The Ghan has been traversing the heart of Australia for more than eighty years. Now it’s your turn to explore the continent’s vast and remote interior. For four days and three nights, you will discover the Red Centre and the landscapes of this extraordinary land at a relaxing pace, in comfort and style. Your trip will take in the sweeping Adelaide Plains and the majestic Flinders Ranges of South Australia, and the ochre heart of the Red Centre. Your train journey through Australia will be made even more comfortable with service from the hospitality attendant including fresh sheets, bath towels, pillows, doonas and complimentary toiletries.
Peter "Grubby" Stubbs is one of Melbourne's best loved radio presenters. From September until April Saturday and Sunday afternoons Grubby can be heard as the host of 3AW’s The Weekend Break. For nearly three decades Grubby together with Dee Dee (Diane Dunleavy), once crowned King and Queen of Melbourne radio by the city’s Lord Mayor, ruled the airwaves. First, at Fox FM where they were part of the ground-breaking Fox Morning Crew in the 1980’s; then at GOLD104.3 FM where they hosted the Breakfast Show for an impressive 13 years; and most recently at 3AW where the pair hosted the Weekend Break on 3AW. Grubby worked in the rag trade before joining his brother Richard Stubbs on 3XY in 1985. He's a lifelong South Melbourne and Sydney Swans supporter and is renowned for his encyclopaedic knowledge of music and AFL / VFL statistics. Grubby enjoys working on his model railway at his property in Apollo Bay. He surfs and travels around Australia and overseas with his wife Jenny. Grubby looks forward to meeting you on the fabulous Ghan!
Gold Twin, a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day
Gold Single, a compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower/ toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Monday 10 June, 2024 Darwin
The tour starts at Darwin Airport. Please meet in the arrivals area at 3:00pm We
will then transfer in to central Darwin and our hotel. This evening Peter Stubbs
will host a Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of our fantastic tour.
DAY 2 Tuesday 11 June, 2024 Kakadu
This morning we depart Darwin and cross the Marrakai Plains to Kakadu
National Park, one of Australia’s most impressive environmental wonderlands
and a World Heritage site. It encompasses a variety of superb landscapes,
swarms with wildlife, and has some of Australia’s best Aboriginal rock art. We
then check into our hotel in the Kakadu National Park.
DAY 3 Wednesday 12 June, 2024 Kakadu
Today we travel to Nourlangie Rock to view Aboriginal art followed by a visit
to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre for an insight into the cultural
and historical significance of the park for its traditional owners. We will then
enjoy a guided cruise on Kakadu’s Yellow Water billabong giving us a unique
opportunity to experience this diverse and sublimely beautiful area and its
associated wildlife. We then return to our hotel.
DAY 4 Thursday 13 June 2024 Darwin
This morning we visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre and Yellow water before
we take an Air Boat cruise on the Margaret River. We then return to Darwin
and our hotel.
DAY 5 Friday 14 June 2024 Darwin
On our sightseeing tour today we visit Crocosaurus Cove and enter the
world of the awesome saltwater crocodile, with some of the largest held in
captivity. We safely watch the jumping croc feeding and walk through the
air-conditioned reptile display. On the Darwin City tour we see the Chinese
Temple and the lush Botanic Gardens and visit the historic sites including the
East Point Military Precinct.
DAY 6 Saturday 15 June 2024 The Ghan
This morning we transfer to the Darwin Railway Station where we board the
legendary Ghan train. After settling into your carriage, settle back and watch
the Australian outback as we make our way to Adelaide. An exquisite menu
will be available for meals whilst on the Ghan.
When it’s time for lunch, savour the regionally-inspired menu accompanied
by a selection of all-inclusive wines and beverages, before an early afternoon
arrival at the Top End township of Katherine. Cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge’s
ancient natural wonders and exploring the region’s rich Indigenous culture.
Join peter Stubbs in the Dinning Carriage and enjoy dinner as the sun sets
over the outback, then back in your cabin you’ll find your bed turned down.
Fall asleep as the train rolls soothingly onwards.
DAY 7 Sunday 16 June 2024 The Ghan
After your first night on The Ghan, you’ll be greeted by a morning view of the
spectacular Red Centre. A full day of excursions awaits you in the outback
town of Alice Springs. An optional upgrade is a scenic flight to Uluru, returning
in time to meet Grubby for a spectacular barbeque dinner under a million
stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
DAY 8 Monday 17 June 2024 The Ghan
This morning we stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, where we’ll venture
into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where
more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of
discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground.
Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your
journey continues.
DAY 9 Tuesday 18 June 2024 Victor Harbor
From your cabin window this morning you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape, as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges and prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great travel experiences.
A highlight of the trip! Today we take The Southern Encounter from Mt Barker just outside of Adelaide to the holiday town of Victor Harbor where we will stay for the next three nights. Leaving Mt Barker, the train first climbs up to the crest of the line and then winds down the eastern escarpment of the southern Mt Lofty Ranges. Native bushland unfolds from your carriage window and kangaroos and other animals might be seen trying to keep pace with the locomotive! It travels to Port Elliot before cresting the cliffs where passengers can experience some of the most picturesque coastal scenery in the South Australia, with nothing separating you from the beach below and a perfect view of the Southern Ocean – in winter the home of Southern Right Whale before arriving into Victor Harbor.
DAY 10 Wednesday 19 June 2024 Victor Harbor
This morning we take the historic Horse Drawn Tram across the Heritage listed Causeway to Granite Island. The Tramway commenced operation in 1894 and is one of two remaining in the world that operate a daily service. We will have time to explore Granite Island known for its marine life and unusual granite formations. We then take a boat trip to see whales in season, seals, sea lions and dolphins at Seal Island and Wright Island.
DAY 11 Thursday 20 June 2024 Victor Harbor
This morning we travel on the Cockle Train to the nearby town Goolwa which is sited at the mouth of the Peter River by Heritage 400 class Redhen Railcar. We then visit the Peter Riverboat Centre that houses a museum of the riverboats that used to ply the Peter. We take a cruise on the historic paddle steamer the Oscar W up the Peter River.
DAY 12 Friday 21 June 2024 Port Augusta
We depart Victor Harbor for Port Augusta. On the way we will stop in Peter-borough and visit Steamtown, the Peterborough Rail Heritage Centre. We will tour the sheds and the extraordinary heritage-listed ‘Roundhouse’ before getting hands-on with heroic locos and luxury carriages. We continue to Port Augusta our base for two nights.
DAY 13 Saturday 22 June 2024 Port Augusta
A highlight of the trip! Today we take the full-day Afghan Express return trip from Port Augusta Railway Station to the historic outback town of Quorn on the Pichi Richi Railway. The Afghan Express is the name railwaymen gave to the passenger train that ran from Terowie to Oodnadatta, through Quorn, in 1923. In time, this was abbreviated to the Ghan. The railway was ultimately extended to Alice Springs by 1929. The Ghan used the Pichi Richi Railway route until 1956 when a new standard-gauge railway from Stirling North to Brachina bypassed the narrow gauge railway through the Pichi Richi Pass. Travelling the old Ghan route over red earth and bluebush plains from Port Augusta, you’ll watch the ranges creep ever-closer before entering the Pichi Richi Pass with its rocky outcrops, dry riverbeds and beautiful hilly scenery.
DAY 14 Sunday 23 June 2024 Adelaide
We depart Port Augusta and travel south to Moonta. This morning we take the Moonta Mines Tourist Railway. It is a guided tour of the historic Moonta Mines State Heritage Area. Featuring extensive commentary from local drivers, we are taken past many historic landmarks of the former mining operations, including the reservoir, ore sorting floors, and through a tunnel in Ryans Tailings Heap. It visits the former Precipitation Works, which was set up in 1900 to recover additional copper from the tailings heaps, a process which continued until 1943. There will be time to explore the Moonta Railway Station and museum before we travel to Adelaide this afternoon. Tonight we have a Final Night dinner to celebrate our tour.
DAY 15 Monday 24 June 2024 Departure
After breakfast there is a morning transfer to Adelaide airport. Please book flights to depart 12:00pm or later
| Cabin | Twin Fare Per Person | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Service | $9,995 | $10,615 |
| Platinum Service | On application | On application |
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. The Ghan is operated by Journey Beyond and the train arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in The Ghan brochure 2023. All passengers must complete and sign the Travelrite International booking form and agree to The Ghan terms and conditions.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on train, general trans-port and accommodation costs at 1 July 2023. Travelrite International reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 90 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment: A deposit of $975 per passenger should be sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form. As soon as the booking is confirmed, (usually within 24 hours), a tour confirmation advice will be emailed to the client. The confirmation advice will contain all details. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 90 days prior to the commencement of the tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by credit card.
Cancellation Charges:
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 90 days | $975 |
| 90 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements which do not allow
for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals
or other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Insurance: Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended to cover tour members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the tour and for cancellation fees which could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage: There is limited baggage storage available in cabin on The Ghan. Day bags should be packed for your cabin and suitcases stored in the baggage compartment. Full details will be provided prior to departure.
Minimum Tour Numbers: The tour arrangements have been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed their booking 90 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ATAS No. A10538) is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers, affiliates,and/ or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these tours, shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, including transportation by train, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in tours, or by act of God. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the fly/cruise. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tours. This contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of the The Ghan passage contract with Journeys Beyond, detailed on The Ghan website. If you do not have a copy of this form please contact Travelrite International and we will send one to you.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite to
book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite
acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between
you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without
reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your
agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you,
any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary
for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or
otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances
in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You
appoint Travelrite your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay
Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect
of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain
travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any
such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a book-ing form and sending it with a deposit of $975 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a well-established travel company which has been operating in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for more than 36 years. It is fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538) and fully IATA credited and directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international tour and transport operators. Travelrite International has been operating special interest tours for 28 years, and now runs over 120 tours a year. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“Being part of an organised tour was a new and enjoyable experience for us. We could relax because the Tour Manager had everything organised.”
“The Tairei Gorge out of Dunedin was our favourite – it had great scenery, bridges and tunnels!”
