The Southern Spirit

Tuesday - Darwin.
On arrival in the tropical Top End capital of Darwin take the chance to explore some local sights, such as the Wharf Precinct, the War Museum or Mitchell Street, before heading off to this evening’s official welcome function. At Darwin’s newest and most popular tourist attraction, Crocosaurus Cove, you’ll be wined and dined as you get up close and personal with giant saltwater crocodiles. OVERNIGHT: Darwin.

Wednesday - Darwin, Katherine.
After breakfast at your hotel you’ll board The Southern Spirit. Relax in style as you experience the lush tropical scenery and pass by the World Heritage Listed Litchfield National Park. Listen to yarns from one of the local identities, before arriving in Katherine. Visit the 25 million year old Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). Be treated to a champagne cruise, antipasto platters, Dreamtime stories and a cultural presentation, before rejoining The Southern Spirit. OVERNIGHT: The Southern Spirit. (B, L, D)

Thursday - Alice Springs.
Draw your cabin blinds this morning to reveal the beauty of sunrise over the red earth of Central Australia. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as The Southern Spirit makes it way to the outback town of Alice Springs. Once in “The Alice”, choose from a host of exciting excursions such as a helicopter tour of the MacDonnell Ranges or take the ever-popular “camel to dinner” tour. The afternoon is yours to explore this famous outback town. OVERNIGHT: Alice Springs. (B)

Friday - Alice Springs.
Today is entirely yours to do as little or as much as you like. Take off on an excursion such as hot air ballooning, quad biking or wander the town’s historical sights. This evening sample the tastes of Australia, with a four-course feast at the historic Overlanders Steakhouse. OVERNIGHT: Alice Springs. (B, D)

Saturday - Alice Springs, Coober Pedy.
Depart Alice Springs, cross the Finke River and settle in for a day of on-board relaxation. Enjoy the unspoiled landscape of Australia’s interior and indulge in mouth-watering cuisine while being intrigued by bush tales. In the evening, head “ashore” to the famed opal-mining town of Coober Pedy. Explore the mines under torchlight, experience dining underground and try your hand at noodling for opals. After an evening of adventures you’ll rejoin the train for your cruise south. OVERNIGHT: The Southern Spirit. (B, L, D)

Sunday - Adelaide.
Relax on board this morning and marvel at the changing scenery, as The Southern Spirit cruises towards Adelaide. Pass the glorious Flinders Ranges and the sweeping Adelaide Plains before enjoying a delicious lunch prior to your arrival into South Australia’s capital in the late afternoon. This evening’s dinner is at the famous National Wine Centre, with its spectacular architecture, superb food and, as you would expect, its outstanding wine list. OVERNIGHT: Adelaide. (B, L, D)

Monday & Tuesday - Adelaide.
Over these two days we have a wide array of exciting excursions to choose from – including food and wine experiences in the Barossa and Clare Valleys, Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island 4WD adventures, River Murray cruises and much more. Alternatively, you may choose to set your own pace and explore Adelaide’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace, visit the superb Botanic Gardens or simply watch the world go by from an alfresco café in the East End. OVERNIGHT: Adelaide. (B)

Wednesday - Adelaide.
Choose from one of two fabulous included activities to South Australia’s world-renowned wine regions, the famous Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale region. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch of local produce, sample some of the world’s best wines and see some of South Australia’s most picturesque scenery. In the afternoon, return to The Southern Spirit for your onward cruise. Depart Adelaide and work up an appetite, as you’re tantalised by our special guest speaker, a celebrity chef. OVERNIGHT: The Southern Spirit. (B, L, D)

Thursday - Melbourne.
Today brings the excitement of a new destination as The Southern Spirit makes its morning arrival into cosmopolitan Melbourne. Once “ashore” you’ll be transferred to your accommodation and can spend the remainder of the day enjoying the local sights and sounds on one of the many available excursions such as the vibrant Queen Victoria Markets or a Yarra River cruise. OVERNIGHT: Melbourne. (B)

Friday - Melbourne.
This morning you can continue exploring with one of our excursions, perhaps the Lanes and Arcades tour, or a trip to scenic Daylesford or the Mornington Peninsula. In the afternoon we visit the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, home of the 1956 Olympic Games. Wander through the Hall of Fame, enjoy an exclusive back of house tour and have dinner in a Corporate Box. Then re-board the train for the overnight cruise to Canberra. OVERNIGHT: The Southern Spirit. (B, D)

Saturday - Canberra.
Arrive in Canberra, the nation’s capital, where you’ll have a gourmet buffet lunch, before taking your choice of the included activities. Explore the National Gallery of Australia, home to over 120,000 works of art, view one of the world’s best collections of war relics at the Australian War Museum, or take a private, guided tour of Parliament House, before being transferred back to The Southern Spirit for dinner. OVERNIGHT: The Southern Spirit. (B, L, D)

Sunday - Sydney, Southern Highlands.
Today The Southern Spirit begins its wonderful cruise through the picturesque Blue Mountains. In Moss Vale you’ll have the option of two included activities. Visit The Bradman Museum, established in honour of Australia’s greatest cricketer, or view the spectacular Fitzroy Falls on the walking tour to Jersey Lookout. After a classic Australian barbeque lunch, we re board the train and pass by beautiful Lake Illawarra en route to Sydney. Here The Southern Spirit completes its journey, but not before you have had the chance to enjoy high tea and say farewell to newfound friends. (B, L)