Ghan & Great Ocean Road
18 day Rail & Self Drive Holiday – from £3599
With flights from £4999
Combine one of Australia’s great trans-continental rail journeys aboard The Ghan with one of the most iconic coastal drives along the Great Ocean Road.
Highlights:
- Explore the Northern Territory’s laid back capital of Darwin
- Experience the epic 4 day Ghan Expedition rail journey
- Soak in the magnificent coastal scenery of the Great Ocean Road
- Stay in the cultural hub of Melbourne
- Visit Sydney’s iconic landmarks
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your Australia holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Arrive into the Northern Territory’s gateway city of Darwin where the pace of life instantly slows.
Spend two days exploring the city’s galleries and museums, visit the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, unwind on the Waterfront or visit the Botanic Gardens. A sunset dinner cruise around the harbour is also spectacular.
Venturing outside the city, perhaps take a day tour of Litchfield or Kakadu National Parks, or witness the jumping crocs on the Adelaide River. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the Arnhem Land, learning about Indigenous culture and the spiritual significance of the area.
Your chosen Darwin hotel


Day 3 to 5 – The Ghan Expedition
This morning, travel in style on board the Ghan Expedition – an inclusive rail journey like no other.
Spend three nights onboard the mighty kilometre long train including scheduled stops to allow you to explore Australia’s outback between the Northern Territory and South Australia.
Cruise through Katherine Gorge, explore Alice Springs and take in the uniqueness of Coober Pedy’s underground treasures.
Fine food and wines are included throughout your expedition.
This morning, embark on an all inclusive rail journey like no other: The Ghan Expedition.
You will be welcomed aboard, and shown to your private cabin, before setting off on your journey south. Enjoy a regionally inspired lunch menu, before disembarking in the town of Katherine. Here, you will take a cruise through the ancient Nitmiluk Gorge.
After breakfast the next day, you will arrive in Alice Springs, where there are a choice of excursions on offer. To conclude your day in the Red Centre, enjoy a barbecue dinner under the stars at Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
On day three aboard The Ghan, you will travel to Coober Pedy, where half the population live underground! Choose how you would like to explore this fascinating town and enjoy a morning activity, before reconvening with your fellow passengers for an underground lunch.
Onboard The Ghan


Day 6 to 7 – Adelaide
This morning, you’ll witness a dramatic shift in the landscapes from your cabin window as you enter South Australia. Brunch is served as you travel through the magnificent Flinders Ranges, then you will pull into Adelaide, your final stop. Disembark The Ghan, and head into the centre of Adelaide.
Explore Adelaide’s wide leafy boulevards and spacious green parklands, perhaps taking a wander down the riverside or visiting the Botanic Gardens. Explore the city’s wealth of museums and galleries, and sample one of Australia’s best food scenes.
Slightly further afield, you can catch the tram to the beach suburb of Glenelg and relax on its white sands, or head to the rolling Adelaide Hills.
Your chosen Adelaide hotel


Day 8 – Barossa Valley
Collect your car and depart the “City of Churches”, heading to the hills, where you will discover the picturesque Barossa Valley. The area is home to famous wineries, including Yalumba, Orlando and Penfolds. Explore its boutique vineyards, sample some of its produce, and enjoy an overnight stay in the valley’s stunning surroundings.
Standard: The Wine Vine Hotel
Deluxe: The Lodge Country House


Day 9 – Robe
Begin your journey down to the South Australian coast this morning. You will pass through the towns of Murray Bridge, and Tailem Bend, situated on the Murray River, so perhaps enjoy a coffee or lunch overlooking the river on your way.
You will then travel along the sand dunes of Coorong National Park. You may like to make a stop here to stretch your legs and enjoy the views. For example the Lakes Nature Walk Trail takes less than an hour.
Continue your journey to the town of Robe, your home for the night. Enjoy some spectacular coastal scenery as you drive, and perhaps go for a wander on Long Beach before retiring for the night.
Standard & Deluxe: Robe House B&B


Day 10 – Port Fairy
From Robe, continue along the coast to Mt. Gambier. This picturesque town is situated on the slopes of an extinct volcano. Perhaps take a stroll around vivid Blue Lake, or stop off at the Umpherston Sinkhole, now beautiful a sunken garden.
Continue along the coast to Portland, Victoria’s oldest settlement. Enjoy the coastal scenery, and head down to witness the blowholes at Cape Nelson, and visit the Petrified Forest rock formation at Cape Bridgewater.
Continue on to quaint Port Fairy, your home for the night.
Standard: Seacombe House
Deluxe: Merrijig Inn


Day 11 – Apollo Bay
After exploring the delightful fishing port and resort of Port Fairy, join the Great Ocean Road for a day exploring the “Shipwreck Coast”.
First, stop to view London Bridge, the now broken natural rock arch. Slightly further along the coast, you’ll find Loch Ard Gorge, the site of a famous shipwreck. Continuing along the Great Ocean Road, you will discover the Twelve Apostles, one of the most iconic natural rock formations in the world.
Enjoy the views of the rugged coastline as you continue this famous drive, before stopping in Apollo Bay for the night.
Standard: Comfort Inn The International
Deluxe: Captain’s at the Bay


Day 12 to 13 – Melbourne
Arrive into the culture capital of Melbourne for a two night stay.
Why not wander the art lined laneways, learn about the city’s past at the Melbourne Gaol or the Immigration Museum. For panoramic views over the city, head up to the Eureka Skydeck, where you can enjoy a meal, or simply take in the views. Alternatively, take one of the historic trams to the beachside district of St Kilda.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, why not take a ride on the Puffing Billy railway through the rainforest, or venture to Phillip Island and watch the magical spectacle of the nightly penguin parade.
Your chosen Melbourne hotel


Day 14 to 17 – Intercity Train to Sydney
Sit back and watch the state of Victoria and New South Wales glide past your window as you travel by day from Melbourne to Sydney by Intercity train.
On arrival in to Sydney, make your way to your Sydney hotel or apartment where you will spend the next four nights. Board one of the famous ferries to Manly, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or venture further afield to the expansive and breathtaking Blue Mountains.
Your chosen Sydney hotel


Day 18 – Farewell
Enjoy the last few sights of Sydney as you make your way back to the airport for your onward flight back to the UK.

Your Itinerary
You can customise your Australia holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Day 1 to 2
| Darwin
Arrive into the Northern Territory’s gateway city of Darwin where the pace of life instantly slows.
Spend two days exploring the city’s galleries and museums, visit the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, unwind on the Waterfront or visit the Botanic Gardens. A sunset dinner cruise around the harbour is also spectacular.
Venturing outside the city, perhaps take a day tour of Litchfield or Kakadu National Parks, or witness the jumping crocs on the Adelaide River. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the Arnhem Land, learning about Indigenous culture and the spiritual significance of the area.
Your chosen Darwin hotel

Day 3 to 5
| The Ghan Expedition
This morning, travel in style on board the Ghan Expedition – an inclusive rail journey like no other.
Spend three nights onboard the mighty kilometre long train including scheduled stops to allow you to explore Australia’s outback between the Northern Territory and South Australia.
Cruise through Katherine Gorge, explore Alice Springs and take in the uniqueness of Coober Pedy’s underground treasures.
Fine food and wines are included throughout your expedition.
This morning, embark on an all inclusive rail journey like no other: The Ghan Expedition.
You will be welcomed aboard, and shown to your private cabin, before setting off on your journey south. Enjoy a regionally inspired lunch menu, before disembarking in the town of Katherine. Here, you will take a cruise through the ancient Nitmiluk Gorge.
After breakfast the next day, you will arrive in Alice Springs, where there are a choice of excursions on offer. To conclude your day in the Red Centre, enjoy a barbecue dinner under the stars at Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
On day three aboard The Ghan, you will travel to Coober Pedy, where half the population live underground! Choose how you would like to explore this fascinating town and enjoy a morning activity, before reconvening with your fellow passengers for an underground lunch.
Onboard The Ghan

Day 6 to 7
| Adelaide
This morning, you’ll witness a dramatic shift in the landscapes from your cabin window as you enter South Australia. Brunch is served as you travel through the magnificent Flinders Ranges, then you will pull into Adelaide, your final stop. Disembark The Ghan, and head into the centre of Adelaide.
Explore Adelaide’s wide leafy boulevards and spacious green parklands, perhaps taking a wander down the riverside or visiting the Botanic Gardens. Explore the city’s wealth of museums and galleries, and sample one of Australia’s best food scenes.
Slightly further afield, you can catch the tram to the beach suburb of Glenelg and relax on its white sands, or head to the rolling Adelaide Hills.
Your chosen Adelaide hotel

Day 8
| Barossa Valley
Collect your car and depart the “City of Churches”, heading to the hills, where you will discover the picturesque Barossa Valley. The area is home to famous wineries, including Yalumba, Orlando and Penfolds. Explore its boutique vineyards, sample some of its produce, and enjoy an overnight stay in the valley’s stunning surroundings.
Standard: The Wine Vine Hotel
Deluxe: The Lodge Country House

Day 9
| Robe
Begin your journey down to the South Australian coast this morning. You will pass through the towns of Murray Bridge, and Tailem Bend, situated on the Murray River, so perhaps enjoy a coffee or lunch overlooking the river on your way.
You will then travel along the sand dunes of Coorong National Park. You may like to make a stop here to stretch your legs and enjoy the views. For example the Lakes Nature Walk Trail takes less than an hour.
Continue your journey to the town of Robe, your home for the night. Enjoy some spectacular coastal scenery as you drive, and perhaps go for a wander on Long Beach before retiring for the night.
Standard & Deluxe: Robe House B&B

Day 10
| Port Fairy
From Robe, continue along the coast to Mt. Gambier. This picturesque town is situated on the slopes of an extinct volcano. Perhaps take a stroll around vivid Blue Lake, or stop off at the Umpherston Sinkhole, now beautiful a sunken garden.
Continue along the coast to Portland, Victoria’s oldest settlement. Enjoy the coastal scenery, and head down to witness the blowholes at Cape Nelson, and visit the Petrified Forest rock formation at Cape Bridgewater.
Continue on to quaint Port Fairy, your home for the night.
Standard: Seacombe House
Deluxe: Merrijig Inn

Day 11
| Apollo Bay
After exploring the delightful fishing port and resort of Port Fairy, join the Great Ocean Road for a day exploring the “Shipwreck Coast”.
First, stop to view London Bridge, the now broken natural rock arch. Slightly further along the coast, you’ll find Loch Ard Gorge, the site of a famous shipwreck. Continuing along the Great Ocean Road, you will discover the Twelve Apostles, one of the most iconic natural rock formations in the world.
Enjoy the views of the rugged coastline as you continue this famous drive, before stopping in Apollo Bay for the night.
Standard: Comfort Inn The International
Deluxe: Captain’s at the Bay

Day 12 to 13
| Melbourne
Arrive into the culture capital of Melbourne for a two night stay.
Why not wander the art lined laneways, learn about the city’s past at the Melbourne Gaol or the Immigration Museum. For panoramic views over the city, head up to the Eureka Skydeck, where you can enjoy a meal, or simply take in the views. Alternatively, take one of the historic trams to the beachside district of St Kilda.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, why not take a ride on the Puffing Billy railway through the rainforest, or venture to Phillip Island and watch the magical spectacle of the nightly penguin parade.
Your chosen Melbourne hotel

Day 14 to 17
| Intercity Train to Sydney
Sit back and watch the state of Victoria and New South Wales glide past your window as you travel by day from Melbourne to Sydney by Intercity train.
On arrival in to Sydney, make your way to your Sydney hotel or apartment where you will spend the next four nights. Board one of the famous ferries to Manly, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or venture further afield to the expansive and breathtaking Blue Mountains.
Your chosen Sydney hotel

Day 18
| Farewell
Enjoy the last few sights of Sydney as you make your way back to the airport for your onward flight back to the UK.

This Holiday Includes
Flights & More
Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.
They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:
- Extra nights in Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide
- A Phillip Island Penguin Parade day tour
- A Blue Mountains day tour from Sydney
- An upgrade to Platinum Class on The Ghan from £1479
- A stopover to Australia in Singapore, Dubai or another destination
Next Step
Please get in touch with our Australia Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Ghan & Great Ocean Road
18 day Rail & Self Drive Holiday – from £3599
With flights from £4999
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room and travelling in a Gold Service cabin on board The Ghan. Flights, hotels and tours are subject to availability and seasonal variations may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations for details.
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