25 May 2016
The Ghan, one of the world's legendary cross continental rail journeys, has introduced two new Off Train Excursions in Australia's Northern Territory as part of its inclusive rail packages valid from 1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017.
Passengers wishing to cover the 2,979km, 54-hour journey on the two night/three day Darwin to Adelaide Ghan can now choose from a total of six price inclusive trips, with a further five available as optional upgrades.
The new inclusive Off Train Excursions are:
SIMPSONS GAP DISCOVERY WALK – Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges, is located 18km by sealed road from Alice Springs. This area is of great pristine natural beauty and features towering red cliffs, native mulga trees, ancient ghost gums and over 40 species of rare and relict plants.
The indigenous Arrernte Aboriginal people believe this to be the mythological home of giant goanna ancestors. Several dreaming trails also feature at this important spiritual site.
KATHERINE OUTBACK EXPERIENCE – This is the opportunity to meet the special breed of people who live and work on a real Outback Cattle station. Tom Curtain is also a best selling country music singer who started his career as a professional horse trainer in 2001. Having taught himself to play the guitar in the stock camp then singing around the camp fire, he went on to write songs and release an award winning number one album called Smack Bang.
In addition to live music there are various demonstrations involving horses, working dogs, cattle, a buffalo and even a donkey. This tour operates May to October.
The other Off Train Excursions included in the cost of a Ghan ticket are:
- Alice Springs Desert Park, showcasing Australia's arid environments.
- Tour of Alice Springs featuring The Royal Flying Doctor, The Telegraph Station, National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame and The Reptile Centre.
- Nitmiluk Gorge cruise along the sandstone cliff surrounded Katherine River.
- Nitmiluk rock art cruise at First Gorge to see indigenous art dating back 40,000 years
Additional Off Train Excursions, available as optional upgrades include:
- A camel trek with Pyndan Camel Tracks riding through White Gums Station following an avenue of iron bark and mulga trees (AUD$60 pp)
- Spirit of Mount Gillen helicopter flight for an aerial appreciation of the area around Alice Springs (AUD$155 pp)
- Alice and surrounds scenic flight taking in the MacDonnell Ranges, Emily Gap, Jessie Gap, Simpsons Gap, Glen Helen, Ormiston Gorge and more (AUD$380 pp)
- Nitmiluk Gorge helicopter flight to appreciate the 13 limestone formations that make up this natural Australian wonder (AUD$185 pp)
- Twin Parks scenic flight in a fixed wing plane to see magnificient waterfalls and the pristine landscapes that are unique to this tropical region of northern Australia.
BOOKING:
The lead in price for a low season, single one way Ghan experience starts from AUD$1,589.
The Ghan can also be booked as part of a wider Australian itinerary with the following tour operators:
Contact Jovanka Ristich on 07889 425 725 or Jovanka@ipr-online.co.uk
