so he transformed the landscape through his actions. Take a helicopter flight to appreciate the sheer enormity of the river fully. As you fly over all 13 gorges, see if you can follow the path of Bula as you move through the region as he did. A view from the air is the best way to appreciate the complexity of the system that makes up Nitmiluk Gorge. As this experience is an optional upgrade, a cost of $250 per person will be payable directly to your Hospitality Attendant. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Guests are required to board and disembark the helicopter unassisted. 
Please note: Weight restrictions of 130kg per person do apply.
 
Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified.
• Some Off-Train Experiences or Shore Excursions require minimum numbers to operate.
• Shore excursions and Off Train Experiences can be booked/reserved directly with the cruise line before travel (subject to availability).
• Shore excursions can also be booked whilst onboard (subject to availability).
• Shore excursion & Off-Train Experience programmes and itineraries may vary depending on local conditions and/or any unforeseen events concerning the timing on the day of the tour. Some excursions are very popular, and therefore availability cannot always be guaranteed, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. 
 

• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer.
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer.
• Optional gratuities/tipping.
• Optional activities/tours not stated in inclusions.
• Personal expenses.
• Travel insurance.
 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Adelaide
In winter, Adelaide experiences a cool and often brisk winter climate. Average temperatures typically range from 8°C to 16°C, making it the coldest month of the year. Rainfall is relatively low during this time, and you can expect crisp, clear days with plenty of sunshine.
 
Alice Springs
In winter, Alice Springs offers a unique and striking winter climate. Located in the heart of the continent, Alice Springs experiences cool desert conditions during this time of year. Average temperatures typically range from 4°C during the night to 20°C during the day. It's a dry and sunny season, with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to explore the stunning landscapes of the Australian Outback. Clear skies and comfortably cool temperatures make it a popular destination for outdoor adventures, such as hiking, camping, and stargazing in this remote and captivating region.
 
Darwin, Broome & The Kimberley
The dry season, from May until October, is characterised by warm, dry sunny days and cool nights. Temperatures typically range from 21.6– 31.8°C, and humidity levels are much lower: around 60 – 65 per cent. Relatively cool weather arrives in May, and until July, nights are crisp with temperatures ranging from 17 - 23 °C. It is also the perfect time to explore the more remote areas of the region that can be off-limits during the wet season.
 
CRUISE
Embarkation / Disembarkation
• Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.
• Check your specific sailing for exact departure and arrival times. All times are local to the port.
Please note: Strict Covid-19 terms may also apply regarding proof of insurance covering Covid-19 and/or vaccination. Please refer to the cruise lines’ terms and conditions for further information before boarding.
 
Luggage
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.
 
OTHER
Mobility
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Fitness Level Required
A moderate level of fitness will be required. Moderate is described as May involve more physical activity, including biking, longer day hikes or extended walking and standing, low-altitude treks, and water-based activities such as canoeing or low-grade kayaking. Guests using any walking aid other than a walking stick would be advised to reconsider as surfaces may be uneven.
Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
 
Gratuities/Tipping
Gratuities (tips) are not required.
 
Sightseeing
Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.
 

For travellers entering from outside Australia, and who do not have Australian citizenship or residency, a visa may be required.
Important:
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note:
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.
 

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance
 

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

 
Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.