South Australia, Ghan and the Top End

Day 1 - Thursday 18 June 2026

Melbourne - Adelaide (L, D)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. 

Your tour hostess and fellow travellers will meet you at the Melbourne Airport for our flight to Adelaide. 

Upon arrival into Adelaide we stop for lunch at the Atura Hotel before meeting our local coach captain who will take us to the Art Gallery South Australia for our Bespoke Gallery guided tour.

After this, we enjoy a scenic drive through the “City of Churches”, taking in the iconic buildings, parks and gardens that the city is renowned for. We then make our way to our accommodation for check-in and time at leisure before dinner. 

Overnight Adelaide: Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide (or similar)

Day 2 - Friday 19 June 2026

Barossa Valley (B, L)

After breakfast we travel up into the Barossa Valley wine region, our first stop is the Menglers Hill Lookout and Barossa Sculpture Park. See sweeping, 180-degree views of famed wineries and fields that make up the region’s stunning landscape. The park hosts a number of distinctive abstract art pieces that have been sculpted by a number of renowned artists at a duo of symposiums. 

We then continue to the Award-Winning Barossa Visitor Centre, home to the Barossa Made Wares and Food Pantry. Here, we'll have time to browse an inspiring collection of artisan goods and gourmet products, all handmade by local creators, celebrating the spirit of the region. Before lunch, we visit the iconic Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop. Here we can explore a range of exclusive pantry items, cookbooks, and gifts, as well as sample some of Maggie’s signature products that reflect her passion for local ingredients and flavours. For lunch, we visit the historic Seppeltsfield Winery, where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal showcasing the finest local produce paired with estate wines. Set within the winery’s elegant surrounds, this dining experience captures the essence of Barossa’s food and wine culture. Following lunch, we embark on a memorable ‘Grand Insight Tour and Tasting’ at Seppeltsfield. This behind-the-scenes experience offers a fascinating look at the estate’s heritage-listed buildings, beautiful grounds, and the enduring legacy of the Seppelt family, pioneers of the Australian wine industry.

After a day of fine food, wine, and rich history, we return to our hotel where the evening is at your leisure.

After a wonderful day, we return to the hotel for a night at your leisure.

Overnight Adelaide: Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide (or similar)

Day 3 - Saturday 20 June 2026

Hahndorf (B, D)

This morning, we head to Mount Lofty Lookout, providing us with amazing panoramic views across the city of Adelaide and its seaside suburbs.

We then make our way to visit The Cedars, home of Hans Heysen, where we enjoy a tour through the untouched family home and studio of one of Australia’s most celebrated artists. His inspiration stemmed from the Adelaide Hills area and the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges.

Our next stop for the day is a visit to the Historic German Village of Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German village, with many original buildings housing interesting German and Australian History. We take time to stroll along the main street with its numerous craft and souvenir shops and cafes to purchase lunch.

This afternoon we visit St. Peter's Cathedral to experience a guided tour of the church. Completed in 1904 after the foundation stone was laid in 1869, the Towers and Spires were built and consecrated in 1902 and have the heaviest and finest bells in the Southern Hemisphere. A major feature is the fascinating stained glass windows within the Cathedral, each with its own story.

We return to our accommodation to freshen up before our dinner at The Den Restaurant. We have a short walk to and from the restaurant for dinner. 

Overnight Adelaide: Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide (or similar)

Day 4 - Sunday 21 June 2026

Adelaide - Alice Springs (B,L,D)

We enjoy breakfast this morning before checking out and heading to the Adelaide Oval, where we meet our expert guide and venture behind the scenes to discover hidden secrets and relive celebrated moments in the sporting, musical and civic history of this world-famous arena. Our tour also includes the famed Bradman Museum, where we will learn about Australia’s greatest ever cricketer.

Then we transfer to the Adelaide Parklands Terminal to board The Legendary Ghan. On our rail journey, we experience one of the most fascinating and great train journeys of the world, where it takes us on an ultimate journey through the heart of the Australian continent. There’s no better viewpoint to watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia change into rugged Mallee scrub, as the spectacular Flinders Ranges disappear into the horizon.

Overnight The Ghan

Day 5 - Monday 22 June 2026

Alice Springs (B, L, D)

Wake up with a coffee and step off the train to witness an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border. After more incredible outback scenery, we’ll arrive in Alice Springs in the early afternoon at approx 1.45 pm. We will have time in Alice to experience one of the optional off-train tours at your own cost. Visit the Alice Springs Desert Park, join the Alice Explorer, do the "Discovery Walk" at Simpson’s Gap, take a scenic flight, ride a camel or just spend your free time down the mall.

Later this afternoon we are back on The Legendary Ghan for our 6.15 pm departure for Katherine and Darwin.

Overnight: The Ghan

Day 6 - Tuesday 23 June 2026

Katherine - Darwin (B, L, D)

Welcome to Katherine! Upon reaching the Northern Territory, we'll enjoy another full breakfast before leaving the train for a day of cultural delights. Endless options with our optional off-train experiences await in Katherine (own cost). Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Katherine River, gazing in wonder at towering sandstone cliffs. Alternatively, gain an insight into the culture and ways of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawoyn people, with an exclusive cultural experience. Spend the day with the Aboriginal people, sharing their culture, learning their ways and trying some of the skills developed over thousands of years. Activities include basket weaving, spear throwing, fire lighting, painting, and learning the Didgeridoo.

We can also choose to upgrade our excursion with a helicopter or scenic flight over Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks where aside from magnificent views, we may witness ‘Bolung’, the rainbow serpent that is believed to inhabit the deep green pools found in the Second Gorge.

A late lunch awaits back on board then kick back, and savour the last few hours of this epic journey.

We arrive into Darwin here we disembark The Ghan and transfer to our hotel for check-in and dinner. 

Overnight Darwin: Double Tree by Hilton Darwin (or similar)

Day 7 - Wednesday 24 June 2026

Darwin (B, D)

This morning, we begin with a relaxed highlights tour of Darwin, including a visit to the lush and tropical George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Here, we allow time for a brisk walk or gentle explore, giving us a chance to enjoy the diverse plant life and peaceful surroundings of this beautiful green space. We then continue to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, where we discover the powerful Cyclone Tracy Gallery, the story of “Sweetheart” the crocodile, and exhibitions showcasing the rich natural and cultural history of the Northern Territory. Before arriving at our next stop, we take a break at East Point, where we'll have time to enjoy the sweeping views across Darwin Harbour and capture some photos of the stunning city skyline from this scenic coastal spot.

We then visit the Darwin Military Museum, located in its original World War II concrete bunker. The museum features a fascinating display of wartime artifacts, weapons, and photographs, along with a short film presenting dramatic footage of the Japanese bombing of Darwin during World War II.

The afternoon is free to spend at your leisure—perfect for exploring more of Darwin’s vibrant centre, relaxing by the waterfront, or browsing the local shops. In the evening, we gather for a memorable Sunset Dinner Cruise on the tranquil waters of Darwin Harbour, a beautiful way to reflect on the day and enjoy the tropical evening ambiance.

Overnight Darwin: Double Tree by Hilton Darwin (or similar)

Day 8 - Thursday 25 June 2026

Darwin - Yellow Water (B, L, D)

This morning after a leisurely breakfast, we depart Darwin and begin our journey toward Kakadu National Park. Down in the historic town of Pine Creek, where we enjoy a relaxing lunch at Mayse’s Café, and then have time to explore the area’s heritage and outback charm. This afternoon we head across to Cooinda to experience the world-renowned Yellow Water Sunset Cruise, a highlight of the region. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, an abundance of birdlife, and perhaps even wild horses, all amidst the stunning scenery of paperbark forests, pandanus trees, freshwater mangroves, and tropical flora. After the cruise, we travel up to Jabiru to the Mercure Crocodile Hotel Kakadu Resort to check in and then catch up for a late dinner.

Overnight Jabiru: Mercure Crocodile Hotel

Day 9 - Friday 26 June 2026

Jabiru at Leisure (B, D)

Today is a day at leisure. Relax by the pool, enjoy the ambience, and take a moment to experience the magical area you are visiting. For those interested, there is the option to join a local weaving class led by Indigenous artists, where you can learn traditional weaving techniques and create your own keepsake. The Crocodile Hotel is ideal for cultural experiences like the Arnhemlander Tour and Guluyambi Cruise, and for visiting sites such as Ubirr Mamukala Wetlands, Marrawuddi Arts, Bowali Visitors Centre, Cahills Crossing and the Border Store.

Optional Scenic Flights available - extra cost

Overnight Jabiru: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile (or similar)

Day 10 - Saturday 27 June 2026

Kakadu National Park - Jabiru (B, L, D)

Today after breakfast, we farewell Kakadu and begin our journey west toward Darwin. Before leaving the national park, we make a special stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, gaining valuable insight into the traditions, history, and stories of the local Bininj people. This enriching experience offers a deeper appreciation of the cultural significance of the land we’ve explored over the past few days.

Continuing through the ever-changing landscapes of the Top End, we arrive at the Adelaide River, home to one of the Northern Territory’s most iconic wildlife encounters. Here, we join the Pathfinders Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise, where our knowledgeable skipper guides us up close to witness the incredible power and majesty of crocodiles in their untamed wild habitat. After this thrilling experience, we continue toward Darwin, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, we check in to our hotel and enjoy dinner together, reflecting on another adventurous day in the Top End.

Overnight Darwin: Double Tree by Hilton Esplanade, Darwin

Day 11 - Sunday 28 June 2026

Darwin - Litchfield National Park - Darwin (B,L,D)

This morning, we set out on our final day with a visit to one of the Northern Territory’s most beloved natural destinations— Litchfield National Park. Just a couple of hours from Darwin, Litchfield offers a breathtaking display of rugged landscapes, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. During our time in the park, we explore highlights such as the Wangi Falls, and the Florence Falls Waterhole, all surrounded by rich monsoon forest. We also take in the remarkable Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds, before arriving in Batchelor for lunch at the Lil'Ripper Cafe, Bar & Bistro.

We return to Darwin this afternoon for some leisure time. Relax at the hotel or explore the Darwin Esplanade, visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, or browse the city’s local shops at your own pace

Tonight, we enjoy our last dinner at the Hotel, providing a wonderful finale to our tour.

Later this evening, we check out and make our way to the Darwin Airport, where we say goodbye to the Northern Territory.

Day 12 - Monday 29 June 2026

Darwin - Home (B)

Say goodbye to the Top End and begin our journey home, arriving in the early morning. 

Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.