WANT TO SEE MORE OF AUSTRALIA ALONG THE WAY?
JUST WHISTLE.

There’s nothing quite like the magic and the romance of a nice, relaxing train holiday. But when we pass through such amazing destinations, it’s only natural you might want to explore and discover a little more of the local attractions. Which is why our Whistle Stop Tours are such a great opportunity.
They are specially designed to fi t in with the train timetable so even if you only have a short time off the train, you’ll still have time to take in some of the areas best sights. So why not take the time to look through some of the fantastic extra tours on offer and make the most of this opportunity to see some of the spectacular attractions of Australia’s Katherine region and Red Centre.

THE RED CENTRE REALLY IS
THE CENTRE OF IT ALL.

While the Red Centre is world famous for the magnifi cent Uluru, the area has much, much more to offer – and the city of Alice Springs is right at the centre of it all. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing and comfortable tour of the Alice’s highlights or something slightly more adventurous like a camel ride or even a helicopter tour, there’s plenty of exciting ways for you to spend your time in Alice Springs.

TOUR 1
ESSENTIAL ALICE SPRINGS TOWN TOUR

This tour has been specially developed for guests travelling on The Ghan to enable you to see up to five of Alice Springs’ best highlights in the time you have available. You’ll travel to and from town by luxury coach and hear a brief history on Alice Springs from your Coach Captain before enjoying guided tours and entry to all the major attractions. The Royal Flying Doctor Service, National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame and Telegraph Station will give you a unique insight into life in outback Australia. The Reptile Centre is a great way to experience some of the local wildlife and the views from Anzac Hill make for a wonderful photo opportunity.

TOUR 2
ABORIGINAL SACRED SITES

Discover the history of The Central Arrernte culture and hear the Caterpillar (Yeperenye) story as told by your local Aboriginal Guide. Travel along the famous Todd River, view the Old Afghan Cameleers’ campsites and learn about their link to The Ghan. Take a tour with your Aboriginal Guide of Emily Gap and Jessie Gap where you will stop at sacred sites, share their traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, plus find out about traditional sources of food and medicine. Visit Anzac Hill panoramic lookout over The Town of Alice before a guided tour of the Mbantau Museum featuring amazing works of art by local artists.

TOUR 3
OUTBACK IN ALICE including CAMEL RIDE

This tour allows you to experience the best of both worlds which Alice Springs has to offer! Not only will you have the opportunity to marvel at Alice Springs’ CBD region, but you will also be visiting her amazing outback surrounds.

Head out to Frontier Homestead, a working camel farm where you will meet the ‘ships of the desert’! Camels contributed significantly to harnessing the outback and even assisting with the original development of The Ghan railway. You can have an optional short camel ride and some free time to explore the museum and property.

Enjoy light ‘bush’ refreshments before travelling to Emily Gap –
this gorge is one of many which can be found in the outback
region and oozes beauty. Travel back through the Alice Springs
township and drive up to Anzac Hill, where you will marvel at the
expanse of the landscape.

TOUR 4
ALICE WANDERER

This tour is a great way to discover Alice Springs at your leisure and choose the attractions you’d most like to see. Simply hop on and off the shuttle as it makes its way from one attraction to the next while the experienced guide tells you everything you need to know. There’s gardens, museums, galleries, the Reptile Centre and numerous historic destinations including the Old Telegraph Station, Old Ghan Train, Road Transport Hall of Fame and many, many
more. The 70 minute shuttle loop should allow enough time for you to get off to visit 2 or 3 attractions. Or of course, you
could always simply take in the guided tour from the comfort of the shuttle then do a spot of shopping in Todd Mall before
re-boarding the shuttle bus to the rail terminal.

TOUR 5
ALICE SPRINGS DESERT PARK

More life out there than I thought! This comment in the visitors’ book says it all. The Desert Park lets you experience and feel these wonderful deserts first hand. Take the time to stroll through a Desert River and see and hear the bird life searching for water. Walk beside a dune in the red Sand Country, past a salt lake and feel the vastness of this country. Experience the cooler desert nights in the Nocturnal House watching some of the more difficult to see animals scurry amongst the desert plants. Stroll between the ironwoods and grasses in the Woodland.

Option 1 Self Guided: Use your audio guide to explore the Desert
Park on a self guided tour.
Option 2 Guided: Join an experienced guide on this journey of discovery.

TOUR 6
ALICE SPRINGS HELICOPTERS SIMPSON’S GAP FLIGHT

In days gone by, explorers had to trek across the hot desert by
foot. But these days there’s no need to walk in the heat when
you can explore the outback in a cool, comfortable helicopter!
This is certainly an easy and spectacular way to see some
of the best sites the Outback has to offer. Be sure to bring a
camera for the many amazing views including the rugged
Simpson’s Gap, the steep, ochre-coloured Heavitree Ridgeline and the crystal clear water holes past the Larapinta Trail. But rest assured, even without a camera, there’s simply no question you’ll remember these unique and unforgettable landscapes forever. It’s only from the air that you’ll experience the sheer magnitude of this
ancient and timeless land and absorb the spirit of the
Outback as your pilot reveals its mystery with a detailed
commentary.

TOUR 7
QUAD-BIKE ADVENTURE

While you won’t need a license or any motorbike riding
experience for this tour, you will need a sense of fun and
adventure! These quad bikes are fully automatic and easy
to ride, and they sure beat walking when you want to see
the Northern Territory’s oldest working cattle station. Your
guide will give you interesting insights into what the early
pioneers went through living out here – they certainly didn’t
have the benefi t of quad bikes, that’s for sure! There’s plenty of spectacular scenery as you ride beside ancient mountain ranges, and be sure to keep an eye out for the local wildlife as you go. We’ll supply water to keep you refreshed, but suggest you wear enclosed footwear, sunglasses and sunscreen.

ALICE SPRINGS SHUTTLE

The Alice Springs train station is located approximately
3 km from the township. Our shuttle bus can take
you into Alice Springs, where you can explore on-foot at
your leisure.

TOP TOUR IDEAS
IN THE KATHERINE REGION

The town of Katherine in Australia’s Top End is home to one of the area’s most spectacular natural wonders – the Katherine Gorge. Lucky for you, it’s not far from the train stop and you’ll have more than enough time to experience it in all it’s wonder by cruise boat, helicopter or even canoe. With guided coach tours and shuttle buses into town also available, there really is a tour option to suit everyone’s budget and level of adventure, so get your camera ready and prepare to enjoy a truly awe inspiring tour.

TOUR 1

GORGE BOAT CRUISE

Discover the beauty of Katherine Gorge from the comfort of your cruise boat. Sit back, relax and take in the views as you drift past the magnificent sandstone cliffs that have been thousands of years in the making. The views are sure to take your breath away but be sure to keep an eye out for the variety of local wildlife that call the gorge home.
Make sure you bring your camera too, because you’ll want
to remember the spectacular views forever. But even the best
photographers won’t be able to capture the feeling of being in this magical and ancient place. For that, you’ll have to rely on the many special memories you collect while you’re here.

TOUR 2
KATHERINE GORGE BY HELICOPTER

What many people don’t realise, is the Katherine River features
not just one gorge, but an entire gorge system. If you have even
the slightest adventurous streak, you’ll see exactly what we mean
with a bird’s eye view from this exciting helicopter tour. Marvel
at the sheer magnitude of the gorges as you fl y over not just
one, but six gorges, each with its own distinct character and
features. This really is the best way to fully appreciate this
unique and amazing area. Who knows, your amazing views may
even include sighting a herd of wild buffalo along the way.
While you’ll be seeing much more than most earth-bound
tourists, it’s also worth keeping in mind this is just a small part
of what is a 292,00 hectare wilderness park owned by the
Jawoyn Aboriginal people.

FLIGHT DURATION:	Approximately 20 minutes, up to 3 people per flight. Groups may be required to travel separately.
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately 3 hours including coach transfers.
TOUR DETAILS:	Northbound train (to Darwin) Tuesday & Friday mornings. Southbound train (to Adelaide) Wednesday & Saturday afternoons.
TOUR FARES:	$175.00 per person, minimum 2 people.
FITNESS LEVEL:	Must be able to climb aboard the helicopter without assistance.
GUEST ADVICE:	Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and fully enclosed footwear. Long hair should be secured prior to flight for guest comfort. Drink plenty of water.

TOUR 3
NATURE CRUISE, KATHERINE RIVER
While there’s no question the river system makes for
spectacular viewing, it does of course also play a vital, lifegiving
role in The Top End. So it’s no surprise tourists aren’t
the only ones who fl ock to the area. This nature cruise will
introduce you to the many birds and animals that live here, as
well as give you a taste of the bush tucker the Jawoyn people
have enjoyed for hundreds of years. While some of the
traditional bush tucker of the Nitmiluk National Park may
not exactly whet your appetite, we’ll be serving some more
contemporary refreshments at our bush camp amongst
the silver leaf melaluca trees before returning to Springvale
Homestead.

DURATION:	Approximately 3 hours including coach transfers.
TOUR DETAILS:	Northbound train (to Darwin) Tuesday & Friday mornings. Southbound train (to Adelaide) Wednesday & Saturday afternoons.
TOUR FARES:	Adult $65.00, Child $34.00
GUEST ADVICE:	Suits all ages. Bring a hat, sunscreen and solid footwear. Sandals and shoes with heels not recommended as some walking over soft sand involved. Drink plenty of water.
NOTE:	Wet Season - this tour does not operate.

TOUR 4
KATHERINE TOWNSHIP SHUTTLE BUS

While most of the emphasis is on the wonderful river and
gorge system, if you’re more of a town person, you can
always while away your time with a leisurely stroll through
Katherine. This inexpensive shuttle service takes you to
your choice of bus stops in the centre of town. From here
it’s simple to discover some of the town’s many attractions.
From browsing through the Railway Museum, learning
about the workings of a cattle station at the historic Springvale
Homestead or viewing the fine Aboriginal art at the gallery, it’s
all here. Known as the place where ‘the outback meets the
tropics’ and with a population of just over 10,000, if you’re
happy to explore at your own pace, you’re sure to fi nd plenty
to see and do.

SHUTTLE BUS RETURN FARES:	Adult $12.00, Child $8.00
NOTE:	Please pay at Travel North booth at Katherine Rail Terminal.

TOUR 5
CANOEING ON KATHERINE RIVER

A unique and serene way to experience the Katherine River at your leisure. A reasonable level of fitness will come in handy but you certainly don't have to be a professional canoeist to enjoy this selfguided tour. Travelling under your own steam, there's plenty of time to take in the spectacular scenery of the Katherine River. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity to wander the historic Sprigvale Homestead. This is one tour you'll remember forever.

DURATION:	Approximately 2.5 hours including coach transfers.
TOUR DETAILS:	Northbound train (to Darwin) Tuesday & Friday mornings. Southbound train (to Adelaide) Wednesday & Saturday afternoons.
TOUR FARES:	DOUBLE CANOE; Adult $26.00 per person SINGLE CANOE; Adult $31.00
GUEST ADVICE:	Suits all ages. Bring a hat, sunscreen and bathers. Drink plenty of water.
NOTE:	Wet Season - this tour does not operate.

TOUR 6
KATHERINE EXPLORER TOWN TOUR

Katherine may not be the biggest town, but it certainly
has more than its fair share of attractions and this coach tour
is a great way to see the best of them. Discover everything from
the nature and culture to the history of the area at attractions
including the School of the Air and the Katherine Museum. You
might also want to bring your bathers as you’ll have the chance
to enjoy a refreshing swim in a spring water pool and if you
work up a thirst, don’t worry, we’ll have some refreshments
waiting for you at the Springvale Homestead.

DURATION:	Approximately 3 hours.
TOUR DETAILS:	Northbound train (to Darwin) Tuesday & Friday mornings. Southbound train (to Adelaide) Wednesday & Saturday afternoons.
TOUR FARES:	Adult $62.00, Child $32.00 Minimum 6 people.
GUEST ADVICE:	Suits all ages. Bring a hat and sunscreen. Drink plenty of water.

TOUR 7
GORGE TRANSFER ONLY
If a 700 metre walk over rocky terrain is not for you, or if an
energetic hike is more your style, this transfer option may
suit you. The comfortable bus ride takes about half
an hour and the discovery begins immediately with an
informative commentary about the Katherine Region. Once
you’ve arrived, you can visit the Nitmiluk Centre to enjoy
morning or afternoon tea on the observation deck overlooking
the river (no Gorge views available). Or for the more
energetic, take a short steep walk along the Barrawei trail (1.8 or 3.7 km walks available) for views of Katherine Gorge.

GORGE TRANSFER FARES:	Adult $27.00; Child $17.00
FITNESS LEVEL:	Low level of fitness is required if only visiting the Nitmiluk Centre. If guests are undertaking a walk, a medium to high level of fitness is required, appropriate footwear and at least 3 litres of water are recommended.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR TOUR
To book a Whistle Stop Tour in Katherine, simply book and
pay for your tour with the bar staff or our onboard Guest Services Co-ordinator at your earliest opportunity. Child Fares are valid for children aged 1-15 years inclusive. General air conditioned vehicles are used and detailed commentary is given. Fares and content of Whistle Stop Tours are subject to change without notice. Tours are subject to cancellation due to train schedules or inclement weather.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The content of Whistle Stop Tours is subject to change
without notice. All arrangements are subject to cancellation or modification due to inclement weather, late running of the train or other unforeseen circumstances. Fares are quoted in Australian dollars and include GST. All fares are subject to change without notice. Great Southern Rail does not own, operate or control Whistle Stop Tours. To the extent permitted by law, Great Southern Rail is not responsible for any injury, death, loss, accident, delay or irregularity whatsoever or expenses incurred resulting from a third party supplier’s acts or omissions. The travel services provided by these suppliers are subject to the conditions imposed by the suppliers and their liability may be limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, and agreements.

Darwin Station Transfers

Darwin Train Station is located approximately 20 minutes drive south of the city centre. Complimentary coach transfers are provided for Gold Service guests to/ from The Ghan central meeting point: Saville Park Suites, 88 The Esplanade, Darwin. Alternatively, transfers are provided to/ from the following hotels: Crowne Plaza Darwin, Darwin Central, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Esplanade, Mirambeena Resort, SkyCity Hotel Casino, Novotel Atrium. Please enquire at time of booking.

Red Service guests may purchase a transfer between Darwin Train Station and the Coach Terminal (67-69 Mitchell St), in central Darwin. Transfers are purchased upon boarding the coach. $10.00 per adult, $5.00 per child (4-15 years).