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13 Days
$4,998 pp twin share P/CSHC
$5,787 pp twin share GSNR
$5,940 pp twin share Adult

+ applicable air
sole use plus $630

(P/CSHC = Pensioner / Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card)
(GSNR = Government Senior Card Holder)

Step aboard the Indian Pacific for one of the Showcasing three of Australia's most majestic ladies, this holiday is 13 days of absolute magnificence. worlds greatest train rides, soak up the unique landscapes from the comfort of the lounge and travel in complete luxury. An exclusive charter of the intimate cruising vessel, the MV Expedition allows you to relax and make yourself at home while enjoying only the finest cuisine. The modern comfort and classic style of The Ghan make her one of the ultimate ways to journey through the heart of Australia. Fully hosted, with quality meals and accommodation along the way, this really is the way to travel!

Day 1 - Wednesday (D)

Arrive Sydney and make your own way to Central Station to board the Indian Pacific for an overnight journey, enjoying fine cuisine with panoramic views of the Blue Mountains. The journey heads west into the New South Wales outback bound for Broken Hill. Overnight in Gold Kangaroo Service.

Day 2 - Thursday (B, L, D)

Today we cross the Darling River and pass the outskirts of the Lake Menindee shoreline, arriving at Broken Hill. An optional tour (only available for purchase onboard, weather and timetable permitting) is to explore this unique outback city on the famous Whistle Stop Tour. We continue on the rest of the journey to Adelaide. On arrival we are greeted by our coach captain to transfer us to our Glenelg Hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3 - Friday (B, L, S)

This morning enjoy a City Sights Tour of Adelaide, experiencing the contrasting blend of historic architecture. We then travel through the glorious Adelaide Hills to Mount Lofty Lookout for the best panoramic views of Adelaide, before we continue our journey to the oldest German settlement in Australia Ð Hahndorf. Here we enjoy German food and some free time before visiting the Monarto Zoo for a guided safari tour on-board our coach. We then head to Murray Bridge to board the MV Expedition for our 2 night week-end cruise. Feel very special and spoilt, as we have chartered the vessel exclusively for our tour only! Having settled into your accommodation, enjoy drinks before a delicious buffet supper as the MV Expedition cruises to her overnight mooring point.

Day 4 - Saturday (B, L, D)

The MV Expedition continues upstream today through some of the most spectacular scenery on the entire River Murray system. Cruising continues past the many small river townships, with the chance to absorb the unique surroundings. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the MV Expedition chefs as you cruise before a late afternoon arrival at Teal Flat. A highlight of your journey is a guided cruise led by an ecologist aboard a small boat through the lagoons and inlets of this sanctuary. This evening there is a traditional Australian barbecue on shore followed by live Aussie Bush entertainment around a blazing campfire. (subject to fire restrictions).

Day 5 - Sunday (B, L, D)

Enjoy breakfast as the MV Expedition cruises downstream, before a morning arrival in picturesque Mannum. Your coach will transfer you from Mannum into Adelaide to board The Ghan bound for Alice Springs. Discover Australia's rugged romantic reds in indulgent Gold Kangaroo Service and be captivated as you bear witness to the continent's achingly beautiful heart.

Day 6 - Monday (B, L, D)

Arrive on the Legendary Ghan into Alice Springs and be met by your Coach Captain, for a brief orientation of the town, followed by a visit to Anzac Hill, a lookout offering spectacular views of the rugged MacDonnell Ranges and the township prior to checking into Lasseters Hotel Casino for our three night stay.

Day 7 - Tuesday (B, L, D)

Depart for a full day touring through the West MacDonnell Ranges, where our first stop is Rev John Flynn's Grave. John Flynn is recognised for the fruition of the RFDS. Next we visit Standley Chasm, and enjoy a short 45 minute return walk, along a stony watercourse lined with cycads, ghost gums, acacias and cypress pines. Morning tea is provided before we travel further along the West MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Ellery Creek Big Hole. High red cliffs, a large waterhole and a sandy creek fringed by eucalyptus gums. Visit Glen Helen Homestead for lunch before departing for Ormiston Gorge, which showcases spectacular geology and landforms. As the sun starts to set visit Simpson's Gap to enjoy a glass of champagne before returning to our Hotel.

Day 8 - Wednesday (B, L, D)

This morning we visit the Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame, before continuing on to the Kookaburra Memorial. Next we visit the Royal Flying Doctor Base for lunch and a guided tour, before proceeding to the School of the Air. Next stop is The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve. Finishing our day with a stop to Mbanuta Aboriginal Cultural Museum and Gallery prior to returning to our Hotel. Time for a freshen up for our spectacular themed night out 'The Original Outback Bush BBQ'. This night is guaranteed to be one of your best experiences yet!!

Day 9 - Thursday (B, L, D)

Leisure morning before we are collected from the Hotel to travel to the Alice Springs Desert Park, a habitat-based information and education centre showcasing the Australian Outback. Enjoy lunch before discovering its landscapes, plants and animals and how they were traditionally used and managed by the Aboriginal people. Depart Desert Park to board The Ghan, bound for Darwin, once again indulging in Gold Kangaroo Service.

Day 10 - Friday (B, L, D)

This morning we arrive in Katherine, scheduled to arrive at 9am for a 4 hour duration. (Whistle Stop tours to Katherine Gorge are available for purchase onboard and cannot be prearranged.) We then continue north through lush countryside before arriving into Darwin for our 3 night stay at Holiday Inn Esplanade.

Day 11 - Saturday (B, L, D)

Today we take in a Darwin City Sights Tour with expert commentary by a local guide, visiting the Chinese Temple, George Brown Memorial, lush Botanic Gardens and Fannie Bay Gaol. Enjoy lunch at the museum and art centre before a leisurely stroll through the Parap Markets, then returning to our Hotel.

Day 12 - Sunday (B, L, D)

Today we visit the breathtaking Kakadu National Park, world heritage listed for both its nature and culture. A wildlife wonderland showcasing natural beauty and Aboriginal rock art sites at Nourlangie Rock. We take the Yellow Water Billabong Cruise, which takes you safely through the calm Yellow Water Billabong, untouched by mankind and enlivened by myriads of Crocodiles, Jabirus, Sea Eagles, Whistling Kites and waterlilies. Dinner tonight at the Bark Hut before returning to our Hotel.

Day 13 - Monday (B)

Depart Darwin making your own way to the airport for your return flight to home port.

B = Hot Breakfast
MT = Morning Tea
L = Lunch
D = Two Course Dinner

2009 Departures Dates: 17 July; 18th July

Deposit required to secure booking - $500pp

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