The Ghan & West Coast Cruise

Tuesday 31 March

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

Wednesday 01 April

After breakfast we 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 ‘Crown Princess’, your home for the next 8 nights.  

Thursday 02 April

There’s always something happening on board — from heading to the Princess Theatre for a lavish original musical production, to enjoying a blockbuster movie poolside under the stars, or simply relaxing in a lounge sipping a cocktail where a live band is playing your song.

Friday 03 April

Exmouth is a small resort town situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, 1100km north of Perth. The location was a WWII military base, and the town was established in 1967 to support the nearby US Naval Communication Station. Some structures are still used by the Australian navy today.

Saturday 04 April

Sunday 05 April

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. 

Monday 06 April

Enjoy scenic cruising through the Yampi Sound.

Tuesday 07 April

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 unspoiled 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.

Wednesday 08 April

Thursday 09 April

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

Friday 10 April

An early morning start for the drive to Litchfield National Park. Take in the splendour of thundering waterfalls, rainforest pockets and historic sacred sites. View the spectacular double waterfall of Florence Falls from a high vantage point, take a dip in the plunge pool and stop for a photo at the termite mounds. Return to Darwin this evening.

Saturday 11 April

Today is a free day to explore Darwin at your leisure. Take a swim in the Wave Lagoon on Darwin’s waterfront, visit Crocosaurus Cove in the heart of the city to see saltwater crocodiles up close.

Sunday 12 April

Enjoy a full day tour of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, which is the largest National Park in Australia. Discover one of the most diverse landscapes you’ll ever experience with a population of wildlife in the water, land and air and Aboriginal rock art dating back 20,000 years.

Monday 13 April

A free day to explore Darwin at your leisure. This evening continue on for a traditional Buffet Dinner Harbour Cruise on board ‘Spirit of Darwin’. Relax and watch the colourful sunset, see the fish feeding from the ship’s bow and enjoy a sumptuous three course buffet meal. 

Tuesday 14 April

Make the most of your 24 hour Hop-on Hop-off bus pass with a free day to explore Darwin. The Big Bus gives you top-deck views and easy access to Darwin’s best landmarks and attractions, including Mindil Beach, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the Aviation Museum and the Darwin Botanic Gardens.

Wednesday 15 April

A early start this morning for your 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.

Thursday 16 April

After your first night on The Ghan, you’ll be greeted by a morning view of the spectacular Red Centre. A day of 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.

Friday 17 April

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.

Saturday 18 April

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

Sunday 19 April

After breakfast we travel to the Barossa Valley for sightseeing including a winery lunch. Return to the city late afternoon. Farewell dinner tonight.

Monday 20 April

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