The Ghan: Arnhem Land with Kakadu 2026
Discover a sacred and mystical land in northern Australia on this extraordinary small group journey through Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park. Immerse yourself in the world’s oldest surviving culture, meet unique wildlife, and find tranquility in ancient landscapes shaped by time. Then settle into the gentle rhythm of The Ghan as you travel from Darwin to Adelaide through the stunning outback.
12 Days • 11 Nights • 31 Meals
From $15,495 per person
Highlights & Inclusions
- 1 night accommodation in Darwin including breakfast
- 8 days of intimate small group touring with Outback Spirit on board a state of the art 4WD Mercedes Benz vehicle
- Hotel, lodge and safari camp accommodation, meals with beverages, attractions, Aboriginal land permit fees and guided touring
- Journey through the heart of Arnhem Land on an exclusive touring route
- Experience the Aboriginal owned and operated Maningrida Arts and Cultural Centre
- View exquisite rock art at Mount Borradaile including the iconic Rainbow Serpent
- Participate in authentic cultural activities with Indigenous guides
- Exclusive Barramundi fishing and wilderness cruises in remote Arnhem Land
- Witness rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie, home to an outstanding number of paintings
- Enjoy a scenic flight over the escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers of Kakadu National Park
- Cruise on Yellow Water wetlands, admiring prolific birdlife and crocodiles
- Transfer from Darwin hotel to Darwin Rail Terminal
- 3 nights on The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy
- Visit ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
- Explore Alice Springs and the underground opal town of Coober Pedy
- 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
Departure Dates
- 15 May 2026
- 11 September 2026
- 15 September 2026
Detailed Itinerary
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 1 – Darwin
Your 8 day Arnhem Land and Kakadu Explorer begins this afternoon. Meet your Tour Director at your accommodation before a city tour taking in the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Cullen Bay and Stokes Hill Wharf. Return to your hotel for dinner with your fellow travellers. (D)
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
Day 2 – Darwin to Maningrida and Barramundi Lodge
Fly by small aircraft to Maningrida and enjoy a Welcome to Country on arrival. Continue to Barramundi Lodge, owned and operated by Outback Spirit, with exclusive fishing licences on the Tomkinson and Liverpool Rivers. The lodge features safari suites and a restaurant overlooking the floodplains. (B,L, D)
Overnight: Barramundi Lodge (2 nights)
Day 3 – Maningrida Fishing and Arts
Enjoy an exclusive fishing and wilderness adventure on the Liverpool and Tomkinson Rivers aboard Ocean Master vessels. Even non fishers will appreciate the scenery and commentary. Visit the Maningrida Arts and Cultural Centre and Djomi Museum to discover the cultural and spiritual richness of the area. Later, relax with a sunset drink on the deck before dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Maningrida to Mount Borradaile
Travel through the stone country of west Arnhem Land, crossing the Goomadeer and Liverpool Rivers before turning off to Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge at Mount Borradaile. After lunch, explore 40,000 years of Aboriginal culture with expert guides, visiting some of the most significant rock art galleries in the world, including depictions of extinct animals, sailing ships and the Rainbow Serpent. Dinner at the lodge. (B, L, D)
Overnight: Mount Borradaile (2 nights)
Day 5 – Mount Borradaile
Continue exploring Mount Borradaile by open back Toyota vehicles. Learn about evolving rock art techniques and visit ancient occupation sites with artefacts. In the afternoon cruise the wetlands of Cooper Creek, spotting prolific birdlife and large crocodiles. Enjoy drinks and nibbles as the sun sets over the floodplain before returning to the lodge for your final night. (B, L, D)
Day 6 – Arnhem Land to Kakadu National Park
Travel through Arnhem Land to the Injalak Art Gallery at Oenpelli, showcasing artists, weavers and craftspeople from Gunbalanya and surrounds. Cross Cahill’s Crossing into World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, renowned for wetlands, wildlife and ancient rock art. Visit Ubirr art site and walk the circular track to view multiple galleries. Those feeling fit can climb to the lookout for sweeping views of the Magela floodplain. After lunch, visit the cultural centre then check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner. (B, L, D)
Overnight: Mercure Crocodile Hotel (2 nights)
Day 7 – Kakadu National Park
Cruise the Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) wetlands, home to abundant birdlife and saltwater crocodiles. Continue to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site with galleries dating back up to 20,000 years. Option to climb to the Gunwarddehwarde lookout for majestic views. Return to the Mercure Crocodile Hotel for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Kakadu to Darwin
Enjoy a 30 minute scenic flight over Kakadu’s ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers with live commentary from your pilot. Travel towards Darwin via the South Alligator River and Humpty Doo. Your 8 day Arnhem Land and Kakadu tour concludes on arrival in Darwin. Transfer to the Hilton Garden Inn Darwin and enjoy the evening at leisure before your Ghan Expedition adventure. (B, L)
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
Please note: Dinner is not included this evening.
Day 9 – Board The Ghan Expedition in Darwin
Transfer by coach to the Darwin Rail Terminal and board The Ghan. Settle into your cabin or relax in the Outback Explorer Lounge. After lunch, enjoy your chosen Off Train Experience in Katherine, including a Nitmiluk Gorge cruise, Katherine Outback Experience, Cutta Cutta Caves tour or an optional helicopter flight over Nitmiluk. (B, L, D)
Overnight: The Ghan Expedition (3 nights)
Day 10 – The Ghan Expedition, Alice Springs
Arrive in Alice Springs and choose from a range of Off Train Experiences. Options include an off road e bike adventure, the Alice Explorer tour, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, visiting the Desert Park or an optional scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable dinner under the stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. (B, L, D)
Day 11 – The Ghan Expedition, Coober Pedy
From your morning stop at Manguri, travel into Coober Pedy, the fascinating underground opal mining town. Enjoy included touring such as the Breakaways and town sights, learn about opal mining history and enjoy a gourmet underground lunch. Optional upgrade scenic flight over the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre is available. Return to the train for dinner and a relaxing evening. (B, L, D)
Day 12 – The Ghan Expedition, Adelaide
Watch the landscape transform as the ochre tones of the outback give way to the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch on board as you pass through the Flinders Ranges before arriving into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail journeys. (B)
The Arnhem Land Experience