The Ghan - The ultimate rail journey into the heart of Australia

The Ghan - The ultimate rail journey into the heart of Australia

Today, you can make this historic journey with creature comforts that the original Ghan pioneers can only have imagined!

When the legendary Ghan first departed Adelaide for Alice Springs, it was always intended that it would one day travel through to Darwin. More than 70 years later, that dream became reality with the extension of the track from Alice Springs to Darwin. The Ghan now runs one to two times per week in either direction (depending on the season) with an overnight journey between both Adelaide-Alice Springs and AliceSprings-Darwin.

The journey between Alice Springs and Darwin passes through Katherine where there is a long stop-over allowing for off-train touring and the chance to visit the Gorge. Board or alight in Adelaide for connections with the Indian Pacific and The Overland for guests travelling to or from Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

Alice Springs is the ideal place from which to explore the wonders of the Red Centre and we can offer a range of all-inclusive Rail Tour Packages to suit your timescale and budget including Alice Springs, the MacDonnell Ranges, Ayers Rock, The Olgas, the Sounds of Silence Dinner, Kings Canyon and much much more! For full information contact our experts here.

Departs Adelaide Sunday (year round)/Wednesday (June and August)
Departs Darwin Wednesday (year round)/Saturday (June and August)

During January and February, departures will be fortnightly only

Adelaide-Alice Springs vv: around 25 hours, fares from £156.00
Alice Springs-Darwin vv: around 24 hours, fares from £156.00
Adelaide-Darwin vv: around 50 hours, prices from £312.00

Backpacker, Student and Child fares available on request, subject to eligibility.

As we can book many months in advance of travel and, subject to availability, there are various Discounted and Advance Purchase Fares offered, the earlier you book, the better the fare!

For further information on this offer, please click HERE and then contact us to obtain this discount.

The Australia's Great Train Journeys Brochure

Please Note: The Ghan only stops in Alice Springs for around 3 ½ hours; this is not enough time to visit Ayers Rock (Uluru) as it is almost 300 miles from Alice Springs.

The Ghan offers three levels of service:

Red Service - offers the choice of a Day/Night Seat or a Twin Sleeper.

For the budget conscious, Day/Night Seating is in comfortable two abreast recliner armchairs with individual reading lights, footrests and generous leg room.

The Twin Sleepers feature two facing armchairs, converting to upper and lower sleeping berths complete with fresh sheets, pillows and doonas.

Please Note that from 01 April 2013, Red Twin Sleeper service is being discontinued in order to extend the capability in Gold Service.

All Red Service guests have access to the Red Service Diner where light meals, snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

Gold Service - offers the choice of either a Twin or Single Cabin or a Superior Cabin with superb restaurant meals included in the fare.

Gold Twin Cabins are en-suite of a shower and toilet and feature a comfortable three-seater lounge converting to snug upper and lower sleeping berths at night, with fresh sheets, pillows, doonas and towels provided by your dedicated carriage steward.

Gold Single Cabins have most of the features of the twin sleepers with the exception of showers and toilets which are located at the end of each carriage.

Gold Service Superior Cabin - there is only one Superior Cabin available per train which offers all the advantages of the Gold Service Twin Sleepers but features the added luxury of a double bed, lounge area, own bar and video/DVD player. A per night surcharge applies.

Platinum Service - for the ultimate in luxury you can now experience the sophistication of the newly refurbished world-class Platinum Service carriages. Platinum Service features Twin and Double cabins twice the size of Gold Service Twins with a host of additional comforts including double aspect windows, 24 hour steward service, drinks and relaxation in the Lounge and Bar and exceptional meals in the Restaurant.

In Gold and Platinum Service, enjoy superb meals with waiter service in the beautifully decorated Restaurant cars and the spacious facilities of the Lounge and Bar where you can relax with a drink and meet people from all over the world while marvelling at the breathtaking scenery of this wonderful country. All cabins offer a 3 pin power point, wardrobe, full length mirror and a fold-away table with reading lamp. Complementary toiletries and welcome kits are provided in each cabin.

New ! While travelling in either Platinum Service or Gold Service private cabins, at no extra cost guests will also enjoy:

Beverages in the Outback Explorer Lounge - premium wine, standard spirits, beers, soft drinks, coffee and tea
Explore & Discover Stops' available at Alice Springs and Katherine
Dining at leisure in the famed Queen Adelaide Restaurant with flexible reservation options allowing for longer lunches and intimate dinners for two

Platinum Service also offers premium level comfort of a truly global standard. In addition to the new inclusions, Platinum Service guests are also treated to private transfers to/from the hotel or airport pre or post-journey and also benefit from increased checked-in luggage allowance (3 x 25kg bags per person). When making Platinum Service bookings please advise the locations for pick up and drop off at time of reservation.

Private Carriages - for the ultimate experience in luxury, ask about your own Private Carriage, perfect for groups of up to 10 people. Available for meetings, parties or just a special family occasion, there are four Special Carriages to choose from each with their own characteristic charm.

To for further information or to book any rail journey in Australia please fill out our Australia Point 2 Point request form or contact us