Red Centre Spectacular 2027

Celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome drink and light refreshments and pause for a photo with The Ghan’s iconic red locomotive before stepping on board. Settle into the comforts of your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. As The Ghan begins to travel south, a chef-prepared lunch awaits before your Off Train Experience in Katherine.

Here you’ll choose how to explore this remarkable region. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge and uncover its deep cultural significance. Alternatively, step into the Katherine Outback Experience for an authentic glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home. Or venture underground at the Cutta Cutta Caves, where fascinating limestone formations, native wildlife and stories of Indigenous culture are waiting to be shared. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and take in the scale of Nitmiluk from above. (L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night The Ghan Expedition

Wake to the wide-open skies of the outback as The Ghan draws closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. After a hearty breakfast on board, your eight-day Red Centre Explorer tour commences on arrival at the Alice Springs Rail Terminal. Here, you will be met by the passionate Outback Spirit crew, who will be guiding you as you take in all the Red Centre has to offer over the next eight days.

It all starts with a town tour of Alice Springs, including a light lunch at a local eatery.

Then, you’ll check-in at your Alice Springs hotel, where we’ll stay for the first two nights. In the evening, the group will meet for welcome drinks and a short briefing on what you can expect during your tour. Tonight’s dinner is at the hotel. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Today, explore Alice Springs and its surrounds, taking in natural rock formations that are truly spectacular. After breakfast, venture to the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a walk to Simpsons Gap. Known as ‘Rungutjirpa’ by
the Arrernte people, Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site and home to dozens of rare plants and a host of native wildlife.

We’ll then visit Standley Chasm – Angkerle Atwatye – a cultural icon of Central Australia, which is 100% owned and operated by the Arrernte community. We’ll break for morning tea before departing the West MacDonnell Ranges to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here, enjoy a guided tour that will challenge your perception of the desert, leaving you with an understanding that the desert is full of life.

This evening, enjoy a classic-style outdoor BBQ and show under the incredible night sky. (B,L,D)

Today, we say goodbye to Alice Springs as we go deeper into the outback. First up is a visit to Ellery Creek for a short walk and morning tea, then we travel to Ormiston Gorge to see its towering red cliffs. After lunch, we’ll travel on to the mighty Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park.

As we drive through the outback, we’ll take the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Kings Canyon Resort, where we’ll spend the next two nights.

Tonight, dinner is at Carmichael’s, a relaxed restaurant situated in Kings Canyon Resort, surrounded by native trees and bushlands. If you’re lucky, you may spot an inquisitive dingo wandering through the grounds. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Kings Canyon Resort

This morning, we depart early to experience the beauty of Kings Canyon. Two walks are available, including the spectacular 6km rim walk, which features breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park before descending into the ‘Garden of Eden’. For those who wish to save energy, a more relaxed walk is also available along the creek on the canyon floor (2.6km).

There is also the opportunity to take a 15-minute helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park (at own expense).

After the morning’s activities, we return to Kings Canyon Resort for lunch and to rest and refresh.

For those wishing to take the optional helicopter flight over Kings Canyon, this afternoon offers some time to enjoy Kings Canyon from the air (at own expense), or you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure.

As afternoon turns to evening, we’ll enjoy sunset drinks and canapes at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by the acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill and gather to recall the day’s adventures. (B,L,D)

Today is special. This morning we visit Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours, an indigenous owned and operated cultural tour. In the Aranda language, Karrke is the Aboriginal name for the western Bowerbird, which is native to Central Australia, and our guide will teach us about bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and physical healing.

We then depart Karrke for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, passing through Kings Creek Station to enjoy lunch at Curtin Springs, a million-acre cattle station. In the early afternoon, we arrive at the award-winning Sails in the Desert Hotel, part of the Ayers Rock Resort.

This evening, we are transferred to the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner. A breathtaking cultural storytelling experience through choreographed drones, lasers and projections illuminating the night sky.
After a short journey from the resort, we venture to an open-air theatre set upon a dune top. Enjoy cocktails infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views of Uluru. As darkness descends, enjoy a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern techniques to create a balanced and flavourful palette as the night sky lights up before our eyes.

Witness the ancient Mala story re-told and feel a powerful connection to country listening to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Sails in the Desert Hotel

After breakfast, we depart to discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature.

Take in the cultural centre and take a guided tour around the base of Uluru, which stands 348 metres above the desert plains. Learn about traditional Anangu culture and why Uluru, one of the largest monoliths in the world, is such a sacred site.

This afternoon is at your leisure. You may choose to explore the Town Square, arrange a scenic flight (own cost) or relax in the comfort of your hotel.

Departing the resort before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune-top location, again with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro’s global phenomenon Field of Light gently illuminates. Aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), Field of Light features 50,000 slender stems, crowned with radiant, frosted-glass spheres, spread across an area the size of seven football fields. After your host provides insight into this remarkable installation, you can explore the stunning display via dedicated pathways.

This evening, return to the hotel for dinner. (Please note dinner will be at approximately 9.00pm). (B,L,D)

Early risers can experience the sun rising over Uluru this morning and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. Breakfast is at the hotel, before we depart for the Mala Walk. Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls.

We return to the hotel for lunch with an afternoon ahead of us. You can spend this time at your leisure or participate in additional touring of the area, including a visit to the Gallery of Central Australia or other informative guest activities.
This evening, enjoy the unique Sounds of Silence dining experience under the stars. Offering the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours, the evening begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of the didgeridoo and enjoy a premium bush tucker-inspired buffet incorporating native bush ingredients. Afterwards, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky.

After this incredible experience, we return to Sails in the Desert for our final night. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before making the journey by road from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal, where your Red Centre Explorer tour comes to an end.

Re-join The Ghan Expedition and enjoy a unique dining experience this evening. At the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, dine beneath a canopy of stars, surrounded by the red earth of the desert. With white tablecloths, fine food and live entertainment, it’s an evening you’ll never forget. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights The Ghan Expedition

Today brings you to the extraordinary outback town of Coober Pedy, where life is anything but ordinary. Known as the opal capital of the world, this desert settlement hides its treasures both above and below, and more than half the population live underground.

Your adventure begins with a morning stop at the remote outpost of Manguri to take in the sunrise, before continuing on to Coober Pedy for a day of exploration. A highlight is a gourmet lunch enjoyed underground, a dining experience as unique as the town itself. Off Train Experiences include visiting the striking Breakaways, uncovering the town’s quirky attractions, or learning the fascinating history of opal mining on the Opal Experience. For an unforgettable view, upgrade to a scenic flight over the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre.

Back on board for your final night, dinner is served in the dining carriage before one last nightcap in the lounge with fellow travellers as The Ghan journeys towards Adelaide. (B,L,D)

This morning, you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the Flinders Ranges before arriving into Adelaide.

Stepping off the train, you’ll carry more than memories of extraordinary landscapes. You’ll take with you the stories shared, the connections made, and the sense of wonder that only a journey through the heart of Australia can bring. (B)