DELVE INTO THE DESERT

Guests on iconic Australian train The Ghan can now select from a range of new Off Train Experiences from Journey Beyond that capture the essence of the Aussie Outback.

ALICE SPRINGS: STANDLEY CHASM CULTURAL WALK

Located 50km west of Alice Springs, guests can now explore Standley Chasm on the Standley Chasm Cultural Walk, led by an indigenous Western Arrernte community member. This stunning 4km walk through the threemetre-wide and 80-metre-high chasm takes in the intricately carved sandstone gorge, where the colours of the outback are on full display and guests will learn about ancient geology, native flora, fauna, bush medicine and bush tucker along the way. Guests travelling south on The Ghan Expedition will enjoy some extra time in Standley Chasm, with morning and afternoon tea included and a special dot painting workshop, focusing on the traditional techniques behind Western Arrernte artwork.

KATHERINE: TOP DIDJ CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Indigenous artist Manuel Pamkal, winner of the 2013 Tourism NT Brolga Award for Outstanding Interpretive Guide, hosts this insightful cultural experience in Katherine. elcoming guests to Top Didj with a traditional didgeridoo performance, Manual shares what it was like growing up in the bush, cultural differences, tribal life and insights to his own family tree. He will also share a dreamtime story and demonstrate how the Woomera Spear can be used to perfectly hit a target. Manual is known for his unique painting technique, Rarrk (cross hatch), and he'll guide guests through this technique to create their own masterpiece.

KATHERINE: CUTTA CUTTA CAVES

Formed millions of years ago and still growing today, the Cutta Cutta Caves are found 15 metres below the surface. On this immersive underground cave experience, guests learn about the geological significance of the region, how the caves were formed, and the ecological systems within — and maybe even spot a few local reptiles and other native wildlife. The cave system is rich in Indigenous culture and modern European history.

COOBER PEDY: PAINTED HILLS AND LAKE EYRE SCENIC FLIGHT (OPTIONAL UPGRADE, A$1290 PER PERSON)

The Anna Creek Painted Hills is a spectacular and recently discovered section of the beautiful Breakaways country in the far north of South Australia. Travelling from Coober Pedy Airport, guests fly over the dramatic landscape to see it in all its glory landing in the remote Anna Creek Painted Hills for an immersive ground tour, before continuing over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, Australia's largest salt lake. There's a stop at William Creek for a quintessential Australian pub lunch at the William Creek Hotel and a guided ground tour of the township before the flight on to the Anna Creek Cattle Station, the world's largest working cattle station, and the return to Coober Pedy to meet fellow guests for drinks by the bonfire at Manguri.

The Katherine Outback Experience is also returning after a two-season hiatus. This fascinating day of discovery, outlines what it's like to live and work on a huge cattle station, with rollicking stories, interactive experiences, cattle dog demonstrations and live music performances. In the Stockyards, an entertaining exhibition of outback life includes a live demonstration of the art of horse-breaking and the intimate connection between man and horse and a demonstration by the Riverboyne Dog Team as they work cattle, goats or even ducks into orderly submission. journeybeyond.com.au — NICK WALTON