• Escorted Tour

The Legendary Ghan & East Coast Princess Cruise

Adelaide – Darwin – Sydney

Join one of our popular Australian cruise and rail tours. Starting in Adelaide you’ll board the Legendary Ghan train and journey through the heart of Australia to Darwin. 

Sitting back in all-inclusive Gold Class on one of the world’s great train journeys is not to be missed. This fascinating journey of ever-changing landscapes includes Off Train Experiences in Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge before arriving in Darwin for five nights. 

Enjoy sightseeing and local experiences in Darwin before stepping aboard the Grand Princess in Darwin to cruise via Cairns and Brisbane to Sydney. Grand 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!

What our previous tour clients say...

  • “The trip from Darwin to Adelaide was awesome – more than we expected having done the Indian Pacific some years ago. The excursions were equally amazing and well organised.” – John & Judith Mycroft
  • “Everything was a highlight.” – Shirley & Brian Thomas

Your travel itinerary

Sunday 11 April

Auckland – Adelaide

Dinner iconDinner

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

Monday 12 April

Adelaide

Breakfast iconBreakfast

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.

Tuesday 13 April

Adelaide – The Ghan Train

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

This morning transfer to the Adelaide Rail Terminal to board The Legendary Ghan. Prepare for a journey of comfort, relaxation and a touch of adventure, as the Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner experience in South Australia’s wine region.

Wednesday 14 April

The Flinders Ranges

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Arrive in Port Augusta, South Australia’s gateway to the Outback. Your Off Train Experience takes you deep into this ancient landscape, where rugged ranges, dramatic gorges and red rock outcrops tell stories millions of years in the making.

Thursday 15 April

Marla - Alice Springs - Katherine

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

Friday 16 April

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 both part of the range of options available. Arrive in Darwin early evening and transfer to your hotel for a five-night stay.

Saturday 17 April

Darwin

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Today set out on a relaxed exploration of Darwin’s highlights, beginning with a guided city sights tour including a visit to the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility and the Darwin Aviation Museum, before a delicious waterfront lunch and the rest of the day at leisure.

Sunday 18 April

Darwin

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Travel down the Stuart Highway to the Adelaide River, where you’ll board the spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise. An onboard wildlife guide will help you spot crocodiles and native birdlife, showcasing their hunting techniques. Afterwards, visit the tropical oasis of Berry Springs before enjoying lunch at the iconic Humpty Doo Hotel.

Monday 19 April

Darwin

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A full day to explore Darwin at your own pace and enjoy your 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus pass. Tonight, a Darwin Harbour dinner cruise.

Tuesday 20 April

Darwin - Litchfield National Park

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Set off for Litchfield National Park for a full-day tour. Immerse yourself in an extraordinary landscape, wander through monsoon forests to the refreshing plunge pools of Florence Falls, marvel at the cascading beauty of Tolmer and Wangi Falls, and discover the fascinating termite mounds that shape the landscape. 

Wednesday 21 April

Darwin - Grand Princess

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

Thursday 22 April

– Saturday 24 Cruising at Se

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

Sunday 25 April

Cairns

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Cairns is one of Australia’s hottest holiday destinations. Just offshore, immense bastions of living coral form the Great Barrier Reef. Sixteen miles of superb beaches stretch to the north of the city - the famed Marlin Coast, and inland lies the immense Daintree National Park. The city’s graceful, tree-lined esplanade was once the gateway to the gold fields of North Queensland.

Monday 26 April

Willis Island

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A scenic cruise by this tiny island sitting beyond the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral 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 long.

Tuesday 27 April

Cruising at Sea

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Wednesday 28 April

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.

Thursday 29 April

Cruising at Sea

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Friday 30 April

Sydney – Auckland

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This morning, disembark the Grand 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 $310 per person
  • Two nights’ accommodation in Adelaide
  • Heritage Tour and winery lunch
  • All international transfers as per itinerary
  • Meals as specified
  • Three nights on board The Ghan train in Gold Class (beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, water, tea, coffee and meals included)
  • Off-train experiences in Long Plains, Port Augusta, Flinders Ranges, Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine 
  • Five nights’ air-conditioned hotel accommodation in Darwin 
  • Darwin city sights tour including lunch
  • Darwin waterfront lunch at Wharf One
  • 4-hour Hop-on, Hop-off bus ticket, Darwin
  • Jumping Crocs Cruise with Berry Springs and Humpty Doo lunch. 
  • Litchfield National Park full day tour
  • Darwin Harbour dinner cruise including transfers
  • Nine nights aboard the Grand Princess in a stateroom of your choice
  • All meals included onboard the Grand Princess
  • Grand 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. 

GHAN MUSEUM & TRANSPORT HALL OF FAME - Discover Australia’s transport history at the Old Ghan Heritage Railway near Alice Springs, featuring a restored 1930s station, historic carriages and museum. Continue to the National Road Transport Museum to explore iconic vehicles and the legacy of Australian-built Kenworth trucks. Recommended Fitness Level: Low

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            

$20,997

 $26,135

Obstructed Oceanview

$18,497

 $21,428
Premium Economy Class Upgrade   Price on application
Early Booking Discount (09 October 2026) $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
  • Grand 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 26 November 2026

Cancellations

  • From the date of booking until 26 November 2026 – loss of deposit
  • After 26 November 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.

Currency - Australian Dollars - including on board Grand Princess

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

Grand Princess®

With top deck dining venues, Slice Pizzeria, The Mix, Salty Dog Grill and Coffee & Cones you’ll have even more options to choose from during your stay on board Grand Princess. Relax at The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, enjoy Movies Under the Stars® poolside or see an award-winning Broadway-style production show in the Princess Theater, showcasing an even more immersive audio experience.

  • Length 289 metres
  • Refurbished March 2019
  • Passengers 2,600
  • Crew 1,150

 

Balcony Stateroom- 232-274 sqm - 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.

Obstructed Oceanview Stateroom168 sqm - Features the same amenities as our Oceanview stateroom, but the view from the picture window is either fully or partially obstructed.

^Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

 

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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