The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin Train • View Details
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The Ghan at Dusk
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The Ghan In Darwin
The Ghan Southern Entrance to Alice Springs

The Ghan • Adelaide to Darwin

3 Day Rail Journey – from £1525

Adelaide | Alice Springs | Katherine | Darwin

The ultimate outback adventure along the backbone of Australia travelling from the quaint South Australian gateway city of Adelaide, through the Red Centre and into the tropical Top End of Australia.

  • Enjoy one the world’s great train journeys
  • Experience unique off train excursions
  • Modern Australia cuisine and fine wines
  • Marvel at outback and diverse scenery from your private cabin
  • Book with flights as part of a complete Australia rail holiday

Your Ghan Rail Journey

For 90 years the Ghan has been travelling through Australia’s undiscovered outback, and the epic journey along its entirety has become its flagship journey. Travel from coast to coast through fertile rolling hills, red dust covered outback and into the tropical Top End of Australia.

Journey Description

Settle into your private cabin and watch the pastoral lands of South Australia make way for the rocky landscape of the Flinders Ranges over a delicious regionally inspired dinner on-board.

After being rocked to sleep by the rhythm of the track awake to sunrise over the desert at Marla – an outback post in the remote reaches of South Australia.

Back on board enjoy a hearty brunch as you meander through the MacDonnell Ranges and into the Red Centre’s bustling Alice Springs. Here you can join one of the many off train excursions available to you and learn about the historical and cultural significance of this iconic outback township.

Your journey through the Northern Territory continues as you arrive at the remote town of Katherine with the opportunity to explore the waterways of its famous gorge on another off train excursion.

The day culminates with the Ghan’s evening arrival into the lively cultural city of Darwin where your epic journey comes to an end.

Choose Your Cabin (Gold, Premium or Platinum)

A choice of Gold, Gold Premium or Platinum Service is available on The Ghan train between Adelaide and Darwin.

Gold Service 

  • A private single or twin cabin with comfortable seating that converts into a single, or upper and lower berth at night
  • Ensuite facilities in twin cabins, shared facilities for single cabins
  • Large window
  • All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
  • Beverages, including Australian wines, beers and spirits
  • 60 kg luggage allowance per guest

Gold Premium (departing Adelaide on Sunday only)

  • Newly designed, contemporary cabins
  • Exclusive access to Gold Premium Lounge
  • Exclusive access to the Gold Premium dining carriage
  • Two-course lunches and four-course dinners
  • Preferences on off-train tour selections
  • 75kg luggage allowance per guest
  • Priority luggage check-in
  • Welcome drink served in cabin
  • Enhanced inclusive drinks package
  • Enhanced turndown service including nightcap and premium sleep pack

Upgrade to Gold Premium from £315

Platinum Service

  • A stylishly appointed cabin that converts from a private lounge by day, to a comfortable bedroom by night, with a double bed or twin beds
  • Expansive windows on either side of the train
  • Full size ensuite shower room
  • All-inclusive dining in the Platinum Club Car
  • Beverages, including Australian wines, beers and spirits
  • 90 kg luggage allowance per guest
  • Hotel or airport transfers at the start and end of your rail journey, up to 60 km from the rail terminal

Upgrade to Platinum Service from £695

2025 & 2026 Departure Timetable

The Ghan Adelaide to Darwin train is scheduled to operate in 2024 and 2025, from March to November, with an additional service in April to October.

March to November:

  • Sunday 12:15 – Depart Adelaide
  • Monday morning – Marla Experience
  • Monday 13:45 – Arrive Alice Springs
  • Monday 18:15 – Depart Alice Springs
  • Tuesday morning – Katherine Experience
  • Tuesday 17:30 – Arrive Darwin

April to October

  • Wednesday 12:10 – Depart Adelaide
  • Thursday morning – Marla Experience
  • Thursday 13:45 – Arrive Alice Springs
  • Thursday 18:00 – Depart Alice Springs
  • Friday morning – Katherine Experience
  • Friday 19:50 – Arrive Darwin

The reverse journey, from Darwin to Adelaide operates in March and November, departing on a Wednesday.

Route Map

The Ghan • Adelaide to Darwin route map

Rail Journeys, Flights & More

With FREEDOM, you can book everything you need for your Australia rail holiday in one place; Ghan and Indian Pacific train journeys, flights, hotels, tours and more.

Please note, advanced booking is highly recommended. Both Gold and Platinum cabins regularly sell out.

The Ghan • Adelaide to Darwin

3 Day Rail Journey – from £1525

Include this 3 Day Rail Journey in an Australia holiday designed for you

2024 itinerary shown. Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a cabin.

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