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Journey Beyond Rail · Luxury lodge stay plus rail journey

Adelaide Hills Luxury Stay 2026 (The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin)

Luxury lodge stay and The Ghan train from Adelaide to Darwin

Illustration of Adelaide Hills Luxury Stay 2026 (The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin)

Journey Beyond Rail combines a five-day stay in two distinct corners of South Australia and the Red Centre. The itinerary opens with two nights at Sequoia Lodge, an intimate luxury property set in the Adelaide Hills at Mount Lofty, where guests enjoy private suites overlooking Piccadilly Valley, a degustation dinner at the 3-chef hat Hardy's Verandah Restaurant, and curated onsite experiences such as guided walks of the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and visits to local artisan producers. From Adelaide, the journey continues aboard The Ghan, Australia's legendary transcontinental train, which carries you southward into the Red Centre. Over two nights the train travels through inland Australia, stopping in Alice Springs and Katherine, where Journey Beyond Rail offers choice-based Off Train Experiences: in Alice Springs, options range from off-road mountain biking to guided tours of Desert Park and Standley Chasm, while in Katherine a boat cruise explores Nitmiluk Gorge with commentary on its significance to the Jawoyn people. All meals and beverages are included throughout, with chef-prepared lunch and dinner served aboard. The journey concludes in Darwin. This package suits luxury-seeking couples and repeat rail travellers who value gastronomy, comfort, and curated experiences over a fast-paced itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Sequoia Lodge accommodates guests aged 18 and over only; families with children cannot stay at the lodge portion.
  • Helicopter flight upgrades over Alice Springs and Nitmiluk Gorge are optional extras and priced separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: 2 nights Sequoia Lodge – Mount Lofty

    Arrive Adelaide Hills

    Transfer to Sequoia Lodge at Mount Lofty, an intimate luxury lodge in the Adelaide Hills. Private open-plan suite overlooking the Piccadilly Valley. Sunset welcome event with local wine, then a degustation dinner at the 3-chef hat Hardy's Verandah Restaurant.

  2. Day 2

    Adelaide Hills

    Curated onsite experiences at Sequoia including dreamtime stories, artisan producer visits, or a guided Mount Lofty Botanic Garden tour. Sequoia Lodge only accommodates guests aged 18 and over.

  3. Day 3overnight: 2 nights The Ghan

    Board The Ghan in Adelaide

    Transfer to Adelaide Parklands Terminal to board The Ghan for a showcase journey of inland Australia, heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond. Chef-prepared lunch and dinner on board.

  4. Day 4railovernight: 2 nights The Ghan

    The Ghan, Alice Springs

    Sunrise at Marla, a remote outpost near the Northern Territory border. Choice of Off Train Experiences in Alice Springs: off-road mountain bike adventure, Alice Explorer tour, Standley Chasm, Desert Park, or Simpson's Gap, with an optional helicopter flight upgrade.

  5. Day 5

    The Ghan, Katherine and Darwin

    A boat cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge with commentary on its significance to the Jawoyn people (helicopter flight upgrade available), or the Katherine Outback Experience. Reboard and continue to Darwin, where the journey concludes.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Sunset welcome event with local wine at Sequoia Lodge, overlooking Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills.
  • Day 2Guided nature walk of Mount Lofty Botanic Garden along the Heysen Trail, or visit artisan producers in the Adelaide Hills.
  • Day 4Sunrise at Marla, a remote outpost near the Northern Territory border, followed by choice of Off Train Experiences in Alice Springs including off-road mountain bike adventure, Standley Chasm, or Desert Park.
  • Day 5Boat cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge with commentary on its significance to the Jawoyn people, or Katherine Outback Experience.

Included

  • Transfer to Sequoia Lodge, Mt Lofty from Adelaide Airport or Adelaide CBD
  • Transfer from Sequoia Lodge to Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal
  • All meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences aboard The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin)
  • Transfer from Darwin Rail Terminal to hotel
  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Journey Beyond Rail includes all rail fares, meals, beverages, and Off Train Experiences aboard The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin over two nights.
What is included at Sequoia Lodge?
Two nights' accommodation with daily a la carte breakfast, a Welcome Drink, curated minibar, complimentary onsite experiences, and one degustation dinner at Hardy's Verandah Restaurant with matched wines.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
The lodge days are independent; curated onsite experiences are available at Sequoia. The Ghan operates with included Off Train Experiences in Alice Springs and Katherine.
What are the Off Train Experiences?
In Alice Springs, you may choose an off-road mountain bike adventure, Alice Explorer tour, Standley Chasm, Desert Park, or Simpson's Gap. In Katherine, options include a boat cruise on Nitmiluk Gorge or the Katherine Outback Experience. Helicopter flights are optional upgrades.
What is the starting price?
From AUD 5,650 per person (Gold Twin Advance Purchase, November) to AUD 8,900 per person (Platinum, May to August). Prices vary by cabin class, season, and booking timing.
What transfers are included?
Transfer from Adelaide Airport or Adelaide CBD to Sequoia Lodge, transfer from the lodge to Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal, and transfer from Darwin Rail Terminal to your hotel.

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