Alice Springs
A Town Called Alice
INCLUDED IN FARE*
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Multiple coach stops where guests will need to get on and off the coach. Some walking and standing will be required throughout the experience.
*Inclusive for Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $150 per person.
DESERT PARK
INCLUDED IN FARE* (MOBILITY FRIENDLY)
Nestled at the foot of the West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs Desert Park offers an immersive journey through Central Australia’s unique landscapes, flora, fauna, and native animals.
Prepare to be amazed by a thrilling free-flight display featuring desert raptors, showcasing their impressive hunting and survival techniques. This captivating performance highlights the beauty and agility of these magnificent birds and offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to meet the birds and their trainers, gaining insight into their care and remarkable adaptations for desert life.
Step inside the Nocturnal House to observe iconic creatures such as the bilby and mala wallaby. Witness their fascinating nocturnal behaviours and learn about the essential role they play in the ecosystem, further enriching your experience at this remarkable park dedicated to preserving and celebrating Central Australia’s natural heritage.
Guests can also explore the Woodland, Sand Country, and Desert River regions, observing Red Kangaroos, aviaries, and other native wildlife, or relax in the cinema while watching “Changing Heart”, a film chronicling the evolution of the Australian desert.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low to Moderate – Guests are required to walk between 1 and 4 km on this experience, along gravel and sandy pathways, broken into shorter distances. A limited number of personal electric scooters are available for mobility assistance; guests must be able to operate the scooter independently. Scooters must be requested at the time of tour booking.
*Inclusive for Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $150 per person.
PLEASE NOTE: The free-flight bird show is not available in November.
SIMPSONS GAP
INCLUDED IN FARE*
Nestled in Simpsons Gap, this tour offers a unique blend of nature and Indigenous culture. The area, rich in Mulga stands, is home to over 40 rare plant species and a vibrant array of wildlife. Known as Rungutjirpa to the Arrernte people, the Gap is a sacred site and the mythological home of giant goanna ancestors, with Dreaming trails that reflect the deep spiritual connection between the land and its people.
Embark on a bush walk through this stunning landscape with a local Arrernte guide, who will share the cultural significance of the area. Hear stories about the people’s connection to the land, learn about bush tucker, and discover the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The towering rock formations and serene waters of the Gap provide a breathtaking backdrop for this enriching journey, offering insights into both nature and Indigenous heritage.
Famed for its iconic ghost gums (Corymbia aparrerinja), the Ranger Station walk is the perfect place to capture a striking photograph of a solitary ghost gum. It’s an ideal spot for photographers and nature lovers alike to appreciate the contrast of the white bark against the rich colours of the surrounding landscape.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests are required to walk approximately 2 km on this experience over uneven and rocky terrain, with periods of standing required. Unfortunately, this experience is not suitable for guests who require the use of wheelchairs or walkers.
*Inclusive for Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $150 per person.
Standley Chasm Cultural Walk
INCLUDED IN FARE*
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests are required to walk approximately 2 km on this experience over uneven and rocky terrain, with periods of standing required. Unfortunately, this experience is not suitable for guests who require the use of wheelchairs or walkers.
*Inclusive for Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $150 per person.
CYCLE ALICE
INCLUDED IN FARE* (limited availability)
Embark on an exhilarating cycling journey along the Ilentye Trail, a path through the rugged beauty of the Todd River and Alice Springs countryside. Named after the Indigenous word for ‘Galah,’ Ilentye (pronounced ee-LINDGE), the trail honours the vibrant wildlife of the region. As you cycle along ochre-coloured paths, your guide will share insights into the cultural and geological significance of the land.
Stop by the peaceful riverbank, where the stunning landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for photography and reflection. Keep an eye out for black-footed rock wallabies navigating the rocky terrain, adding to the wildlife experience. This tour offers a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Outback, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
Recommended Fitness Level: High – Guests need to be confident and able to ride a geared mountain bike. Approx. 13km of cycling over sandy paths. We are unable to accommodate passengers who require the use of wheelchairs or walkers on this experience. Minimum age of participation is 12 years old.
*Inclusive for Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $150 per person.
Ghan Museum & Transport Hall of Fame
INCLUDED IN FARE*
Begin at the Old Ghan Heritage Railway, located at MacDonnell Siding just 10 kilometres south of Alice Springs, and step back into Australia’s rich railway history. Explore a beautifully restored 1930s railway station and stroll through display carriages that evoke the golden age of rail travel. A visit to the Old Ghan Museum adds depth, highlighting the railway’s vital role in connecting remote regions.
Continue your journey into transport history at the National Road Transport Museum, where you can explore a unique collection that celebrates both Australia’s and the world’s transport heritage. The museum is a fascinating trip down memory lane, offering the chance to relive and reflect on transport experiences.
A highlight of the museum is the development of Kenworth trucks. Beginning in the 1960s with imported models, Kenworth transitioned to Australian design and manufacturing by 1971, with the first chassis, 400008. The milestone of the 30,000th Australian-built truck in 2005 showcases Kenworth’s dedication to quality and its lasting impact on Australia’s transport legacy.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Guests are required to walk approximately 2 km on this experience along gravel and cement pathways, with periods of standing required.
PLEASE NOTE: This tour only operates on The Ghan departing Adelaide on a Sunday.
*Inclusive for Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $150 per person.
SPIRIT OF MT. GILLEN HELICOPTER FLIGHT
OPTIONAL UPGRADE EXPERIENCE - From $299* per person (limited availability)
Discovering the outback from the air is simply spellbinding. Flying by helicopter is exhilarating at any time, but when you are soaring above the rugged ranges and open plains of the Red Centre, it is an experience you will never forget.
Taking to the skies on a 15 minute helicopter flight, your first aerial encounter with the landscape is a fly over spectacular Simpsons Gap and its permanent waterhole. You will track the cliff faces of the Mount Gillen Ridgeline and the Larapinta Trail and throughout your aerial safari, you will be treated to the pilot’s expert commentary, providing detail on the wonders unfolding before you.
After your adventure, you are invited to wind down with a relaxing swim in the hotel pool while enjoying refreshments and high tea.
To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour. For more information on how to pre-book, please contact our travel centre on 1800 703 357 or contact your travel agent. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.
Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests required to board and disembark aircraft unassisted. Weight restrictions apply – a maximum weight of any individual cannot exceed 130 kg. Guests are also reminded to bring bathers for use of the pool. Towels provided by Crowne Plaza Lasseters. We are unable to accommodate passengers who require the use of wheelchairs on this experience.
PLEASE NOTE: This tour is subject to availability and conditions; all upgrade optional experiences are non-refundable.
*From price is based on the 2026 optional upgrade rate.