Alice Springs

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 a ploughman’s lunch with a special dot painting workshop in between learning the traditional techniques behind Western Arrernte artwork.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Approx. 2.5km of walking on natural paths and rocky terrain.

*Inclusive for Platinum and Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum and Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.

Travel to the world’s largest classroom, The School of the Air, covering more than 1.3 million square kilometres. Alice Springs School of the Air was established in 1951 and is still in operation today. It was the first to use two-way radio broadcasts to help with the education of students in remote areas who were unable to attend face-to-face lessons. If you are lucky, you may be able to witness a class first hand.

You’ll then visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base to learn about the vital medical care the service provides to thousands living in Outback Australia.

Visit the Reptile Centre, home to the largest reptile display in Central Australia with more than 100 reptiles exhibited. Terry the Saltwater Crocodile’s exhibit features underwater viewing enabling you to get up close to this mighty predator.

Capture a stunning photograph of Alice Springs atop ANZAC Hill before returning to The Ghan to freshen up prior to dinner.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Coach tour with short walks required.

*Inclusive for Platinum and Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum and Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.

Let us take the hard work out of riding a bike with an e-bike tour throughout the town of Alice Springs. The adventure will begin at Red Centre Fun where you will follow a bike trail that winds along the famously dry Todd River.

As you ride, you will approach the southern entrance to town, Heavitree Gap, known to the locals as The Gap. From here you will cruise all the way to the Telegraph Station, the birthplace of the Alice Springs township.

Before returning to town, your guide will take you to the top of Anzac Hill. Here, not only will you see the local monument to our fallen soldiers, you will also enjoy a 360° view of the heart of the Red Centre.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Bike ride approx. 15 km across sandy bike paths. Enclosed footwear and comfortable clothing recommended.

*Inclusive for Platinum and Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum and Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.

Join your experienced guide for an exclusive walking tour to unravel ancient cultural stories, the science behind the region’s breath-taking landscapes, mysterious animal life and geological marvels. Your exclusive guided walking tour takes you through tall river red gums, enduring Spinifex or vibrant wildflowers for an unforgettable close-up exploration of outback flora and fauna.

Step inside the Nocturnal House to discover the mysterious lives of desert animals of the night including the iconic bilby and mala. Watch closely as these animals go about their natural interaction and foraging for food.

As a guest travelling on The Ghan there is a front row seat reserved for you at the spectacular free flight bird show. See the resident dingoes before viewing the changing heart film on desert evolution on the big screen or alternatively take time to enjoy some retail therapy in the gift shop.

Recommended Fitness Level: : Moderate – Guests required to walk approx. 3-4km, broken into short distances. Personal electric scooters are available for mobility assistance – these need to be requested at time of guest tour booking. No electric wheelchair access (collapsible only).

*Inclusive for Platinum and Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum and Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.

A magical location where important elements of flora, fauna and Indigenous culture all come together, the Simpsons Gap area incorporates large stands of Mulga and is a major stronghold for over 40 rare and relict plants.

Here you will enjoy walks that pass the native plants of the area including ancient Ghost Gums and views of the range.

Known as Rungutjirpa to the Indigenous, Simpsons Gap was the mythological home of a group of giant goanna ancestors. Several dreaming trails and stories cross at this important spiritual site.

Enjoy the serenity and peacefulness as you watch the walls glow from reflected sunlight, creating a breath-taking display of stark form and rich colour.

The Simpsons Gap walks are on a natural site. While every precaution has been taken to ensure the walk is safe for everyone, we do insist that all walkers are of high fitness, carry a water bottle and wear a hat and sunscreen.

Recommended Fitness Level: High – Approx. 5-6km of walking on natural paths and rock terrain.

PLEASE NOTE: Guests must wear long pants and enclosed shoes for this experience. If temperatures are forecasted to be 35 degrees or above, this experience may be amended.

*Inclusive for Platinum and Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum and Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.

After a day of touring, sit back and relax under the stars for a truly unique and authentic dinner experience. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the history of the Australian Outback.

Step back in time as you walk around this historic site, immersing yourself with the early settler life. Learn about the importance of the telegraph station to colonial life and Australian communication to the rest of the world.

You can also watch the blacksmith crafting away using traditional tooling and methods, or maybe take the opportunity to climb aboard a camel for a short ride.

Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Seated outdoor dinner.

PLEASE NOTE:  During the winter months the temperatures can drop significantly at night time. Please remember to bring warm clothing.

You will fly just south of Pine Gap where the United States and Australian Joint Defence Space Research Facility is located before heading directly to Uluṟu – Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Take in the spectacular outback scenery and vastness of Australia with a unique bird’s eye view.

On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, you will be met by your tour guide to commence your immersive experience of Uluṟu.

Rising out of the surrounding Central Australian desert, Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuṯa (The Olgas) dominate the landscape. World Heritage-listed Uluṟu is one of Australia’s most iconic symbols and best known natural landmarks. The ancient monolith is impressive; Uluṟu is 348 metres above the plain, more than 860 metres above sea level and has a circumference of 9.4 kilometres – that’s higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Chrysler Building in New York.

Here you will visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, home of Wanampi, an ancestral water snake. For centuries Mutitjulu was an important campsite for Anangu at Uluṟu. On this walk, you will learn about Kuniya Tjukurpa – the great battle between Kuniya (woma python) and Liru (poisonous snake man).

Enjoy a picnic lunch before travelling around the base of Uluṟu by vehicle. Hear cultural stories and environmental information from your local guide. Stop for the picture-perfect postcard photo – the one to make your friends jealous and to take pride of place on your mantelpiece.

On return to Ayers Rock Airport, board your aircraft and take to the skies again where you will fly closely around Uluṟu for a different perspective and see Kata Tjuṯa.

Kata Tjuṯa is a Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal tribe word meaning ‘many heads’. It is made up of 36 domes spread over an area of more than 20 kilometres. The tallest dome is Mount Olga and rises 546 metres above the plain, or 1,066 metres above sea level. The ochre-coloured shapes are an intriguing and mesmerising sight.

As this experience is an optional upgrade, a cost of $1399 will be payable direct to your Hospitality Attendant. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.

Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Guest required to board and disembark aircraft unassisted, some walking and standing throughout the experience.

To avoid disappointment we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour, for more information on how to pre-book please contact our team.

PLEASE NOTE: This tour is subject to flight weather conditions and National Park access. Weight restrictions of 100kg do apply and vary depending on total weight of all passengers in the aircraft.