Day 1 (L,D) MELBOURNE, ADELAIDE, THE GHAN
Melbourne and interstate passengers fly to Adelaide where we join the legendary Ghan for its 12:20pm departure. Light lunch on board. Relax and enjoy the afternoon, dinner and overnight as we travel north.

Day 2 (B,L,D) THE GHAN, ALICE SPRINGS
Start the day with a beautiful sunrise as the Ghan makes its way north to Alice Springs. Here we have the opportunity to leave the train and explore “The Alice” before recommencing our northward journey on board the Ghan.

Day 3 (B,L,D) THE GHAN, KATHERINE, DARWIN
We arrive in Katherine, with time to explore the area before rejoining the Ghan as it continues on its final leg into Darwin, our northernmost capital. On arrival we transfer to our hotel. Passengers commencing the 10-day Top End holiday fly into Darwin today and also transfer to our hotel to meet the group for dinner. Home tonight is Mirambeena Resort.

Day 4 (B,D) DARWIN, TERRITORY WILDLIFE PARK, LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK, WANGI FALLS, BATCHELOR
Departing Darwin we visit the award-winning Territory Wildlife Park, a fascinating and enjoyable morning. We continue south to Litchfield National Park to view the magnetic termite mounds, neatly in rows all facing magnetic north, Florence Falls and the well-known Wangi Falls. Tonight our home is Best Western Batchelor Resort.

Day 5 (B,L,D) BATCHELOR, ADELAIDE RIVER, PINE CREEK, KATHERINE
This morning we travel to Adelaide River. Visit the Adelaide River War Cemetery. Over 400 service men and women lie buried here, including some killed in the Japanese bombing of Darwin. After morning tea we continue to Pine Creek, gateway to Arnhem Land and a uranium mining district. Visit the Pine Creek Museum and Library. We continue to Katherine and our home for two nights, Knotts Crossing Resort.

Day 6 (B,L,D) KATHERINE, NITMILUK CRUISE, KATHERINE OUTBACK MUSEUM, SPRINGVALE HOMESTEAD
Enjoy a two-hour cruise in the Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). (Note: Some walking is undertaken between the two gorges; reasonable fitness needed.) Visit the Visitor Interpretive Centre and enjoy a light lunch. We also visit the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum and Springvale Homestead.

Day 7 (B,L,D) PINE CREEK, KAKADU N.P., YELLOW WATER CRUISE, JABIRU, SOUTH ALLIGATOR
We return to Pine Creek and enter Kakadu National Park this morning. At Yellow Water, a land-locked billabong brimming with native flora and fauna, enjoy a highlight of our holiday as we join a two- hour wetlands cruise. Crocodiles, both fresh and saltwater are normally plentiful, as is a variety of bird life, including the jabiru. Lunch at Cooinda and, during the afternoon, we continue to Jabiru and to our home for two nights, Aurora Kakadu at South Alligator.

Day 8 (B,D) JABIRU, BOWALI VISITOR CENTRE, UBIRR
Today we visit Bowali Visitor Centre, gain an understanding of Kakadu’s landscape, view the various displays then explore the township of Jabiru, established to service the nearby Ranger Uranium Mine. During the afternoon we visit Ubirr, one of Kakadu’s most famous rock art galleries. View aboriginal paintings during a circular walk in the site (easy walking).

Day 9 (B,L,D) JUMPING CROCS CRUISE, WINDOWS ON THE WETLANDS, DARWIN
This morning join the famous “Jumping Crocs” Cruise. See at close range (and in safety) the powerful wild crocs jumping high out of the water for food. Lunch here today. We visit Windows on the Wetlands, perched high on Beatrice Hill, overlooking the Adelaide River flood plains, with 360 degree views. We continue to Darwin where we enjoy a short tour of the city. Our home for three nights is Mirambeena Resort.

Day 10 (B,L,D) DARWIN
Today we explore the city. Visit the new Parliament House. See the facade of Christ Church Cathedral, all that remains after Cyclone Tracy. On to the East Point Military Museum situated on East Point, an important location in the wartime defence of Darwin. After lunch we visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Here we have time to wander through the Cyclone Tracy Exhibit. Some free time this afternoon. Outdoor dining tonight at Stokes Wharf.

Day 11 (B,L,D) DARWIN, SUNSET DINNER CRUISE
Another relaxing day. We visit Aquascene, hand feed the milkfish, catfish and many other varieties which come in hundreds at high tide. Visit the WWII oil tunnels, built after above ground tanks were destroyed by bombing, and Indo Pacific Marine – the variety of sea-life and micro-organisms in this community is amazing. Later in the afternoon join a most enjoyable Sunset Dinner Cruise on Darwin Harbour.

Day 12 (B) DARWIN, HOME PORTS
This morning we visit the Aviation Museum before our homeward flight, concluding a most enjoyable Ghan and Top End or Top End holiday. For Melbourne passengers, coach transfers are available to Southern Cross Station Coach Terminal or Forest Hill Chase.