Monarto Safari Stay 2026 (The Ghan) : Darwin to Adelaide

Settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Lounge as you wave Darwin goodbye. Enjoy lunch on board ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine, a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural landscapes, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge. Here you’ll cruise through Nitmiluk’s waterways, a beautiful and peaceful way to see its natural beauty. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, while the Cutta Cutta Cave system is home to a variety of native wildlife and is rich in Indigenous culture and modern European history. Or, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight over Nitmiluk. (L,D) OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan Expedition

Your arrival into Alice Springs after breakfast provides you with time to explore this iconic town in the red heart of Australia on an Off Train Experience. There’s an experience to suit everyone, including an off-road e-bike adventure, the Alice Explorer tour that takes in the historic Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park, or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Alternatively, spot Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air, with an optional upgrade scenic flight. In the evening, the hallmark experience of The Ghan Expedition begins. Dine under a blanket of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, with red earth at your feet and white tablecloths at your fingertips. This will be a night to remember. (B,L,D)

From your morning stop at Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Off Train Experiences on offer include exploring the majestic Breakaways, touring the town, learning more about mining history on the Opal Experience, or an optional upgrade with the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre scenic flight. Dinner is served back on the train, where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. (B,L,D)

This morning, you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the Flinders Ranges before arriving in Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail experiences. Upon arriving in Adelaide, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Monarto Safari Resort, approximately 50 minutes from the city centre and nestled in South Australia’s expansive Murraylands. Monarto Safari Resort offers an unparalleled escape into nature’s embrace, combining premium accommodation with authentic experiences, during your stay you’ll be surrounded by Africa’s wildest animals. Settle into your new and well curated accommodation before joining the Sunset Wildlife Safari, soaking in the last rays of sun on your small group guided tour. Enjoy exclusive access to Monarto Safari Park's Wild Africa area after hours with ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the vast parklands and watch the free-roaming herds of African animals across 550 hectares. As you explore the lands from the comfort of a custom built Safari Truck, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and photograph animals including Southern White Rhinos, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Eland, Ostriches, and Zebras. Drinks and canapes will be served during the tour, capping off the unforgettable experience. (B) OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Monarto Safari Resort

Today is yours to explore Monarto Safari Park via the guided Zu-Loop bus experience, or a combination of the Zu-Loop bus and walking. Monarto is the largest open-range safari experience in the world outside of Africa and spans more than 1,500 hectares and is home to more than 50 species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles. You can hop on and off the bus at the wildlife viewing platforms and spend time observing your favourite animal species, including Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Rhinos, Chimpanzees, and more. Additionally, you can enhance your visit by attending Daily Keeper Presentations and booking a range of intimate behind-the-scenes animal experiences. Later today you may choose to indulge in the luxurious day spa, laze by the two stunning pool areas or enjoy world-class dining at the onsite restaurant at Monarto Safari Resort. (B)

Today, your wild Monarto Safari Stay comes to an end. After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and transfer by private vehicle to your choice of the Adelaide Airport or Adelaide CBD Hotel. (B)