After a night of fine dining and comfort aboard The Ghan, wake to a spectacular outback sunrise at Marla, a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border and gateway to the legendary Oodnadatta Track. With red dirt beneath your feet and a bonfire casting warmth into the cool morning air, pause to take in the stillness of this extraordinary place.
Back on board, enjoy a leisurely brunch as the journey continues north and the desert landscape unfolds. Arriving in Alice Springs, choose from a range of Off Train Experiences that reveal the history, culture and character of this remarkable outback town. Take a guided town tour and gain a deeper sense of place, from its pioneering history to the people and stories that have shaped Alice Springs, or venture into the West MacDonnell Ranges for a guided experience at Simpsons Gap or Standley Chasm, where towering red rock walls and ancient landscapes hold deep spiritual significance for the Arrernte people. At Alice Springs Desert Park, encounter native wildlife and the unique ecosystems of Central Australia, while those seeking a different perspective can upgrade to a scenic helicopter flight over the surrounding ranges, taking in their scale and rugged beauty from above.
By late afternoon, return to the train with time to freshen up for dinner and another unforgettable evening on board. (B, L, D)