The Ghan Rail Journey is a transcontinental rail experience reminiscent of old-world pioneering adventures, stretching from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south. Travelling a remarkable 2979km across the breadth of the continent, this luxury train trip is considered one of the world’s greatest rail journeys. Steeped in history and giving guests access to the remote heart of Australia, a trip on The Ghan showcases our incredibly diverse landscape.
From the lush green tropical north of Darwin and Katherine, through the dusty rugged red centre of the MacDonnell Ranges and Alice Springs, The Ghan travels on to the rich pastoral regions of South Australia. This stylish cross-country rail journey takes travelling Australia to a new level; one that fosters a connection to land and tradition, one that will rouse the soul and create life-long unforgettable memories.
This epic adventure into the heart of the Red Centre starts with 2 nights in Darwin visiting Litchfield National Park, Florence Falls and Wangi Falls. We then board the legendary Ghan for a unique and epic experience exploring the wonders of Australia’s vast interior. Spending 3 nights in Gold Service we start with a spectacular outback sunrise as we arrive into Alice Springs. Then stopping 'in the middle of nowhere' at Manguri then on to the sunscorched opal mining capital of the world - Coober Pedy. We then discover a dramatic change in landscape as we make our way for the beautiful green fields and pastoral lands of South Australia into Adelaide.
This epic adventure heads into the heart of the Red Centre starts with 1 night in Adelaide before travelling overnight in Gold Service onboard the mighty Ghan. Enjoy a night in Alice Springs visiting the West MacDonnell Ranges, then see the wonders of Uluru with 3 nights at Yulara including the stunning Sounds of Silence dinner. Re-board the Ghan for another night before finishing with 1 night in Darwin.
For a faster experience on The Ghan, you can choose the shorter two-day, one-night journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs (or reverse) or Darwin to Alice Springs (or reverse). But for the ultimate experience choose the four-day, three-night Ghan Expedition and travel the entire breadth of the country.
Regardless of which journey you select, your fare includes off-train experiences that make your train trip a fully immersive Australian experience. You’ll dine under a canopy of endless outback stars at the historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs, unearth breathtaking natural wonders and rich Indigenous culture, and discover a fascinating underground opal mining town.
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The Ghan experience promises style and comfort with packages offering a choice of service levels. Gold or Platinum classes are available to both twin and single travellers. And the team of attentive staff ensure that the onboard experience is second to none with personal touches; you’ll love the luxury of the nightly turndown service of your beautifully appointed cabin.
From humble beginnings over 90 years ago with its inception honouring the first Afghan cameleers in Australia, to today’s great rail experience that stays true to the Australian frontier spirit, The Ghan Rail Journey will take you into the beating heart of this country and leave you forever changed. Will you be joining us aboard The Ghan?
Fine dining is included, with onboard chefs presenting regionally-inspired food, fine wines, and local specialities, in the three unique dining carriages. And it’s in the dining carriages where guests mingle and while away the hours watching our amazing country go by.
More than a single rail journey, there are several Ghan tour packages on offer with guests able to choose their direction of travel (north to south or vice versa), as well as the length of travel.
The peak tourist season (May to August) is generally considered the best time to take a Ghan Rail Journey, as the weather is cooler and more comfortable and the landscapes are often lush due to recent rainfall. Shoulder seasons (April and September) can also be a good time to travel if you want to strike the balance between comfortable weather (slightly warmer than peak season) and fewer crowds.
The Ghan trip includes a range of amenities and services designed to provide a comfortable and memorable experience. For Gold Service passengers, the fare includes gourmet dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant; comfortable sleeper cabins with en-suite facilities; guided tours and excursions at key stops such as Alice Springs, Katherine, and Coober Pedy; and access to the Outback Explorer Lounge.
Platinum Service passengers enjoy additional luxuries, such as larger cabins, premium dining options, and exclusive access to the Platinum Club. The Ghan experience is designed to provide a seamless journey through Australia's diverse landscapes, offering both relaxation and adventure.
Yes, pensioners are eligible for discounts on the Ghan Train Journey. Australian Pensioner Concession Cardholders can receive a discount on fares, typically around 10% off the standard adult fare. It's important to provide proof of eligibility at the time of booking.
The cost of the Ghan Train Journey varies depending on the class of service, travel dates, and length of the journey. For example, a one-way trip from Adelaide to Darwin (or vice versa) can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per person for Gold Service. Platinum Service offers more luxurious accommodations, costing between $3,500 and $8,000 per person. Prices for shorter journeys, such as Adelaide to Alice Springs, are generally lower.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
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We are a Green Travel Leader. This is awarded to businesses which have consistently proven their commitment to sustainable tourism management over ten years.
As a Sustianable Tourism accredited business, we are proud to offer engaging tourism experiences that follow sound sustainability practices and environmental appreciation.
Quality Tourism accredited businesses like Fun Over 50 lead the way by offering the highest industry standards of customer service, satisfaction, reliability, and ethical practices.
We are committed to operating in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the authenticity and integrity of living cultures of Indigenous communities.
We have incorporated strategic climate change responses across all relevant levels of our planning and operations. We are working towards becoming carbon neutral.
With Advanced Ecotourism certification, we offer outstanding experiences which let you get back to nature, help conservation, and minimise environmental impact.
We are a credible, well trained, and professional business. We conduct business in compliance with Australian Consumer Law and in accordance with ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators represents tour operators and wholesalers. As a full CATO member, we provide authentic and original holidays with sustainable travel.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.
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