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 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.
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.
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