Alice Springs Desert Park - The Ghan Off Train Experiences

A Town Called Alice

INCLUDED IN FARE*

Start your journey at the Alice Springs School of the Air, renowned as the world’s largest classroom. Established in 1951, this innovative institution spans an impressive 1.3 million square kilometres, catering to students living in remote areas. It pioneered the use of two-way radio broadcasts for education, enabling children unable to attend traditional schools to receive quality teaching from a distance. A visit here provides insight into how education adapts to the challenges of isolation.

Travel to the historical precinct of The Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Here you’ll learn about day to day life of the first European settlement in Alice Springs and how the station played a pivotal role in bridging the isolation and communication gap between remote Australian towns. Established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, it is the best preserved of the 12 stations along the Overland Telegraph Line.

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* (limited availability)

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.

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.

Roads and Railways

INCLUDED IN FARE*

Embark on an unforgettable off-train adventure that delves into Australia’s rich transport heritage, starting at the National Road Transport Hall of Fame. Experience a guided journey through the Buntine Pavilion, home to a captivating collection of historic cars and trucks, each telling its unique story. Next, visit the Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame, where you’ll see the first Australian-made chassis, 400008, alongside iconic trucks that illustrate the evolution of our road transport.

Explore engaging exhibits like “Trucks in Action” and the RSL Military Museum, which shed light on the diverse aspects of road transport and its significant role in our history. After your immersive experience, enjoy homemade scones and a refreshing beverage, allowing time to reflect on the journey.

Concluding your tour is the Old Ghan Heritage Railway, where you’ll discover the fascinating history of the Old Ghan. Wander through the display carriages and experience the nostalgia of rail travel during the golden age. Join us on this exceptional tour, celebrating Australia’s roads and railways, honouring the past while looking towards the future.

Recommended Fitness Level: Low – guests walk approximately 2km on gravel and cement paths, with standing required.

PLEASE NOTE: This tour is only available for departures between 12th – 26th March & 5th – 26th November.

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.