6 Day Alice Springs Adventure on The Ghan

After your arrival in Alice Springs, check in to your accommodation and enjoy time exploring this famous remote town. While you're here, explore Alice's rich and diverse art scene and intriguing outback history. Why not get a head start on your time in Alice with a hike or climb through the chasms, craters and sacred Aboriginal sites of the MacDonnell Ranges? Such a range of activities in the outback playground to choose from.

OVERNIGHT: 4 nights Mercure Alice Springs Resort

It's an early start to catch the perfect breeze for a sublime view of the outback. You'll be awestruck by the tranquil beauty and emerging, vibrant colours of the desert coming to life as you take to the skies in a hot air balloon. See the rugged MacDonnell Ranges transform in hues of ochre, yellow and crimson as you gently float high above. And keep a keen eye for the native wildlife stirring as the sun rises. The remainder of the day is yours to reflect on this moving experience and enjoy Alice Springs at your leisure. (B)

Spend the morning relaxing or visit more of Alice Springs including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Alice Springs Desert Park or perhaps the Reptile Centre. In the afternoon, you'll be climbing aboard a camel to emulate the outback pioneers who used the 'ships of the desert' to ferry goods and supplies across the interior. Against the backdrop of the beautiful West MacDonnell Ranges, this is a signature outback experience. (B)

What better way to connect with the outback environment than cycling through it? Your escorted bicycle adventure visits the Old Telegraph Station and then continues onto a trail that tracks the famously dry Todd River. Next up it's the Yubu Napa Art Gallery to view Indigenous artworks. Your guide will also lead you along stretches of the signature ochre-coloured earth to some stunning photographic spots only the locals know about. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the resort pool or seeing more of the local sights. (B)

Today you follow in the footsteps of history as you board The Ghan on your way to Darwin. Spend the morning at leisure ahead of your afternoon transfer to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal. Before long you'll be mingling with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge and preparing for a sumptuous three-course dinner accompanied by fine wine. (B,D)

Just after breakfast, The Ghan arrives at the place where the 'outback meets the tropics'. Katherine offers a range of fascinating Off Train Excursions to enjoy with the magnificent Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge one of the highlights of your journey. After an exhilarating cruise and ancient rock art discovery, you will arrive in Darwin. (B,L)