The Ghan. It's an odd name for a train but in Australian history it is a living legend. For it is the ultimate journey through the heart of the continent. A hundred and fifty years ago, the first camels were imported along with their handlers from Afghanistan and, in true Australian style, we soon shortened their name to 'Ghan'. The Ghan train derives its name from these early pioneers and its emblem of an Afghan on a camel is in recognition of their efforts in opening up the harsh interior to the rest of Australia.
Today, you can make this journey with creature comforts our forebears would never have imagined. Boarding The Ghan in Adelaide for Alice Springs and Darwin, you'll experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. You'll marvel at the spectacular colours of the outback, the spinifex plains and salt pans of the vast interior and the rugged MacDonnell Ranges before travelling on to the tropical splendour of Darwin and the Top End. Alice Springs is the ideal base from which to explore the wonders of the Red Centre, such as Palm Valley, Uluru / Ayers Rock, The Olgas/ Kata Tjuta and King's Canyon.
The extension of The Ghan to Darwin has further enhanced what is already considered one of the world's great train journeys. The 47 hour, 2979km transcontinental journey features off train touring options at Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge at modest extra cost.
GOLD SERVICE: The ultimate in style and comfort, choose from single or twin Sleeper Cabins which include complimentary toiletries and bath towels. Gold Service fares are all inclusive of meals and guests enjoy dining in elegance in the Restaurant Car or relaxing and socialising in the Lounge.
Twin & Single Cabins (with bathroom): feature a 3 seat lounge which transforms into upper and lower sleeping berths as well as a compact private ensuite with wash basin, toilet and shower. Each cabin is fully serviced with fresh pillows, sheets and doonas. Cabins also feature small foldaway tables, reading lamps, 3 pin 240 volt power points, wardrobes and a full length mirror.
Single Cabins (share bathroom): enjoy similar features to the Twin Cabins including a wash basin however toilets and showers are situated at the end of the carriages. Complimentary welcome kits, bath towels and toiletry bags are provided to all Gold Service cabins.
Gold Service guests are advised to carry an overnight bag with everything they need on board and check in all other luggage.
Prices for GOLD PREMIUM & PLATINUM SERVICE cabins are available on request. Please ask us for assistance.
GOLD PREMIUM SERVICE: is ideal for guests seeking additional space and comfort. The Gold Service Premium Cabin features a ¾ size double bed and additional fold down upper berth. It has its own lounge area with DVD player, table, arm chairs and well stocked bar fridge for complimentary refreshments. Advance bookings are necessary. Please note, there are usually only two Gold Service Premium Cabins per train departure.
PLATINUM SERVICE: offers an elevated level of comfort to your onboard experience. Enjoy the spacious private cabins complete with plush, high quality fittings and en suite; elegant dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Carriage; along with flourishes of service, attention and indulgence that turn a holiday into a life-enhancing experience. The Platinum Service typifies the hospitality and attention have made Australia's Great Train Journeys world famous. Platinum Service is an all inclusive fare which includes private cabin, all meals and all standard alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Off Train Excursions and Outback Experiences as well as private transfers to and from the station. In cabin dining menu is at an additional cost.
Enjoy extended touring options at key destinations along the rail route. Guests have the opportunity to choose one option out of the multiple Off-Train Excursions listed. The Ghan's helpful staff will assist with booking your preferred tour option. The Ghan Expedition operates from Darwin to Adelaide (southbound only) between April and October. This itinerary differs from the normal Ghan trip with experiences at places like Coober Pedy, the Opal capital of the world.
(Off Train Excursions are subject to change without notice and limited numbers may apply for the tour to operate. All arrangements are subject to cancellation or modification due to inclement weather, late running of train or other unforeseen circumstances. Refunds will not be given for cancelled or modified excursions).
ADELAIDE TO DARWIN
Alice Springs - Choose from Alice Springs Desert Park or Simpson Gap Discovery Walk. Note for guests departing The Ghan in Alice Springs, additional costs apply for Alice Springs off train excursions.
Alice Springs Optional Upgrades - Spirit of Mt. Gillen Helicopter Flight or Pyndan Camel Tracks or Alice Springs & Surrounds Fixed Wing Scenic Flight. Additional costs apply.
Katherine - Choose from Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise or Nitmiluk First Gorge Art Cruise or Katherine Outback Experience.
Katherine Optional Upgrade - Nitmiluk Gorge Helicopter Flight. Additional costs apply.
DARWIN TO ADELAIDE
Katherine - Choose from Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise or Nitmiluk First Gorge Art Cruise or Katherine Outback Experience.
Katherine Optional Upgrade - Nitmiluk Gorge Helicopter Flight. Additional costs apply.
Alice Springs - Choose from Alice Springs Desert Park or Simpson Gap Discovery Walk or Alice Explorer. Note for guests departing The Ghan in Alice Springs, additional costs apply for Alice Springs off train excursions.
Alice Springs Optional Upgrades - Spirit of Mt. Gillen Helicopter Flight or Pyndan Camel Tracks or Alice Springs & Surrounds Fixed Wing Scenic Flight. Additional costs apply.
Katherine - Spend the afternoon at stunning Nitmiluk Gorge on one of two cruise options available, exploring the natural beauty and cultural significance of the gorge. A scenic helicopter flight is an optional extra for additional cost.
Alice Springs - With a full day to discover the best of Alice Springs you can choose from the Alice Explorer, the Alice to Off Road trip, the Desert Park experience or the Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk. All experiences finish with a magical Outback BBQ Dinner. For those seeking more adventure and for additional cost, there is an optional upgrade to the Uluru Fixed Wing & Scenic Flight.
Coober Pedy - Spend a full day exploring this amazing region of South Australia. Choose from the Breakaways tour with it's stunning lookout and opal mine tours, or go on a town tour with insight into the history and geology of Coober Pedy. There is also a half day Opal Experience where you have a chance to fossick for your own gems.
| The Ghan | Sun |
|---|---|
| Depart Adelaide | 12.15pm |
| Mon | |
| Morning Outback Experience Marla | |
| Arrive Alice Springs | 1.45pm |
| Afternoon Excursion Alice Springs | |
| Depart Alice Springs | 6.15pm |
| Tues | |
| Morning Excursion Katherine | |
| Arrive Darwin | 5.30pm |
Operates - April to October
| The Ghan | Wed |
|---|---|
| Depart Adelaide | 12.10pm |
| Thurs | |
| Morning Outback Experience Marla | |
| Arrive Alice Springs | 1.45pm |
| Afternoon Excursion Alice Springs | |
| Depart Alice Springs | 6.00pm |
| Fri | |
| Morning Excursion Katherine | |
| Arrive Darwin | 7.50pm |
| The Ghan | Wed |
|---|---|
| Depart Darwin | 10.00am |
| Afternoon Excursion Katherine | |
| Thur | |
| Arrive Alice Springs | 9.10am |
| Morning Excursion Alice Springs | |
| Depart Alice Springs | 12.45pm |
| Evening Outback Experience Manguri | |
| Fri | |
| Arrive Adelaide | 1.00pm |
| The Ghan Expedition | Wed |
|---|---|
| Depart Darwin | 10.00am |
| Afternoon Experience Katherine | |
| Thu | |
| Full Day Experience Alice Springs | |
| Fri | |
| Full Day Experience Coober Pedy | |
| Sat | |
| Arrive Adelaide | 10.50am |
Operates April to October
| The Ghan Expedition | Sat |
|---|---|
| Depart Darwin | 9.00am |
| Afternoon Experience Katherine | |
| Sun | |
| Full Day Experience Alice Springs | |
| Mon | |
| Full Day Experience Coober Pedy | |
| Tue | |
| Arrive Adelaide | 11.50am |
Note: The Ghan operates March to November. The Ghan Expedition operates April to October. Above timetable is subject to change without notice.
Children: Children aged between 4 and 15 years are eligible for child fares. Underage children who occupy a seat or berth will also be charged at the child rate. From 01Jan25 no child rates available.
Conditions: Travel Online will only book the above journeys for full paying adults and children. Discounted pensioner or sector fares are not available.
Motor Vehicles: Travel Online does not provide quotes for vehicle transport. Passengers taking a vehicle will need to contact Journey Beyond Rail directly for fares and availability.
Payment: Advance Purchase Fares - Full payment is required at time of confirmation. Everyday, Everyday Saver and Standard Fares require a deposit at time of confirmation. Final payment is required 90 days prior to travel. Strict cancellation / amendment policy applies to all fares.
Fitness for Travel: You must be medically and physically fit for travel. Please inform your consultant at time of booking if you have any medical or physical condition that will or may require medical attention, medication or special treatment during your rail holiday. Journey Beyond Rail may require you to complete a health questionnaire.
Travel Insurance: Journey Beyond Rail's liability to you is limited, therefore it is recommended that you take out travel insurance prior to departure.
Luggage: Checked-in luggage permits a maximum of 2 x 30kg bags per person (2 items not exceeding 23kg and 180 linear centimetres). Checked-in luggage may not be accessed during travel. One item of Cabin luggage is permitted per person but must not exceed 25kg and be no larger than 50cm(L) x 30cm(H) x 30cm(W). Luggage check-in opens 2.5 hours prior to departure and closes 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. Guests should only take required hand luggage on board. Unchecked luggage is carried at owner's risk. Bags should be secured and display the owner's name, destination and contact details both inside and out.
Note: Images are for illustration purposes only. Different itineraries and direction of travel may affect the landscapes and attractions included. Please see itinerary options for more information.
