Heart of Australia Rail & Sail 2026

Overview

The Ghan

Departing Adelaide, travel through the Red Centre, experiencing Australia at its dramatic best on a three-day journey on The Ghan. Watch the landscape change from verdant greens to arid plans, where the colours of the outback saturate the landscape. Stop in Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine to learn about the history, culture, natural beauty and significance of each remote outpost as you travel on this legendary train.

Coral Discoverer

Coral Discoverer is our smaller expedition yacht, designed to take you to destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Her shallow draught and manoeuverability make her highly versatile. She boasts ocean views from all public spaces, all outside-facing staterooms (some with balconies), and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including the Xplorer, zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and kayaks. Her Xplorer bar and adjacent sundeck lounge with 360-degree views are much-loved features. Carrying only 72 passengers, she offers an intimate expedition experience larger ships cannot replicate.

Commencing in Darwin, voyage to the Tiwi Islands, and experience unique cultural performances and learn the history of the islands. A visit to Tiwi Designs, one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centres in Australia, reveals the rich artistic heritage in stunning carvings, paintings, and fabric printing. At Maningrida, visit the Arts Centre, the Djomi Museum, and the Babbarra Women’s Centre. Be welcomed to remote townships on Elcho Island, and visit the Elcho Island Art Centre at Galiwin’ku. Each stop is another opportunity to experience the creative expression of one of the world’s oldest cultures and hear their stories. We continue on to the Torres Strait Islands. Here you will witness the traditional and contemporary blend of Torres Strait art forms. At the very tip of Australia, enjoy champagne as you look south toward the Great Barrier Reef.  As we approach the end of our expedition, see rock art from the contact period at rugged Stanley Island, and have an opportunity to snorkel at vibrant reefs. Join Coral Expeditions on this exciting expedition to the far reaches of Australian’s Northern coastline.

• Experience these artistic traditions firsthand during workshops with internationally recognised Torres Strait artist Brian Robinson who will be travelling onboard
• Be immersed in the world’s oldest surviving culture in Arnhem Land
• Spend a full day exploring the rugged Cobourg Peninsula for historical ruins and fascinating wildlife
• With a local guide, visit the remote and culturally rich Tiwi Islands
• Learn about Indigenous art at Elcho Island and Maningrida Art Centres
• Stand on the very tip of Australia at Cape York for a champagne sunset
• Visit Thursday Island and learn about the cultures of the Torres Strait
• Explore Lizard Island and the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef
• Discover the Arnhem Land coast, once the trading ground of the Makassan people

Inclusions

Rail Inclusions

• 3 days / 2 nights aboard The Ghan, travelling from Adelaide to Darwin
• All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages
• A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
• Immersive Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine
• Cruise the Nitmiluk Gorge or learn more about Katherine’s ancient Indigenous rock paintings

Upgrade to Platinum from $2,555pp

Darwin Stay

• Enjoy 3 nights in Darwin exploring at your own pace 

Cruise Inclusions

• 11 night cruise from Darwin to Cairns onboard Coral Discoverer
• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
• Post-cruise transfers
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging

Itinerary

16-Sep-26
Board The Ghan in Adelaide

Board The Ghan in Adelaide for an incredible showcase journey of inland Australia. As the train leaves the city heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond, the dramatic changes in landscape from pastoral land to arid outback scenes will ignite your imagination. Lunch is served on board – this is the first of many superb, chef-prepared gourmet meals, showcasing regional flair and seasonal flavours. Spend the rest of the day settling into life on train and getting to know your fellow travellers, and as afternoon turns to evening, dinner service begins with another chef-prepared gourmet meal and selection of Australian wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages for you to choose.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

17-Sep-26
The Ghan and Alice Springs

After your first night enjoying the fine dining and relaxed comfort of this iconic train, you’ll wake to an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track. With red dirt at your feet and a bonfire warming the morning air, you’ll have some time to appreciate the remote part of Australia you find yourself in.

Reboard the train for brunch and enjoy the magnificent scenery as you make your way onwards to Alice Springs. Here you’ll have a selection of Off Train Experiences to choose from. There’s an experience to suit everyone, from an off-road mountain bike adventure across ochre-coloured earth, to the Alice Explorer tour taking you to the town’s major attractions, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park, or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight.

You’ll return to the train late afternoon where you’ll have time to rest and refresh before dinner is served.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

18-Sep-26
The Ghan, Katherine and Darwin

Your day dawns in the tropical north and when the landscape transforms into rocky gorges and fast-flowing canyon streams, prepare to experience one of the Top End’s most impressive natural wonders on a boat cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. Making this experience even more memorable is the commentary that explains the significance of Nitmiluk to the Indigenous Jawoyn people and the many stories that celebrate their spiritual connection to the gorge. There is also a helicopter flight upgrade available, for those wishing to see Nitmiluk from an aerial perspective. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, with a fascinating day of discovery showing what it’s like to live and work on a huge cattle station.

After the day’s activities, you’ll reboard the train and continue to Darwin, where your journey exploring Australia by train concludes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy an overnight stay in Darwin.

19-Sep-26
Enjoy an overnight stay in Darwin and explore at your own pace.

20-Sep-26
Enjoy an overnight stay in Darwin and explore at your own pace.

21-Sep-26
Embark onboard the Coral Discoverer for your 11 night expedition voyage to Cairns

Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf at 8:00am, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 9:00am departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as you spend the day getting to know your fellow travellers. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners.

Wurrumiyanga (Tiwi Islands)
Visit remote Bathurst Island, where with local Tiwi guides we learn of the unique culture and visit the art centre. Be welcomed with a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before enjoying a traditional Australian afternoon tea of damper and billy tea.

Cobourg Peninsula
Discover Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. Join Park Rangers in Port Essington, famous for the failed Victoria Settlement, and explore the ruins while learning about the fascinating history of this early colonial outpost.

Maningrida
Anchor in the mighty Liverpool River and travel ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Centre, museum, and the local boutique, where hand-painted textiles can be purchased.

Hole in the Wall and Wessel Islands
We travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’.

Yirrkala Art Centre & Bremer Island
Visit the spectacular Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre at Yirrkala, outside of Nhulunbuy.  Here, the Yirrkala Art Centre represents Yolŋu artists from around the region.

Established in 1976 as an act of self-determination, the art centre has forged a vibrant path for Yolŋu contemporary art. The museum built in 1988 houses a collection of works detailing historical artefacts and important moments, including the Message Sticks from 1935 and the Yirrkala Church Panels from 1963.

This afternoon visit Bremer Island, or Dhambaliya as it is known by the traditional owners of the area. This island is home to an ecosensitive beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolgnu people of the region. Spend the morning beachcombing, bird watching and taking in the scenic surrounds.

Cruising the Gulf of Carpentaria
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by our guest lecturers. You will hear about the fascinating history of the Makassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coast.

Badu Island
Have the unique opportunity to visit Badu Island.  Visit the fabulous art centre and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders.

Thursday Island (Waiben)
Join an informative tour of Thursday Island to learn about its interesting pearling history and multicultural influences. At Thursday Island we also have free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Centre and local shopping.

Tip of Cape York (Pajinka)
Cruise to the Tip of Cape York and enjoy champagne while the sun sets.

Forbes Island (Wuthara)
Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming or snorkelling from the pristine sandy beaches. Take a walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster.

Davie Reef and Flinders Group
Visit Stanley Island (Yindayin) in the Flinders Group, and view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art depicting the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery.

Lizard Island (Dyiigurra)
Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland coast. Venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkelling or take a walk along the sparkling white beach. An energetic guided walk leads to Cook’s Look – from this peak, Captain James Cook was able to sight a navigable passage through the treacherous reef after repairing the HMB Endeavour.

Arrive in Cairns
Your Cape York Arnhem Land adventure concludes in Cairns this morning as we bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew, disembarking at 8:00am.

A complimentary transfer is provided to CBD hotels or the airport. Transfers to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged on board with the Purser (at cost), if not already arranged prior to embarkation.

Dates/Prices

Advertised pricing is based on per person twin share. Cruise pricing is based on Coral Expeditions everyday fare. The Ghan is based on Gold Twin advanced purchase fare, upgrades are available. Correct as of 19 November 2024