Train Track to Race Track: The Ghan Darwin Cup 2026

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the Top End as Darwin comes alive for the excitement of the Darwin Cup. Enjoy exclusive access to The Ghan Marquee at one of the Northern Territory’s most anticipated social and sporting events, where fashion, festivities, and world-class racing take centre stage. Unwind with three nights’ accommodation in this tropical capital, allowing ample time to soak up the relaxed atmosphere. To farewell Darwin, step aboard the Charles Darwin catamaran for a leisurely harbour cruise, complete with a Territorian-style lunch as you glide across the shimmering waters of Darwin Harbour. Then, shift from tropical escape to outback adventure as you board the legendary Ghan. Travel in style from Darwin to Adelaide, traversing breathtaking landscapes and enjoying immersive Off Train Experiences that bring the heart of Australia to life.

Your Holiday Package Includes:

• $500 flight credit per person
• 3 nights aboard The Ghan, Darwin to Adelaide, including all meals, beverages | Gold Twin Class
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Darwin including breakfast daily
• The Ghan Marquee entry at Darwin Cup Carnival including a deluxe buffet luncheon, 6-hour select beverage package and return hotel to racetrack coach transfers
• Darwin Harbour Lunch Cruise, with return hotel to wharf coach transfers
• 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
• A wide range of Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober 
  Pedy
• Selected transfer included

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 02 August 2026 – 08 August 2026.

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1 – ARRIVE DARWIN 
You’ve arrived in Darwin – it’s yours to explore. Spend the day at your leisure before checking in to your accommodation. 
OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Hilton Darwin  

DAY 2 – DARWIN CUP CARIVAL DAY 
Today you’re off to one of the biggest social and sporting events in the Northern Territory – the Darwin Cup! 
As part of your entry to The Ghan Marquee, you’ll have reserved table seating and a deluxe buffet luncheon. 
Included in entry is a selection of fresh seafood, a 6-hour beverage package with selected beers, premium wines, soft drinks, basic spirits and entertainment. 
Upon conclusion of the days race events, you will have the choice of returning to your hotel with the included coach transfer or staying on to enjoy the after-race entertainment. (B,L) 

DAY 3 – DARWIN HARBOUR LUNCH CRUISE  
Stroll around Darwin today, taking in the fascinating history of the northern capital at your own pace. Take a walk through the Botanic Gardens or visit the Chinese Temple and don’t forget a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. 
A late morning transfer from your hotel will take you to the departure point of your harbour cruise. See, taste and embrace the Top End lifestyle as you cruise the magnificent waters of Darwin Harbour. Sit back and relax on board the Charles Darwin in air-conditioned comfort, as you learn more about the Top End with commentary provided. Lunch is a Territorian style grazing platter, featuring local produce - beverages are available to purchase onboard. 
The evening is at your leisure. Perhaps explore the Darwin waterfront and its top-notch restaurants, taking in the relaxed pace of life in the north. (B,L) 

DAY 4 – BOARD THE GHAN EXPEDITION IN DARWIN 
Begin your journey with a seamless transfer from your hotel to the rail terminal, where you’ll celebrate the start of your adventure with a welcome drink and light refreshments. Pause for a photo with The Ghan’s iconic red locomotive before stepping on board.  

Settle into your home for the next few days, whether relaxing in the comfort of your cabin or mingling with fellow travellers in the lounge. As The Ghan journeys south, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch on board before arriving in Katherine for your first Off Train Experience. 
Here, you’ll choose how to explore this remarkable region. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge and discover its natural beauty and cultural significance. Alternatively, step into the Katherine Outback Experience for an authentic glimpse into outback life, or venture underground at the Cutta Cutta Caves, home to fascinating limestone formations, native wildlife and rich Indigenous and European history. For a different perspective, you may choose to upgrade to a helicopter flight and take in the scale of Nitmiluk from above. (B,L,D)  
OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan Expedition 

DAY 5 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ALICE SPRINGS  
Wake to the wide-open skies of the outback as The Ghan draws closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. After a hearty breakfast on board, step into the heart of Central Australia with a choice of Off Train Experiences designed to suit every traveller. 
Take to the red dirt on an off-road e-bike adventure, join the A Town Called Alice tour to uncover the town’s major landmarks, or immerse yourself in culture with a guided journey through Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. Here, sheer rock walls blaze red in the sunlight and ancient landscapes hold deep spiritual significance for the Arrernte people. Wildlife lovers can meet desert creatures at Alice Springs Desert Park, while those seeking a grander perspective can opt for a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

As night falls, the hallmark experience of The Ghan Expedition awaits. At the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, dine beneath a canopy of stars, surrounded by the red earth of the desert. With white tablecloths, fine food and live entertainment, it’s an evening you’ll never forget. (B,L,D) 

DAY 6 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, COOBER PEDY 
Today brings you to the extraordinary outback town of Coober Pedy, where life is anything but ordinary. Known as the opal capital of the world, this desert settlement hides its treasures both above and below, and more than half the population live underground. 
Your adventure begins with a morning stop at the remote outpost of Manguri to take in the sunrise, before continuing on to Coober Pedy for a day of exploration. A highlight is a gourmet lunch enjoyed underground, a dining experience as unique as the town itself. Off Train Experiences include visiting the striking Breakaways, uncovering the town’s quirky attractions, or learning the fascinating history of opal mining on the Opal Experience. 
For an unforgettable view, upgrade to a scenic flight over the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre. 
Back on board for your final night, dinner is served in the dining carriage before one last nightcap in the lounge with newfound friends as The Ghan journeys towards Adelaide. (B,L,D) 

DAY 7 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ADELAIDE 
This morning, you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the Flinders Ranges before arriving in Adelaide. 
Stepping off the train, you’ll carry more than memories of extraordinary landscapes. You’ll take with you the stories shared, the connections made, and the sense of wonder that only a journey through the heart of Australia can bring. (B)

Prices listed are per person in AUD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 09-06-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.