Heart of Australia: 23 days Adelaide to Darwin

Your journey into wonder begins in South Australia’s elegant capital. Settle into Sofitel Adelaide for 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.

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 St Hugo’s Winery, 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.

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.

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”.

Iconic Walking Tour: Discover Adelaide through the eyes of a local, uncovering the stories, character and architectural charm behind its defining landmarks. Wander beyond the well-trodden streets to find hidden laneways, vibrant neighbourhoods and lesser-known corners that reveal a different side of the city. Along the way, gain insight into Adelaide’s rich heritage, its contemporary creative spirit and the exciting evolution shaping its future.

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 at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge or similar. 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.

Today, experience the wild up close. At Seal Bay, walk among a colony of wild sea lions, guided by expert conservationists for an unforgettable encounter. 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.

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. 

Return to Adelaide and check in for your Scenic Special Stay at the Oval Hotel, with breakfast views overlooking the Adelaide Oval grounds. 

Scenic Enrich
Enjoy Wirra Wirra's exclusive flagship cellar door tasting, accompanied by a selection of local cheeses, freshly baked bread, dukkah, and a variety of gourmet condiments.

This afternoon, board The Ghan - Australia’s iconic rail journey. As you settle into your cabin for your two night Scenic Special Stay, the world outside transforms from bustling cityscapes to the vast, timeless Outback. 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.

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.

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 Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters or similar for two nights and share stories over a relaxed dinner.

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.

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 Resort or similar 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.

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.

Travel through Kings Creek Station to Curtin Springs for lunch before arriving at Sails in the Desert Hotel for a three night Scenic Special 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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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 the Hilton Darwin or similar for an overnight stay. After check-in, you may wish to explore the vibrant Waterfront Precinct, with its many restaurants and bars.

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 Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel or similar in Jabiru where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

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.

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 at the Hilton Darwin or similar in the early evening.

Enjoy a final full day of exploration in and around Darwin.

Visit the Bombing of Darwin Royal Flying Doctor Serivce Exhibition to learn about the history and significance of the Pacific Campaign of WWII, the largest attacks ever launched against Australia which outlines the shocking extent of the damage suffered by Darwin during the war.

End the day with a farewell dinner with newfound friends. 

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. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.