The Ghan, Darwin to Adelaide

This legendary train evokes a frontier spirit, a romantic connection to the land, and travelling on it creates a moving and unforgettable life experience. The Ghan celebrates outback adventure, with its legend stemming from the 1930s when the first Afghan cameleers arrived in Australia. On that momentous journey, the train was dubbed ‘The Afghan Express’ and then shortened to the legend it is today, ‘The Ghan’.
Today you can become part of this celebrated history, following in the tracks of those pioneers as you journey through Australia’s red heart. Regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, The Ghan delivers so much more than an extended train ride. It promises access to parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to – the perfect balance of comfort and adventure culminating in an experience that will move you in every sense of the word.
Note: Throughout the course of your journey, there are a range off-train experiences at Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. Preferences can be requested on booking, although not confirmed until onboard. It is best to indicate to your sales consultant as early as you can which experiences you would prefer to join. Alternatively, if you wish to upgrade your off-train experiences, these can be confirmed at the time of booking. Please ask your consultant which upgraded experiences are available to you.

Celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome drink and canapes and before you board, you’ll have the opportunity to take photos with The Ghan’s bold red locomotive. Settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin, or mingle with fellow travelers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. As The Ghan begins to travel south, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge and a cruise is on offer to showcase the beauty of this spot. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the Outback home, while the Cutta Cutta Cave system is home to a variety of native wildlife and is rich in Indigenous culture and modern European history. Or, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight over Nitmiluk.

Tailor your journey with these exciting off-train Katherine adventures:

Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise Wind your way down the Katherine River on a relaxing cruise. Immerse yourself in ancient wonders as you find yourself surrounded by towering gorge walls. Sculpted by time and water, each bend unveils a more breathtaking vista. Listen to the cicadas serenade the canyons as your expert guide navigates the First and Second Gorges. These age-worn walls, etched by nature, cradle a wealth of unique plants and animals, all woven into the traditions of the Jawoyn people. Hear their captivating stories and gain a deeper understanding of their profound connection to this sacred place, Nitmiluk.

Nitmiluk Rock Art Cruise Nitmiluk Gorge offers a front-row seat to ancient Jawoyn stories. Cruise the First Gorge, where towering sandstone giants whisper secrets of the past.  Your guide will unveil Dreamtime tales of creation and the gorge's deep meaning to the Jawoyn people.  A short walk leads to a breathtaking rock art site, a testament to Jawoyn presence here for millennia, even during the Ice Age.

You can submit your preferences for the off-train experiences you will join on each day. Please indicate these to your sales agent as soon as possible.

This optional upgrade will provide views of the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge unlike any other. Arriving in Katherine, alight the train and be taken to your awaiting helicopter. The Dreamtime story of the Traditional owners of this land tells of the gorge system's creation by Bula, an important figure of the Jawoyn people, who is said to have carved these gorges with his two wives as they were hunted across the lands. Flying over all 13 gorges, see if you can follow Bula's path as you appreciate the enormity & complexity of this landscape.

Wake up in the Australian outback as the train draws closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. Enjoy a big breakfast one board before your arrival at the Alice, ready for a day of Off Train Experiences. There’s an experience to suit everyone, including an off-road e-bike adventure, the Alice Explorer tour that takes in the historic Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park, or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap with an optional upgrade scenic flight. After dinner on board The Ghan, stop at a remote outback location for an evening experience under the Milky Way.

Step off The Ghan and explore the heart of the outback in Alice Springs! Tailor your journey with these exciting off-train adventures:

A Town Called Alice: Get face-to-face with Terry the mighty Saltwater Crocodile and his fascinating reptile friends at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. Witness the crucial work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, saving lives across vast distances. Finally, journey back in time at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Australia's best-preserved telegraph outpost. Explore how this 1872 marvel bridged the outback's communication gap, connecting remote towns and changing lives forever.
 
Desert Park: Unveiling the secrets of the Red Centre, Alice Springs Desert Park is a living museum unlike any other. Nestled at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges, the park honors the Arrernte people's deep connection to the land. Immerse yourself in three distinct desert habitats – Desert Rivers, Sand Country, and Woodland – each teeming with native plants and animals. Witness the thrilling free-flying bird show, where desert raptors soar overhead showcasing their incredible hunting prowess. Go behind the scenes for an exclusive training session, where you'll get up close to these magnificent birds and the dedicated trainers who care for them.

Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk: Stroll through Simpsons Gap, where towering red walls cradle a haven for rare flora. Ancient Ghost Gums and over 40 unique species thrive amidst the vast Mulga stands. Known as Rungutjirpa by the Arrernte people, this land holds deep spiritual significance. Feel the serenity as sunlight paints the canyon walls in a breathtaking display of color and form, a testament to the beauty and power of this sacred site

Cycle Alice: Pedal across the Ilentye Trail on the ochre-colored dirt and soak up the stunning Alice Springs countryside alongside the famously dry Todd River.Your guide will lead you to a picturesque spot in the sandy riverbed for a breather and a chance to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of this unique landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for black-footed rock wallabies, known to hop across the rocks.

You can submit your preferences for the off-train experiences you will join on each day. Please indicate these to your sales agent as soon as possible.

Magnificent Manguri is a rail siding 30 minutes outside of Coober Pedy in South Australia and in this instance, darkness is our friend. The outback’s pitch-black sky unsullied by man-made lights mean the stars out here are truly something to behold. We pull into Manguri after dinner and invite guests off to enjoy a nightcap around a bonfire while taking in the brilliant carpet of bright stars on a clear night. You are unlikely to find yourself in Manguri at any other time so while this is a short stop, it is the kind of stop that adds to a very memorable journey on The Ghan.

This optional upgrade will see you experience the sheer magnitude of this ancient, sunburned land. Transfer to the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs and enjoy a drink by the pool while you wait for your flight. On boarding the helicopter, your pilot will take you up and over Alice Springs to experience once in a lifetime views and detailed commentary of the region's early explorers, now ingrained in Australian history and culture.

You’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the Flinders Ranges before arriving in Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail journeys.

The vibrant heart of the Festival State, Adelaide is a beautiful and easily accessible city fringed by lush parklands, and a short distance from sandy beaches, world-renowned wine regions, and unique riverland vistas. Explore the surrounding areas, or immerse yourself in the artistic laneways, hidden gems, and highly acclaimed museums and galleries of the inner city.