The Ghan
In 2019, the legendary locomotive celebrated 90 years of service. The Ghan offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, following the tracks of pioneering explorers through the red heart of Australia, passing through parts of the great continent that most others cannot reach.
Today, the north to south journey (or vice versa) across country covers almost 3,000 kilometres of track, from the lush green plains of South Australia to the rusty, dusty Red Centre and the tropical foliage of Darwin.
While many changes have been made to the train and its route across Australia, the pioneer spirit remains the same. On board you’ll discover fine dining and even finer wines, elegant cabins ranging from luxurious to the height of sophistication, attentive staff to ensure you make the most of this incredible experience, and a range of Off-Train excursions that show off the top sights of this mysterious, inhospitable land.
- Occupancy 283
- Tonnage 3 tons
- Length 9,842 ft (3,000.00 m)
Life on Board The Ghan
This is a journey like no other, taking three days and two magnificent nights under the wide desert canopy of stars, traversing from the tip of the north to the depths of the south, or in reverse. You will be travelling on board one of the world’s finest rail journeys, being wined and dined on the finest produce while watching the incredible landscapes slip past you at a top speed of 115 kilometres per hour.
Gold Service
From the moment you step on board, you’ll be immersed in the world of romance that epitomises rail travel. As the most popular service option, you’ll have everything you need to feel right at home for the duration of your journey.
Choose between Gold Service Twin and Single cabins, both of which provide the perfect place to unwind after a day of Off Train Experiences. Catch up with new-found friends in the shared Outback Explorer Lounge and dine on delicious dishes in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.
Gold Service fares include hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches, and three-course dinners; you can also choose to complement your meal with a selection of premium wines and beverages.
- All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
- All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages
- All-inclusive Off Train Excursions and Short Stops
- Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
- Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre
Platinum Service
Nothing enhances the romance of rail travel quite like Platinum Service. Tailored for the discerning traveller, it adds a new level of luxury and sophistication to your journey.
Stylishly appointed and spacious cabins are complemented by discreet, personalised service, world-class food and wine, and access to the exclusive Platinum Club for meals, and socialising.
With Platinum Service, the food and wine are of the highest standard. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches, and four-course dinners, all paired with premium wines.
All-inclusive dining, beverages, and Off Train Experiences
Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Service Twin cabin
By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans
By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
En suite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet, and Australian bathroom amenities
Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen, and silk eye masks
Power outlets and in-cabin safe
In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
Panoramic windows offering views from both sides of the train
Access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining and socialising
Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin
Refreshments served in-cabin
90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each).
Priority luggage check-in
Off-Train Experiences
The Ghan is a famous long-distance passenger train in Australia that travels from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north, crossing the heart of the continent. While the primary focus of The Ghan is the on-train experience, there are also off-train experiences included in some of the journeys. These off-train experiences allow passengers to explore and enjoy various attractions along the route. Keep in mind that the specific off-train experiences may vary depending on the chosen journey.
Katherine
One common stop is in Katherine, located in the Northern Territory. Passengers may have the opportunity to explore the town and its surroundings. The Katherine Gorge, a stunning natural attraction in Nitmiluk National Park, is often a highlight. Visitors can take boat cruises or scenic flights to appreciate the beauty of the gorge.
Alice Springs
Another significant stop is often in Alice Springs, a town in the Red Centre of Australia. Passengers may have time to explore the town and its iconic landmarks, such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air. The rugged landscapes surrounding Alice Springs also offer opportunities for unique experiences like camel rides and visits to the MacDonnell Ranges.
Coober Pedy
Some journeys may include a stop in Coober Pedy, a town known for its opal mining industry. Visitors can explore underground homes, visit opal mines, and learn about the local history. The unique landscape of this outback town, with its underground dwellings to escape the extreme heat, is often a fascinating part of the journey.
Marla
Marla is a remote outpost in South Australia, and some journeys may include a brief stop. While the town itself may be small, it provides an opportunity to experience the vastness and isolation of the Australian Outback.
Darwin or Adelaide
Depending on the direction of the journey, the final destination city (either Darwin or Adelaide) offers its own set of attractions. In Darwin, passengers might explore the city’s rich cultural and historical sites, while in Adelaide, they may visit museums, gardens, and enjoy the vibrant urban atmosphere.
Cabins & Suites
Gold Twin
The Gold Twin cabins on board The Ghan offer passengers a comfortable and stylish retreat as they traverse the vast and awe-inspiring landscapes of Australia. Designed for both daytime relaxation and nighttime rest, these cabins feature spacious seating areas that convert into cozy sleeping quarters with upper and lower berths. The decor is modern and elegant, creating a pleasant atmosphere for travellers. With large panoramic windows, passengers can enjoy uninterrupted views of the ever-changing scenery, from the red-earthed expanses of the Outback to the lush greenery along the route. Gold Twin passengers also have access to shared shower and toilet facilities, ensuring convenience and comfort throughout the journey.
- For Gold Twin, a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day
- Power outlets in cabin
- In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary available
Gold Single
The Gold Single cabins on board The Ghan epitomise solo luxury travel across the captivating landscapes of Australia. Thoughtfully designed for the solo adventurer, these cabins offer a perfect blend of comfort and solitude. Featuring a comfortable seat which converts to a cosy single bed at night and large panoramic windows, these cabins provide an intimate space to unwind and absorb the breathtaking scenery. Guests in Gold Single cabins also have access to the exclusive Outback Explorer Lounge, fostering a social atmosphere for solo travellers to connect and share experiences.
- For Gold Single, a compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage
- Complimentary Australian- made bathroom amenities
- Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available between Darwin Terminal and the city centre
- 60 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (2 x 30 kg each).
Gold Premium Twin
The Gold Premium Twin cabins on board The Ghan redefine luxury rail travel, offering an indulgent and spacious retreat through the heart of Australia. Featuring walnut timber and polished brass details, these delightful cabins boast twin beds, panoramic windows, and en-suite bathrooms, these cabins seamlessly blend comfort with breathtaking views of the diverse landscapes. Passengers enjoy exclusive access to the Outback Explorer Lounge, where they can socialise, relax, and take in the scenery. Impeccable service and attention to detail characterize the Gold Premium Twin experience, providing a sumptuous haven for travellers as they traverse the iconic landscapes of the Australian outback on The Ghan.
- Newly designed, contemporary cabins
- Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen, and silk eye masks
- Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage
- Two-course, regionally inspired lunches, and four-course dinners
- All-inclusive premium Australian wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages
- All-inclusive Off Train Experiences and preferences on tour selections
- 75kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 25 kg each)
- Priority luggage check-in
- Power outlets in cabin
- In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
- Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin and Brisbane to selected hotels in the city centre
Platinum Twin
Discerning travellers who enjoy the finest things in life will appreciate an upgrade to Platinum Cabin, where discreet, personalised touches ensure your whole journey is world class from start to finish, including unparalleled dining and accompanying wines, plus Bollinger champagne. Also included is Australian-made bath amenities, a nightcap at turndown, and access to the Platinum Club, where you can relax amid quartzite tables, leather banquette seating and brass fittings. Depending on where you’re headed, private transfers are also included.
Platinum Service cabins have double beds, which can be arranged as a double or twin, and are set up as a lounge with a moveable table and two armchairs during the day. There is a full en suite bathroom with shower, and the décor is distinctly Australian in style.
- All-inclusive dining, beverages, and Off-Train Experiences
- Spacious cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Service Twin cabin
- By day, cabins are set up lounge-style
- By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
- En suite with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet, and Australian bathroom amenities
- Power outlets and safe
- In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
- Panoramic windows
- Access to the exclusive Platinum Club
- Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin
- Refreshments served in-cabin
- 90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each).
The Ghan Image Gallery
Browse The Ghan’s fabulous image gallery below and discover more about life on board.
The Ghan FAQs
Where does The Ghan route begin and end?
The Ghan offers six itineraries with different embark and disembark points:
Adelaide to Darwin
Adelaide – Marla – Alice Springs – Katherine – Darwin
Darwin to Adelaide
Darwin – Katherine – Alice Springs – Marla – Adelaide
Adelaide to Alice Springs
Adelaide – Marla – Alice Springs
Alice Springs to Adelaide
Alice Springs – Marla – Adelaide
Darwin to Alice Springs
Darwin – Katherine – Alice Springs
Alice Springs to Adelaide
Alice Springs – Katherine – Darwin
How long is the trip on board The Ghan?
The Ghan offers six itineraries with different durations:
Adelaide to Darwin – Two nights
Darwin to Adelaide – Two nights
Adelaide to Alice Springs – One night
Alice Springs to Adelaide – One night
Darwin to Alice Springs – One night
Alice Springs to Adelaide – One night
What is included on board The Ghan?
Your journey is an all-inclusive experience, and your fare includes your cabin, all meals are included as are beverages (beer, wine, basic spirits, soft drinks).
Do I need any cash or credit cards on board?
As our journeys are all-inclusive you will not need to buy anything unless you choose to purchase an Off Train Experience upgrade or souvenirs, which you can do onboard utilising our EFTPOS or credit card facilities. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any cash out on our trains.
How much luggage can I take?
Luggage limits apply for both carry on and checked luggage. These limits vary depending on the level of service you are travelling in and by train.
While on board The Ghan, you can access one piece of hand luggage plus a garment bag, cabin bag or briefcase per person, and store this within your cabin. Checked luggage cannot be accessed during your rail journey and will be stored on a separate part of the train. Checked luggage limits apply.
The Ghan:
- Platinum Service (per person): 3 x 30kg
- Gold Service (per person) 2 x 30kg
Is there a standard of dress on board?
It’s your holiday and we want you to be comfortable so smart casual attire is recommended.
We also recommend:
- Warm clothes for Outback Experiences as mornings and evenings in the Outback can be cool
- Hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for your Off Train Experiences.
What weather should I pack for?
Travelling from one end of the country to the other can provide a variation in climates.
When travelling on The Ghan, temperatures vary significantly so make sure to pack for both cooler and warmer temperatures.
- Darwin or Katherine: mid-30-degree temperatures
- Marla or Manguri: 4-degree nights/early mornings
Is smoking permitted on board the train?
No, smoking is not permitted on any of Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions services.
Is Wi-Fi available on board the train?
Limited Wi-Fi is available in the Outback Explorer Lounges and Platinum Club carriages. Please note that Wi-Fi availability is dependent on mobile network coverage, and as we travel through some remote locations it may not always be available.
Is electricity provided aboard Journey Beyond trains?
Travelling The Ghan, 240v household outlets can be found in the cabin.
What special dietary requirements can be accommodated on board the train?
Most special dietary requirements can be accommodated – including vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free and vegan. Please ensure this is advised at the time of booking.
What cabins are available for those with mobility or disability issues?
The Ghan has a Gold Access Cabin available for wheelchair bound/physically impaired guests travelling in Gold Service. This cabin is subject to availability and assessment of the guest’s Fitness to Travel.