Heart of Australia: 22 days Adelaide to Darwin

Your journey into wonder begins in South Australia’s elegant capital. Settle into 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 Jacob’s Creek, 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.

Adelaide Heritage Walking Tour: Trace the city's storied past on foot through North Terrace, Victoria Square and the lush Botanic Gardens.

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”.

Adelaide Zoo: Meander through leafy enclosures housing over 2,500 animals, from native favourites to exotic species.

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

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 the mainland and journey through McLaren Vale. Continue on to Glenelg and check in for your Scenic Special Stay, set right by the beach.

Scenic Enrich
Step behind the scenes at a sustainable winery, uncovering its secrets and stories with expert guidance. Learn about sustainable farming in the Biodynamic Hut, with tastings and local bites to savour.

This morning after breakfast, board The Ghan - Australia’s iconic rail journey. As you settle into your cabin, the world outside transforms from bustling cityscapes to the vast, timeless Outback. Savour regional flavours with every meal, letting the gentle rhythm of the rails carry you into the heart of Australia, where adventure and tranquillity entwine beneath a starlit sky. Tonight, your journey continues onboard this unforgettable train.

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 your hotel 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 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 your hotel for a three-night 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 your hotel 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 your hotel 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.

In March and April, Burrungkuy is visited after the scenic flight, and the cruise operates on Yellow Waters.

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 in Darwin early evening.

During March and April, the Mary River cruise is replaced by the famous ‘Jumping Croc Cruise’ due to seasonal conditions).

Enjoy a final full day of exploration in and around Darwin with Scenic Freechoice options tailored to your interests.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from thrilling adventures or relaxed sightseeing to make the most of your time in the Top End.

Darwin City Sights: Explore the city at your own pace with hop-on, hop-off access to key cultural and historical sites.

WWII Bombing of Darwin Tour: Trace the wartime history of the Top End, with a harbour cruise and expert commentary.

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.