This epic adventure into the heart of the Red Centre starts with 1 night in Adelaide before travelling overnight in Gold Service aboard the mighty Ghan. Enjoy 3 nights in Alice Springs visiting the West MacDonnell Ranges, then see the wonders of Uluru with 3 nights at Yulara including the stunning Sounds of Silence dinner. Re-board the Ghan for another night before finishing with 2 nights in Darwin.
19 July 2022 16 August 2022
DEPOSIT
$1700pp required within 14 days of making booking to secure your reservation.
N.B. Full payment is required 120 days prior to departure. Due to strict terms & conditions imposed by Journey Beyond, payment for this tour will be required 120 days prior to departure and at this time 100% cancellation fees apply.
This package is subject to an additional levy for coach/air component that may be imposed and is out of Fun Over Fifty’s control.
Rail prices are correct at time of printing but are subject to change. Great Southern Rail twin share cabins include en-suite facilities; single cabins include a wash basin in the cabin and shared shower and toilet facilities within the carriage. Flights are arranged to suit the tour as a group in advance, therefore we cannot book individual preferences or guarantee direct flights.
This package is subject to an additional levy for coach/air/rail component that may be imposed and is out of Fun Over Fifty’s control. Flights are arranged to suit the tour as a group in advance, therefore we cannot book individual preferences or guarantee direct flights.
Flights arrive in Adelaide where we are met by our coach captain and taken to Mt Lofty, the highest peak in the Lofty Ranges. From here we make our way to Australia’s oldest German settlement, Hahndorf, for lunch (own expense) and free time to wander the main street. We then make our way into Adelaide CBD to check-in.
Board the The Ghan today for an epic journey through the rugged and beautiful Red Centre to the tropical north of Australia. Settle into your cabin and watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia from your window, then meet your fellow travellers in the lounge car. Before long some of the oldest rock formations in the world, the Flinders Ranges, come into view. As darkness envelops the rugged outback, it’s time to indulge in a regionally-inspired dinner, inclusive fine wines and beverages.
Wake up to a freshly brewed coffee or juice as the day dawns at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. It is here, deep inland, that you will enjoy a one of a kind experience, as you watch the desert come to life at sunrise. All aboard for brunch as you make your way through the MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs where on arrival we disembark for transfers to our hotel.
Leaving Alice Springs, we take a leisurely drive passing Stuarts Well, then stop for lunch. Continuing on, we break for a photo stop at Mt Connor, before arriving at Uluru. This evening before dinner witness the ever changing colours of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) at sunset with drinks and canapés.
Witness the Field of Light just before sunrise and watch dawn break over Uluru. Following breakfast, join a guided walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole and Mala Walk, followed by base drive tour of Uluru. Return to the resort for some leisure time to explore the village at your own pace. This afternoon has us climbing into the saddle taking a camel trek for another way to enjoy fabulous views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. An outback adventure led by an expert cameleer who shares knowledge of the desert’s wildlife and ecology along the way.
**Lunch is at own expense today.
Sharing stories and passing on traditional methods of painting plays an important role in the sustainability of Aboriginal Culture – the world’s’ oldest living culture. Join Maruku’s local Anangu artists for a fun introduction to the unique desert art form, dot painting, and learn about the symbols and painting styles used to create beautiful works of art depicting the Creation time (Tjukurpa) stories. This afternoon enjoy the thrill of taking an aerial tour of Australia’s Red Centre during a scenic helicopter flight showcasing the famous landmarks Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Tonight, toast the beauty of Uluru as we watch the sun’s dwindling rays light the rock up one final time. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and as the sun sets we will feast on a BBQ of authentic Australian delicacies and Australian wines at the Sounds of Silence specialty dinner.
Departing Uluru we travel to Kings Creek Station, breaking first for lunch followed by an enjoyable Aboriginal cultural experience seeing spear and boomerang displays, learning about bush tucker, bush medicine and more. This afternoon we check in to Kings Canyon Resort.
This morning we take a walk at the canyon which meanders along Kings Creek, ending at a viewing platform with stunning views of the sheer canyon walls. We return to Alice Springs, taking in the scenery and stopping at Erldunda for lunch along the way.
We begin our day with views of the rugged MacDonnell Ranges from Anzac Hill lookout. Next we discover the Outback Telegraph Station before visiting the Women’s Museum of Australia then on to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Enjoy some free time this afternoon.
Discover the West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping at Flynn’s Grave before a visit to Ellery Creek Big Hole. We take time at Standley Chasm renowned for the red rocks, blue skies and white ghost gums. Enjoy lunch at Glen Helen Homestead before departing for Ormiston Gorge and Simpsons Gap. We then board The Ghan to leave Alice Springs for the final leg of this once in a lifetime rail journey.
Awaken to the pristine wilderness of Katherine, and explore it today from the water or land with your choice of off train excursions. Cruise the jaw-dropping Nitmiluk Gorge and discover ancient Indigenous rock paintings or discover authentic outback life on a cattle station. As evening falls, arrive in Darwin to complete your epic train journey.
Today we discover Litchfield National Park taking in the inspiring views of Tabletop Range, a sandstone plateau adorned with a curtain of cascading waterfalls. Marvel at the termite mounds and learn how these astonishing structures are built by armies of tiny insects. We then make our way to Florence Falls lookout before arriving at Litchfield Café for lunch. Our afternoon takes us to nearby Wangi Falls, where year-round currents pour into a large swimming hole. Enjoy a refreshing dip before we make our way back to Darwin for an unforgettable farewell dinner.
Today we make a visit to the Darwin Military Museum to learn the story of this extraordinary, yet little known chapter in Australian history. We then make our way to the airport for our respective flights home.
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Our Gold Class coach tours let you experience the beauty of the Australian landscape in comfort and style. From the coach itself to the accommodation and meals, every detail is considered.
See Gold Class coaches
For the next level in luxury, our Diamond Class coach tours give you the business class experience every step of the way. We only book the very best options available
Escape for Christmas travelling in style on board the Great Southern. Departing Adelaide we traverse South Australia through the magical Adelaide Hills on to Canberra and Coffs Harbour. Christmas Day is celebrated on board the Great Southern in the morning before stopping at the small station of Uranga, where we take in spectacular coastline views and the Great Dividing Range before travelling to Coffs Harbour. Ending our rail experience in Brisbane where we celebrate the grand finale of the tour - Feasting on seafood and traditional fare for Christmas dinner and enjoying the river views at night.
Take a Great Australian Bight out of this tour to the Eyre Peninsula staying in Port Lincoln and Streaky Bay and tasting local seasonal seafood. Discover maritime history, learn about aquaculture industries and unveil the secrets of Seppeltsfield Winery in the Barossa as our guided tour takes us behind the scenes to look through the estate’s treasure trove of historical buildings.
Take your taste buds on a journey of discovery in stunning South Australia. Delve into the Barossa Valley with visits to Seppeltsfield Estate, Chateau Tanunda, Maggie Beer Farm Shop, and the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company. Get back to nature on Kangaroo Island seeing sea lions and birds of prey, and tasting an abundance of local produce.
To book this tour, all you need to do is get in touch with us. We will take your details and reserve your place over the phone. We can also answer any questions you may have and give you all the information you need.
Our coach tours have a baggage restriction of 17kg per person (regardless of flight and rail allowances) due to our Occupational Health & Safety standards. You can also bring one small, soft carry-on bag not exceeding 30cm wide, 30cm high, and 15cm thick that may be stowed in the overhead compartment.
Each of our tours has a fitness rating which describes the level of physical activity involved with the tour. These ratings are very important when choosing your tour to ensure it's right for you. Our fitness ratings are:
Our Gold Class coaches have a seat capacity of between 44 and 46, but we cap Gold Class tours at 40 guests per tour. Our Diamond Class tours have a capacity of just 26 guests. Other tour types may have different capacities depending on the transport and destination. Please get in touch with our team if you have any questions about a specific tour.
In most cases, yes we can. We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking, and we can confirm with our suppliers and restaurants.
We are committed to operating in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the authenticity and integrity of living cultures of Indigenous communities.
We have incorporated strategic climate change responses across all relevant levels of our planning and operations. We are working towards becoming carbon neutral.
With Advanced Ecotourism certification, we offer outstanding experiences which let you get back to nature, help conservation, and minimise environmental impact.
We are a credible, well trained, and professional business. We conduct business in compliance with Australian Consumer Law and in accordance with ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators represents tour operators and wholesalers. As a full CATO member, we provide authentic and original holidays with sustainable travel.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.
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