Adelaide Hills Luxury Stay 2027 (The Ghan) : Adelaide to Darwin

Upon arrival into Adelaide, you will be transferred to your Luxury accommodation in the Adelaide Hills, Sequoia Lodge at Mount Lofty. Sequoia is an intimate, luxury lodge, nestled in the highlands of the glorious Adelaide Hills in South Australia. Designed as a private sanctuary with many exclusive amenities and bespoke onsite and personalised offsite activities, Sequoia will take you by the hand, sweep you off your feet, and will do everything to make this the trip of your lifetime. Your private open-plan suite is perched on the edge of the Piccadilly Valley, boasting panoramic views from the sunken lounge, bedroom and bathroom. Sink into the large bathtub, take a nap or relax on your spacious private balcony day bed with a bottle of sparkling wine and watch the wallabies and kangaroos forage beneath your feet as you indulge in losing track of time. After settling into your accommodation, you are invited to join the Sequoia’s welcome event at sunset to hear the stories of the region over a glass of local wine overlooking the Piccadilly Valley. This is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow guests. A culinary degustation dinner experience to remember at the 3-chef hat Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant is included during your stay. (D) Please note, dinner can be arranged for either evening of your stay. Your dedicated Experience Curator will contact you before your arrival at Sequoia Lodge to confirm your preference. OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Sequoia Lodge – Mount Lofty

Part of Sequoia’s philosophy is to connect you with the land and its people through a range of intimate and curated onsite experiences that are included in your stay. As part of these daily and seasonally changing experiences listen to ancient dreamtime stories, savour and learn from artisan producers or join a guided tour of the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. There are endless wonderful memories to be made, and you will receive a pre arrival call from the Sequoia Experience Curation Team to plan your escape and curate your bespoke Itinerary at Sequioa and exploring the region. Due to the nature of its exclusive experience offerings, Sequoia Lodge, only accommodates guests over the age of 18 years. (B)

This morning it is it time to farewell your luxurious retreat and be transferred to Adelaide Parklands Terminal. You’ll leave with a connection to the land, the people and the animals that make Adelaide’s hills so arresting - Sequoia will connect you to the South Australia you never knew existed. Your journey on The Ghan begins this afternoon, as you step aboard and settle into the rhythm of life on the rails. Watch the countryside roll past your window as the train makes its way north, a hint of the adventure to come. By early evening, you’ll arrive at Long Plains, where you’ll step off the train and transfer to a celebrated South Australian wine region. Here, a special dinner experience awaits, showcasing the region’s exceptional produce and fine wines. As the sun sets over the vineyards, raise a glass to the days of discovery ahead. After dinner, return to the train and retire for the night as The Ghan continues its journey towards north. (B,D) OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan

Wake to the changing landscapes of South Australia as The Ghan arrives into Port Augusta, South Australia’s gateway to the outback.  After breakfast, step off the train and prepare for a full day discovering one of the nation’s most remarkable regions: the Flinders Ranges. Your Off Train Experience takes you deep into this ancient landscape, where rugged ranges, dramatic gorges and red rock outcrops tell stories millions of years in the making. From sweeping lookouts to encounters with native wildlife, the Flinders Ranges offers a striking introduction to the outback. After a day of exploration, rejoin the train for a relaxed evening on board recalling the days adventures. (B,L,D)

After a night of fine dining and relaxed 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 desert landscape unfolds on the journey north to Alice Springs. Here, a variety of Off Train Experiences awaits. Choose an off-road e-bike adventure across ochre-coloured earth, explore the town’s key landmarks on the A Town Called Alice tour, or embrace a cultural experience at Standley Chasm. Nature lovers can meet the wildlife at the Desert Park or marvel at the striking beauty of Simpsons Gap. For a bird’s-eye view, upgrade to a scenic helicopter flight and witness the sheer scale of this remarkable region. Return to the train in the late afternoon, with time to refresh before dinner is served and another unforgettable evening begins. (B,L,D)

Your final day begins in the tropical north, where the landscape gives way to rocky escarpments and fast-flowing canyon streams. Here, you’ll experience one of the Top End’s greatest natural wonders on a cruise through the majestic Nitmiluk Gorge. As you glide along the water, your guide will share the cultural significance of this place to the Jawoyn people, weaving in stories that highlight their deep spiritual connection to the land.   Alternatively, step into the lives of those who call the outback home at the Katherine Outback Experience, or venture underground to explore the limestone chambers of the Cutta Cutta Caves, rich in native wildlife, Indigenous culture and European history. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and witness the scale and grandeur of Nitmiluk from above.   After your day’s adventures, return to the train and journey onwards to Darwin, where your unforgettable journey of exploring Australia by train draws to a close. (B,L)