The Ghan & The Great Ocean Road Holiday • View Itinerary
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The Ghan Expedition
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
The Ghan, train, Australia
The Ghan, Off-Train Experience, Bonfire in Manguri
The Ghan, Gold Twin Cabin
Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Palm House
Yelland & Papps, Barossa Valley
Coorong National Park, South Australia
Umpherston Sinkhole, Mount Gambier, South Australia
Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road
Sunset, Melbourne
Approaching Train, Sydney, Australia
Sydney Harbour, Australia

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 All

You can customise your Australia holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Day 1 to 2 – Darwin

Arrive into the Northern Territory’s gateway city of Darwin where the pace of life instantly slows. Spend…

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.

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
The Ghan, train, Australia

Day 3 to 5 – The Ghan Expedition

This morning, travel in style on board the Ghan Expedition – an inclusive…

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

The Ghan, train, Australia
Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Palm House

Day 6 to 7 – Adelaide

This morning, you’ll witness a dramatic shift in the landscapes from your cabin window as you…

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.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Palm House
Yelland & Papps, Barossa Valley

Day 8 – Barossa Valley

Collect your car and depart the “City of Churches”, heading to the hills, where you will…

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.

    Adelaide > Barossa Valley | 80 kms

    Standard: The Wine Vine Hotel

    Deluxe: The Lodge Country House

Yelland & Papps, Barossa Valley
Coorong National Park, South Australia

Day 9 – Robe

Begin your journey down to the South Australian coast this morning. You will pass through the…

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.

    Barossa Valley > Robe | 350 kms

    Standard & Deluxe: Robe House B&B

Coorong National Park, South Australia
Umpherston Sinkhole, Mount Gambier, South Australia

Day 10 – Port Fairy

From Robe, continue along the coast to Mt. Gambier. This picturesque town is situated on the…

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.

    Robe > Port Fairy | 290 kms

    Standard: Seacombe House

    Deluxe: Merrijig Inn

Umpherston Sinkhole, Mount Gambier, South Australia
Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road

Day 11 – Apollo Bay

After exploring the delightful fishing port and resort of Port Fairy, join the Great Ocean Road…

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.

    Port Valley > Apollo Bay | 188 kms

    Standard: Comfort Inn The International

    Deluxe: Captain’s at the Bay

Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road
Sunset, Melbourne

Day 12 to 13 – Melbourne

Arrive into the culture capital of Melbourne for a two night stay. Why not wander the art…

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

Sunset, Melbourne
Approaching Train, Sydney, Australia

Day 14 to 17 – Intercity Train to Sydney

Sit back and watch the state of Victoria and New South Wales glide past your window…

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

Approaching Train, Sydney, Australia
Sydney Harbour, Australia

Day 18 – Farewell

Enjoy the last few sights of Sydney as you make your way back to the airport…

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

Sydney Harbour, Australia

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.

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

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

The Ghan, train, Australia

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.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Palm House

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.

    Adelaide > Barossa Valley | 80 kms

    Standard: The Wine Vine Hotel

    Deluxe: The Lodge Country House

Yelland & Papps, Barossa Valley

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.

    Barossa Valley > Robe | 350 kms

    Standard & Deluxe: Robe House B&B

Coorong National Park, South Australia

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.

    Robe > Port Fairy | 290 kms

    Standard: Seacombe House

    Deluxe: Merrijig Inn

Umpherston Sinkhole, Mount Gambier, South Australia

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.

    Port Valley > Apollo Bay | 188 kms

    Standard: Comfort Inn The International

    Deluxe: Captain’s at the Bay

Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road

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

Sunset, Melbourne

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

Approaching Train, Sydney, Australia

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.

Sydney Harbour, Australia

This Holiday Includes

14 nights accommodation
3 nights aboard the iconic Ghan with fine dining and drinks included
Activities and experiences as detailed in the itinerary
4 nights car hire, with unlimited kilometers

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.

Map

Ghan & Great Ocean Road Map

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