Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Grand Tour of Australia Including The Ghan

Grand Tour of Australia Including The Ghan, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

Let the charms of Australia intriguing and delight you on this truly epic journey from Sydney to Ayers Rock.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Sydney

    Arriving in Sydney, Australia

    Arrive in Sydney and transfer to your preferred hotel (choice of four-star or five-star), B&B basis.

  2. Day 2overnight: Sydney

    Exploring Sydney's culture and sights

    Free day in Sydney with an included afternoon small-group panoramic city tour taking in The Rocks, Macquarie Street, Mrs Macquarie's Point, the Eastern Suburbs and Bondi Beach. Optional excursions available at a supplement.

  3. Day 3overnight: Sydney

    Exploring Sydney's culture and sights

    Second full day in Sydney; continuation of free time and optional excursions.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Melbourne

    The XPT Sydney to Melbourne

    Transfer to Sydney Central Station for a 600-mile rail journey to Melbourne; evening transfer to hotel (choice of four-star or five-star), B&B basis.

  5. Day 5overnight: Melbourne

    Along the famous Great Ocean Road

    Full-day small-group tour along the Great Ocean Road, stopping at Apollo Bay for lunch, walking in the Otway Ranges, and visiting the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge before returning to Melbourne.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Adelaide

    The Overland to Adelaide

    Transfer to Southern Cross Station to board the Overland train (Standard Red Service, upgradeable to Red Premium) for an all-day journey to Adelaide; transfer to hotel (choice of four-star or five-star), B&B basis.

  7. Day 7overnight: Adelaide

    The beautiful Barossa Valley

    Included full-day excursion into the Barossa Valley wine region with tastings at four boutique wineries and a restaurant lunch.

  8. Day 8railovernight: train (The Ghan)

    The Ghan

    Board The Ghan train from Adelaide to Alice Springs; drinks in the Outback Explorer Lounge, two-course lunch and three-course dinner in the dining car. Cabin choice of Gold Twin, Gold Single, Gold Premium or Platinum.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Alice Springs

    Marla and the Northern Territory

    Early morning stop in Marla to view the outback sunrise; brunch onboard as the train crosses into the Northern Territory through the MacDonnell Ranges, arriving Alice Springs in the afternoon for a two-night stay.

  10. Day 10overnight: Alice Springs

    Free day in Alice Springs

    Free day to explore Alice Springs, the Red Centre outback town in the MacDonnell Ranges.

  11. Day 11overnight: Yulara

    Ayers Rock

    Transfer from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (Uluru) via Yulara; sunset Uluru tour with sparkling wine and light refreshments; transfer to hotel for a two-night stay (choice of four-star or five-star), B&B basis.

  12. Day 12overnight: Yulara

    A free day in Yulara and a starlit dinner experience

    Free day in Yulara to explore Ayers Rock at your own pace; evening Sounds of Silence Dinner experience with canapes, sparkling wine, a bush-tucker-inspired menu and stargazing talk.

  13. Day 13

    Tour conclusion

    Included transfer from Yulara to Ayers Rock Airport for the overnight flight home.

Included

  • 11 nights 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 1 night on board The Ghan in a Gold Twin Cabin

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights

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