Journey Beyond Rail
Monarto Safari Stay 2026
The Ghan Expedition train to Adelaide, then safari resort stay
6 daysfrom $3,277
65% rail
Journey Beyond Rail · Rail journey with resort stay
Monarto Safari Stay 2027
The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide, then Monarto Safari Resort
Journey Beyond Rail's Monarto Safari Stay combines The Ghan Expedition, Australia's famous long-distance train through the Red Centre, with a two-night resort stay at Monarto Safari Resort in South Australia. The six-day journey departs Darwin and terminates near Adelaide after four days aboard The Ghan, stopping in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. En route, travellers choose from multiple Off Train Experiences at each stop: cruise Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine, explore Alice Springs by e-bike or tour vehicle, and descend into the underground opal-mining town of Coober Pedy for lunch. On arrival in Adelaide, the itinerary shifts to wildlife and leisure; a private transfer takes guests to Monarto Safari Resort in the Murraylands, where Days 4 through 6 centre on safaris aboard a custom-built truck and the guided Zu-Loop bus to observe Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Rhinos and Chimpanzees. All meals, rail accommodation, transfers and safari admission are included. This package suits couples seeking a blend of active rail travel and resort relaxation, repeat train travellers familiar with The Ghan, and luxury-focused travellers valuing curated experiences and premium settings.
What to know before you look closer
- Monarto Safari Resort accommodation is included; however, some optional activities at the resort (day spa, keeper presentations) are at additional cost.
- The package combines three nights aboard a train with two resort nights; it is not a continuous rail journey.
- Single occupancy pricing equals twin pricing; there is no single supplement, though single rooms may have limited availability depending on the season chosen.
Day by day
- 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 a chef-prepared lunch ahead of the Off Train Experience in Katherine, with choices including a Nitmiluk Gorge cruise, the Katherine Outback Experience, or the Cutta Cutta Caves.
- 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.
- 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.
- Day 4overnight: Monarto Safari Resort (2 nights)
The Ghan Expedition, Adelaide and Monarto Safari Resort
Pass through the Flinders Ranges as the outback gives way to green fields, arriving in Adelaide and transferring by private vehicle to Monarto Safari Resort, about 50 minutes from the city. With free time before check-in, indulge in the day spa, pool areas or onsite restaurant, then join the Sunset Wildlife Safari with exclusive after-hours access to the Wild Africa area aboard a custom-built Safari Truck.
- Day 5
Monarto Safari Resort
Explore Monarto Safari Park, the largest open-range safari experience in the world outside of Africa, via the guided Zu-Loop bus, spotting Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Rhinos and Chimpanzees, with optional Daily Keeper Presentations. Later, enjoy the day spa, the two pool areas, or the onsite restaurant.
- Day 6
Farewell
Check out of accommodation after breakfast and transfer by private vehicle to Adelaide Airport or a CBD hotel.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Board The Ghan Expedition in Darwin with a welcome drink and photo at the red locomotive, then choose an Off Train Experience in Katherine such as a Nitmiluk Gorge cruise or visit to Cutta Cutta Caves.
- Day 2Stop in Alice Springs to explore the outback town via e-bike, guided tours or Desert Park, culminating in dinner under the stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
- Day 3Visit the underground opal mining town of Coober Pedy and enjoy a gourmet lunch served underground.
- Day 4Arrive in Adelaide and transfer to Monarto Safari Resort, then join a Sunset Wildlife Safari aboard a custom-built Safari Truck with exclusive after-hours access to the Wild Africa area.
- Day 5Explore Monarto Safari Park, the world's largest open-range safari outside Africa, aboard the guided Zu-Loop hop-on hop-off bus to spot Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Rhinos and Chimpanzees.
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 Resort
- 2 nights' accommodation at Monarto Safari Resort, including breakfast daily
- Sunset Wildlife Safari with exclusive access to Monarto Safari Park's Wild Africa area after hours
- Monarto Safari Park general admission ticket
- Private vehicle transfer from Monarto Safari Resort to Adelaide Airport or CBD Hotel
- 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. The package includes three nights aboard The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide, with all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences included.
- Which train is used?
- The Ghan Expedition, a four-day train that travels from Darwin through Australia's Red Centre to Adelaide, stopping in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy.
- What accommodation is provided?
- Three nights aboard The Ghan Expedition (sleeper berths) and two nights at Monarto Safari Resort in the Murraylands, 50 minutes from Adelaide.
- What activities are included?
- Off Train Experiences in Katherine (gorge cruise, outback experience, or cave tour), Alice Springs (e-bike, town tour, chasm visit, or desert park), Coober Pedy (opal mining town and underground lunch), a Sunset Wildlife Safari at Monarto, general park admission, and a guided hop-on hop-off bus tour.
- What meals are included?
- Five breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners. Breakfasts occur on Days 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Train meals are included Days 1 to 4; resort meals are included Days 4 and 5.
- When does the trip run?
- Journey Beyond Rail operates departures in March, April, May through August, September through October and November 2027.
