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Journey Beyond Rail · Lodge stay with rail journey

West Arnhem Land

Remote lodge and rail: Cobourg Peninsula then The Ghan to Adelaide

Illustration of West Arnhem Land

Journey Beyond Rail's West Arnhem Land package pairs five nights at Seven Spirit Bay, a luxury lodge on the remote Cobourg Peninsula, with a three-night journey aboard The Ghan Expedition train from Darwin to Adelaide. The ten-day trip begins with a scenic flight across Van Diemen Gulf and includes marine wildlife cruises in the Arafura Sea, 4WD wilderness adventures, a historic tour of Victoria Settlement established in 1838, and on the train portion, stops at Nitmiluk Gorge near Katherine, Alice Springs in the Red Centre, and the underground opal town of Coober Pedy. All meals are provided by the lodge chef at Seven Spirit Bay and by The Ghan, and the package includes breakfast, eight lunches, and nine dinners across the ten days. This trip suits luxury-seeking couples and repeat rail travellers who want to combine a remote lodge experience with one of the world's great overland rail journeys, with optional activities throughout that let you set your own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • Single occupancy rates are significantly higher: AUD 10,695 versus AUD 9,350 for twin occupancy, a 14% premium.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Seven Spirit Bay (5 nights)

    Darwin to Seven Spirit Bay

    A 45-minute scenic flight across Van Diemen Gulf to the Cobourg Peninsula, landing at Vashon Head, then a 20-minute 4WD transfer to the lodge and check-in to a 'habitat' villa, with sunset drinks and dinner.

  2. Day 2

    Seven Spirit Bay

    A marine wonderland on the lodge's doorstep, with dolphins, whales, dugong, manta rays and crocodiles. Activities on offer include Marine Wildlife Cruises aboard the custom-built MV Arafura, Barramundi and Bluewater fishing, Nature Walks, and 4WD Wilderness Adventures to Gunners Quoin, Vashon Head or the Nipa Palms.

  3. Day 3

    Seven Spirit Bay

    A free day to do as much or as little as desired, choosing from the lodge's range of adventures by water or land.

  4. Day 4

    Seven Spirit Bay

    Relax at the Habitat Villa surrounded by native tropical forest, join an adventure, or unwind in the lodge facilities or the palm-fringed swimming pool.

  5. Day 5

    Marine Adventure to Port Essington

    Cruise down Port Essington retracing early mariners' routes past Gunners Quoin, Turtle Rock and Observation Cliff to Victoria Settlement, established in 1838, with a 3-hour tour of the historic site and an optional extension to nearby gravestones.

  6. Day 6overnight: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin (1 night)

    Seven Spirit Bay to Darwin

    A 45-minute scenic flight back to Darwin, checking in to the Hilton Garden Inn on the Esplanade, followed by a Territory-style sunset dinner cruise aboard the Charles Darwin.

  7. Day 7railovernight: The Ghan Expedition (3 nights)

    Board The Ghan Expedition Darwin

    Check out and make the way to the lobby of DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin to check in for The Ghan Expedition. Enjoy lunch ahead of the Off Train Experience in Katherine, home to the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge.

  8. Day 8rail

    The Ghan Expedition, Alice Springs

    Off Train Experience choices include the Alice Springs Desert Park and Reptile Centre, Simpsons Gap, or the historic Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service, followed by dinner under the stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

  9. Day 9

    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.

  10. Day 10rail

    The Ghan Expedition, Adelaide

    Pass through the Flinders Ranges as the outback gives way to the green fields of South Australia, arriving in Adelaide to complete one of the world's great rail experiences.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Scenic 45-minute flight across Van Diemen Gulf to Cobourg Peninsula, then sunset drinks and dinner at Seven Spirit Bay Habitat Villa.
  • Day 5Marine cruise down Port Essington to Victoria Settlement, established in 1838, with a three-hour historic site tour.
  • Day 7Board The Ghan Expedition in Darwin and travel via Katherine to experience Nitmiluk Gorge.
  • Day 8Alice Springs Off Train Experience including the Desert Park, Telegraph Station, or Royal Flying Doctor Service, followed by dinner under the stars.
  • Day 9Explore the underground opal mining town of Coober Pedy with a gourmet lunch enjoyed beneath the surface.

Included

  • Return air transfers Darwin to Seven Spirit Bay aboard modern Cessna Grand Caravan EX
  • 5 nights of luxury 'Habitat' Villa accommodation at Seven Spirit Bay including all meals prepared by the in-house chef
  • Full range of adventures and activities at Seven Spirit Bay
  • All attraction, entry and cruise fees including permit fees to enter Aboriginal Land
  • 1 night accommodation in Darwin including breakfast
  • Transfer to Darwin Rail Terminal
  • Welcome experience with light refreshments, barista coffee and sparkling wine
  • 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy
  • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 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 in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy included.
What is included at Seven Spirit Bay?
Five nights in a Habitat Villa, all meals prepared by the in-house chef, return scenic flights between Darwin and Cobourg Peninsula, full range of adventures (marine cruises, fishing, nature walks, 4WD safaris), and all attraction and entry fees including permits for Aboriginal Land.
How is the trip operated?
Journey Beyond Rail operates the package as a fully escorted tour. Transport includes light aircraft, 4WD vehicles, and The Ghan Expedition train.
What activities are available at Seven Spirit Bay?
Marine Wildlife Cruises aboard the MV Arafura, Barramundi and Bluewater fishing, Nature Walks, 4WD Wilderness Adventures to Gunners Quoin, Vashon Head, and Nipa Palms, and a full day free to choose your own pace.
What is the starting price and what does it cover?
From AUD 9,350 per person (twin occupancy, Advance Saver rate) for the full 10-day package: flights, lodge, rail journey, all meals, and activities. Prices are subject to change and availability.
When does this trip run?
The operator publishes no specific departure dates or seasonal availability window in the itinerary. Contact Journey Beyond Rail to confirm dates and current departures.

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