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Heart of Australia: 22 days Adelaide to Darwin

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Operated by Scenic
Tripcode: AU-912da4a8ce8e24859
Overview
Destination:
Australia
Start:Adelaide, Australia
Finish:Darwin, Australia
Duration:22 days
Type:Group tour (max 228)
Travel Period
August 2026 - August 2026

Australia’s Ultimate Land & Rail Adventure

Explore the heart and soul of Australia on this 22-day land and rail journey, from vibrant cities and coastal escapes to the rugged outback and tropical Top End. Indulge in iconic experiences like The Ghan, sip world-class wines in the Barossa, meet wildlife experts on Kangaroo Island, and immerse yourself in ancient Aboriginal culture.
Experience Australia’s remarkable diversity on a journey through dynamic cultural hubs, breathtaking coastlines, and timeless landscapes. Encounter passionate conservationists, uncover ancient Aboriginal stories, and explore iconic regions that reveal the country’s unique heritage. With comfortable rail travel - including the iconic Ghan journey - and thoughtfully curated experiences throughout, this adventure offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and discovery.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
  • Fully escorted smaller group journeys with a maximum of 36 guests
  • Scenic Special Stays in Adelaide, Glenelg, on board The Ghan and in Uluru
  • 5 Scenic Enrich events – unforgettable and exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences
  • Your choice of 6 Scenic Freechoice excursions – a choice of included activities to personalise your journey
  • Scenic Sunset Drinks – exclusive evening drinks on Kangaroo Island and in Kings Canyon
  • Gold Service on board The Ghan
  • Comprehensive range of included meals – see itinerary for specific inclusions
  • Experienced local Tour Directors to guide and assist
  • Tipping and gratuities included
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Adelaide

Your journey into wonder begins in South Australia’s elegant capital. Settle into your three-night Scenic Special Stay, ideally located in the heart of the city. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a welcome reception and dinner - the perfect opportunity to connect and raise a glass to the adventures ahead.

Day 2 - Barossa Valley

Today, journey into the picturesque Barossa Valley, where vineyard-cloaked hills and storied cellars await. Begin at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop with a flavour-filled cooking demonstration, before heading to historic Seppeltsfield Winery for a memorable lunch and tasting. Continue to Jacob’s Creek, where a vineyard tour offers deeper insight into this renowned winemaking region. Return to Adelaide as the day winds down, full of good food and even better stories.

Day 3 - Adelaide

Scenic Freechoice:
Today is yours to explore at your own pace, with a suite of Scenic Freechoice activities to suit your interests - from food to wildlife, culture to cruising.

Adelaide Heritage Walking Tour: Trace the city's storied past on foot through North Terrace, Victoria Square and the lush Botanic Gardens.

Morning Central Market Tour: Dive into the multicultural culinary scene with a guided tasting tour of this iconic market.

City Tour with River Cruise: See Adelaide’s highlights before drifting along the River Torrens aboard the charming “Popeye”.

Adelaide Zoo: Meander through leafy enclosures housing over 2,500 animals, from native favourites to exotic species.

Day 4 - Adelaide > Kangaroo Island

Venture south through the rolling landscapes of the Fleurieu Peninsula to the avant-garde d’Arenberg Cube - a five-storey glass marvel where immersive art and fine wine converge. After exploring its surreal interiors, board the ferry to Kangaroo Island and settle in for a three-night stay. Breathe in the coastal air and ease into the island’s unhurried rhythm.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
As the sun dips below the horizon, unwind with a drink and take in the sweeping beach views before dinner.

Day 5 - Kangaroo Island

Today, experience the wild up close. Explore the rugged beauty of Flinders Chase National Park, where wind-sculpted landmarks like Admiral’s Arch and the Remarkable Rocks reveal nature’s striking power. At Seal Bay, walk among a colony of wild sea lions, guided by expert conservationists for an unforgettable encounter.

Day 6 - Kangaroo Island

Between stops today, the scenery unfolds - from open farmland to wild coastline and dense bush.

Scenic Enrich
Savour the flavours of the island as your local epicurean guide leads you through a delicious day. Taste honey from rare Ligurian bees, visit a lavender farm and discover the stories behind Kangaroo Island’s famed produce.

Day 7 - Kangaroo Island > Adelaide

Return to the mainland and journey through McLaren Vale. Continue on to Glenelg and check in for your Scenic Special Stay, set right by the beach.

Scenic Enrich
Step behind the scenes at a sustainable winery, uncovering its secrets and stories with expert guidance. Learn about sustainable farming in the Biodynamic Hut, with tastings and local bites to savour.

Day 8 - Adelaide > The Ghan

This morning after breakfast, board The Ghan - Australia’s iconic rail journey. As you settle into your cabin, the world outside transforms from bustling cityscapes to the vast, timeless Outback. Savour regional flavours with every meal, letting the gentle rhythm of the rails carry you into the heart of Australia, where adventure and tranquillity entwine beneath a starlit sky. Tonight, your journey continues onboard this unforgettable train.

Day 9 - The Ghan > Alice Springs

Greet the morning at remote Marla, bathed in dawn light. Continue north to Alice Springs, where your rail journey pauses and a new adventure begins. Check in to your hotel for two nights and share stories over a relaxed dinner.

Day 10 - Alice Springs

Today, explore Alice Springs and its spectacular surrounds. After breakfast, walk to Simpsons Gap, a sacred site known as ‘Rungutjirpa’ by the Arrernte people, home to rare plants and native wildlife. Visit Standley Chasm - Angkerle Atwatye - an Arrernte-owned cultural icon, before heading to Alice Springs Desert Park for a guided tour revealing the desert’s hidden life. In the evening, enjoy a classic outdoor BBQ and live show under the stars.

Day 11 - Alice Springs > Kings Canyon

From Alice Springs, the adventure takes you deeper into the Outback. Enjoy a short walk and morning tea at Ellery Creek. After lunch, travel the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. Kings Canyon will be your home for the next two nights. Tonight, unwind with dinner at Carmichael’s, a laid-back spot set among native bushland. Keep a lookout for wandering dingoes.

Day 12 - Kings Canyon

Rise early to explore Kings Canyon with your choice of walks - the spectacular 6km rim walk offering panoramic views and the lush ‘Garden of Eden’, or a gentler 2.6km stroll along the canyon floor. After your morning adventure, return to your hotel for lunch and some downtime.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
As the sun sets, enjoy drinks and canapés at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by Bruce Munro, followed by dinner at Kings Canyon Bar & Grill.

Day 13 - Kings Canyon > Uluru

Travel through Kings Creek Station to Curtin Springs for lunch before arriving at your hotel for a three-night stay.

Scenic Enrich
Begin the day with the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, learning about bush tucker and healing medicines.

Scenic Enrich
In the evening, enjoy the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner, a stunning show of drones, projections, and traditional stories beneath Uluru.

Day 14 - Uluru

This morning, explore the striking formations of Kata Tjuta on a guided walk, taking in the ancient natural beauty and learning about its cultural importance. Visit the cultural centre to deepen your understanding of Anangu traditions before embarking on a guided tour around the base of Uluru, where you’ll discover the sacred stories and significance of this iconic monolith. After some free time to relax or explore your hotel, gather at sunset to experience Bruce Munro’s mesmerising Field of Light installation, where thousands of illuminated spheres transform the desert landscape, followed by a delicious dinner.

Day 15 - Uluru

Early risers can watch the sunrise over Uluru before breakfast at the hotel. Then, we will all set out on the Mala Walk to see ancient rock art and the peaceful Kantju Gorge. The afternoon is free to explore Town Square, or relax at the hotel. Tonight, return to your hotel for your final evening in the Red Centre.

Scenic Enrich
In the evening, enjoy the Sounds of Silence dining experience under the stars, starting with canapés and sparkling wine overlooking the park. Listen to didgeridoo music and savour a bush tucker-inspired buffet before stargazing with the resident expert.

Day 16 - Uluru > The Ghan

Enjoy breakfast before travelling by road from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal. Rejoin The Ghan and settle back into life onboard as the train continues north. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the Outback Explorer Lounge, watching the ever-changing landscapes roll by. Tonight, enjoy another restful night aboard this legendary rail journey.

Day 17 - The Ghan > Darwin

Disembark The Ghan in Katherine as the scenery transforms into rocky gorges and fast-flowing canyon streams. Here, choose from unforgettable experiences: cruise the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge, immerse yourself in the Katherine Outback Experience, or opt for a thrilling helicopter flight over Nitmiluk (own expense). Reboard the train and continue to Darwin, where you’ll farewell The Ghan. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. After check-in, you may wish to explore the vibrant Waterfront Precinct, with its many restaurants and bars.

Day 18 - Darwin > Kakadu

This morning depart Darwin and travel to the gateway to Litchfield National Park - a landscape of monsoon forests, striking termite mounds, rugged rock formations, and cascading waterfalls. From here, the landscape unfolds as you cross the Adelaide River and venture east into World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Your day concludes at your hotel in Jabiru where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Day 19 - Kakadu

Start the day with a scenic flight, soaring over Kakadu’s ancient escarpments, winding rivers, and vast floodplains shaped over 1.8 billion years. After landing, embark on an Indigenous-guided cruise along the East Alligator River, listening to cultural stories and spotting saltwater crocodiles in their natural environment. Next, explore the remarkable rock art at Ubirr. After lunch, visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) to discover more ancient art and stunning landscapes before returning to your hotel for dinner.

In March and April, Burrungkuy is visited after the scenic flight, and the cruise operates on Yellow Waters.

Day 20 - Kakadu > Darwin

This morning, depart Kakadu National Park and travel along the Arnhem Highway through Mary River National Park, known for its vast wetlands that attract numerous migratory birds. Upon arrival at Mary River, embark on a wildlife cruise to spot saltwater crocodiles and the rich birdlife of the region. Continue through the fertile Humpty Doo region, famed for its tropical fruit farms, before arriving in Darwin early evening.

During March and April, the Mary River cruise is replaced by the famous ‘Jumping Croc Cruise’ due to seasonal conditions).

Day 21 - Darwin

Enjoy a final full day of exploration in and around Darwin with Scenic Freechoice options tailored to your interests.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from thrilling adventures or relaxed sightseeing to make the most of your time in the Top End.

Darwin City Sights: Explore the city at your own pace with hop-on, hop-off access to key cultural and historical sites.

WWII Bombing of Darwin Tour: Trace the wartime history of the Top End, with a harbour cruise and expert commentary.

Day 22 - Darwin

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and the unforgettable landscapes of Outback Australia. With your heart full, you begin the journey home - taking with you stories to last a lifetime.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Scenic

At Scenic, we create exceptional journeys to every corner of the world. You will enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, indulgent truly all-inclusive luxury, and a world class crew who will ensure every detail is cared for to the Nth Degree. With more than three decades of experience, the loyalty of our Scenic guests reflects our dedication to always placing you at the heart of everything we do. With Scenic, you'll find this is worldwide discovery truly in a class of its own. Across our 5-star luxury river cruises on custom-built Scenic Space-Ships, and 6-star ultra-luxury voyages on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™, it is more than taking our guests to exceptional destinations around the world. Our truly all-inclusive philosophy enables our guests to be immersed in their chosen destination, indulge in an unparalleled level of luxury, and relax knowing everything is taken care of.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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21 nights
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