Ffestiniog Travel

Saturday 11 February to Sunday 26 February 2012

There is no better way to experience the Australian outback than on this epic holiday aboard the famous “Ghan” train. Named after the Afghan camel drovers who once led the camel trains across the vast desert of Australia’s interior, now you can ride the 2,979 kilometres from Darwin to Adelaide aboard this luxury air-conditioned train. We visit the vibrant and hospitable cities of Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney enhancing our holiday and providing a true feel for this amazing continent. Stopovers in Singapore and Hong Kong complete our journey.

Day 1   Scheduled flight to Singapore

Overnight scheduled service from London to Singapore, arriving the following morning.

Day 2   Sightseeing in Singapore

Our introduction to this vibrant city is a morning excursion in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach accompanied by a local guide, including Chinatown and Merlion Park. Time to relax in the afternoon and we are ideally located at our hotel in the city’s cultural district. There is an excellent public transport system including a metro and, with English almost universally spoken, getting around couldn’t be easier.

Day 3   Onwards to Darwin

A day at leisure to enjoy the sights and experiences of Singapore before a transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Darwin. We arrive here in the early hours of the morning, but have booked our hotel rooms for an extra night so that you can sleep well on arrival.

Day 4   Tropical Darwin

It feels as though Darwin is a world away from the big cities of the south. Not only does it have its own climate but its own culture and traditions – the railway didn’t arrive until 2004 and, although air routes have opened up the area in recent years, the Northern Territory developed in virtual isolation from the rest of the continent. The day is free to unwind after your long journey and to soak up the atmosphere.

Day 5   We join the “Ghan”

We have a short coach transfer to join the train – a long line of shining silver air- conditioned coaches. Inside we find well-appointed sleeping compartments, a luxurious lounge and bar and, of course, a dining car. All meals are included whilst on this train. Our accommodation is in the first class Gold Service section of the train. By afternoon we arrive at Katherine. Here the train is serviced and, during this time, a selection of modestly priced off-train excursions is offered. These range from a simple sightseeing tour in the town to a very informative boat trip along the river – you mighty even spot a basking crocodile! The train then continues and you enjoy evening meal as the desert slips by.

Day 6   Alice Springs

We arrive in the morning at Alice Springs. A sightseeing tour is offered which includes the old Telegraph Station and the headquarters of the Flying Doctor Service. Our departure for Adelaide is mid-afternoon ensuring that you can fully appreciate the panorama of the changing landscape and unsurpassed views from the train as you travel. Sunset over the outback is truly memorable as you sit back and enjoy your last dinner on the train.

Day 7   Elegant Adelaide

Arrive in Adelaide at breakfast time for a stay of one night. A day at leisure to explore this charming city with its elegant boulevards and tree lined squares or you may want to take the tram to the nearby beach resort at Glenelg. The city has an excellent transport system and, for those who may be interested, a good railway museum at Port Adelaide reached by suburban train.

Day 8   Melbourne

Departing Adelaide we fly to the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. Transfer to hotel for a stay of two nights. The day is free to relax and once again there is an excellent transport system. The City Circle tram route which passes the hotel is free of charge – an ideal way to get around and explore the many remarkable museums and sights. You may wish to sample some of the fantastic cuisine and wine for which the city is famed.

Day 9   The famous Puffing Billy Railway

The Puffing Billy is, without doubt, Australia’s premier tourist railway. Reached by suburban railway to Belgrave, the narrow gauge steam locos haul trains through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges to Gembrook and return. Our full-day excursion includes the whole line with time for lunch in Gembrook and plenty of photo opportunities.

Day 10   To Sydney by Country Link’s XPT

This train looks familiar – it is a clone of the British HST which runs regular services out of Paddington and Kings Cross. Our reservations are in first class reclining seats and, of course, there is a buffet service on board. This iconic journey provides a fabulous opportunity to sit back and watch the breathtakingly beautiful scenery pass by. Early evening arrival in Sydney and transfer to the hotel close-by for a stay of three nights.

Days 11 and 12   At leisure in Sydney

Two days at leisure to relax and explore Sydney. Our hotel is close to the main Central Station and so, whether it’s city sightseeing or travelling further afield (perhaps to the Zig-Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains) that takes your fancy, your location is ideal. Your tour guide will be happy to assist with any suggestions for excursions you may wish to take or sights to visit in this delightful and hospitable city. A ferry trip to the Victorian seaside town of Manly is an enjoyable way to see the harbour and you get an outstanding view of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, botanical gardens and governor’s residence whilst on board. Climb to the observation tower of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views of the city or just sit back and savour the café life loved by the locals.

Day 13   Flight to Hong Kong

Your tour leader now continues to New Zealand with the Antipodean Tour and you are unescorted for your flight to Hong Kong where you are met by a representative of our partner, Jetway Express, who will transfer you to your hotel and ensure that all is well.

Day 14   Hong Kong Sightseeing

Your local guide will arrange a suitable time for a pickup from your hotel for a half day sightseeing tour of Hong Kong’s famous sights including Victoria Peak and Aberdeen Harbour.

Day 15   Home again

After a free morning and afternoon, Jetway Express will arrange an evening transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

Day 16   Arrive London

Early morning arrival in London.