Journey Beyond Rail · Rail & Sail

Outback to Ocean Kimberley Cruising 2026 - PONANT

Outback to Ocean Kimberley Cruising 2026 - PONANT, a rail journey with Journey Beyond Rail

Combine The Ghan's Australian Outback journey with a Kimberley cruise on PONANT's Le Jacques Cartier or Le Soleal, from Alice Springs to the Horizontal Falls, in one unforgettable rail and sail adventure.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: The Ghan (2 nights)

    Board The Ghan in Adelaide

    Board The Ghan in Adelaide for an impressive journey showcasing spectacular inland Australia, heading towards the Flinders Ranges and beyond.

  2. Day 2rail

    The Ghan and Alice Springs

    Wake to an outback sunrise at Marla, a remote outpost marking the start of the Oodnadatta Track, before continuing to Alice Springs for a day of immersive Off Train Experiences.

  3. Day 3overnight: Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront (2 nights)

    The Ghan, Katherine and Darwin

    Rocky gorges and fast-flowing canyon streams give way to Nitmiluk Gorge, before continuing to Darwin and transferring to overnight accommodation.

  4. Day 4

    Darwin

    Further exploration of Darwin city, or an optional tour at additional cost.

  5. Day 5overnight: Le Jacques Cartier or Le Soleal (10 nights)

    Board Le Jacques Cartier or Le Soleal in Darwin

    A morning at leisure in Darwin before transferring to the Port of Darwin to board Le Jacques Cartier or Le Soleal for the Kimberley cruise, with dinner and a nightcap at the Blue Eye underwater lounge.

  6. Day 6

    King George River

    Travel up the King George River past 80-metre-high sandstone gorge walls to the King George twin falls, the highest single-drop falls in the Kimberley.

  7. Day 7

    Vansittart Bay

    Jar Island's ancient Gwion Gwion rock art galleries, among the oldest detailed depictions of human figures in the world.

  8. Day 8

    Ashmore Reef (technical stop)

    Three low-lying tropical islands on the edge of the continental shelf, a designated Important Bird Area with strictly controlled visitation; a Zodiac tour of West Island may be possible depending on conditions.

  9. Day 9

    Careening Bay

    Named after Lieutenant Phillip Parker King's ship the HMC Mermaid, careened here in 1820; home to a National Heritage listed boab tree carved with the ship's name.

  10. Day 10

    Swift Bay

    The Bonaparte Archipelago's rugged islands, with rock shelters bearing Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art on a guided walk.

  11. Day 11

    Hunter River

    Prince Frederick Harbour and the Hunter River, lined with ancient rainforest, mangroves and sandstone cliffs; Zodiac exploration with the chance to reach Mitchell Falls by helicopter (additional cost).

  12. Day 12

    Collier Bay

    Ancient landscapes shaped by massive tidal movements, including Montgomery Reef, the world's largest inshore reef system.

  13. Day 13

    Horizontal Falls

    Talbot Bay's 'Horizontal Falls', described by Sir David Attenborough as one of the greatest wonders of the natural world, with ancient rock art galleries in the surrounding caves.

  14. Day 14

    Lacepede Islands

    Western Australia's most important breeding habitat for Green Turtles and an Important Bird Area, explored on a guided Zodiac tour.

  15. Day 15overnight: Pinctada Hotel Broome (formerly Kimberley Sands Resort) (2 nights)

    Broome

    Disembark in the Port of Broome for a half-day tour of the town's pearling-era history before transferring to the hotel.

  16. Day 16

    Broome

    A day to explore at your own pace: Cable Beach, the Chinatown district, or pearl shopping in the Broome mall.

  17. Day 17rail

    Farewell

    The rail and sail adventure concludes in and around Broome.

Included

  • 2 nights aboard The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine
  • Transfer from Darwin Rail Terminal to Darwin hotel
  • 2 nights' accommodation in Darwin, including breakfast
  • Transfer from Darwin hotel to ship
  • 10-night Australia's Iconic Kimberley expedition cruise aboard PONANT's Le Jacques Cartier or Le Soleal (subject to departure date), including prepaid gratuities
  • Transfer from ship to Broome hotel including touring enroute
  • 2 nights' accommodation in Broome, including breakfast
  • 16 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 12 dinners

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