Hawk Dreaming 3 Day Kakadu Cultural Experience
Experience Kakadu from The Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge, located in a remote and restricted area of Kakadu.
Menu
| Shoulder Season | High Season | |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Service Advance Purchase | $3,239 | $3,749 |
| Gold Service Everyday | $3,789 | $4,339 |
| Platinum Service Everyday | $5,169 | $5,689 |
Day 1: BOARD THE GHAN IN ADELAIDE
Step aboard The Ghan in Adelaide for your unforgettable adventure to the Top End. As the train leaves the city heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond, it’s your chance to settle into your cabin and watch the changes in landscape from your private cabin.OVERNIGHT: 2 nights The Ghan (L, D)
Day 2: THE GHAN, ALICE SPRINGS
After your first night enjoying the fine dining and relaxed luxury of this iconic train, you’ll wake to an amazing outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track. Enjoy more incredible outback scenery before arriving into Alice Springs early in the afternoon to enjoy an Off Train Excursion that reveals more of this historic outback town. (B, L, D)
Day 3: THE GHAN, KATHERINE AND DARWIN
As you head further north into the tropics, prepare to experience one of the Top End’s most impressive natural wonders near Katherine. The stunning Nitmiluk Gorge lies within the massive 292,000 hectares of the Nitmiluk National Park. You’ll have the chance to explore it from the water with guided cruise options – an Off Train Excursion you’ll never forget. Alternatively, get a glimpse into outback life by visiting a working cattle station with Katherine Outback Experience. A few hours later, you’ll arrive in Darwin for a transfer to your accommodation.
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Rydges Darwin Central (B, L)
Day 4: DARWIN
Take in the top sights of this tropical city on a morning tour, including the Stokes Hill Wharf area, Botanic Gardens and the Chinese Temple, the Mooring Basin, and Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory plus Darwin Aviation Museum. This afternoon enjoy a stroll around Darwin, taking in the fascinating history at your own pace. This evening soak up a Darwin sunset while you enjoy a Territory style buffet dinner featuring local seafood and produce, all while sailing in the comfort of a modern and spacious catamaran. (B, D).
Day 5: DARWIN TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
It’s time to visit one of the world’s most incredible natural environments. As you travel along the Arnhem Highway south-east of Darwin the anticipation builds. Soon you’ll be in the heart of the world-famous Kakadu National Park enjoying a full day of immersive experiences. You’ll cruise the Yellow Water Billabong, search for saltwater crocodiles, see a variety of informative displays depicting the rich Aboriginal history of the area at the Warradjan Cultural Centre, and be guided to ancient rock art galleries at Nourlangie.
OVERNIGHT: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (B, L)
Day 6: KAKADU NATIONAL PARK TO DARWIN
At the World Heritage area Ubirr, your guide will reveal extraordinary art sites of spiritual significance to local Indigenous people dating back more than 20,000 years. On your way to join the Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River, you’ll visit a stunning lookout to take in the majestic vistas of the renowned Kakadu wetlands. Later, with special permission of the traditional owners, enjoy the privilege of going ashore in Arnhem Land. To cap off an enriching day, you’ll visit the Bowali Visitor Centre before returning to Darwin.
OVERNIGHT: Rydges Darwin Central (L)
Day 7: FAREWELL
Your Top End experience comes to an end this morning as you farewell Darwin and check out of your accommodation after breakfast. (B)
The Ghan offers more than just a transit between Adelaide to Darwin, It is unquestionably the most comfortable way to see the beautiful wilderness of Australia’s Red Centre. It is a hotel on wheels which runs through the heart of the country, covering the 2,979km between the south coast at Adelaide and the north coast at Darwin in two nights and three days. Most of the services entail two nights on the train, but The Ghan Expedition (Southbound) option adds an extra night on board.
The train’s name supposedly honours the Afghan camel drivers who arrived in Australia in the late 19th century with animals imported from India. The Ghan name is an old one, bestowed on the narrow-gauge trains that ran from the Adelaide–Perth line at Port Augusta to a series of railheads as construction crews slowly and intermittently worked their way north.
It took 50 years from 1879 to 1929 to get as far as Alice Springs and there the line stopped. Frequent floods and washouts encouraged the construction of a new standard-gauge railway further west, from Tarcoola to Alice, opened in 1980, before the original concept was fulfilled with the opening of the line on to Darwin in 2004. Added to the allure of the outback is Alice Springs, a town of only 29,000 people yet known the world over as a symbol of isolation so strong that even the philosopher Bertrand Russell had to go and see it for himself in 1950. Alice, as every local shortens it, is also the springboard for trips to the largest monolith in the world, Uluru.
Onboard you will find an all-inclusive sumptuous dining of regionally inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines, elegant private cabins, attentive service, and the camaraderie of your fellow travellers. And when the train stops, the adventures begin.
Choose from a huge range of included off-train experiences to create your own rich and rewarding personal journey through Australia’s outback and beyond. Choose from one of the following journeys to create the foundation for your next adventure or, extend the experience with a tailored holiday package.
Stylishly appointed, spacious suites complemented by discreet, personalised service and world-class food and wine make this a very special travel experience. Platinum guests enjoy premium extras like a full-size en suite, expansive window views from both sides of the train, and exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage. You’ll also notice the Bollinger champagne, Australian Appelles Apothecary toiletries, Haigh’s chocolates, a nightcap at turndown, luxuriously soft linen, and more … it’s this attention to detail that you’ll recall long after your journey’s end. By day, your cabin is configured as a private lounge with deluxe seating, a table and two ottomans. By night, you’ll enjoy a deep, comfortable sleep as the lounges convert into a comfortable bedroom with either a double or twin beds.
It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the amazing views passing by your panoramic windows but, for a more social experience, head to the Platinum Club. Thoughtfully appointed to embody the spirit of the train’s Australian heritage, the décor features quartzite tabletops, timber flooring, brass fittings and leather banquette lounge seating in tones of ash, moss and sepia. The carriage offers a daytime lounge setting with adaptable dining options. As you’d expect from a first class service, the food and wine included in the Platinum Service is of the highest standard. Your fare includes hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and four-course dinners. Vegetarian and special dietary meals are available when you make your booking. And, as a Platinum guest, the premium service level begins before you even board with private transfers included at the start and end of your journey within a 60 kilometre radius of the terminal.
Platinum services includes:
Spend hours deep in conversation with a travelling partner or lose yourself in a lifetime of thoughts. And after a day of off-train activities, your cabin provides the perfect place to relax and recharge before heading for the lounge or dining carriage. With room to stretch out and all the comforts of home, Gold Service is the most popular level of service aboard The Ghan and Indian Pacific. You’ll enjoy private cabin accommodation together with all-inclusive dining, beverages and a range of fascinating Off Train Excursions at key stops.
Gold services includes:
The most popular choice of accommodation on The Ghan and Indian Pacific, Gold Service Twin cabins have everything you need to make you feel right at home for the amazing experience that lies ahead. This is your private oasis, a superbly comfortable overnight room to recline and let the rhythm of the tracks sway you to sleep ahead of your next adventure.
A Superior cabin in Gold Service is a unique way to travel, you’ll enjoy private accommodation together with all-inclusive dining, beverages and a range of fascinating Off Train Excursions.
Gold Access Cabins are exclusively reserved for the mobility impaired. This cabin is subject to availability and assessment of the guest’s Fitness to Travel.
In addition to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin onboard a Great Southern Rail train, you’ll find yourself indulging in sumptuous cuisine, fine wines, and camaraderie in our dining carriages. Taking our cue from the diverse environments our trains travel through, our expert culinary team works closely with local suppliers, farmers and providores to source the best ingredients, creating an innovative, regionally-inspired menu accompanied by all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.
Each of our three dining carriages has its own ambience and personality. The Queen Adelaide restaurant evokes the golden era of rail with an art deco atmosphere, the Outback Explorer Lounges offer camaraderie in a relaxed social setting, while the Platinum Club impresses with its quartzite tabletops, timber flooring and brass fittings for our Platinum Service guests.
Step out of your spacious cabin and into the exclusive, classically styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant where an all inclusive menu is prepared by on-board chefs using fresh local fare. Our seasonal menu features mouth-watering dishes such as saltwater barramundi and grilled kangaroo fillet. Fares include hearty breakfasts, two course lunches and three course dinners. Vegetarian, children’s and limited special dietary meals are available when you make your booking. You may also choose to complement your meal with our selection of wines and beverages which are also included in your fare.
The Outback Explorer Lounges are the social hub of the train, the perfect setting to get to know fellow travellers, enjoy a snack, and catch glimpses of the passing landscape through wide picture windows.
The Platinum Club Lounge is hosted by a Platinum Host, serving drinks, cocktails and barista coffee. Request an afternoon refreshment from the all-inclusive beverage list, or simply choose from the self-serve bar. Our highly-experienced onboard culinary teams work closely with local suppliers, farmers and providores sourcing the finest ingredients to create innovative, regionally-inspired menus accompanied by all-inclusive fine wines and beverages offered on every route.
Day 1 – Adelaide Departing Adelaide, what lies ahead is rugged, beautiful and spectacular – through the Red Centre to the tropical north of Australia. Settle into your cabin and watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia from your window, or meet your fellow travellers in the lounge car. Before long some of the oldest rock formations in the world, the Flinders Ranges, come into view. As darkness envelops the rugged outback, it’s time to indulge in a regionally-inspired dinner and all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.
Day 2 – Alice Springs Begin with a freshly brewed coffee or juice as the day dawns at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. It is here, deep inland, that you will enjoy a one of a kind experience, as you watch the desert come to life at sunrise. All aboard for brunch as you make your way through the MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs where a choice of Off Train Excursions awaits. Alice is an iconic Red Centre outpost. 1,500 kilometres from the nearest major city, it may be remote, but offers plenty to explore – home to doctors who fly, rivers that run dry, and a cast of colourful characters. Your time in the ‘capital out of the outback’ offers numerous opportunities to explore its historic legacy and unique environment.
Day 3 – Katherine and Darwin Your day dawns in the tropical north. The pristine wilderness of Katherine is stirring and powerful, and you’ll have the chance to explore it from the water or land with your choice of off-train experiences. Cruise the jaw-dropping Nitmiluk Gorge, learn more about its ancient Indigenous rock paintings and gain insight into the culture of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawoyn people, or discover authentic outback life on a cattle station. As evening falls, arrive in Darwin to complete your epic Australian journey.
Day 1 – Darwin and Katherine Your journey begins with a morning departure from Darwin. Once you’re settled into your private cabin, mingle with fellow travellers or sample the exceptional food, wine, and service onboard. When it’s time for lunch, savour the regionally-inspired menu accompanied by a selection of all-inclusive wines and beverages, before an early afternoon arrival at the Top End township of Katherine. Choose between a relaxing cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge’s ancient natural wonders and exploring the region’s rich Indigenous culture, or experience a glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home, with a fascinating day of discovery on a huge cattle station. Enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the outback, then back in your cabin you’ll find your bed turned down. Fall asleep as the train rolls soothingly onwards.
Day 2 – Alice Springs After your first night on The Ghan, you’ll be greeted by a morning view of the spectacular Red Centre. A full day of excursions awaits you in the outback town of Alice Springs. An optional upgrade is a scenic flight to Uluru, returning in time to meet the rest of your fellow guests at a spectacular barbeque dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Day 3 – Manguri and Coober Pedy From your morning stop at the outback outpost of 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. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues.
Day 4 – Arrive Adelaide From your cabin window 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 majestic Flinders Ranges and prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great travel experiences. In the smart southern city, you can extend your experience with a holiday package to the Barossa Valley, fascinating Kangaroo Island, or an expertly-curated tour of this food and wine loving capital.
Prices based on twin share. Single supplements apply for single travellers. Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change.
All train travel, trip/holiday package, accommodation, day tour or overnight tour prices are quoted in Australian dollars inclusive of GST. Fares, packages and prices in this brochure are subject to change without notice prior to booking. If a guest has booked a rail journey that includes flights, hotel accommodation, car hire or touring, these components will not be booked until a booking deposit is received.
DEPOSITS
PAYMENT DUE
The full balance of payment will be due at 45 days prior to the date of travel. (Unless booking conditions state otherwise, such as special offers, third party supplier conditions.) For bookings made at 45 days or less prior to travel, full payment is required at the time of booking. If payment is not received, the booking will be cancelled.
For Advance Purchase Holiday Packages full payment is required six months prior to the travel date.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
CANCELLATION
Everyday and Everyday Saver Cancellation Rules (rail only & holiday packages)
Advance Purchase rail only & Special Offers rail only Cancellation Rules
Advance Purchase Holiday Package & Special Offer Holiday Package Cancellation Rules
