Abstract
Legendary train crossing Australia from Adelaide to Darwin: 51 hours to cover 2,979 kilometres!
Construction of the railway began way back in 1878 and was only completed in 2004, with the Alice Springs-Darwin section. The name is a contraction of 'The Afghan Express': in fact, before the railway was built, the route was travelled by camel caravans from Afghanistan.,
Characteristics
March and November: Departure every Sunday. Departure: 12:10 (Sunday) from Adelaide - Arrival: 17:30 (Tuesday) in Darwin
April - October: Departure every Wednesday and Sunday. Departure: 12:10 (Wednesday), 12:10 (Sunday) from Adelaide - Arrival: 19:45 in Darwin (Friday), 17:30 in Darwin (Tuesday)
Not operating from mid-December to mid-January
Itinerary
Day 1 — Adelaide
Departing from Adelaide, before you know it, some of the world's oldest rock formations, the Flinders Ranges, begin to appear. As darkness envelops the rugged outback, it's time to enjoy a dinner inspired by the region, accompanied by high-quality wines and beverages included.,
Day 2 — Adelaide → Alice Springs
You will wake up to an unforgettable outback sunrise in Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border, marking the start of the Oodnadatta Track. With red earth beneath your feet and a campfire warming the morning air, you will have time to appreciate this remote part of Australia.
You will board the train again for brunch, enjoying the magnificent scenery as you continue towards Alice Springs.,
Day 3 — Alice Springs
Your day begins in tropical Katherine in the north. The landscape transforms into rocky gorges and fast-flowing canyon streams. Cruise through the breathtaking Nitmiluk Gorge, learn more about its ancient indigenous rock paintings and gain insight into the culture of Nitmiluk's traditional owners, the Jawoyn people. As evening falls, you arrive in Darwin to complete your epic Australian journey.,
Cabin
There are three accommodation options available:
GOLD SERVICE includes: access to the Outback Explorer shared lounge, meals in the Queen Adelaide restaurant.
The Gold offer includes generous breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners. Wines, Australian beers, standard spirits and soft drinks are included.
A selection of excursions during stops.
60 kg baggage allowance per guest.
Gold Twin, a comfortable cabin with a bunk bed that includes a private bathroom, with upper and lower bunk beds that convert into a three-seater sofa during the day.
Gold Single, a compact cabin with a bed that converts into a seat during the day and shared toilets/showers located at the end of the carriage.
Gold Suite cabins feature a three-quarter double bed and an additional fold-down upper bunk. They are equipped with a lounge area, TV and DVD player, mini-bar and private bathroom.
GOLD PREMIUM includes: exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage.
The Gold Premium offer includes generous breakfasts, two-course lunches inspired by regional cuisine and four-course dinners. Premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks are included.
The Gold Premium offer includes hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches inspired by regional cuisine and four-course dinners. Premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks are included.
A selection of excursions during stops and preferences in tour selections.
75 kg luggage allowance per guest (3 x 25 kg each).
Priority baggage check-in.
You can choose between a Gold Premium Twin cabin or a Gold Premium Suite, which offers a little more space.
Contemporary, newly refurbished cabins. Compact en suite bathroom with LaGaia products, luxurious soft linens and satin eye masks.
PLATINUM SERVICE: Access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining and socialising. Fresh continental breakfasts served on request in your cabin. Refreshments served in your cabin.
Meals, drinks and Off Train experiences included.
90 kg luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each).
Priority baggage check-in.
Transfers at the start and end of the journey available for guests within 60 km of the terminal.
Spacious double or twin cabins, almost twice the size of a Gold Premium Twin or Gold Twin.
Panoramic windows offering views on both sides of the train.
During the day, the cabins are set up in a lounge style with a movable table and two ottomans
At night, the sofas convert into double or twin beds
Private bathroom with separate shower, sink with storage space and toilet
Premium Jurlique products, luxurious soft linens and satin eye masks,
Starts from
3 days / 2 nights – from Adelaide to Alice Springs.
Meals
This wonderful journey will allow you to discover an authentic and unspoiled place. A country full of contrasts: from the coastal city of Muscat to the Omani hinterland, passing through ancient and characteristic villages still inhabited, mountains, deserts, and lush valleys. The tour also includes visits to various local markets such as Nizwa.. Key: B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner.
Price includes
Meals: breakfasts, lunches, dinners.
Price does not include
Administration fees and “no-risk” coverage. Trip cancellation, medical expense & baggage coverage. Meals that have not been specified; beverage; any extra. Tips. Air travel and taxes. Everything not expressly mentioned in "The fee includes".
Important notes
A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking. Full payment must be made 45 days prior to travel.
Special Advance Purchase Rates: Full payment is required at the time of booking., Check-in opens 2 hours before departure time and closes 1 hour before departure.
You must present photo identification., General information:
There is limited luggage space in the cabins, so we recommend that you bring one piece of hand luggage and store the rest in the luggage carriage until arrival.
Cabin amenities: For your convenience, your cabin is equipped with a hairdryer and travel-size toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner and lotion.
Attire: Smart casual attire is appreciated on board the train. Some guests prefer to dress up for dinner, but this is not a requirement.
Temperature: The temperature on the train is kept at a constant 22 degrees, which may feel cold compared to the outside temperature. We recommend bringing a light jacket or cardigan for added comfort.
Footwear: Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking between carriages, as you may experience some swaying and movement as the train travels through some of the more remote areas of the country.
Chargers and Cables: Cabins are equipped with sockets for charging electronic devices, so it is advisable to bring the necessary chargers and cables. If you are bringing a laptop that uses 240-volt power, we recommend that you also include a surge protector to protect your device. Please note that when travelling through the Outback, Wi-Fi connection can be intermittent, as can mobile reception, so expect times when you may not be able to connect online or make calls.
Money: Your trip is all-inclusive. You will not need to purchase anything unless you decide to upgrade to an Off Train Experience or buy souvenirs, which you can do on board using your credit card. Cash is not accepted on the train.
Smoking is not permitted on board.,
Cancellation policies
DEVIATION FROM THE GENERAL CONTRACT:
Standard rates: up to 49 days before departure: 25% penalty - From 48 days before departure: 100%.
Early booking special rate: 100% penalty from the time of booking.,