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

There’s nothing quite like the magic and the romance of a relaxing train holiday. So 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 fit in with the train timetable so even if you only have a short time off the train, you’ll still have the opportunity to take in some of the area’s best sights. So why not take the time to look through the fantastic tours on offer and make the most of your chance to see some of the spectacular attractions of Australia’s Red Centre and Katherine Region.

THE RED CENTRE REALLY IS
THE CENTRE OF IT ALL.

While the Red Centre is world famous for the magnificent 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 helicopter tour, there are plenty of exciting ways for you to spend your time in Alice Springs.

ESSENTIAL ALICE SPRINGS TOWN TOUR

This tour enables 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.

ABORIGINAL SACRED SITES AND CULTURAL TOUR

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 of Emily Gap and Jessie Gap where you will stop at sacred sites, sharing their cultural heritage, plus learn about traditional sources of food and medicine. Visit Anzac Hill panoramic lookout before a guided tour of the an Aboriginal art gallery.

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 along the loop 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 allows enough time for you to get off to visit two attractions. Or of course, you could always simply take in the guided tour from the comfort of the shuttle then visit one attraction or do a spot of shopping in Todd Mall before re-boarding the shuttle bus to the rail terminal.

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.

ALICE SPRINGS HELICOPTERS SIMPSON’S GAP FLIGHT

In days gone by, explorers had to trek across the hot desert on 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 those amazing views including the rugged Simpson’s Gap, the steep, ochre-coloured Mt. Gillen Ridgeline, the crystal clear water holes and 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.

QUAD-BIKE ADVENTURE

While you won’t need a licence 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 benefit of quad bikes, that’s for sure! There’s plenty of spectacular scenery as you ride beside ancient mountain ranges, and 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 three kilometres 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 its wonder by cruise boat or helicopter. 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.

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 and 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.

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’re even slightly adventurous, you’ll see what we mean with a bird’s eye view from
this exciting helicopter tour. Marvel at the sheer magnitude as you fly over 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 earthbound tourists, it’s also worth keeping in mind this is just a small part of what is a 292,800 hectare wilderness park owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people.

TOUR DETAILS
NORTHBOUND TRAIN	Tuesday and Friday mornings.
SOUTHBOUND TRAIN	Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
FLIGHT DURATION:	Approximately 20 minutes, up to 3 people per flight.
TOUR DURATION:	Approximately 3 hours including coach transfers.
TOUR FARES:	$185.00 per person, minimum 2 people.
FITNESS LEVEL:	Must be able to climb aboard the helicopter without assistance.
GUEST ADVICE:	Suits all ages. Long hair should be secured prior to flight for guest comfort. Drink plenty of water.

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 flock 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. If some of the traditional bush tucker of the Nitmiluk National Park
does 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.

TOUR DETAILS
NORTHBOUND TRAIN	Tuesday and Friday mornings.
SOUTHBOUND TRAIN	Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
DURATION:	Approximately 3 hours including coach transfers.
TOUR FARES:	Adult $68.00, Child $36.00
FITNESS LEVEL:	This tour is suitable for those less mobile.
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.

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 easy to discover some of the town’s many attractions. From browsing through the Railway Museum, visiting 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 find plenty to see and do.

SHUTTLE BUS RETURN FARES:	Adult $13.00, Child $9.00
NOTE:	Please pay at the Travel North booth at Katherine Rail Terminal.

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
self-guided 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 Springvale Homestead. This is one tour you’ll remember forever.

TOUR DETAILS
NORTHBOUND TRAIN	Tuesday and Friday mornings.
SOUTHBOUND TRAIN	Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
DURATION:	Approximately 2.5 hours including transfers.
TOUR FARES:	DOUBLE CANOE; Adult $27.00 per person SINGLE CANOE; Adult $32.00
FITNESS LEVEL:	A moderate level of fitness is required.
GUEST ADVICE:	Suits all ages. Bring a hat, sunscreen and swimming costume. Drink plenty of water.
NOTE:	Wet Season - this tour does not operate.

NITMILUK FIRST GORGE LUXURY CAFE CRUISE

Choose from a fantastic selection of scrumptious gateaux while you cruise the calm waters of the first Gorge aboard the refurbished Robert Lee. While enjoying a tea, coffee or cool drink you will take in the stunning scenery this gorge offers.

Ideal for those wanting a relaxing and cultural cruise, you will see cliffs and sheer ledges of sandstone, learn about the history and geography of the gorge, and see sandy beaches used by freshwater crocodiles for nesting. There is an opportunity to
take a short walk and visit a stunning Aboriginal rock art site.

Also included is a tour of the Visitor Centre where you can purchase souvenirs or visit the Display Centre and Heritage Museum. Here you will find graphic displays and large-scale topographical models which clearly illustrate the flora, fauna and rock formations of the park, as well as informative audio visual displays presenting a living record of Nitmiluk.

KATHERINE COUNTRY CLUB - BLISSFUL BREAK, GOLFING TOUR OR OUTBACK BOWLS

See the highlights of Katherine including the Low Level, Katherine
Bridge and CBD before arriving at the Katherine Country Club. Here you have a choice of three tours – Blissful Break, Golfing Tour or Outback Bowls.

The Katherine Country Club is air-conditioned and facilities include
a nine hole golf course, artificial turf bowls rink, bistro, tropical beer garden, TAB, poker machines, keno and bar. On the Blissful Break Tour, you simply have free time to relax and indulge in all the facilities available to you including morning or afternoon tea.

The Golfing Tour includes golf clubs, buggy and balls, green fees for nine holes, water and morning or afternoon tea. Should you wish to try your hand at Outback Bowls, this includes rink fees, bowls, kitty and mat, water and morning or afternoon tea. Take the time to relax or play your favourite game in the beauty of the Katherine Country Club.

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 swimming costume as you’ll have the chance to enjoy a refreshing swim in a spring water pool and if you work up a thirst, we’ll have refreshments waiting for you at the Springvale Homestead.

TOUR DETAILS
NORTHBOUND TRAIN	Tuesday and Friday mornings.
SOUTHBOUND TRAIN	Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
DURATION:	Approximately 3 hours including transfers.
TOUR FARES:	Adult $66.00, Child $35.00.
GUEST ADVICE:	Suits all ages. Bring a hat and sunscreen. Drink plenty of water.

GORGE TRANSFER ONLY
If a 700 metre walk over rocky terrain is not for you, but 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 (at your own expense) 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 3.7kilometre walks
available) for views of Katherine Gorge.

GORGE TRANSFER FARES:	$29.00, Child $18.00.
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 three litres of water are recommended.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR TOUR
To book a Whistle Stop Tour in Alice Springs or Katherine, simply book and pay for your tour with the bar staff or our onboard Hospitality Attendant at your earliest opportunity. Child Fares are valid for children aged 3-15 years inclusive.

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.