Traveling by train is a very special way to experience a country. You do not have to sit behind the wheel and can instead lean back and enjoy watching the endless landscape pass by.
On this trip you make no less than two legendary train journeys; The Indian Pacific which takes you from Sydney to Adelaide and then The Ghan which runs from Adelaide through the red heart of Australia up to Darwin.
The first stop is vibrant and beautiful Sydney, perhaps a must for anyone visiting Australia listed on itypeusa. Being a tourist in Sydney is easy with many of the city’s attractions within walking distance of your centrally located hotel. It is close to the Opera House, Harbor Bridge and Sydney’s beautiful botanical gardens.
After just four days, the train adventure starts in Australia. You board The Indian Pacific and move in style and class to Adelaide, South Australia. The journey takes 24 hours with stops and an excursion in Broken Hill. Once in Adelaide, you have two nights in a hotel in the middle of the city and a two-day trip to Kangaroo Island included. You get the opportunity to experience some of the country’s most iconic animals in complete freedom and you also get to enjoy the spectacular nature up close.
From Adelaide, head further north as you board The Ghan, Australia’s legendary train journey across the vast continent from Adelaide to Darwin. During the trip you have your own compartment where you sleep two nights and on the way pass the varied landscape that this part of the country is known for. From the lush landscape in the south to the red, dry desert in the central parts. You then arrive in Darwin where, as the crowning glory of the work, you visit Kakadu National Park and its magical nature up here in the north.
Day 1: Departure from Scandinavia
Today you start the journey to Australia. Depending on which airline you choose to travel with, it takes about 24-30 hours. When you also fly counterclockwise, you land in Australia 2 days later. If you want, and we actually recommend it, you can make a stop on the way for a leg stretcher or a longer stop to take a trip in the journey.
Day 2: Arrival in Sydney
Today you arrive in Sydney, after picking up your luggage you head to your hotel which is centrally located in Sydney. Now you can either rest a bit or set out to explore the city a bit on your own.
Day 3-5: Sydney on your own
You have the next three days completely untouched and can explore Sydney just the way you want and you will not be bored for a second! If you want us to book some excursions for you, just let us know and we will arrange it. Sydney is full of sights and experiences. Everything from the almost obligatory opera house to Harbor Bridge. Take the bus to Bondi Beach and try surfing or walking the Coastal Walk between Bondi and Coogee or just strolling around the harbor with a good cup of coffee in hand. The possibilities are almost endless!
Day 6: Departure with Indian Pacific
So it’s time to say goodbye to wonderful Sydney to set off on the first train leg of this journey. You board the Indian Pacific to travel between Sydney and Adelaide. The entire train line actually stretches all the way to Perth in the west. The train itself is 700 meters long and two locomotives are needed to be able to pull the 30 carriages – an impressive sight! The train leaves the platform in the afternoon so there is time for a cup of coffee and a discovery trip on the train before your three-course dinner is served. Afterwards, you can rest a bit in the lounge or just retreat to your compartment and enjoy the ride. ( M )
Day 7: Arrival in Adelaide
Up with the blinds and start the day by peeking out and enjoying the beautiful, Australian nature. Queen Adelaide Restaurant serves a delicious breakfast and you can prepare for a short excursion as you stop at the small town of Broken Hill in the far west of New South Wales. Broken Hill is a small mining town and in the area are some of the world’s largest deposits of zinc, lead and silver. During the stop there are two different excursions to choose from. Then the journey continues to Adelaide with arrival there at about 15.00. You head to your hotel and then have the rest of the day and evening on your own. Take the opportunity to go to Rundle Mall where there are nice shops and restaurants so you can experience a bit of Adelaide before it’s time for new adventures tomorrow. ( F , L )
Day 8: Excursion to Kangaroo Island
Early morning when you are going on a two-day excursion south to Kangaroo Island. You are part of a small group and have an English-speaking guide with you. Now you get the opportunity to experience incredibly beautiful nature and not least the impressive wildlife that Australia is known for. Kangaroo Island is a little paradise for nature and animal lovers. During the excursion you visit Seal Bay with its sunbathing seals on the beautiful beach, Remarkable Rocks and Flinders Chase National Park. You spend the night at Sorrento’s on Kangaroo Island. ( L )
Day 9: From Kangaroo Island to Adelaide
After a long and beautiful day on beautiful Kangaroo Island yesterday, you set course back to Adelaide. You arrive back at lunchtime and have the rest of the day on your own. ( F )
Day 10: Departure with The Ghan
Today you board a legendary train again to make a legendary train journey. You travel with The Ghan which takes you from Adelaide to Alice Springs. The full journey with The Ghan goes all the way from Adelaide to Darwin but many choose to step halfway to explore the unique environment and Australia’s famous outback outside Alice Springs. The train leaves at lunchtime and once you have arrived in your cabin you can head to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant where lunch is served. Relax in your train compartment and enjoy the view with the Flinders Range disappearing on the horizon. And when it’s time for Afternoon Tea, you can hang out with your fellow travelers in the lounge. A three-course dinner is served in the restaurant and you can then continue to the lounge with newfound friends or if you prefer a quiet evening return to your compartment. (L , M )
Day 11: The Ghan and a short stop in Alice Springs
On your journey with the legendary The Ghan, make a short stop in Australia’s most remote city – Alice Springs. You have a couple of hours to stroll around and see the main sights before it’s time to board the train again and continue the journey towards Darwin. ( F , L , M )
Day 12: Arrival in Darwin
Early in the morning you arrive with The Ghan in Darwin. You head to your centrally located hotel and have the rest of the evening on your own. ( F , L )
Day 13: Darwin on his own
Today you have the opportunity to explore Darwin completely at your own pace. And even though the city cannot measure up to the size of big cities like Sydney, there is plenty to see and do here. The city is full of cozy cafes, modern museums and galleries that have fantastic exhibitions with local Aboriginal artists. You can also visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, learn all about the flying doctors at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility or stroll along Darwin’s promenade. ( F )
Day 14: Excursion to Kakadu National Park
Today you make an excursion to one of northern Australia’s great attractions; Kakadu National Park. The park is about 6 times as big as Gotland and here you can see millennial rock paintings made by the country’s indigenous Aborigines, beautiful nature and a rich wildlife. In the afternoon you do a Yellow Water Billlabong Cruise where you look for saltwater crocodiles. If you want, you can book a 50-minute flight to see the entire park in its grandeur. You spend the night in a hotel in the small town of Jabiru in the middle of Kakadu ( F , L , M )
Day 15: Back to Darwin
After a good night’s sleep, you still have time to continue exploring Kakadu National Park. After today’s program, you will travel with the rest of the group back to Darwin, where you will arrive in the late afternoon. You take yourself back to your hotel. ( L )
Day 16: Return home from Darwin
It’s time to say ‘see you again’ to fantastic Australia and head for Scandinavia again. ( F )
Day 17: Arrival in Scandinavia
You land again in Scandinavia after a wonderful trip in Australia.
Overnight stays
Four nights at tourist class hotels in Sydney
One night at Indian Pacific in Gold Service Twin Cabin
Three nights at tourist class hotels in Adelaide
Two nights at The Ghan Gold service Twin Cabin
Three nights at tourist class hotels in Darwin
One night at tourist class hotels in Kakadu National Park
