Grand Tour of Australia Including the Ghan

Your journey of a lifetime begins today when you take your flight from London to Sydney.

Landing in Australia's most populous city, you are transferred to your five-star hotel.

This beautiful and vibrant city presents gems like Bondi Beach, modern and indigenous art galleries, iconic landmarks and a diverse food scene. Sydney is cosmopolitan and sophisticated, while also being a haven for anyone who wants to chill out on the beach and ride the waves. 

Enjoy a free day in Sydney today, with the spectacular Opera House and Harbour Bridge must-sees. The best way to experience the bridge is to walk across it, and you get a different perspective on the city too. Go shopping at some of the many busy shopping streets and relax with a barista-made coffee. Take a walk by the water, watch the surfers catching the waves or even try a surfing lesson yourself.

Alternatively, experience Sydney with one of our optional excursions, available at a supplement.

This morning, you'll leave your hotel and you'll be transferred to Sydney Central Station for your first train journey of the trip. Aboard the XPT train, you travel 600 miles on this long-distance rail journey from Sydney to Melbourne. Sit back and relax in your seat as you pass farmsteads, woods and open plains on this journey across southeastern Australia. On arrival in Melbourne, you'll be transferred to your hotel for the night. Choose from our 4-Star and 5-Star hotels on a B&B basis.

Enjoy a free day in Melbourne today and explore this sophisticated city.

Visit a gallery or two, check out the street art down the lanes off the main streets, and discover a little of Melbourne's musical history on AC/DC lane. For some calm in the city, head to the Botanic Gardens or visit the suburb of St Kilda to lounge on the beach and explore the famous Luna Park. Try some local dishes at the city's restaurants or taste the street food on offer at Queen Victoria Market.

Alternatively, choose one of our supplementary optional excursions.

This morning, you'll be transferred from your hotel to Southern Cross Station, where you'll board the Overland train for Adelaide. Once onboard, you can settle into your seat and get comfortable for your journey. Standard Red Service travel provides great views of the stunning and diverse landscapes rolling by your window. Visit the licenced Café 828 carriage when you fancy a bite to eat or a drink. You can choose to upgrade to Red Premium for more legroom and breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea served at your seat.

Your epic south-to-north journey on the world-famous Ghan begins this afternoon, as you step aboard and settle into the elegance of life on this historic train. With all dining and drinks included, you can sit back and enjoy a front-row seat to Australia's cinematic landscapes.

By early evening, you'll arrive at Long Plains, where you'll step off the train and transfer to a celebrated South Australian wine region. Here, a special dinner experience awaits, showcasing the region's exceptional produce and fine wines. As the sun sets over the vineyards, raise a glass to the days of discovery ahead.

After dinner, return to the train and retire for the night as the Ghan continues its journey north.

Wake to changing landscapes as the Ghan arrives into Port Augusta, South Australia's gateway to the outback. After breakfast, step off the train and prepare for a full day discovering one of the nation's most remarkable regions: the Flinders Ranges.

Your off-train experience takes you deep into this ancient landscape, where rugged ranges, dramatic gorges and red rock outcrops tell stories millions of years in the making. From sweeping lookouts to meetings with native wildlife, the Flinders Ranges offers a striking introduction to the outback.

After a day of exploration, rejoin the train for a relaxed evening onboard recalling the day's unforgettable moments over dinner and drinks.

After a night of fine dining and relaxed comfort aboard the Ghan, wake to a spectacular outback sunrise at Marla, a remote outpost 100 miles from the Northern Territory border and gateway to the legendary Oodnadatta Track. With red dirt beneath your feet and a bonfire casting warmth into the cool morning air, pause to take in the stillness of this extraordinary place.

Back on board, enjoy a leisurely brunch as the desert landscape unfolds on the journey north to Alice Springs. On arrival in Alice Springs you'll make your own way to your hotel for two nights.

Alice Springs is a vibrant outback town in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, known for its striking desert landscapes, rich Aboriginal heritage and adventurous spirit.

Nestled between the rugged MacDonnell Ranges, it serves as a gateway to iconic natural wonders such as Uluru and Kings Canyon. The town blends a relaxed atmosphere with a strong sense of culture and history, evident in its thriving arts scene, local galleries and cultural centres like the Araluen Arts Centre.

Whether exploring the dramatic scenery, learning about the traditions of the Arrernte people or simply soaking in the remote beauty of the outback, Alice Springs offers a uniquely Australian experience.

After breakfast in your hotel this morning, you'll be transferred from Alice Springs to Uluru. This incredible sandstone monolith, formerly known as Ayers Rock, makes the landscape of the Red Centre of Australia even more spectacular. As you make your way to the town of Yulara, you'll see the spectacular colours and altering views of this remote and beautiful area.

When you arrive, you'll experience the many moods of Uluru at sunset with an uninterrupted view, when you take a sunset Uluru tour. Marvel at the immensity of this iconic monolith as you immerse yourself in the environmental changes of this famous icon. Relax with a glass of sparkling wine and light refreshments as the sun sets in the west.

Checking in to your hotel, you can choose from our handpicked 4-Star and 5-Star hotels on a B&B basis.

Enjoy time at leisure in Yulara today and take a walk at your own pace or unwind by the pool at your hotel.

There are plaques to give you information on the cultural significance of the area's various caves and rocks. For something different, head to the art gallery in town, where the works of local artists are shown for free. To immerse you further in the heritage of the Red Centre, take a digeridoo workshop or a bush food experience.

Alternatively, choose one of our optional excursions, available at a supplement.

Your adventure of a lifetime comes to its end today when you're transferred from your hotel at Yulara to Ayers Rock Airport. Your overnight flight back to London takes you via Sydney and Dubai. You'll arrive back in the UK with the most incredible memories that will last forever.