The Ghan Outback Opal Safari
9 nights / 8 days

Although the city of Darwin isn’t anywhere near as big as Sydney, its natural harbor is actually twice the size, and the cosmopolitan lifestyle is half the pace so it’s the perfect place to ease into your holiday. First stop is Katherine where you can either look around town or enjoy a Whistle Stop Tour at Katherine Gorge (own expense). When we get to Alice Springs the next morning you’ll discover even more treasures. The cultural sites, art galleries and the spectacular natural wonders of Palm Valley, Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and Kings Canyon are all unforgettable in their own right. But we know what you really want to see is Uluru (Ayers Rock) and you’ll have the chance to enjoy a sunset and sunrise there to see the changing colors of this magnificent monolith. You might even like to choose the award winning and unforgettable Sounds of Silence Dinner option (additional cost).

Then it’s on to Coober Pedy, a place most tourists never get to discover due to its remote location. But with a train stop nearby, you can get there effortlessly and visit a genuine opal mine, search for opals, enjoy a guided tour of the town including the underground homes and stores and pass the 9000km long Dog Fence with a stop at the Moon Plains – the backdrop for many movies and commercials. Your final night in the elegant city of Adelaide is the perfect place to reflect on the past nine days filled with the kind of experiences most people only ever dream about.

Trip highlights and features

Gold Kangaroo Service fare from Darwin to Coober Pedy (Manguri).

Superior accommodation

3 day small group Red Centre Ecotour including Hermannsburg Historical Precinct, the Finke National Park, the desert oasis of Palm Valley, Kings Canyon, Uluru & Kata Tjuta.

Full day tour of the famous opal mining town of Coober Pedy that includes visits to a working mine field to fossick for opals, the Breakaways, stunning views over the Moon Plain (the set for many internationally known movies), the famous Dog Fence and an underground church, home and pottery shop.

Airfares from Coober Pedy to Adelaide are not included in the price. POA.

Optional Katherine Gorge Cruise, Tour or Helicopter flight during stopover in Katherine (purchase on train at extra cost).

Sunday - Starts in Darwin

Monday - Board The Legendary Ghan to Katherine

Tusday - Alice Springs,Hermannsburg, Kings Canyon

Wednesday - Kings Canyon, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Thursday - Uluru, Alice Springs, The Ghan to Manguri

Friday - Coober Pedy, Opal Capital

Saturday - Coober Pedy, Painted Desert

Sunday - Coober Pedy to Adelaide

Monday - Adelaide. Package concludes

1 Adult

$5,920 Per adult

2 Adults

$4,865 Per adult

Conditions: Single Room supplement obligatory if travelling alone. Packages available for bookings made April 1st, 2006 to March 31st, 2007. For travel from April 1st, 2006 to March 31st, 2007 and completed by March 31st, 2007. Fares valid to 31 March 2007. All prices are subject to change without notice. All fares are in Australian Dollars (AUD$). Airfares, taxes and insurance not included in above package price.