Board The Ghan in Adelaide, heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond. Lunch and dinner will be your introduction to dining on board, setting the scene for the meals to come. (L,D)

1 night, The Ghan

Your arrival in Alice marks the start of a new adventure. You’ll venture further into the heart of Australia on the eight-day Red Centre Explorer tour with Outback Spirit. (B,L,D)

2 nights, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

After breakfast, venture to the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a walk to Simpsons Gap. We’ll then visit Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye), a cultural icon of Central Australia, and the Alice Springs Desert Park. (B,L,D)

Today, go deep into the outback. First up is a visit to Ellery Creek for a short walk and morning tea, then Ormiston Gorge, stopping at Glen Helen for lunch, before journeying to the mighty Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. (B,L,D)

2 nights, Kings Canyon Resort

Experience Kings Canyon with a walk – the 6km rim walk, featuring breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park or a less arduous 2.6km walk along the canyon floor. (B,L,D)

Pass through Kings Creek Station and enjoy an informative talk and lunch at Curtin Springs, before arriving at Uluru. This evening, you’ll attend the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner, a cultural storytelling experience, told through choreographed drones and projections illuminating the sky. (B,L,D)

3 nights, Sails in the Desert Hotel

Early risers can experience sunrise over Uluru. After breakfast, visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk into Walpa Gorge. Learn about Anangu culture on a tour around the base of Uluru. In the evening, head to an exclusive dune-top location with majestic views. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro’s Field of Light comes to life, before exploring the stunning display via dedicated pathways. (B,L,D)

Early risers can experience the sun rising over Uluru before breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, you’ll depart for the Mala Walk to see fine examples of rock art before arriving at Kantju Gorge. This evening, enjoy the unique Sounds of Silence dining experience, beginning with canapes, and sparkling wine served on platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets, listen to the didgeridoo and enjoy a premium bush tucker-inspired buffet. Settle in and listen to the resident star talker decode the night sky. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you’ll travel back to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal, re-join The Ghan and continue on your journey north. Travelling overnight, you’ll wake up in Katherine for a cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge. Continue to Darwin and upon arrival, it’s time to say farewell to The Ghan. (B,L,D,B,L)

1 night, The Ghan

1 night, Hilton Darwin

Today, your second tour with Outback Spirit commences. Depart Darwin and head towards the dual World-Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, so named for both environment and cultural values. (B,L,D)

2 nights, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

This morning, you’ll take a 60-minute scenic flight over ancient landscapes. After landing, travel to the East Alligator River for a local indigenous cruise, listening to stories of the region. Afterwards, you’ll head to the World Heritage Ubirr art site, home to some of the world’s most outstanding rock art, where two short walks are available to see some of the amazing rock art that remains today. (B,L,D)

Today, travel to Litchfield National Park, stopping at Wangi Falls, for lunch, where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear pool. Our next stop is Florence Falls, where you’ll see spectacular falls cascade below from the scenic viewing platform before making your way back to Darwin. (B,L,D)

2 nights, Hilton Darwin

Today is free for you to enjoy the sights of Darwin at leisure. In the evening, see why Top End sunsets are so special on a Darwin Harbour sunset dinner cruise. (B,D)

Check out of your hotel and make the final journey home. You’ve just spent 15 days exploring Australia’s outback, walking away with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of culture and country. (B)