The Ghan Expedition: Darwin to Adelaide

Overview

Discover Australia’s vast interior aboard The Ghan Expedition, a world-renowned rail journey from Darwin to Adelaide. This four-day, all-inclusive expedition runs March to November, taking you through remote and captivating landscapes. Explore Katherine and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, enjoy a signature dining experience at The Historic Telegraph Station, then visit Manguri and Coober Pedy in South Australia before arriving in vibrant Adelaide. Experience the true spirit of the Australian outback.

Inclusions

3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide

All-inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages

Welcome experience with light refreshments, coffee and sparkling wine

Transfer to Darwin Rail Terminal

A regionally inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines

Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and Manguri

A spectacular dinner under the stars at the historic Telegraph Station, Alice Springs

Explore Nitmiluk Gorge’s powerful natural wonders and rich Indigenous culture

Venture into the underground opal mining town of Coober Pedy

Itinerary

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Intro Map

The Ghan Expedition - Darwin to Adelaide

Day 1 The Ghan Journey: Darwin Katherine

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 travellers 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.

Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.

Lunch, Dinner

Nitmiluk National Park

Day 2 Alice Springs

Wake up in the Australian outback as the train draws closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. Enjoy a hearty breakfast on board before your arrival into the Alice, ready for a day of Off Train Experiences.

There’s an experience to suit everyone, including an off-road e-bike adventure, join the A Town Called Alice tour to uncover the town's major landmarks, or immerse yourself in culture with a guided journey thorough Standley Chasm and Simsons Gap. Here, sheer rock walls blaze red in the sunlight and ancient landscapes hold deep spirituual significance for the Arrernte people. Wildlife lovers can meet desert creatures at Alice Springs Desert Park, whilst those seeking a grander perspecitive can opt for a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

In the evening, the hallmark experience of The Ghan Expedition begins. Dine under a blanket of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, with red earth at your feet and white tablecloths at your fingertips. This will be a night to remember.

Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Day 3 Coober Pedy

From your morning stop at the remote Manguri, where you’ll see the sunrise, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Off Train Experiences on offer include exploring the majestic Breakaways, touring the town, learning more about mining history on the Opal Experience, or an optional upgrade with the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre scenic flight.

For your final night on board The Ghan, dinner is served on the train, and afterwards enjoy a nightcap with fellow travellers who have now become friends as your journey continues towards Adelaide.

Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Coober Pedy Landscape

Day 4 Arrival into Adelaide

This morning, 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 into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail experiences.

Breakfast

Accommodation

The Ghan

Upgrade available

GOLD

Immerse yourself in the world of romance that epitomises rail travel with Gold Service.

Choose between Gold Twin or Single cabins, both of which provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day’s journey. Spend hours deep in conversation with new friends in the shared Outback Explorer Lounge, sipping on barista made coffee, or a glass of white wine. Later make your way to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant to dine.

Gold includes hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners. You may also choose to complement your meal with our selection of premium wines and beverages, all included in your fare.

Gold Twin Cabins

Gold Twin offers a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private ensuite 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
All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
All-inclusive Off Train Excursions
Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre

Room Upgrades

Gold Single Cabin

Your stylish and ultra-modern cabin cleverly accommodates your belongings with a series of compartments and shelving options incorporated into the compact design. Your comfortable seat with full leg extension bench seat by day converts to a cosy bed by night.

The soulful, reflective and contemplative nature of moving across the continent by train is ideally suited to travelling solo but you can be as quiet or as social as you wish and with your included choice of Off Train Experiences allows you to join fellow guests as you experience the amazing places you visit together.

Inside your cabin, choose from six music and journey commentary channels to add background ambience to your travels, and you have numerous power supply outlets to keep your devices charged. Complimentary shuttle bus transfers are available between Darwin Terminal and the city centre, with a checked luggage allowance of 60 kg per guest (2 pieces at 30 kg each).

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Gold Premium

For travellers who want that little bit more, Gold Premium delivers an enhanced journey experience. Accommodated in newly designed, contemporary cabins, guests have exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Restaurant for meals and socialising. Enjoy delicious breakfasts, two-course, regionally inspired lunches and delectable four-course dinners in beautiful surrounds, accompanied by a selection of premium beverages.

Gold Premium offers some special touches to make the journey special, like priority check-in and an increased luggage allowance, a private ensuite, LaGaia amenities, tour preferencing and more.

Choose between a Gold Premium Twin cabin or Gold Premium Suite, which has a little more space. Whichever cabin you choose, Gold Premium offers a step up to a whole new style of train travel.

Gold Premium Twin cabin

A newly designed, contemporary cabin that converts from a lounge by day into sleeping berths at night.

Gold Premium Suite

The Gold Premium Suite has a three-quarter-size double bed plus a fold-down upper berth and a lounge area, with extra room to relax.

Gold Premium (Twin & Suite) service includes:

Private en suite with LaGaia amenities, luxuriously soft linen and satin 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

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Platinum

Tailored for the discerning traveller, Platinum sets a refined and elegant tone throughout your journey. Stylishly appointed and spacious cabins provide comfort after a day’s exploring, while the Platinum Club carriage offers a sophisticated setting for meals, relaxation and socialising. As you’d expect, the food and wine is of the highest standard. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and five-course dinners, all regionally inspired and paired with champagne and premium wines.

And it all begins before you’ve even stepped aboard. Platinum guests receive private transfers before and after your journey, beginning the adventure in style. Platinum cabins offer luxe extras, such as a full-size ensuite, expansive window views from the train. Add to that the luxurious linen, Champagne Bollinger, premium Jurlique amenities, Bracegirdle’s chocolates, a nightcap at turndown and more, and you’re in for an exceptional experience.

Platinum service includes:

Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Premium Twin or Gold Twin cabin
All-inclusive dining, beverages and Off Train Experiences
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
Luxuriously soft linen and satin eye masks
Ensuite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, and toilet
Premium Jurlique amenities
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
Transfers at the start and end of your journey available for guests within 60 km of the terminal (Platinum transfers in Alice Springs, Darwin and Brisbane are provided in shared vehicles)
90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each)
Priority luggage check-in

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Aurora Suite

The Aurora & Australis Suite, the first of their kind in Australia, a moving luxury stay like no other, inspired by the residential qualities of contemporary architectural movements. A rich and layered design is expressed through bespoke detailing, decorative timber accents, stone masonry, iron filigree, and coved ceilings that reference traditional cornices. There is no finer way to see, taste and experience Australia.

Sophisticated Australian hospitality leads the way with a dedicated butler offering personalised service. In-Suite you’ll enjoy an exclusive unpacking service, pillow menu, a private bar curated according to your preferences and in room dining. When off train, you’ll be immersed in exclusive and intimate experiences connecting you to a sense of place, and when you return to the train, you’ll be greeted with a chilled flute of Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année.

The Aurora Suite is double the size of a Platinum cabin and features a fixed queen-sized bed, lounge set and ensuite with premium Jurlique amenities. You’ll also have a wardrobe and plenty of room to move throughout the Suite allowing for a luxurious stay. Additional features include:

Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année
Premium Australian wine selection
Personalised in-suite bar
In-room dining available
Butler service
Luxurious bed linen and pillow menu
A range of exclusive Off Train Experiences
Platinum Club lounge and dining carriage access
Private chauffeur for your arrival and departure of the train
Unlimited luggage allowance

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Australis Suite

The Australis Suite is the most luxurious suite in Australian train travel. At three times the size of a Platinum cabin it features a separate bedroom with a fixed queen-sized bed, full lounge set, personal bar and ensuite with double vanity and premium Jurlique amenities. This Suite also has a writing desk as well as a wardrobe and ample room to stretch your legs or host friends and family in-suite. Additional features include:

Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année
Premium Australian wine selection
Personalised in-suite bar
In-room dining available
Butler service
Luxurious bed linen and pillow menu
A range of exclusive Off Train Experiences
Platinum Club lounge and dining carriage access
Private chauffeur for your arrival and departure of the train
Unlimited luggage allowance

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Can I request a forward-facing seat?

Yes, you are able to request forward facing-cabins aboard The Ghan at the time of booking; however, as approximately half the cabins face forward, we are unable to guarantee a forward facing cabin depending on the number of requests received for any given departure.

Can someone with mobility limitations travel on the The Ghan?

The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern have 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. Please ask us for more information.

What are the meal times onboard the train?

In your cabin when you first board the train, you will find a card with the breakfast, lunch and dinner meal times for your journey. Your On-Board Attendant will advise you of the process. If you have any special requests regarding meal times, please speak with a member of the On-Board team when travelling.

Does the train have Wi-Fi?

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.

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.

Is there a dress code when onboard The Ghan?

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.

Can I smoke onboard?

No, smoking is not permitted onboard The Ghan.

Do I need to check-in prior to arrival?

Check in opens approximately 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.

We ask all guests to check in at least 60 minutes prior to departure to be welcomed onboard. Please bring your travel itinerary and Photo I.D.

Are there luggage restrictions?

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.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

The Ghan Expedition: Darwin to Adelaide (Tour code: 12969)

Highlights

Overview

Inclusions