Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MacDonnell Ranges. Yorke Peninsula and dedicated Flinders Ranges tours are also
available.
Oz Experience
( 1300 300 028;
www.ozexperience.com
) Hop-on-hop-off backpacker
network with frequent buses looping around eastern Australia including Darwin, Adelaide
and the east coast. There's a range of passes (valid for 12 months). The Sydney to Dar-
win 'Fish Hook' pass via Melbourne, Adelaide and Alice Springs costs $2465.
The Rock Tour
( 1800 246 345;
www.therocktour.com.au
)
Three-day/two-night tours
to Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, departing Alice Springs. Combo tour/transport
tickets with Qantas and Greyhound are also available.
Wildlife Tours
( 1300 661 730 ;
www.wildlifetours.com.au
)
Two- or three-day, small-
group Melbourne-Adelaide tours along Great Ocean Rd (from $239).
Train
The famous
Ghan
train connects Adelaide with Darwin via Alice Springs. From Adelaide
there are rail connections with Sydney and Perth on the
Indian Pacific
and Melbourne on
the
Overland
. You can also join the
Ghan
at Port Augusta, the connection point on the
Sydney-Perth
Indian Pacific
route.
»
From Adelaide, the
Ghan
departs Adelaide for Alice Springs on Sunday and Wednes-
day (18 hours), continuing on to Darwin arriving on Tuesday and Friday (another 24
hours). It returns from Darwin to Alice Springs on Wednesday and Saturday, continuing to
Adelaide arriving on Friday and Monday.
»
From Melbourne, the
Overland
has day trains to Adelaide (10 hours) on Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday, returning on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
»
From Sydney, the
Indian Pacific
departs on Wednesday (plus Saturday in September
and October) for Adelaide (25 hours, arriving Thursday), continuing to Perth (another 40
hours, arriving Saturday). The return leg chugs out of Perth on Sunday (plus Wednesday
in September and October),
Costs & Classes
Classes
The
Ghan
and
Indian Pacific
offer 'daynighter' seats and more comfortable
sleeper classes; the
Overlander
has two classes of seats. With a daynighter you get a re-
clining seat in an open carriage, foldaway table and access to a licensed lounge car
serving light meals and drinks. Sleeper classes involve cabins with all kinds of foldaway
seats and beds. Pricier sleepers have en suites and private restaurant-car dining.
Discounts & Passes
Booking some months ahead will often secure a discount on the
prices listed here (up to 25% off). Backpacker discounts apply to all fares (up to 50% off!).
International visitors (only) can take advantage of a
Rail Explorer Pass
(3/6 months
