• Escorted Tour

The Ghan Train & East Coast Cruise

Adelaide – Darwin – Sydney

Our Australian cruise and rail tours are extremely popular. Take this rare opportunity to join a tour in Adelaide and experience the legendary rail journey through the heart of Australia from Adelaide to Darwin on the iconic Ghan train. 

Sitting back in Gold Class on one of the world’s great train journeys is not to be missed. This fascinating journey of ever-changing landscapes includes excursions to Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge before arriving in Darwin. Meals and off-train excursions, sightseeing and accommodation in Darwin and Adelaide are all included. Then step aboard the Crown Princess in Darwin to cruise via Port Douglas and Brisbane to Sydney. Crown Princess is a comfortable 4-star cruise ship with all the bells and whistles to entertain you for nine nights of luxury. Join us on this epic Australian adventure!

Your travel itinerary

Sunday 18 October

Auckland – Adelaide

Dinner iconDinner

Depart on Air New Zealand to arrive into Adelaide late morning. Enjoy an Adelaide City Sights tour before transferring to your beach front hotel in Glenelg with an afternoon to relax. A ‘Welcome Dinner’ tonight to mix and mingle.

Monday 19 October

Adelaide

Breakfast iconBreakfast

After breakfast 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.

Tuesday 20 October

Adelaide

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch

After breakfast travel to the Barossa Valley, followed by a heritage tour and lunch at Seppeltsfield Winery. After lunch return to Glenelg. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Wednesday 21 October

Adelaide – The Ghan Train

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

This morning transfer to the Adelaide Rail Terminal to board The Ghan Train. Prepare for a journey of comfort, relaxation and a touch of adventure, as the legendary Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. 

Thursday 22 October

Alice Springs

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Continue your journey aboard The Ghan making a sunrise stop in Marla, an Australian Outback post, before continuing onto Alice Springs - the heart of the Red Centre. Experience a choice of optional activities in Alice Springs, visit various landmarks such as Simpson’s Gap or meet the wildlife of the Outback.  Re-board the train and relax as your journey continues north to Katherine.

Friday 23 October

The Ghan Train – Katherine – Darwin

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A relaxing morning on board the Ghan Train before an afternoon arrival at Katherine, home of the stunning Katherine Gorge, which is rich in Indigenous history. A jaw-dropping cruise on the Nitmiluk Gorge or time with the local Aboriginal people are part of the range of options. Arrive in Darwin early evening and transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.

Saturday 24 October

Darwin

Breakfast iconBreakfast

A full day to explore Darwin and uncover some Northern Territory gems along the way. Why not explore Darwin on a Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour? Discover the best of Darwin, including the lush Botanic Gardens, crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove and fascinating local history at the Military Museum. 

Sunday 25 October

Darwin

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch

Today travel down the Stuart Highway and enjoy a cruise on the Adelaide River. Your wildlife guide helps you spot crocodiles and an array of bird life before lunch at Berry Springs. Return to Darwin with the afternoon at leisure.

Monday 26 October

Darwin - Crown Princess

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After breakfast transfer to the renowned Crown Princess. Depart Darwin Harbour late afternoon for nine nights of luxury.

Tuesday 27 October

– Thursday 29 Cruising At Sea

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Time cruising at sea to explore all that the Crown Princess has to offer.  Why not treat yourself and dine at one of the delicious specialty restaurants this evening and later catch a Broadway-style show in the theatre to complete a perfect evening on board.

Friday 30 October

Port Douglas

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Port Douglas is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, access to the Great Barrier Reef, and relaxed atmosphere. Port Douglas is an anchorage port and passengers transfer to shore via the ship’s tender. Points of interest include the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Railway and Daintree National Park.

Saturday 31 October

Willis Island

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A scenic cruise by this tiny island sitting beyond the Great Barrier Reef in the Crown Sea Islands Territory. With wildlife numbering into the thousands, Willis Island itself caters to many species of seabirds, including Masked, Brown and Red-footed Boobies that cry out nearly day round.

Sunday 01 November

Cruising at Sea

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Monday 02 November

Brisbane

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The cool and casual capital of Queensland offers all the glitz and glam of a big city, without the big city airs. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River and surrounded by rolling hills, this urban oasis is certainly a great day out.

Tuesday 03 November

Cruising at Sea

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Another cruising day. Pamper yourself and pay a visit to the spa for a relaxing massage or beauty treatment.

Wednesday 04 November

Sydney – Auckland

This morning disembark the Crown Princess and transfer to Sydney International Airport for your flight home.

Please ask us about extending your stay in Sydney!

 

Inclusions

  • Economy air travel on Air New Zealand Auckland – Adelaide //Sydney – Auckland 
  • Airport and airline taxes $297 per person
  • Three nights’ accommodation in Adelaide
  • Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour
  • Heritage Tour and lunch at Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley
  • All international transfers as per itinerary
  • Daily breakfast, 13 lunches and 11 dinners
  • Two nights on board The Ghan train in Gold Class (beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, water, tea, coffee and meals included)
  • Off-train excursions in Alice Springs and Katherine 
  • Three nights’ air-conditioned hotel accommodation in Darwin
  • Hop-on, Hop-off Bus ticket, Darwin
  • Jumping Crocs Cruise with Berry Springs and Humpty Doo lunch. 
  • Nine nights aboard the Crown Princess in a Balcony Stateroom
  • All meals included onboard the Crown Princess
  • Crown Princess gratuities, port taxes and fees 
  • Pukekohe Travel escort - subject to 20 people travelling

Off-Train Excursions

During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to choose one excursion in each destination – Alice Springs and Katherine. Some experiences may incur a surcharge, as noted in the descriptions. Please indicate your preferred options on the booking form.

Alice Springs Excursions:

A Town Called Alice (City Tour) Begin at the Alice Springs School of the Air, explore the Royal Flying Doctor Service — a lifeline for Australia’s most isolated communities — and visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. Recommended Fitness Level:  Low

Desert Park - Nestled at the foot of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Alice Springs Desert Park offers an immersive experience of Central Australia’s distinctive landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Recommended Fitness Level:  Moderate –  4km walk over gravel and sandy pathways broken into short distances.

SIMPSONS GAP - Discover the natural beauty of Simpsons Gap, a site of deep cultural significance to the Arrernte people (Rungutjirpa). Admire its striking rock formations, towering cliffs and tranquil waterhole, surrounded by diverse local flora and fauna. Recommended Fitness Level:  Moderate – 2km walking over uneven and rocky terrain. 

STANDLEY CHASM CULTURAL WALK - Explore a striking 80-metre sandstone gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Shaped over millions of years, its vivid colours shift with the sunlight, making it a favourite for photographers. An expert guide will share its cultural significance to the Western Arrernte people. Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – 2.5km walking over uneven and rocky terrain. 

CYCLE ALICE - A guided cycling adventure along the Ilentye Trail, winding through the Todd River and Alice Springs countryside. The trail showcases local wildlife, ochre-coloured paths and peaceful riverbank scenery. Recommended Fitness Level: High – need to be confident and capable cyclists with approximately 13km. 

SPIRIT OF MT. GILLEN HELICOPTER FLIGHT (surcharge applies) - Experience the Red Centre from above on a 15-minute helicopter flight, taking in Simpsons Gap, Mt Gillen Ridgeline and the Larapinta Trail, all with expert commentary. After landing, enjoy a relaxing swim and light refreshments.Recommended Fitness Level:  Moderate – must be able to board and disembark the aircraft unassisted; weight restrictions apply.

Katherine Excursions:

Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise - Cruise along the Katherine River through Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) as your expert guide shares fascinating insights into the region’s history, ecology, and vibrant ecosystems. Recommended Fitness Level:  Moderate – Approx. 2 km of walking over rocky paths. 

NITMILUK GORGE HELICOPTER FLIGHT (surcharge applies) - Soar above Nitmiluk Gorge on a 20 minute helicopter flight and take in the Top End’s spectacular sandstone landscapes as you glide over all 13 gorges of Nitmiluk National Park. Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – must be able to board and disembark the aircraft unassisted; weight restrictions apply.

Whilst we will do our utmost to have your preferred off-train excursion confirmed, these are subject to availability and will not be confirmed until the day of train departure. *Please note: The Ghan  train excursions are subject to change without notice.

Cost

Cost Per Person *
Auckland - Auckland
Twin ShareSingle
 Balcony Stateroom            

$15,995

 $21,255
Premium Economy Class Upgrade  ( Auckland to Sydney only )          P.O.A
Early Booking Discount (08 April 2025) $150
Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount $100

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

  • Travel Insurance is essential (please ask us for a quote)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Crown Princess shore excursions 

Booking Conditions

  • A non- refundable deposit of $3,500 per person will secure a place on this trip
  • Full payment is due no later than 29 May 2026

Cancellations

  • From the date of booking until 29 May 2026 – loss of deposit
  • After 29 May 2026- no refund

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend all clients purchase travel insurance to protect against cancellations, lost items, and delays that could lead to unexpected costs. Please ask us for a quote.

General Information

Documentation

  • A current passport is required, valid six months beyond date of travel
  • No visas are required for NZ Passport holders to enter Australia
  • All others please ask

Luggage - Checked-in luggage is NOT accessible during the train journey.  Pack your cabin bag with the essentials for the two nights.  Smart casual is required for the Queen Adelaide Restaurant on board the train. 

Clothing

  • Daytime – comfortable touring clothes,good walking shoes. 
  • Evening – smart casual for hotels and on board the train/cruise.

 

Temperature ˚c Max Min

Adelaide 

22 12

Alice Springs

32 15

Darwin

33 25

Health and Mobility

To ensure the tour is enjoyable for you and others in the group, a reasonable standard of fitness and mobility is required. The ability to walk unaided for 500 metres is essential.  The train is unstable while travelling, therefore you need to be firm-of-foot. Mobility frames and wheelchairs are not practical or permitted. It is expected you will arrive on tour fit, healthy and ready to travel.

Ship Information

Crown Princess

With its elegant design and luxurious amenities, the Crown Princess offers passengers an unforgettable experience at sea. From its nearly 900 balconies providing stunning ocean views to its three-story atrium exuding grandeur, the Crown Princess is designed to impress. Explore ashore and return to a relaxing atmosphere filled with world-class entertainment and dining – it’s a perfect balance of adventure and luxury.

  • Length 290m
  • Refurbished April 2018
  • Passengers 3080
  • Crew 1200

Balcony Twin Share  - Approx. 65-68m2 , including balcony. This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space to relax, dine or take in the inspiring scenery surrounding you.

The Ghan

  • The Outback Explorer Lounge is the  train’s centre of activity.
  • Gold Service Guests dine in the classically-appointed Queen Adelaide Restaurant.
  • Gold Twin - a comfortable sleeper   cabin features private ensuite and upper and lower berths that convert  to a three-seater lounge by day.
  • Gold Single - a compact sleeper cabin features a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower/ toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage.

Gold Class Service Features

  • All-inclusive dining. A regionally inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines.
  • All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.

Terms and Conditions

For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.


Note: Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change

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