ADELAIDE TO THE OUTBACK

Day 1 Arrive in Adelaide

Arrive in Adelaide and transfer to The Louise in the Barossa Valley for your two-night stay. The Louise is an exquisite boutique property, positioned in the heart of Barossa wine country on a vine-lined hillside. Unwind in your sophisticated suite, perhaps taking advantage of your private outdoor rain shower and enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds the hotel, rich with native flora and fauna. After a gourmet dinner at the Appellation restaurant you can look forward to the opportunity to 'breakfast with kangaroos' tomorrow morning, observing these friendly visitors who roam freely around the grounds.

Overnight: The Louise

Day 2 A Day In the Barossa Valley

Enjoy a full day exploring the many cellar doors of the world-renowned Barossa Valley. Take in the beautiful vineyards, replete with Mediterranean climate grapes, where you will spot some familiar names in the wine world. Visit the Farmers Market and taste your way through some delicious regional produce before taking a hike up to Mengler's Hill Lookout for sweeping views of the valley. Finish the day with a visit to the Keg Factory where you can marvel at the work of the skilled coopers who make traditional wine barrels following techniques passed down through generations.

Overnight: The Louise

Day 3 The Ghan

Travel back to Adelaide and board the Ghan train for your iconic, three-day rail journey. Travel northwards though Australia's fiery Red Centre on a spectacular journey covering over 1800 miles. The Red Centre is one of the most captivating wildernesses in the world, and travelling through the region on a 'hotel on wheels' is an utterly memorable way to experience this. As you depart Adelaide, the Ghan quickly gains pace as it bounds across the farm country of the Adelaide Plains and on to the Flinders Ranges. As the evening descends, make your way to the dining carriage for a regionally inspired menu with fine wines.

Overnight: The Ghan

Day 4 Alice Springs

As dawn breaks the train will arrive in Marla, an outback outpost in South Australia where you will be able to stretch your legs and watch the desert come to life. Re-join the train for a delicious brunch before your journey continues north through the McDonnell Ranges and finally on to Alice Springs. Over 9000 miles from the nearest city, remote Alice offers some remarkable experiences, including a visit the Royal Flyers Doctors Museum, a much-loved Australian institution. Stroll around the many galleries, museums and sacred Aboriginal sites or perhaps enjoy a scenic flight (optional extra). Board the train later this afternoon and settle in to enjoy the scenery once more as you bid farewell to the Red Centre.

Overnight: The Ghan

Day 5 Katherine & Darwin

This morning you will arrive in the pristine wilderness of Katherine, with ample time to enjoy the region from the air or by water through a well-curated choice of off-train experiences. Visit Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge with its spectacular sandstone cliffs and waterfalls. Learn about the Aboriginal rock art from the traditional owners of the park, the Jawoyn people, hearing about life in the outback on a remote cattle station. Board the train for the last time as you head towards the final stop on this epic train journey; the vibrant regional capital of Darwin. Transfer to your hotel for the evening to relax, before your departure tomorrow for outback adventure.

Overnight: The Hilton Darwin

Day 6 Bullo River Station

Fly on a fixed wing aircraft over expanses of wilderness to reach Bullo River Station, your home for the next three nights. Bullo is situated on over 500,000 hectares of privately owned outback countryside and is surrounded by rugged hills inscribed with Aboriginal rock art. Here you will find sustainable farming sitting within a spectacular landscape of gorges and waterfalls. Spend the rest of the day getting acquainted with outback life and enjoy a private farm tour, before you enjoy a restful evening in the company of your excellent hosts.

Overnight: Bullo River Station

Day 7 - 8 Bullo

Two full days on the station. Rise early to immerse yourself in typical station activity such as bore checks, lick runs and cattle yard work. A delicious breakfast will be served before you set out over the station to help manage the 4,000 strong Brahman-cross herd. There is also muster training on offer, and poddy calves to be fed. After lunch, enjoy an exhilarating 4WD journey or perhaps some riding across the arid land. Visit the abundant waterholes that teem with wildlife and see some of the 180 resident and migratory birds that call the station home. After active days of authentic outpost life and scenic adventures, return to the homestead for hard-earned and delicious meals, sharing tales of your experiences in the outback.

Overnight: Bullo River Station

Day 9 Fly Home

Fly back to Darwin and check-in for your flight home.