The Ghan & Coral Discoverer

This Exclusive packages offers you a complete journey from Adelaide to Broome. Travelling on the iconic Ghan, then cruising on one of Australia’s favourite Kimberley cruises from Darwin to Broome.

Duration:

19 Days

Dates:

TBA

Price:
fromTBA (Contact us for further details)
pp twin share

Highlights & Inclusions

1 night Adelaide 4* Grand Chancellor including breakfast
The Ghan Gold Twin Adelaide to Darwin (upgrade available)
3 nights accommodation Darwin Hilton in a Standard King Room
48 Hour Hop on Hop off Bus Darwin
Coral Discoverer Cruise – Darwin to Broome
2 nights accommodation Moonlight Bay Suites in a Pool View Room
Broome Sightseeing Tour
Upgrades Available

Itinerary:

Flights from Mainland Capital city to Adelaide. Overnight accommodation at the Grand Chancellor Hotel Adelaide.

Step aboard the legendary Ghan at noon and take time acquainting yourself with our friendly staff and your comfortable private cabin.

Once you've settled in and the big wheels start turning, make your way to the classically styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant carriage for a delicious lunch, accompanied by your choice of fine wines. With all meals and beverages included in your Platinum or Gold Service fare, you can afford to leave your credit card tucked away in your cabin.

Watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia merge into rugged mallee scrub. Marvel as the spectacular Flinders Ranges disappear into the horizon, all the while enjoying the solitude of your cabin, reading or catching up on your favourite podcast, then mingling with fellow travellers in the Lounge car for afternoon tea.

A three course meal in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant is bound to satisfy and as darkness falls outside the train's windows, talk inevitably turns to the impressive outback gourmet menu. Entrees include a South Australian Regional Seafood Tasting Plate, a succulent rack of lamb for mains, and your choice of desserts including a regional cheese plate with Barossa Valley brie, Limestone Coast clothed cheddar and Lobethal goat blue. The selection of wines is equally outstanding and staff are expert in helping you find the perfect drop to match your meal.

Wake up with a coffee or juice and witness an unforgettable outback sunrise at our new morning stop in Marla in the remote reaches of SA. For those travelling Southbound, you'll be treated to an amazing showcase of outback stars in Manguri, a remote town around 40kms from Coober Pedy.

Back on board, it's time for brunch. Enjoy a light bite from the extensive menu or order something a little more substantial - perhaps a full breakfast complete with eggs just the way you like them. And while you're in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant why not try the Belgium chocolate waffle with strawberries, chocolate saucy and double cream? You are on holiday after all! After a few more coffees, fresh juices and more incredible outback scenery, you'll be arriving in iconic Alice Springs.

Here you can glimpse the history of yesteryear, the thriving culture and unique lifestyle of today. Visit local landmarks, or take a front row seat at a spectacular bird show at the Desert Park. To fully appreciate this breathtaking part of Australia, you might like to take a helicopter ride over the ancient MacDonnell Ranges. Experience this 300 million year old mountain range's unique beauty with 360 degree views. Alternatively, experience a serene camel ride across incredible ochre land or continue further into the interior of Australia and visit the iconic Uluru and Kata Juta.

Back on the train, there's time to talk through the day's discoveries with newfound friends in the Outback Explorer Lounge before freshening up for dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant. Tonight, try the Roasted kangaroo fillet with crocodile boudin blanc, potato purée and quandong jus. Crocodile has long been a Northern Territory bushfood staple. The crocodile boudin blanc (white sausage) featured on the menu has been created in collaboration with award-winning smallgoods purveyor, Barossa Fine Foods.

Welcome to Katherine! Upon reaching the Northern Territory you'll enjoy another full breakfast before leaving the train for a day of cultural delights. Endless options await in Katherine.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Katherine River gazing in wonder at towering sandstone cliffs. Alternatively, gain an insight into the culture and ways of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawoyn people, with an exclusive cultural experience. Spend the day with the Aboriginal people, sharing their culture, learning their ways and trying some of the skills developed over thousands of years. Activities include basket weaving; spear throwing, fire lighting, painting, and learning the Didgeridoo.

You can choose to upgrade your excursion with a helicopter or scenic flight over Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks where aside from magnificent views, you may witness 'Bolung', the rainbow serpent who is believed to inhabit the deep green pools found in the Second Gorge.

A late lunch awaits back on board – possibly the Grilled goldband snapper fillet, steamed asparagus spears, with orange, cranberry, parsley and papitas cous cous with a saffron aioli. Then kick back, and savour the last few hours of this epic journey.

Roll into Darwin at 5.30pm then ease back into 'life on the land' exploring the harbour, the bars and restaurants of this laid back Top End city

Darwin Hilton. 48 hour Hop on Hop off Bus Tour in Darwin.

Darwin Hilton. 48 hour Hop on Hop off Bus Tour in Darwin.

Board your ship at 8.00am for a 9:00am departure. As we cross Cambridge Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters, join our expedition staff in the lounge for an informative introduction to the Kimberley. Meet and mingle with fellow guests and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

At over 80 metres, King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Feel humbled by nature’s awesome force as thousands of tonnes of water cascade over the ancient sandstone cliffs. Early in the season, you may cruise under the mist of the falls, while in later months we get up close to the sandstone walls to view the honeycomb erosion patterns.

Vansittart Bay contains many sites of cultural and historical significance. Here we have opportunity to view the remarkable Gwion Gwion galleries and Macassan sites at Jar Island. On the Anjo Peninsula, discover the wreckage of the downed C-53 Skytrooper, well-preserved since it crashed in 1942. With our Guest Lecturers, see fine examples of the Kimberley’s mysterious Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion Gwion), dating back some 20,000 years.

Carved through layers of sandstone, Mitchell Falls descends over four tiers, creating pools of emerald green on each level. The option to take a scenic helicopter flight will give you a breathtaking view, or alternatively explore the sandstone caves of Hathway’s Hideaway or enjoy a catch and release fishing excursion*. Swift Bay reveals a series of fine Wandjina art galleries. This evening enjoy a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset as we indulge in a gourmet BBQ on the sundeck or the beach.

At the southern end of the York Sound lies one of the most spectacular locations in the Kimberley: Prince Frederick Harbour. It is home to many islands, mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of steep red escarpment. White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide expansive mudflats reveal large populations of various mudskippers and mangrove crabs. Spot massive saltwater crocodiles on a cruise up Porosus Creek, visit art sites, and marvel at rock formations.

Running on a fault line, this straight river is a haven for native species. If the tide is right, there may be an opportunity for swimming at Camp Creek, and here we visit the beautiful King Cascade. See the National Heritage Listed ‘Mermaid Tree’ at Careening Bay. It still bears the name carved by the crew of Phillip Parker King’s ship HMS Mermaid when the ship was careened here for repairs in 1820.

Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 300 sq km. Named by Phillip Parker King, this marvelous reef is home to several species of marine turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and crocodiles. As the reef emerges from the sea at low tide, we get up close in the Xplorer and inflatables to witness the spectacle. Our guides will share their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad wildlife here.

Raft Point guards the entrance to this iconic area, with a host of destinations such as the mighty Sale River, Steep Island and Ruby Falls at Red Cone Creek. There may also be an opportunity to meet the Worrora people and experience the wonderous Wandjina art of Raft Point.

The visual delight of the Buccaneer Archipelago reveals Talbot Bay. Here we find the natural wonder of the Horizontal Falls. The changing tide thunders through narrow gorges in the McLarty Ranges, and you can experience the thrill of traversing the falls at high speed aboard inflatable tenders. At Cyclone Creek, view evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations, or take an Xplorer cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, before enjoying sunset drinks at Nares Point.

Subject to weather and tides, we visit the Lacepede Islands, a series of low islands consisting of coarse sand and coral rubble lying atop a platform reef. This nature reserve has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area as it supports up to 18,000 breeding pairs of Brown Boobies and Roseate Terns, possibly the largest such population in the world. Board the Zodiacs and explore the island’s lagoon, keeping an eye out for many species of marine birdlife including Australian Pelicans, frigate birds, egrets, gulls and terns. The islands are also renowned as Western Australia’s most significant breeding grounds for the Green Turtle, often seen nesting here. This evening we enjoy the Captain’s farewell drinks.

Our adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes in Broome this morning at 8:00am. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day visiting world-famous Cable Beach or stroll the historic streets of Chinatown in central Broome. Post cruise transfers included.

Enjoying a full commentary, we begin in Chinatown hearing fascinating stories of this colourful precinct. Learn about the ancient art of pearling from one of the local pearl producers, Cygnet Bay, and enjoy a historical sound show at the famous Sun Pictures, the worlds oldest operating open air picture garden (now listed in the Guinness World Records).

We take a drive through Old Broome to view typical Broome architecture and old Pearling Masters homes then view the aqua waters of Roebuck Bay at Town Beach and learn of Broome’s One Day War. We then stop at Matsos Broome Brewery to sample their hand made ales and famous ginger beer (complimentary tasting included). Afterwards, visit the tranquil Japanese Cemetery and take an easy paced walk at Gantheaume Point known for dinosaur footprints and the story of Anastasia’s Pool.

Those who have chosen a Sunset Camel Ride will then head north of the rocks to meet their camel for this iconic Broome experience. Those who have chosen the Sparkling Sunset option will drive down onto Cable Beach for sunset (subject to beach conditions). Relax and enjoy a stroll, swim or light refreshments (included) as you watch the sun disappear into the horizon.

A drop off to your accommodation is provided or you may like to enjoy a cocktail or dinner at one of the nearby cafes at approximately 6.00 pm.

After Breakfast, checkout of the Kimberley Sands Resort & Spa. Fly from Broome to nearest Mainland Capital City.

* All itineraries is indicative only. No two Kimberley cruises will be the same. Each cruise is tailored around the astounding 10+ metre tidal range, weather and sea conditions.

Package Prices & Upgrade Rates

Cruise Cabin / Ghan ServicePrice (Twin share pp)
Gold Cabin / Ghan Gold Twin Please call us for rates
Main A Cabin Please call us for rates
Prom A Cabin Please call us for rates
Bridge Deck Cabin Please call us for rates
Ghan Platinum Upgrade Please call us for rates

* All prices are per person & based on Twin share unless otherwise listed

UpgradePrice (Twin share pp)
Moonlight Bay Suites Upgrade to One Bedroom Bay View Please call us for rates
Broome Upgrade to Cable Beach Club Garden View Room Please call us for rates
Broome Upgrade to Cable Beach Club Pool View Room Please call us for rates
Broome Upgrade to Cable Beach Club Pool Terrace Room Please call us for rates
Darwin Hilton Upgrade to Harbour View Please call us for rates
Darwin Hilton Lounge Access Please call us for rates

conditions apply. Package components are subject to availability; hotels may be swapped for a similar standard. Package pricing is subject to change and may vary for reasons beyond our control. Advertised price is based on shoulder season departure of Coral Adventurer – March, April, August, September. Schedules may require additional hotel nights at a surcharge. Flights – we are more than happy to look at flights with you; Qantas is usually the best for flights to Broome and Darwin but we can check Virgin as well. Once we have worked out you flights we do recommend you book directly at qantas.com or Virgin Australia These airlines are advertising you will have a lot more flexibility with bookings made directly with them.Deposits are fully non-refundable.