The Ghan Expedition - Darwin to Adelaide

Features

Trains Sightseeing Meals

Overview

Advance purchase rates are now available for travel in 2025 and 2026. Limited seats available—book quickly!.

A true icon of Australian history, The Ghan delivers the ultimate rail adventure across the continent. Tracing the path forged over 150 years ago by Afghan camel drivers, the journey pays tribute to their legacy with its distinctive emblem—a camel ridden by an Afghan. While those early pioneers endured harsh conditions, today's travellers can experience the same breathtaking landscapes in comfort and style aboard The Ghan.

Departing Darwin, this all-inclusive four-day journey takes you deep into some of Australia's most remote and mesmerizing regions. This journey through the country's vast and diverse interior offers a true taste of the Australian outback. In the Northern Territory, discover Katherine and Alice Springs, where a highlight is a signature dining experience at The Historic Telegraph Station. Then, venture into South Australia with stops in Manguri and the unique underground town of Coober Pedy, before concluding your adventure in Adelaide.

Accommodation

GOLD SERVICE: The ultimate in style and comfort, choose from single or twin Sleeper Cabins which include complimentary toiletries and bath towels. Gold Service fares are all inclusive of meals and guests enjoy dining in elegance in the Restaurant Car or relaxing and socialising in the Lounge.

GOLD PREMIUM: Newly designed contemporary cabins with exclusive access to Gold Premium Lounge with an enhanced Gold Dining Experience.

Twin & Single Cabins (with bathroom) feature a 3 seat lounge which transforms into upper and lower sleeping berths as well as a compact private ensuite with wash basin, toilet and shower. Each cabin is fully serviced with fresh pillows, sheets and doonas. Cabins also feature small foldaway tables, reading lamps, 3 pin 240 volt power points, wardrobes and a full length mirror.

Single Cabins (share bathroom) enjoy similar features to the Twin Cabins including a wash basin however toilets and showers are situated at the end of the carriages. Complimentary welcome kits, bath towels and toiletry bags are provided to all Gold Service cabins.
Gold Service guests are advised to carry an overnight bag with everything they need on board and check in all other luggage.

GOLD PREMIUM SERVICE: is ideal for guests seeking additional space and comfort. The Gold Service Premium Cabin features a ¾ size double bed and additional fold down upper berth. It has its own lounge area with DVD player, table, arm chairs and well stocked bar fridge for complimentary refreshments. Advance bookings are necessary. Please note, there are usually only two Gold Service Premium Cabins per train departure.

PLATINUM SERVICE: offers an elevated level of comfort to your onboard experience. Enjoy the spacious private cabins complete with plush, high quality fittings and en suite; elegant dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Carriage; along with flourishes of service, attention and indulgence that turn a holiday into a life-enhancing experience. The Platinum Service typifies the hospitality and attention have made Australia's Great Train Journeys world famous. Platinum Service is an all inclusive fare which includes private cabin, all meals and all standard alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Off Train Excursions and Outback Experiences as well as private transfers to and from the station. In cabin dining menu is at an additional cost.

Prices for GOLD PREMIUM & PLATINUM SERVICE cabins are available on request. Please ask us for more details.

Itinerary Options

Enjoy extended touring options at key destinations along the rail route. Guests can choose from a range of Off-Train Excursions in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, selecting one experience at each location. The Ghan's friendly staff are on hand to help you book your preferred tour.

THE GHAN EXPEDITION OFF TRAIN EXCURSIONS

Katherine - Choose from Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise, Nitmiluk Rock Art Cruise (seasonal), Cutta Cutta Caves (seasonal) or Katherine Outback Experience tours. A scenic helicopter flight is an optional extra for additional cost.

Katherine Optional Upgrade - Nitmiluk Gorge Helicopter Flight. Additional costs apply.

Alice Springs - Choose from A Town Called Alice, Alice Springs Desert Park or West Ventures. Note for guests departing The Ghan in Alice Springs, additional costs apply for Alice Springs off train excursions.

Alice Springs Optional Upgrades - Ultimate Uluru Experience, Uluru Scenic Flight or Alice by E-Bike. Additional costs apply.

Telegraph Station Outback Dinner - Relax under the stars for a truly unique outback dinner experience.

Coober Pedy - Choose from Explore Coober Pedy, Discover the Majestic Breakaways or Opal Experience.

Coober Pedy Optional Upgrades - Painted Hills & Lake Eyre Scenic Flight. Additional costs apply.

Please Note: Off Train Excursions are subject to change without notice and limited numbers may apply for the tour to operate. All arrangements are subject to cancellation or modification due to inclement weather, late running of train or other unforeseen circumstances. Refunds will not be given for cancelled or modified excursions.
Various route options and cabin types are available. Please reach out to your consultant for more information.

Inclusions

  • Transfer to Darwin Rail Terminal from select hotels
  • Welcome experience with light refreshments, barista coffee and sparkling wine
  • 4 Days / 3 Nights aboard The Ghan Expedition travelling from Darwin to Adelaide
  • All inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages
  • Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and Manguri
  • Dinner under the stars at The Historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs

Departures

Darwin - Adelaide


Operates - March to November 2026

The Ghan ExpeditionTime
Depart DarwinWednesday 10am
Katherine Afternoon Experience2pm
Depart Katherine6.45pm
Alice Springs Full Day ExperienceThursday 9.10am
Depart Alice Springs10.15pm
Coober Pedy Full Day ExperienceFriday 9am
Depart Manguri7.40pm
Arrive AdelaideSaturday 10.50am

Operates - April to October 2025 & 2026

The Ghan ExpeditionTime
Depart DarwinSaturday 9am
Katherine Afternoon Experience1pm
Depart Katherine5pm
Alice Springs Full Day ExperienceSunday 11.15am
Depart Alice Springs9.45pm
Coober Pedy Full Day ExperienceMonday 9am
Depart Manguri7.40pm
Arrive AdelaideTuesday 11.50am

Please note:The Ghan Expedition operates from Darwin to Adelaide (southbound only) between April and October 2025 and March to November 2026.
Timetables are subject to change without notice.

Additional Info

Conditions: Travel Online will only book the above journeys for full paying adults and children. Discounted pensioner or sector fares are not available.
Motor Vehicles: Travel Online does not provide quotes for vehicle transport. Passengers taking a vehicle will need to contact Journey Beyond Rail directly for fares and availability.
Fitness for Travel: You must be medically and physically fit for travel. Please inform your consultant at time of booking if you have any medical or physical conditions that will or may require medical attention, medication or special treatment during your rail holiday. Journey Beyond Rail may require you to complete a health questionnaire.
Travel Insurance: Journey Beyond Rail's liability to you is limited, therefore it is recommended that you take out travel insurance prior to departure.
Luggage: Checked-in luggage permits a maximum of 2 x 30kg bags per person (2 items not exceeding 23kg and 180 linear centimetres). Checked-in luggage may not be accessed during travel. One item of Cabin luggage is permitted per person but must not exceed 25kg and be no larger than 50cm(L) x 30cm(H) x 30cm(W). Luggage check-in opens 2.5 hours prior to departure and closes 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. Guests should only take required hand luggage on board. Unchecked luggage is carried at owner's risk. Bags should be secured and display the owner's name, destination and contact details both inside and out.
Note: Images are for illustration purposes only. Different itineraries and direction of travel may affect the landscapes and attractions included. Please see itinerary options for more information.