New Off Train Experiences
KATHERINE
TOP DIJI CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE (Apr - Oct only)
Available on The Ghan – Adelaide to Darwin
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, Manual shares what it was like growing up in the bush, cultural differences, tribal life and insights to his own family tree.
Listen to a dreamtime story, and see a demonstration of the Woomera Spear and how it can be used to perfectly hit a target. Manual is famous for his unique painting technique Rarrk (cross hatch), and he’ll guide you through his technique so you can create your own 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
Cutta Cutta Caves
INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE (Apr - Oct)
Available on The Ghan Expedition – Darwin to Adelaide
Discover Nitmiluk Nature Park from an entirely new perspective and delve 15 metres below the surface to explore fantastic limestone caves in the heart of Australia’s Top End.
Formed millions of years ago, the Cutta Cutta Caves has an ecosystem brimming with native wildlife. Located 30km south of Katherine, the Cutta Cutta Caves Natura Park covers 1499 hectares of natural limestone landscape which is still growing today. On this fully guided tour, guests will learn about the geological significance of the region and the important place it has in Indigenous culture.
Giving a new meaning to the word immersive, guests walk along an elevated and low-lit platform to see the sparkling limestone formation of stalactites and stalagmites and five different species of bats, including the rare ghost and leaf-nosed bats.
Recommended Fitness Level: High level of fitness is required, and guests must be able to climb stairs and feel comfortable underground in low-light environments.
ALICE SPRINGS
Standley Chasm Cultural Walk
INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE
Available on The Ghan Expedition – Darwin to Adelaide
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 50km west of Alice Springs.
Once a narrow tributary of the Finke River system, persistent rainfall and flooding of a lusher bygone era has 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.
Guests on The Ghan Expedition enjoy some extra time in Standley Chasm. The day is spent enjoying morning and afternoon tea with a special dot painting workshop in between learning the traditional techniques behind Western Arrernte artwork.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Approx. 1-2 km of walking on natural paths and rocky terrain.
ALICE SPRINGS
Simpsons Gap e-bike
Optional upgrade
Available on The Ghan Expedition – Darwin to Adelaide
Experience Simpsons Gap by the road less travelled and ride the Red Centre Mountain Bike trails. Riding the rugged terrain to Simpsons Gap is made easier with the help of an electric bike. The experience is a 20km round trip, and the e-bike offers peddle power or an extra boost with the simple push of a button.
This fully guided scenic tour connects you with the diverse Australian Outback. Ride across the red ochre earth, enjoying the quiet stillness and listening out for the sounds of the bush. Spend time at Simpsons Gap with a local Indigenous guide who shares the natural and spiritual significance of the Gap. While away the afternoon, enjoy a beautiful Champagne moment at the Gap, soaking up this wonderful memory that will last a lifetime.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate mobility is recommended, and the ability to ride and bike and feel confident on an e-bike is required.
COOBER PEDY
Painted Hills and Lake Eyre Scenic Flight
Optional upgrade
Available on The Ghan Expedition – Darwin to Adelaide
The Anna Creek Painted Hills is a spectacular and recently discovered section of the beautiful Breakaways country in the far north of South Australia. Travelling from Coober Pedy Airport, the area can only be accessed by air due to its fragility and natural beauty, and guests fly over the dramatic landscape to see it in all its glory.
Continue flying over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake. A seemingly endless expanse that stretches an impressive 144 to 77 kilometres of shimmering salt crystals of pink and orange, which are captivating whether full of water or totally dry.
Stop atWilliam Creek for a quintessential Australian pub lunch at the famous William Creek Hotel, followed by a guided ground tour of the township. Fly over Anna Creek Cattle Station, the world’s largest working cattle station, for the final sector of this experience as you circle back to Coober Pedy before re-joining the rest of The Ghan at Manguri for drinks by a bonfire.
The Painted Hills and Lake Eyre Scenic Flight experience offers a day of unmatched beauty where the vibrant colours of the Outback are truly on display.
Recommended fitness level: Low – Guest required to board and disembark aircraft unassisted, some walking and standing throughout the experience, weight restrictions apply.