The Ghan

Running from Adelaide to Darwin (or vice versa) the Ghan takes you from one edge of the continent to other. You'll view the dramatic Flinders Ranges in Australia's south, travel through the vast desert landscapes of the Red Centre and watch the scenery change as you enter the tropical Top End, finally arriving in Darwin on Australia's north coast. Named after the Afghan Cameleers who opened this route, the full 2,979km journey takes three or four days with long stops in key places such as Alice Springs and Katherine.

Gold, Gold Premium & Platinum Service

Whichever class of service you choose, you'll enjoy a fully-inclusive experience, with high quality, locally-sourced meals, wines and other drinks and a choice of off train experiences.

Gold Service

Settling in among the wood-panelled fineries of a private berth, Gold Service guests are treated to views of the outback from picture windows – scenes brought to life by optional audio commentary. Gold Twin compartments have an en-suite bathroom and cosy upper and lower berths, cleverly converted from a three-seater lounge during the day time. A number of compact Gold Single compartments are also available on each train, with shared bathrooms at either the end of each carriage.  

Meal and drinks are served in the Outback Explorer Lounge (bar car) and adjacent Queen Adelaide restaurant, where you will meet your fellow travellers over a barista coffee or a glass of South Australia wine. 

Gold Premium Service

New to The Ghan, Gold Premium adds priority check-in, increased luggage allowance, luxury amenities, tour preferencing and a choice of upgraded twin and suite accommodation in contemporary cabins that take inspiration from the colours and contours of the Australian outback.

You'll also have exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage, along with all-inclusive premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.

Platinum Service 

For the ultimate experience, Platinum Service offers spacious double or twin cabins suites with luxurious linens, larger en-suite bathrooms and impressive picture windows, to fully appreciate those outback views. Gourmet breakfasts are served in-cabin and the Platinum Club offers fine-dining and premium drinks, including champagne served in the exclusive Platinum Club lounge and restaurant. 

Platinum guests also enjoy a number of other exclusive benefits, including a nightcap turndown service and private transfers before and after the journey.

The Ghan: Off-train Excursions

The Ghan passes through some of Australia's most dramatic and celebrated destinations. Guests have the opportunity to step off the train to discover why these places make a rail journey on the Ghan a truly unique and inspiring experience. 

Off-train excursions in Alice Springs and Katherine are exclusively tailored for guests travelling on The Ghan. Tours are specially designed so that you get the most out of your stopover, with plenty of time time to learn and connect with cultural and natural heritage found nowhere else in the world.

These fantastic excursions are included in your Platinum or Gold Service fare, so just make sure you bring your camera to capture all of your exciting off-train discoveries. And, for those travelling on the Ghan Expedition route from Darwin to Adelaide, there are a host of additional options to make most of your additional stops. 

Off-train excursions in Alice Springs (Ghan Classic)

• Head to Alice Desert Park for an unforgettable exploration of Outback flora, fauna and Indigenous culture.
• Explore the iconic sites of this town to discover its significant place in Australian history.
• Revisit The Ghan's humble beginnings by taking a ride on a camel while getting to know the people who steer these 'ships of the desert' in modern times.

Off-train excursions in Alice Springs (Ghan Expedition)

• Discover the unique history and culture of Alice Springs - the iconic gateway to Australia's Red Centre
• Trek through the spectacular Simpson Gap
• Take an e-bike your along the arid banks of the Todd River, which fills with water only a handful of times each decade
• Discover Alice's pioneer history from the region's famous 'flying doctors'
• Dine under a canopy of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station
• Or, at extra cost, you can opt for a spectacular scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)  

Off-train excursions in Katherine (Classic & Expedition)

• Relax as you discover the grandeurs of one of the Northern Territory's most monumental natural wonders on a leisurely Nitmiluk Gorge cruise (November to April).
• Learn more about the rich history and culture of the Katherine region through the fascinating interpretations of indigenous rock art dating back 40,000 years.
• Get right to the heart and history of the Katherine region with this unique outback experience, which showcases the inner workings of a working Australian cattle ranch (May to October).
• Upgrade your excursion in Katherine with a thrilling helicopter ride or scenic flight over the Nitmiluk National Parks (additional fee applies).

Off-train experiences in Coober Pedy (Ghan Expedition)

• Spend a day exploring Coober Pedy, a remote Outback town built mostly underground
• Explore the network of underground tunnels and visit a home dug out from the red desert rock
• Dine beneath the Earth's surface in the cooling tunnels of the Opal Quest Mine
• View the majestic Breakaways, a striking example of Outback scenery believed to have been an inland sea some 70 million years ago

Outback experiences (Ghan Classic)

• Marla (northbound): This unforgettable tour brings you right into the remote reaches of South Australia. Departing in the early morning, you'll watch sprawling landscapes illuminated by a spectacular Outback sunrise.

• Manguri (southbound): This after-dinner stop in Manguri, half way between Adelaide and Alice Springs, allows you gaze up at the Outback sky filled with stars, a truly unforgettable experience

Whichever experiences you choose, you'll be experiencing Australia's outback at its most impressive. All transfer, meals and selected drinks are included with off train experiences.