BEST OF EAST COAST & TOP END With The Ghan and Sea Princess 18 days / 17 nights 23 March 2019 Day 1 Saturday 23 March Upon arrival into Adelaide you will be transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of the afternoon an evening is at your leisure. Accommodation: Hilton Adelaide 1 night stay Day 2 Sunday 24 March Today you will be transferred to the Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal where you will board The Ghan and travel by rail to Darwin in your chosen service of travel. Prepare for a journey of comfort, relaxation and a touch of adventure, as the legendary Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. Included meals: lunch & dinner Accommodation: The Ghan 2 nights on board 1
Day 3 Monday 25 March Step off the train this morning in Marla and warm yourself with a morning cuppa against the stunning backdrop of an outback sunrise (weather permitting). Travel through the rich red landscapes of the Northern Territory before arriving into Alice Springs, the heart of the Red Centre, this afternoon. Choice of included Off Train Excursion: Alice Springs Desert Park Alice Explorer Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk Spirit of Mt. Gillen Helicopter Flight (optional upgrade) Pyndan Camel Tracks (optional upgrade) Alice Springs & Surrounds Fixed Wing Scenic Flight (optional upgrade) Day 4 Tuesday 26 March Continue your adventure by making a stop in Katherine this morning, home of the stunning Katherine Gorge and rich in Indigenous history. Choice of included Off Train Excursion: Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise Nitmiluk First Gorge Rock Art Cruise Katherine Outback Experience (Apr Oct) Nitmiluk Gorge Helicopter Flight (optional upgrade) Twin Parks Fixed Wing Scenic Flight (optional upgrade) Enjoy a late lunch back on board The Ghan before arriving into Darwin early this evening where you will disembark and be transferred to your accommodation. Included meals: breakfast & lunch Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade 4 night stay Day 5 Wednesday 27 March Today make the most of your Hop on Hop off pass. Don t miss a thing aboard the open top double decker tour of Darwin complemented by an entertaining and informative commentary. This pass allows you the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit the landmarks and attractions at your own pace. There are 10 stops including Crocosauras Cove, Doctor s Gully, Cullen Bay Marina, Darwin Military Museum and Waterfront Precinct. Included meals: breakfast 2
Day 6 Thursday 28 March This morning is at your leisure to explore Darwin. This evening you will depart Fort Hill Wharf for your Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise and Dinner aboard the MV Charles Darwin. Aboard your cruise enjoy the balmy tropical breezes as you view the sights of Darwin Harbour and the city skyline from the comfort of your vessel. Indulge in the buffet dinner with a range of local produce and delicacies. Included meals: breakfast & dinner Day 7 Friday 29 March Boarding early for the drive to Litchfield National Park you will be entertained by your Driver Guide with tales both tall and true of the history of Australia s longest highway. The gorgeous, historical town of Batchelor is the gateway to Litchfield National Park. Today, Batchelor s townsfolk love to host visitors to Litchfield National Park and it s here that you ll enjoy morning tea (own expense) at one of their local cafés. View the termite mounds found at Litchfield National Park and the spectacular double waterfall of Florence Falls from a high vantage point, before making your way down the stairs to take a dip in the gorgeous plunge pool. One of the three major waterfalls along the western face of the Tabletop Range is Tolmer Falls. Marvel at the water cascading down into the deep waterhole at the base of the falls, home to several colonies of rare ghost bats and orange horseshoe bats. Included in your tour is lunch at the Litchfield Café. Relax, enjoy the company of your fellow travellers and if you re ready for another swim, Wangi Falls is the most accessible of rock pools and is a perfect spot to take another dip. Included meals: breakfast & lunch Day 8 Saturday 30 March Today enjoy a leisurely breakfast before boarding your transfer to Darwin Cruise Terminal to board your ship bound for Sydney. Your cruise includes on board meals and entertainment. Join your fellow travellers and tour leader up on the deck for perfect views of the Harbour, a memorable beginning to your cruise down the east coast. Included meals: breakfast & dinner Accommodation: Sea Princess 10 nights on board Day 9 Sunday 31 March Today you will be cruising at sea. Pamper yourself and pay a visit to the spa for a relaxing massage or beauty treatment. 3
Day 10 Monday 1 April Today you will be cruising at sea. Find your favourite lounge on board and soak up stunning ocean views as you read a book or enjoy a coffee. Day 11 Tuesday 2 April Cairns, Australia Cairns is one of Australia s hottest vacation destinations. Cairns boasts three of Australia s great natural wonders. 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 lays the immense Daintree National Park. Cairns itself basks in tropical sunshine and balmy breezes waft in from Trinity Bay. The city s graceful, tree lined esplanade was once the gateway to the gold fields of North Queensland. Day 12 Wednesday 3 April Today you will be cruising at sea. Get involved in the daily on board activities and join in on inspirational and exciting enrichment programs. Day 13 Thursday 4 April Alotau, Papua New Guinea The gateway to some of the most remote island communities remaining in the world today, this is a place that is enriched with age old culture and traditions. The area claims its fame in the history books where the Battle of Milne Bay took place in 1942 and an Australian digger was awarded a Victoria Cross for bravery Put these two elements together and add a beautiful harbour, relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals, and you are left with a pretty amazing destination a place whose visitors can quickly and easily find something they love, no matter what their tastes. Day 14 Friday 5 April Today you will be cruising at sea. Treat yourself and dine at one of the delicious specialty restaurants this evening, then catch a Broadway style show in the theatre or put your dancing shoes on to complete a perfect evening on board. 4
Day 15 Saturday 6 April Today you will be cruising at sea. Try your luck in the on board casino with games for novices, casual players, or high rollers. Day 16 Sunday 7 April Brisbane, Australia 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 easy on the eyes. Whether you re heading for the suburbs, centre or outskirts of town, you ll be sure to encounter your fair share of first ever experiences. Scale the legendary Story Bridge, take a sandboarding tour on North Stradbroke Island. Or if you d like to connect with your inner Aussie, try your hand at sheep shearing at the Australian Woolshed. Day 17 Monday 8 April Today you will be cruising at sea. Do a spot of shopping, from souvenirs and local crafts, to jewellery and clothing from world class brands. Day 18 Tuesday 9 April This morning, cruise through the heads of Sydney Harbour and disembark. Included meals: breakfast 5