Compare 4 Day the Ghan Expedition by Travel 2 vs Sydney to Great Barrier Reef Tour by Discovery Nomads

Day 1: Darwin - Katherine

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Transfer from your hotel to Darwin rail station and start your journey aboard the legendary Ghan. Enjoy lunch in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant before arriving in Katherine for a leisurely cruise on the idyllic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Gaze in awe at the towering sandstone cliffs and learn of the Aboriginal and geological history of the area. Back on board, enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the Outback. Note: Optional helicopter flight over Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks available (onboard purchase only).  

Day 2: Alice Springs

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wake to a sumptuous breakfast before arriving in Alice Springs. A full day in the gateway to the Red Centre gives ample opportunity to visit the town landmarks and explore at leisure. In the evening, dine beneath a canopy of stars at an Outback Bush Barbecue and an astronomical talk before you re-board The Ghan. Note: Optional fixed-wing flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, including lunch and Uluru base tour (advance purchase available).

Day 3: Coober Pedy

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner       

 Today, visit the sun-scorched opal mining capital of the world. Venture into the tunnels and caves of this underworld town and enjoy a gourmet lunch under the earth’s surface before setting off to the stunning outback moonscape that is the Breakaways. After an action-packed day, make your way back The Ghan for a final evening on board.

Day 4: Adelaide

Meals: Breakfast

Notice a dramatic change in the landscape from the soft ochre tones of the Outback make way for the green fields and pastoral lands of South Australia. After breakfast, The Ghan rolls into Adelaide where you may wish to extend your stay, perhaps with a visit to the Barossa Valley or Kangaroo Island?

Day 1: Sydney

Arrive at any time. On the 1st day we haven't plan any activities.

Day 2: Sydney

Explore Sydney with a walk along the harbour to the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Rocks area. In the afternoon go sailing around Sydney Harbour. Enjoy the views of the gorgeous surroundings and look out for naval ships and submarines. If you are lucky, you might even see a dolphin, a seal or a penguin.

Day 3-4: Surfers Paradise

Fly to the famous surf and arts town of Gold Coast. Learn about the culture of surfing in the area and try it yourself. Enjoy free time for optional sea kayaking, whale-watching or just relax at the beach.

Day 5-6: Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands

Transfer to Brisbane and flight to Airlie Beach. On the 6th day, you will go on a cruise to Whitsunday Island and visit the beach of Whitehaven.

Day 7: Cairns

An early start to the station for a relaxing and very scenic train journey to Cairns.

Day 8-9: Port Douglas

Travel along the stunning coastal road to Port Douglas. On the 9th Day you will Sail aboard the stunning catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel the pristine ribbon reefs of Agincourt Reef, where the underwater visibility and biodiversity is at its highest, visit 3 separate dive sites and enjoy 5 hours at the reef, swim with the dwarf Minke whales in season, on one of the few vessels that has a permit to swim with the inquisitive whales.

Day 10: Cairns

Transfer back to Cairns Airport