Alice Springs - The Ghan Off Train Experience

A Town Called Alice

INCLUDED IN FARE*

Alice Springs invites you to uncover its rich history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes at the heart of the Australian outback.

Begin at the Alice Springs School of the Air, the world’s largest classroom, where innovation has delivered education across 1.3 million square kilometres since 1951. Discover how this iconic institution continues to inspire students in the remote outback.

Next, explore the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a lifeline for Australia’s most isolated communities. Interactive exhibits reveal the critical healthcare and emergency services connecting the outback to lifesaving care.

Finally, visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, home to fascinating native creatures like frill-neck lizards and thorny devils. Learn from experts about their unique behaviours and habitats, celebrating the region’s remarkable biodiversity.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – multiple coach stops through your experience, some walking and standing for short periods required.

*Inclusive for Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.

DESERT PARK

INCLUDED IN FARE* (MOBILITY FRIENDLY)

Nestled at the foot of the West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs Desert Park offers an immersive journey through Central Australia’s unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Discover the deep connection between the land, wildlife, and the traditions of the local Arrernte people.

Explore three distinct desert habitats – Desert Rivers, Sand Country, and Woodland – each highlighting the resilience of life in the arid outback. See how each environment sustains its flora and fauna.

Step into the Nocturnal House to witness iconic creatures like the bilby and mala wallaby, observing their fascinating nocturnal behaviours.

Be amazed by a thrilling free-flight display of desert raptors, showcasing their hunting and survival techniques. Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to meet the birds and their trainers, gaining insights into their care and remarkable adaptations for desert life.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – guests walk approximately 4km over gravel and sandy pathways broken into short distances.

*Inclusive for Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.

SIMPSONS GAP

INCLUDED IN FARE*

Nestled in Simpsons Gap, this tour offers a unique blend of nature and Indigenous culture. The area, rich in Mulga stands, supports over 40 rare plant species and a vibrant wildlife ecosystem. Known as Rungutjirpa to the Arrernte people, the Gap is a sacred site, the mythological home of giant goanna ancestors, with Dreaming trails that reflect the spiritual ties between the land and its people.

Embark on a guided bush walk through this stunning landscape, where an expert guide will share the cultural significance of the area. Hear stories about the Arrernte people’s connection to the land, learn about bush tucker, and explore the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The towering rock formations and serene waters of the Gap provide a breathtaking setting for this enriching journey, offering deeper insights into both nature and Indigenous culture.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Approximately 2km of walking over rocky and natural terrain. We are unable to accommodate passengers who require the use of wheelchairs or walkers on this experience.

*Inclusive for Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.

Standley Chasm Cultural Walk

INCLUDED IN FARE*

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty and cultural significance of Standley Chasm, known traditionally as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’ or ‘Gap of Water’, a stunning geological wonder in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Towering at 80 metres and just 3 metres wide, this natural marvel has been shaped by millions of years of rainfall and floods, revealing vibrant sandstone hues that change throughout the day, perfect for photograph

As you explore, an expert guide will share the cultural significance of the site to the Western Arrernte people, custodians of the land. Learn about traditional bush tucker, survival skills, and the deep spiritual connection the Arrernte have with this sacred place. This experience offers both natural beauty and rich cultural insight, making Standley Chasm a must-see destination in Central Australia.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – approximately 2.5km of walking over uneven and rocky terrain, with standing required. We are unable to accommodate passengers who require the use of wheelchairs or walkers on this experience.

*Inclusive for Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.

CYCLE ALICE

INCLUDED IN FARE* (limited availability)

Embark on an exhilarating cycling journey along the Ilentye Trail, a path through the rugged beauty of the Todd River and Alice Springs countryside. Named after the Indigenous word for ‘Galah,’ Ilentye (pronounced ee-LINDGE), the trail honours the vibrant wildlife of the region. As you cycle along ochre-coloured paths, your guide will share insights into the cultural and geological significance of the land.

Stop by the peaceful riverbank, where the stunning landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for photography and reflection. Keep an eye out for black-footed rock wallabies navigating the rocky terrain, adding to the wildlife experience. This tour offers a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Outback, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

Recommended Fitness Level: High – guests need to be confident and able to ride a geared mountain bike. Approx. 13km of cycling over sandy paths. We are unable to accommodate passengers who require the use of wheelchairs or walkers on this experience. Minimum age of participation is 12 years old.

*Inclusive for Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests travelling the entire journey. Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Service guests leaving The Ghan in Alice Springs are required to pay $100 per person.

SPIRIT OF MT. GILLEN HELICOPTER FLIGHT

OPTIONAL UPGRADE EXPERIENCE - $295 per person* (limited availability)

Discovering the outback from the air is simply spellbinding. Flying by helicopter is exhilarating at any time, but when you are soaring above the rugged ranges and open plains of the Red Centre, it is an experience you will never forget.

Taking to the skies on a 15 minute helicopter flight, your first aerial encounter with the landscape is a fly over spectacular Simpsons Gap and its permanent waterhole. You will track the cliff faces of the Mount Gillen Ridgeline and the Larapinta Trail and throughout your aerial safari, you will be treated to the pilot’s expert commentary, providing detail on the wonders unfolding before you.

After your adventure, you are invited to wind down with a relaxing swim in the hotel pool while enjoying refreshments and high tea.

To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour. For more information on how to pre-book, please contact our travel centre on 1800 703 357 or contact your travel agent. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests required to board and disembark aircraft unassisted. Weight restrictions apply – a maximum weight of any individual cannot exceed 130kgs. Guests are also reminded to bring bathers for use of the pool. Towels provided by Crowne Plaza Lasseters. We are unable to accommodate passengers who require the use of wheelchairs on this experience.

PLEASE NOTE: This tour is subject to availability and conditions; all upgrade optional experiences are non-refundable.