Ghan & Kakadu Tour 2023 - Hostess Round Up - Kathy Lang

As the tour hostess I thought what better way to write a ‘round-up’ than to use the actual words of each sister.  

For the last 15 years this proverb has been my mantra- to embrace life, to travel, explore, challenge myself, be scared, lonely, have fun, sing out loud, dance, wander, grow, appreciate. This Sisterhood adventure on the magnificent Ghan - Darwin and Kakadu was full of wonderous moments.  It exceeded all of my expectations- I loved it! - Julie

So many wonderful experiences it is hard to choose. One example was the Alice Springs Desert Park where, in a picturesque desert setting, free flying birds of prey, such as wedge tail eagles and owls, demonstrate their hunting skills. - Pam

My favourite part of the trip was flying over Kakadu in a light plane at sunset. Wow what a sight - the landscape was awesome. The horizontal rock formations were breathtaking. The water meandering through the landscape and the green succulent wetlands were a sight to behold. The favourite photo I snapped was of an aeroplane flying under the glowing red sun as it was setting. - Bernie

After losing my darling man, I was given a gentle nudge by a friend , to join a SWT tour. I was nervous, anxious and excited.  The trip surpassed my expectations. My favourite experiences were the incredible sunsets and the colourful displays that the unique NT nature provided.  The unexpected pleasure were the friendships I made. Sisters, for 12 days you have changed my tears into laughter and I am indebted to you. - Julie H

My favourite part of the tour was the Ghan which had been on my bucket list forever. It didn't disappoint. Meals first class. Staff first class. Cabins tight but well thought out. Read a book, watch scenery go by, chat to a friend or fellow passenger - the time just flew. - Marian

My highlight was the Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine) Helicopter flight. To fully appreciate the full scope of the gorge and all its unique formations, one should ‘take to the sky’. You will be charmed by this powerful land through tales and jaw dropping scenery that plays out before you. - Elizabeth

A fabulous trip. Enjoyed great company.  Highlights for me included:  The wonderful lunch at Maggie Beers restaurant.The rail trip on The Ghan was quite an experience. The early morning call to witness the magnificent sunrise will be unforgettable.  On the Yellow Water Sunset Cruise we were able to see the abundant wildlife in their natural habitat.  The optional Sunset flight over Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land was a spectacular way to end our few days there. - Merilyn

It’s hard to choose a highlight as the tour covered multiple interests; Aboriginal Culture, Architecture in Adelaide, History, art, sculpture, sport, wildlife, bush walking, the natural beauty of Australia, food and wine.  Transport was very good and varied; by plane - big and small, coach, multiple boats, the mighty Ghan rail. Being a wildlife  rescuer and carer, I loved seeing the bird life and bats in their natural habitat. - Kay

I thoroughly enjoyed all the tour. My favourites being Nitmiluk Gorge, The Cedars (Hans Heysen residence) and the Kakadu sunset tour. I have learned so much about our history and indigenous culture. I now have a greater appreciation and understanding of our First Nations people. - Lauren
 

The Yellow Water Sunset Cruise on Day 8 of this fabulous trip was an absolute highlight for me. Birds everywhere, shrieking and whistling in the balmy air, gorgeous reflections in the still waters of the billabong, crocodiles settled patiently in shallows… just waiting. You could travel anywhere on the globe and not witness a better wildlife spectacular. And the sunset? Wonderful. Travel on the Ghan was also unforgettable. I’ll always remember seeing Simpson’s Gap in Alice Springs with a fair amount of awe. We happened to arrive there when the sun was going down. Red cliffs reflected in the water left by the last rains made for some great photo. There are many other highlights. Lunch at Maggie Beer’s (surely on everyone’s bucket list?) on a gorgeously sunny but chilly day, coupled with a drive through the beautiful Barossa Valley, was a standout. I could go on and on… but this trip is excellent. It covers a huge area in a relatively small amount of time. Adelaide, the Ghan, Darwin, Kakadu. In 12 days? It’s a beautys - Jan
 

Such wonderful feedback. These fun loving Ghan Gals embraced this amazing tour from the get-go. Thanks to each of you for making it such an enjoyable experience for all. Kathy Lang - Hostess