Wonders of The Ghan, Kakadu, Spice Islands & Komodo - Cruise & Land Journey: 21 days Adelaide to Denpasar

Welcome to Adelaide. Transfer to The Ghan and embrace the rhythm of life on the rails as the countryside unfolds beyond your window, offering a glimpse of the experience ahead. By early evening, you’ll arrive at Long Plains, where you’ll disembark for a memorable dinner in one of South Australia’s renowned wine regions, featuring exquisite local produce and fine wines. As the sun sets over the vineyards, raise a glass to the journey that lies before you. Return to the train for a restful night on the train as The Ghan makes its way north.

Please book your flight to arrive into Adelaide prior to 08:00 AM.

Wake to the shifting landscapes of South Australia as The Ghan rolls into Port Augusta, the gateway to the outback. After breakfast, step off the train for a full day exploring the spectacular Flinders Ranges, an ancient land of rugged mountains, dramatic gorges and red rock formations shaped over millions of years. Your Off Train Experience reveals sweeping lookouts, fascinating geological stories and encounters with native wildlife that capture the essence of the Australian outback. As the day ends, rejoin The Ghan and unwind over dinner, sharing stories of your adventure while the train continues its journey north.

Wake to a spectacular outback sunrise as your train pulls into Marla, a remote desert outpost near the Northern Territory border and gateway to the legendary Oodnadatta Track. Step onto the red earth, warming your hands by the bonfire as the cool morning air and vast, silent landscape create an unforgettable start to the day.  Reboard and settle in for a leisurely brunch as the sweeping desert vistas roll by en route to Alice Springs. Here, a curated selection of Off Train Experiences awaits. Ride off-road bikes across ochre-toned country, discover the town’s key sights on the A Town Called Alice tour, or immerse yourself in local culture at Standley Chasm. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Desert Park to meet the region’s unique wildlife or venture to Simpsons Gap to admire its dramatic gorge and ghost gums. For a breathtaking aerial perspective, you may choose to upgrade to a helicopter flight, revealing the sheer scale and grandeur of Central Australia.  Return to your cabin in the late afternoon with time to refresh before another evening of fine dining and gracious service on board, as the stars emerge over the outback. 

Begin your final day on The Ghan in the tropical north, where rugged escarpments and swift, shimmering waterways signal your arrival in Katherine. Here you’ll discover one of the Top End’s greatest natural wonders on a serene cruise through majestic Nitmiluk Gorge, drifting between towering sandstone walls as your guide shares the deep cultural significance of this remarkable place to the Jawoyn people.

If you prefer to stay on land, step into the everyday life of those who call the outback home at the Katherine Outback Experience, or delve underground into the Cutta Cutta Caves, a fascinating limestone world rich in native wildlife, Indigenous stories and European history. For an unforgettable aerial view, you may choose to upgrade to a helicopter flight and admire the full scale and grandeur of Nitmiluk from above.

After your chosen adventure, rejoin the train and settle in for the final leg of your journey to Darwin, watching as the Top End landscape unfurls outside your window. Arrive in the tropical capital where your memorable rail journey through the heart of Australia comes to a graceful close.

Check into the Hilton Darwin for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, travel south to the charming township of Batchelor, gateway to the lush Litchfield National Park. Soak in sweeping views of Florence Falls from the lookout, where twin cascades tumble into a tranquil plunge pool below.

Continue to Wangi Falls, a tropical oasis framed by monsoon rainforest. Here you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water and savour a leisurely light lunch in a serene setting.

In the afternoon, cross the Adelaide River as the landscape opens into one of Australia’s great wilderness regions: Kakadu National Park. Dual-listed by UNESCO for both its natural beauty and cultural significance, this remarkable destination promises ancient landscapes, rich Indigenous heritage and unforgettable sunset vistas.

Begin the day with an unforgettable 60-minute sightseeing flight over Kakadu, soaring above rugged sandstone escarpments, vast floodplains and winding rivers that showcase the sheer scale and beauty of this ancient landscape. From the air, the patterns of wetlands and rock country unfold beneath you in a breathtaking tapestry of colour and texture.

Later, venture to the East Alligator River for a deeply enriching cultural cruise hosted by local Indigenous guides, who share stories, traditions and insights into caring for Country. Continue on to Ubirr, home to one of Australia’s most renowned rock art sites, where two gentle walking options reveal remarkable Aboriginal artworks that date back thousands of years.

As the afternoon light softens, make your way back to your hotel to relax and refresh before dinner, with time to savour the day’s experiences and lingering views of Kakadu’s timeless horizons.

Welcome back to Darwin which is distinguished by its relaxed lifestyle and proximity to the Northern Territory’s abundance of natural wonders. Crocodiles, culture and colourful characters abound as you explore the northernmost capital in Australia. Tonight, enjoy the first of two nights at your hotel, located in the city’s most vibrant precinct.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, expand your visit with your choice of a range of illuminating activities.

Jumping Crocs and Nature Adventure: Experience these reptiles in the wild on the beautiful Adelaide River, where crocs leap out of the water pursuing their prey. Your tour also includes a visit to Fogg Dam, a wetlands nature reserve teeming with wading birds and other unique wildlife. The wetlands of the Top End are of great international importance on account of their accessibility, splendour and cultural significance.

Litchfield National Park: Litchfield National Park abounds with permanent spring-fed waterfalls, remnant monsoon vine forests, unusual rock formations and interesting scenery. An hour easily becomes a day relaxing in this wonderful park, which reveals its considerable wonders the further you explore.

WWII Bombing of Darwin Tour: Learn about the history and significance of the Pacific Campaign of WWII, the largest attacks ever launched against Australia. Visit landmarks, view relics of the war and take a cruise on Darwin Harbour in this informative guided tour, which outlines the shocking extent of the damage suffered by the city during the war.

Darwin City Sights – Hop-on-Hop-off Tour: The perfect introduction to the Top End city of Darwin. Take in all of Darwin’s main historical and cultural attractions with an opportunity to stop and visit during the tour.

Your journey through Australia’s interior comes to a close in Darwin, where the tropical north offers a final contrast to the landscapes of the Red Centre.

Here, step aboard Scenic Eclipse II, your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht for the next stage of your journey. Settle into your suite, take time to explore the ship’s elegant spaces, and as you set sail, raise a glass to the adventure ahead, one that leads into the remote and captivating islands of Indonesia.

Today, take some time to explore the yacht and familiarise yourself with all the areas on board your new ultra-luxury home. Visit the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality pool on Deck 10. Step into the tranquil Senses Spa# on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas and thermal experiences inviting deep relaxation and restoration.  
  
Stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the bars and lounges on board or curl up with a book in the library of the Observation Lounge. Then join the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre for an introductory lecture where they’ll share insights into upcoming ports and the region’s ecosystems, Indigenous heritage and layered history, adding context and depth to the destinations that lie ahead. 

There are thousands of beaches in Indonesia yet the ones you’ll see today might be the most beautiful. The Kai Islands are part of the Maluku Province and are made entirely of white sand and coral. Talcum powder beaches are lapped by the strikingly blue waters of the Banda Sea and fringed with lush rows of palm trees. Despite their jaw-dropping beauty, these islands remain far off the tourist trail, and you’ll be unlikely to see another visitor, making your experience even more special.

Enjoy an al fresco lunch today at the Yacht Club for delightfully curated courses and a chance to meet your fellow voyagers. Spend the afternoon at leisure in your luxurious suite or head to one of the cabanas on Deck 10, enjoying inspiring views of the ocean.

Scenic Discovery:
Subject to weather conditions, today may offer time to enjoy the beach, take a refreshing swim, or snorkel in the surrounding waters alongside your Discovery Team.

Begin the day with the gentle rhythm of life on board, perhaps with a swim in the Vitality pool on Deck 10 or a quiet coffee in the Observation Lounge as the horizon unfolds. Those seeking a more reflective start may choose a guided meditation or stretching session, allowing the stillness of the open sea to set the tone.

As evening arrives, dining becomes part of the journey. Elements offers a refined take on classic favourites, from seafood and prime cuts to Italian-inspired dishes, while Koko’s presents contemporary Asian flavours, complemented by a dedicated sushi bar and the option of the intimate Night Market @ Koko’s+ experience. Lumière+ brings a touch of modern French elegance, complete with a Champagne bar, and 24-hour in-suite dining ensures a more private, relaxed alternative whenever you wish.

You’ll head south to Misool Island this morning. One of the “Four Kings”, the largest islands of the group, it has a permanent population of around 5,000 scattered around a few villages. It’s also home to a handful of resorts – look out for the overwater bungalows clinging to the coast.

Misool is one of the world’s few places where biodiversity is improving. The clear waters are home to a dazzling array of corals and fish, and you may spot whales, sharks and dolphins frolicking in the open ocean. Enjoy more swimming, snorkelling and watersports such as diving below the surface with a SEABOB or try the inflatable water trampoline.

Scenic Discovery:
Weather and local approvals permitting, there may be opportunities to view striking limestone karst formations, explore trails that give unique birds eye views of the area, and snorkel on the world’s most diverse reefs.

North of West Papua, the Raja Ampat archipelago scatters more than 1,500 mostly uninhabited islands across luminous, reef-fringed seas. Often described as the most biodiverse marine region on Earth, it shelters an exceptional concentration of coral species and an extraordinary variety of tropical fish, rays and other marine life. Its relative isolation and protected status mean these waters remain remarkably pristine, with jungle-clad islets, hidden lagoons and coral gardens offering a rare sense of unspoiled wilderness.

Tonight, explore more of the up to 10 all-inclusive on board dining experiences, sampling fine French cuisine at Lumière+ or vibrant Asian fusion at Koko’s. Alternatively, choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap delivered by your butler, choosing from a range of premium wines, beers and spirits.

Scenic Discovery:
Weather and local approvals permitting, there may be an opportunity for a Zodiac wet landing to visit a local village, to witness traditional Raja Ampat drumming, meet community members and gain a glimpse into daily life in this island paradise.

Arguni Island, off the north coast of the Bomberai Peninsula, is a small and little-visited island distinguished by steep limestone headlands and sheltered bays. Known for Papuan rock art sites and ancestral burial caves set within its cliffs, it also lies in waters that support a remarkable concentration of endemic rainbowfish species, adding a layer of scientific interest to its cultural significance.

Check the daily program to find out what the Discovery Team has planned for today. Enjoy a lecture in the state-of-the-art theatre or join them on the Observation Terrace for some wildlife spotting.

Scenic Discovery:
Subject to weather and local approvals, there may be an opportunity to join your Discovery Team on a Zodiac cruise, where you could glimpse ancient rock art, mangrove systems, beaches and village life along these shores.

Banda Neira, once a coveted centre of the global spice trade, blends layered history with an intimate island setting. At the heart of Indonesia’s famed Spice Islands, it drew European, Arab and Chinese traders for centuries, leaving forts, mansions and tree-shaded streets that still evoke this era. Experience a flashback to these times as you watch traditional war canoes guide us into Banda Harbour, their presence reflecting long-standing maritime customs against a backdrop of volcanic slopes and vibrant tropical waters.

In the evening, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey or a glass of wine. With Scenic’s signature all-inclusive ultra-luxury philosophy, indulge in top shelf spirits, over 100 whiskeys, a premium wine list and champagne.

Scenic Discovery:
Today, there may be an opportunity for a Zodiac landing in Banda Neira’s sheltered harbour to sense its storied spice-trade past, glimpse daily life and visit its 17th-century fort.

A full day at sea offers time to settle into the gentle rhythm of your Scenic Discovery Yacht. Watch the shifting colours of sea and sky from the Observation Lounge or your verandah, or simply enjoy the quiet pleasure of unhurried conversation and reflection as the coastline recedes.

Elsewhere on board, the Vitality pool and Sky Bar on Deck 10 invite time in the open air, while the Senses Spa# provides a tranquil retreat with its saunas, therapeutic spaces and calming ambience. Throughout the day, the elegant bars, lounges and library offer a choice of atmospheres, from sociable to contemplative, as you ease deeper into the voyage.

Flores Island is fast becoming one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations. It was founded by the Portuguese in the 15th-century and spent many years as the trade and administrative centre of the region.  

Your Scenic Discovery Yacht will be docked in the centre of the city. Wander the streets at your leisure and soak in its cool maritime flavour. Witness the Portuguese connection and rich Catholic history in the buildings that surround you. Admire the famous Katedral Reinha Rosari, known as the Church of Iron and resembling an ornate Disney castle. 

Set against a strikingly rugged landscape, Komodo National Park offers an extraordinary backdrop for exploration, with some of Indonesia’s most remarkable sites for diving and snorkelling. Your morning is dedicated to Komodo Island itself, where the chance to encounter the iconic Komodo dragon – the world’s largest living lizard – brings a powerful sense of raw wilderness found nowhere else on Earth.

In the afternoon, your Scenic Discovery Yacht repositions to Pink Beach, where rose-tinted sands, turquoise waters and thriving coral gardens create an idyllic setting for time in and on the water. Here, you can swim, snorkel or simply relax on the shore, framed by dramatic headlands and the park’s sweeping volcanic contours.

Remote, authentic and wonderfully raw, Moyo Island remains one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets, and your morning here reveals a world little touched by tourism. Its lush forests and diverse wildlife create a sense of true wilderness, while the crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral gardens close to shore offer outstanding snorkelling among colourful reef fish.

In the afternoon, your Scenic Discovery Yacht repositions to Badas on Sumbawa, an island that lies just beyond the well-trodden paths of Bali and Lombok yet feels refreshingly undiscovered. With its strong cultural identity, epic surf breaks, thriving reefs and dramatic, untamed landscapes, this is a region that still feels poised on the edge of exploration.

Scenic Eclipse II will dock in Benoa, a peninsula on the island’s southern edge marking the end of your voyage. Bid farewell to fellow guests and the dedicated crew before you disembark, taking with you memories of exotic islands, rich cultures and unparalleled 6-star indulgence.

Please book your flight to depart out of Denpasar after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates.
+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.  
^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.
~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations.

Helicopter and submersible not in operation in Indonesia.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.