West Coast Cruise & The Ghan Expedition

Sunday 16 May

Depart early afternoon on Air New Zealand for your flight to Perth. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Welcome Dinner to meet your fellow travellers. 

Monday 17 May

After breakfast enjoy an orientation tour of Perth including Kings Park, Bell Tower and a drive by Optus Stadium before transferring to the cruise terminal in Fremantle to board the Grand Princess, your home for the next eight nights. 

Tuesday 18 May

Ease into your first full sea day with time to explore everything Grand Princess has to offer. Catch a movie under the stars on the open deck, relax by the pool or settle into one of the lounges with a drink while the ocean stretches endlessly beyond the windows. 

Wednesday 19 May

There’s always something happening on board – join a trivia session, cooking demonstration or enrichment presentation. Browse the onboard boutiques, enjoy a quiet coffee in the Piazza or find a deck chair and simply watch the sea roll by.

Thursday 20 May

Broome was known as the ‘pearling capital of the world’ when Japanese, Chinese and Aboriginal divers toiled in arduous conditions to harvest the pearls. Although still a remote outpost, it has become a popular tourist destination. Overnight stay in port.

Friday 21 May

With a second day in Broome, you’ll have more time to discover the region before Grand Princess departs at 5pm. Take the opportunity to enjoy one of the many shore excursions on offer including Willie Creek Pearl Farm or Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park.

Saturday 22 May

Nestled between the Buccaneer Archipelago and the remote Kimberley coastline, Yampi Sound offers some of the most spectacular scenic cruising in Western Australia. In the afternoon enjoy the vivid red rock islands, turquoise waters and secluded coves of this remote wilderness.

Sunday 23 May

Kimberley is one of the continent’s earliest settled regions, dating as far back as 40,000 years. But although its mainland has been inhabited for centuries, its over 8,000 miles of ruggedly beautiful coastline remain so unspoilt that the Kimberley Coast has been identified as one of the least impacted marine environments in the world—a prime spot for wildlife viewing, from sea turtles to blue crabs, manta rays and the planet’s largest population of humpback whales.

Monday 24 May

Tuesday 25 May

Enjoy one last breakfast on board before disembarking in Darwin. Enjoy a Darwin City Sights Tour including lunch at Wharf One, entry to the Aviation Museum and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility. Transfer to the hotel for a four-night stay.

Wednesday 26 May

A full free day to explore Darwin at your leisure and uncover some Northern Territory gems along the way including the lush Botanic Gardens, crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove. 

Thursday 27 May

Set off early for the scenic drive to Litchfield National Park, passing through the charming historic town of Batchelor — the gateway to the park. See the remarkable termite mounds, admire the spectacular double cascade of Florence Falls from a high vantage point, and marvel at Tolmer Falls as water plunges into a deep, serene pool below. Return to Darwin this evening.

Friday 28 May

A free day to explore Darwin, a hop-on hop-off bus ticket is included so you can see the city sights at your leisure. This evening enjoy an included dinner experience, marking your final night in Darwin. 

Saturday 29 May

After breakfast, transfer to the Darwin Berrimah Terminal to board The Ghan. Prepare for a journey of comfort, relaxation and a touch of adventure, as the legendary Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. Arrive in the Top End township of Katherine and cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge’s ancient natural wonders, exploring the region’s rich Indigenous culture.

Sunday 30 May

After your first night on The Ghan, you’ll be greeted by a morning view of the spectacular Red Centre. A day of off-train excursions awaits you in the Outback town of Alice Springs before a spectacular BBQ dinner under the stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

Monday 31 May

From your morning stop at the Outback outpost of Manguri to see the sunrise, you’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.

Tuesday 01 June

Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges and prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide. Transfer to hotel.

Wednesday 02 June

Today travel to Hahndorf with free time to explore this quaint German style village, before visiting Beerenberg Strawberry Lane and returning to Adelaide to enjoy a free afternoon.

Thursday 03 June

After breakfast travel to the Barossa Valley for sightseeing including a farewell winery lunch. Return to the city late afternoon

Friday 04 June

After breakfast transfer to the airport for a late morning departure home.