Mindil Beach Escape 2025 (The Ghan) : Darwin to Adelaide

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 seasonal flavours. Spend the rest of the day settling into life on train and getting to know your fellow travellers, and as afternoon turns to evening, dinner service begins with another chef-prepared gourmet meal and selection of Australian wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages for you to choose. (L,D) OVERNIGHT: 2 nights The Ghan

After your first night enjoying the fine dining and relaxed comfort of this iconic train, you’ll wake to an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track. With red dirt at your feet and a bonfire warming the morning air, you’ll have some time to appreciate the remote part of Australia you find yourself in. Reboard the train for brunch and enjoy the magnificent scenery as you make your way onwards to Alice Springs. Here you’ll have a selection of Off Train Experiences to choose from. There’s an experience to suit everyone, from an off-road mountain bike adventure across ochre-coloured earth, to the Alice Explorer tour taking you to the town’s major attractions, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park, or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight. You’ll return to the train late afternoon where you’ll have time to rest and refresh before dinner is served. (B,L,D)

Your day dawns in the tropical north and when the landscape transforms into rocky gorges and fast-flowing canyon streams, prepare to experience one of the Top End’s most impressive natural wonders on a boat cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. 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. There is also a helicopter flight upgrade available, for those wishing to see Nitmiluk from an aerial perspective. Alternatively, 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. After the day’s activities, you’ll reboard the train and continue to Darwin, where you’ll check-in to your Darwin accommodation. (B,L) OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Mindi Beach Casino Resort

Relax and enjoy the facilities on offer at Mindil Beach Casino Resort or head out to explore more of the Top End. The day is yours to do as you wish. (B)

Croc ‘N’ History Explorer Ticket From $110 per person Combine three of Darwin’s premier attractions with one ticket and save. The flexible Croc ‘N’ History Explorer package gives you full day entry to Crocosaurus Cove, RFDS Tourist facility and the Darwin Big Bus, for a hop-on, hop-off transport option.

Explore the lush monsoon forests, crystal clear waterfalls and unusual rock formations that make up the spectacular Litchfield National Park. Follow the Stuart Highway via the town of Batchelor to the first of three waterfalls, Florence Falls. Here you have the opportunity for a scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walk or descend the stairs to the plunge pool below for a refreshing swim. Travel on to Tolmer Falls for breathtaking views of cascading water plunging into the deep waterhole below followed by lunch at the Litchfield Cafe. Finally, visit the cool, clear waters of Wangi Falls, the most popular swimming spot in Litchfield for another chance to swim. On your way back to Darwin stop in at Howard Springs Nature Park to feed the Barramundi and turtles before arriving back in Darwin approximately 6pm. Upon return you might wish to visit the iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and soak up the atmosphere, flavours and famous Mindil Beach sunset. (B,L) Please note that the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are seasonal and traditionally operate 4-9 pm Sundays and Thursdays from late April through to October.

This morning after breakfast, check out of your hotel as your Mindil Beach Escape comes to an end. You’ll walk away with memories to last a lifetime and a deeper understanding and appreciation of Australia and its natural landscape. (B)