Red Centre Spectacular 2026
Overview
You’re invited!
Australia’s Great Rail Journeys 2026 Season Release
Uncover exciting 2026 departures & unbeatable last-minute deals for 2024/2025!
Thursday 5th December 2024
From 10:30am | Adelaide Parklands Terminal
Adelaide Parkland Terminal, Richmond Rd, Keswick SA 5035
Red Centre Spectacular 2026
Settle into The Ghan’s gentle rhythm as you travel through the country and immerse yourself in the Northern Territory’s breathtaking natural wonders on this spectacular 11-day journey. From exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges to taking your place beside spiritual Uluru and Kata Tjuta, you’ll understand why people travel great distances to see the Territory’s remarkable landscapes and icons.
Darwin to Adelaide
Departs Wednesday & Saturdays between March - October 2026
Gold Single From $11,640pp
Gold Twin From $9,420pp twin share
Gold Premium Twin From $10,195pp twin share
Platinum From $12,265pp twin share
Inclusions
- Transfer to Darwin Rail Terminal
- Welcome experience with light refreshments, barista coffee and sparkling wine
- 1 night aboard The Ghan Expedition Darwin to Alice Springs, including all meals and beverages, and Off Train Experience in Katherine
- Visit ancient Nitmiluk Gorge
- 7 nights of intimate small-group touring with Outback Spirit, travelling on board a state-of-the-art 4WD Mercedes-Benz vehicle, including accommodation, meals and guided touring
- Travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges, visiting Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge
- Visit Kings Canyon for a guided scenic walk
- See the spectacular Light Towers installation
- Visit World Heritage-listed Uluru and enjoy a guided base tour
- Early risers can experience the magic and beauty of the sun rising over Uluru
- Dine under the stars at the ‘Sounds of Silence’ dining experience
- Explore the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Walpa Gorge
- Admire the internationally acclaimed ‘Field of Light’ display at Uluru and watch as it illuminates the desert night
- Witness the breathtaking cultural experience of Wintjiri Wiru
- 2 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition Alice Springs to Adelaide, including all meals and beverages and Off Train Experience in Coober Pedy
- 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
Itinerary
DAY 1 – BOARD THE GHAN EXPEDITION IN DARWIN
After boarding the train, settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy lunch ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge and a cruise is on offer to showcase the beauty of this spot. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, while the Cutta Cutta Cave system is home to a variety of native wildlife and is rich in Indigenous culture and modern European history. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight over Nitmiluk. (B,L,D) Back on the train, you’ll enjoy the cuisine and creature comforts of The Ghan, including a delectable on-board dinner, as you continue on towards Alice Springs.
OVERNIGHT: 1 night The Ghan Expedition
DAY 2 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ARRIVE ALICE SPRINGS
Your eight-day Red Centre Explorer tour commences on arrival at the Alice Springs Rail Terminal. Here, you will be met by the passionate Outback Spirit crew, who will be guiding you as you take in all the Red Centre has to offer over the next eight days. It all starts with a town tour of Alice Springs, including a light lunch at a local eatery. Then, you’ll check-in at DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs, where we'll stay for the first two nights. In the evening, the group will meet for welcome drinks and a short briefing on what you can expect during your tour. Tonight's dinner is at the hotel.
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
DAY 3 – ALICE SPRINGS
Today, explore Alice Springs and its surrounds, taking in natural rock formations that are truly spectacular. After breakfast, venture to the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a walk to Simpsons Gap. Known as 'Rungutjirpa' by the Arrernte people, Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site and home to dozens of rare plants and a host of native wildlife.
RED CENTRE SPECTACULAR
We'll then visit Standley Chasm – Angkerle Atwatye – a cultural icon of Central Australia, which is 100% owned and operated by the Arrernte community. We'll break for morning tea before departing the West MacDonnell Ranges to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here, enjoy a guided tour that will challenge your perception of the desert, leaving you with an understanding that the desert is full of life. This evening, enjoy a classic-style outdoor BBQ and show under the incredible night sky.
DAY 4 – ALICE SPRINGS TO KINGS CANYON
Today, we say goodbye to Alice Springs as we go deeper into the outback. First up is a visit to Ellery Creek for a short walk and morning tea, then we travel to Ormiston Gorge to see its towering red cliffs. We'll stop for lunch at Glen Helen, a haven of outback hospitality, before journeying to the mighty Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. As we drive through the outback, we'll take the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Kings Canyon Resort, where we'll spend the next two nights. Tonight, dinner is at Carmichael’s, a relaxed restaurant situated in Kings Canyon Resort, surrounded by native trees and bushlands. If you’re lucky, you may spot an inquisitive dingo wandering through the grounds. (B,L,D)
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Kings Canyon Resort
DAY 5 – KINGS CANYON – WATARRKA NATIONAL PARK
This morning, we depart early to experience the beauty of Kings Canyon. Two walks are available, including the spectacular 6km rim walk, which features breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park before descending into the 'Garden of Eden'. For those who wish to save energy, a more relaxed walk is available along the creek on the canyon floor (2.6km). There is also the opportunity to take a 15-minute helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park (at own expense). After the morning's activities, return to Kings Canyon Resort for lunch and to rest and refresh. The afternoon is spent learning about Aboriginal culture with Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours. In the Aranda language, Karrke is the name for the western Bowerbird, which is native to Central Australia. Our guide will teach us about bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and physical healing. For those wishing to take the optional helicopter flight over Kings Canyon, you will take to the air in the afternoon to enjoy the aerial perspective. As afternoon turns to evening, enjoy sunset drinks and canapes at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, who also created the Field of Light. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill.
DAY 6 – KINGS CANYON TO ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK
We depart Kings Canyon for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, passing through Kings Creek Station to enjoy an informative talk on paper-making and lunch at Curtin Springs, a million-acre cattle station. In the early afternoon, we arrive at the award-winning Sails in the Desert Hotel, part of the Ayers Rock Resort. This evening, we attend the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner. This is a breathtaking cultural storytelling experience, told through choreographed drones, lasers and projections illuminating the night sky. After a short journey from the resort, we venture to an open-air theatre set atop a dune. Enjoy cocktails infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views of Uluru. As darkness descends, dine on a gourmet dinner hamper, where native ingredients are combined with modern techniques to create a balanced and flavourful meal as the night sky lights up before our eyes. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told and feel a powerful connection to country listening to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language.
OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Sails in the Desert Hotel
DAY 7 – ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, we depart to discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature.
RED CENTRE SPECTACULAR
Take in the cultural centre and take a guided tour around the base of Uluru, which stands 348 metres above the desert plains. Learn about traditional Anangu culture and why Uluru, one of the largest monoliths in the world, is such a sacred site. In the afternoon, we will let our creativity shine during a Maruku Arts dot painting workshop. A local Anangu artist will teach us about traditional art, symbols, tools, and more. Through the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to create something to take home with you. Departing the resort before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune-top location, again with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro's global phenomenon Field of Light gently illuminates. Aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), Field of Light features 50,000 slender stems, crowned with radiant, frosted-glass spheres, spread across an area the size of seven football fields. After your host provides insight into this remarkable installation, you can explore the stunning display via dedicated pathways. This evening, return to the hotel for dinner. (Please note dinner will be at approximately 9.00pm).
DAY 8 – ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK
Early risers can experience the sun rising over Uluru this morning and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. Breakfast is at the hotel, before we depart for the Mala Walk. Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls. We return to the hotel for lunch with an afternoon ahead of us. You can spend this time at your leisure or participate in additional touring of the area, including a visit to the Gallery of Central Australia and Bush Tucker Experience. This evening, enjoy the unique Sounds of Silence dining experience under the stars. Offering the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours, the evening begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of the didgeridoo and enjoy a premium bush tucker inspired buffet incorporating native bush ingredients. Afterwards, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. After this incredible experience, we return to Sails in the Desert for our final night.
DAY 9 – ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK TO ALICE SPRINGS, THE GHAN EXPEDITION
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before making the journey by road from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal, where your Red Centre Explorer tour comes to an end. Re-join The Ghan Expedition and enjoy a unique dining experience this evening. Tuck into a mouthy-watering meal as you sip on a cold beer or a glass of fine wine under a chandelier of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights The Ghan Expedition
DAY 10 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, COOBER PEDY
From your morning stop at Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Off Train Experiences on offer include exploring the majestic Breakaways, touring the town, learning more about mining history on the Opal Experience, or an optional upgrade with the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre scenic flight. Dinner is served back on the train, where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues.
DAY 11 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ADELAIDE
This morning, you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges before your arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail journeys.
Cabins
Gold Single Cabin
Australia’s iconic rail journeys offer purpose-built carriages to do it in superb style. Our Gold Single is a comfortable sleeper cabin option that offers all the luxurious inclusions of the Gold Twin such as fully inclusive dining with three gourmet meals per day, all-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, and your choice of Off Train Experiences as you travel.
- All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
- Off Train Experiences
- Access to the Outback Explorer Lounge for beverages and socialising
- All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
- A compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day, private vanity, with shared shower & toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage
- Power outlets and in-cabin safe
- In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
- Complimentary Australian bathroom amenities
- 60 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (2 x 30 kg each, to be checked in to the luggage car) plus one small carry-on bag / piece of hand luggage (stored in your cabin)
Gold Twin Cabin
The most popular choice of accommodation on The Ghan and Indian Pacific, Gold Twin cabins have everything you need to make you feel right at home for the amazing experience that lies ahead. This is your private oasis, a superbly comfortable overnight room to recline and let the rhythm of the tracks sway you to sleep ahead of your next adventure. During the day, relax on the three-seater lounge that converts to your upper and lower sleeping berth at night. Enjoy the high quality linen, pillows, doonas and complimentary Australian-made toiletries. Gold Twin cabins have a compact en suite with toilet, washbasin and shower giving you all the comfort, privacy and amenities you require.
- All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, Off Train Excursions and Outback Experiences
- Access to the Outback Explorer Lounge for beverages and socialising
- All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
- A comfortable sleeper cabin featuring upper and lower sleeping berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day
- Private compact en suite featuring a shower and toilet
- In-cabin safe
- In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
- Complimentary Australian bathroom amenities
- Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available between Darwin Terminal and the city centre
- 60 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (2 x 30 kg each).
Gold Premium
Gold Premium is a new style of travel, with contemporary cabins that take inspiration from the colours and contours of the Australian outback. Think walnut timber and polished brass details, along with Indigenous prints on the upholstery. The cabins are designed to cocoon guests in comfort and come with exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Dining carriages. Whether you want to share the highlights of your day with fellow guests over an aperitif in the Lounge or relax in your cabin as you admire the colours and contours of the passing landscape, you’ll enjoy special moments throughout the journey and a range of enhanced benefits, such as all-inclusive dining, premium beverages and fascinating Off Train Experiences.
- Newly designed, contemporary cabins
- Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen and silk eye masks
- Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage
- Two-course, regionally inspired lunches and four-course dinners
- All-inclusive premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
- All-inclusive Off Train Experiences and preferences on tour selections
- 75kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 25 kg each)
- Priority luggage check-in
- Power outlets in cabin
- In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
- Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin and Brisbane to selected hotels in the city centre
Platinum
Stylishly appointed, spacious suites complemented by discreet, personalised service and world-class food and wine make this a very special travel experience. Platinum guests enjoy extras like a full-size en suite, expansive window views from both sides of the train, and exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage. You’ll also notice the Champagne Bollinger, Australian Appelles Apothecary toiletries, a nightcap at turndown, luxuriously soft linen, and more! It’s this attention to detail that you’ll recall long after your journey’s end.
By day, your cabin is configured as a private lounge with deluxe seating, a table and two ottomans. By night, you’ll enjoy a deep, comfortable sleep as the lounges convert into a comfortable bedroom with either a double or twin beds. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the amazing views passing by your panoramic windows but, for a more social experience, head to the Platinum Club. Thoughtfully appointed to embody the spirit of the train’s Australian heritage, the décor features quartzite tabletops, timber flooring, brass fittings and leather banquette lounge seating in tones of ash, moss and sepia. The carriage offers a daytime lounge setting with adaptable dining options.
- Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Premium Twin or Gold Twin cabin
- All-inclusive dining, beverages, and Off Train Experiences
- By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans
- By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
- En suite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, and toilet
- Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen and silk eye masks
- Power outlets and in-cabin safe
- In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
- Panoramic windows offering views from both sides of the train
- Access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining and socialising
- Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin
- Refreshments served in-cabin
- Transfers at the start and end of your journey available for guests within 60 km of the terminal (Platinum transfers in Darwin are provided in multi-passenger vehicles)
- 90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each)
- Priority luggage check-in
