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Journey Beyond Rail · Rail journey with lodge stay

Monarto Luxury Stay 2027

Six-day rail and safari lodge journey from Darwin to Adelaide on The Ghan

Illustration of Monarto Luxury Stay 2027

Journey Beyond Rail combines The Ghan Expedition, Australia's signature train journey, with a luxury lodge extension at Monarto Safari Park. The six-day package departs Darwin aboard The Ghan Expedition, a four-day rail adventure that carries you south through the Red Centre with scheduled stops in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy. At each stop, you choose off-train experiences: cruise ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine, explore Alice Springs by e-bike or guided tour, or lunch underground in the opal-mining town of Coober Pedy. Upon arrival in Adelaide, you transfer by private vehicle to Monarto Safari Lodge in the Murraylands, where you spend two nights in a luxurious Safari Tent. Days five and six focus on Monarto Safari Park, the world's largest open-range safari outside Africa, where you observe Southern White Rhinos, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Elands, Ostriches and Zebras aboard a guided bus and an exclusive after-hours Safari Landcruiser. All meals, beverages, accommodation, park admission and transfers are included.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement is substantial: 7,590 AUD against a base double of 6,490 AUD, making solo travel significantly more costly.
  • Departures are limited to four months in 2027: March, April, May, June-August, October, and November. Confirm availability before planning.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: The Ghan Expedition (3 nights)

    Board The Ghan Expedition in Darwin

    A welcome drink, light refreshments and a photo with The Ghan's red locomotive, then an Off Train Experience in Katherine choosing between a Nitmiluk Gorge cruise, the Katherine Outback Experience, or the Cutta Cutta Caves.

  2. Day 2rail

    The Ghan Expedition, Alice Springs

    Off Train Experiences including an e-bike adventure, the A Town Called Alice tour, Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap, or the Desert Park, followed by dinner under the stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

  3. Day 3

    The Ghan Expedition, Coober Pedy

    A morning stop at Manguri before exploring the opal mining town of Coober Pedy, including a gourmet lunch enjoyed underground.

  4. Day 4overnight: Monarto Safari Lodge (2 nights)

    The Ghan Expedition, Adelaide and Monarto Safari Lodge

    Pass through the Flinders Ranges as the outback gives way to green fields, arriving in Adelaide and transferring by private vehicle to Monarto Safari Lodge, about an hour from the city. Settle into a luxurious Safari Tent, with dinner at the Lodge featuring a chef-curated three-course menu.

  5. Day 5

    Monarto Safari Park

    Explore Monarto Safari Park, the largest open-range safari experience in the world outside of Africa, via the guided Zu-Loop bus, with optional Daily Keeper Presentations and behind-the-scenes animal experiences. In the evening, the Sunset Wildlife Safari offers exclusive after-hours access to the Wild Africa area aboard a custom-built Safari Landcruiser.

  6. Day 6

    Farewell

    Check out after breakfast and transfer by private vehicle to Adelaide Airport or a CBD hotel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Welcome aboard The Ghan Expedition in Darwin with a photo at the locomotive, then choose an off-train experience in Katherine: cruise Nitmiluk Gorge, explore the Katherine Outback, or visit Cutta Cutta Caves.
  • Day 2Off-train in Alice Springs: e-bike adventure, A Town Called Alice tour, or visits to Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap, or Desert Park, followed by dinner under the stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
  • Day 3Stop in Coober Pedy, the underground opal mining town, for a gourmet lunch served underground.
  • Day 5Explore Monarto Safari Park via guided Zu-Loop bus to observe Southern White Rhinos, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Elands, Ostriches and Zebras; return in the evening for an exclusive after-hours Sunset Wildlife Safari aboard a custom-built Safari Landcruiser.

Included

  • 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy
  • Private vehicle transfer from Adelaide Parklands Terminal to Monarto Safari Lodge
  • 2 nights accommodation at Monarto Safari Lodge, including breakfast, alfresco lunch and dinner daily, curated minibar, and all day beverage package
  • Monarto Safari Park general admission ticket
  • Private vehicle transfer from Monarto Safari Lodge to Adelaide Airport or CBD Hotel
  • 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Three nights aboard The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide are included, with all meals, beverages, and off-train experiences.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is guided with pre-arranged activities. Off-train experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy are choices offered at each stop. At Monarto Safari Lodge, you explore the park via guided bus or evening Safari Landcruiser rides.
What is included in the price?
Three nights aboard The Ghan Expedition with all meals and beverages, two nights at Monarto Safari Lodge with breakfast, lunch, dinner, curated minibar and all-day beverages, Monarto Safari Park admission, all off-train experiences, and private vehicle transfers from Adelaide to the lodge and to the airport.
What hotels are included?
Two nights at Monarto Safari Lodge in luxurious Safari Tents, located in the Murraylands near Adelaide.
When does it run?
Journey Beyond Rail operates four departures in 2027: March and November, April and October, May, and June-August.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate walking during off-train experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. At Monarto Safari Park, you travel by guided hop-on hop-off bus and private Safari Landcruiser; no strenuous hiking.

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