The Ghan Expedition - Darwin to Adelaide
A unique and epic experience. Explore the wonders of Australia’s vast interior with one of the world’s most renowned rail journeys – The Ghan Expedition. Departing from Darwin, this extended cross-continental journey will show will demonstrate the true meaning of the Australian outback. This four day, three night, 2979km all-inclusive journey from Darwin to Adelaide is a unique and epic experience, which explore the wonders of Australia’s vast interior with one of the world’s most renowned rail journeys. In the Northern Territory, explore Katherine and Alice Springs, where you’ll enjoy a signature dining experience at The Historic Telegraph Station, and in South Australia, stop at Manguri and Coober Pedy before reaching your final destination of Adelaide. Your adventure through the country’s vast, varied, and captivating interior will leave you speechless. It’s the ultimate Australian outback experience.
Why not extend your time in Darwin or Adelaide - there's heaps to see. Please call our travel team on 1300 414 198 for suggestions.
- Transfer to Darwin Rail Terminal from selected Darwin accommodation
- 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
- 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 in Alice Springs
- Explore Nitmiluk Gorge’s powerful natural wonders and rich Indigenous culture
- Venture into the underground opal mining town of Coober Pedy
Your fare excludes:
- Airfares
- Travel insurance
Day 1 - Depart 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. (L,D)
Day 2 - Alice Springs
Wake up in the Australian outback as the train drawers closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. Enjoy a big breakfast one 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, the Alice Explorer tour that takes in The Historic Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park, or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Alternatively, spot Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air, with an optional upgrade scenic flight. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Manguri & 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. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Arrive 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. (B)
Darwin is a great base to see more of the Northern Territory. We can assist with booking additional accommodation and sightseeing tours of the area.
Why not extend your stay in Adelaide to see more of the region - including the Barossa Valley or Kangaroo Island.
Book a Gold Twin Share or Single Cabin before 30 April 2025 and receive $100pp discount!.
Prices for departures in June, July & August 2025:
- Gold Twin share cabin from
$4,930$4,830 pp* - Gold Single cabin from
$4,455$4,355 pp*
Want to travel at another time? Call 1300 414 198 to check availability and pricing for 2025 & 2026.
*Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice. Advance Purchase fares are only available until sold out.
The Ghan - Gold Class twin cabin
The moment you step into your cabin, you’ll be immersed into a world of romance that epitomises rail travel. The most popular choice of accommodation, Gold Service twin cabins have everything you need to feel right at home for the amazing experience that lies ahead. This is your private oasis, a superbly comfortable overnight room to recline and let the rhythm of the tracks sway you to sleep ahead of your next adventure.
During the day, relax on the three-seater lounge that converts to your upper and lower sleeping berth at night. Enjoy the high quality linen, pillows, doonas and complimentary Australian-made toiletries.
Gold Service Twin cabins have a compact ensuite with toilet, washbasin and shower giving you all the comfort, privacy and amenities you require.Choose from six in-cabin music and journey commentary channels to add ambience to your travels.
Gold Class Dining:
One of the highlights of your journey will undoubtedly be the quality of the all-inclusive food and wine you enjoy in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.
Highly-experienced onboard culinary teams work closely with local suppliers, farmers and providores sourcing the finest ingredients to create innovative, regionally-inspired menus accompanied by all-inclusive fine wines and beverages offered on every route.
You’ll savour regional delicacies like Top End barramundi, locally produced beef and lamb, Margaret River cheeses, Barossa Valley smallgoods, and native Australian fare.
All guests joining The Ghan in Darwin will begin the journey at the Darwin Convention Centre for a Welcome Experience.
The Welcome Experience will be held at Darwin Convention Centre, in a beautiful space that overlooks the Darwin Waterfront and wharf. After making your way independently to the Convention Centre and completing your check-in arrangements, you will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with your crew and fellow guests. There will be a special Welcome to Country experience as you enjoy a light breakfast offering and let the anticipation build. When the ‘All Aboard’ call comes, you will board a coach and be transferred to the Darwin Rail Terminal to board The Ghan.
- The Darwin Convention Centre is located at 10 Stokes Hill Road, Darwin City.
- Check in commences on Wednesday from 7:30am-8:30am and Saturday from 6:30am-7:45am
- Transfer from Darwin Convention Centre to Darwin Rail Terminal included
Can I fly out the same day as the train arrives? We highly recommend that guests do not book flights same day as arrival without allowing for late running trains. This would mean allowing for at least 3-5 hours after the scheduled arrival time, and an overnight stopover.
What medical assistance do the on-train staffs provide? Staff are trained to administer basic first aid, however our staff are not able to provide routine medical aid during a journey. Guests requiring medical attention or mobility assistance on board any of our trains are required to arrange for their own Carer to travel with them.
Can my necessary medication be refrigerated? Yes subject to space within our on-board fridge compartments - PLEASE INFORM US AT TIME OF BOOKING.
Luggage
Due to space constraints, guests are advised to take onboard only hand luggage containing the requirements for their rail journey. Guests who bring electronic devices, such as laptops, that connect to 240-volt power on the trains should also pack a surge arrestor. Checked in luggage cannot be accessed during the journey. Guests should bring an overnight bag to their cabin containing everything needed for the journey. Passengers travelling in Gold Service are able to take 2 x 30kg bags each. Please note luggage check-in opens 2.5 hours prior to departure and closes 60 minutes prior to departure.
Dress Code
Smart casual attire is suggested for guests travelling in Platinum Service and Gold Service. Neat casual attire is required. Warm clothes are recommended for evenings onboard the train, as the air-conditioning can be cool. It is recommended that guests pack a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes for off-train touring. Sensible shoes are advisable for walking between carriages. Long, sturdy pants may be required for some Off-Train Excursions.
Can I take my walking frame/wheelchair/ scooter on board the train? No - these items must be checked-in as stored luggage. A specially modified pushchair can be requested for use on train (with the assistance of a Carer or travelling companion) - PLEASE INFORM US AT TIME OF BOOKING.
Does the train carry power outlets for CPAC machines? Cabins on the Indian Pacific have 240V power outlets installed which can be used for a CPAC machine. It is recommended that a surge arrestor/protector be used to protect the machine when it is plugged in case of a power surge. Surge protectors can be purchased from an electrical store.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Payment & Cancellation Terms:
- Advance Purchase fare rules apply: $100 deposit required at time of booking. Final payment is due 270 days prior to departure.
- 100% cancellation fees apply 14 days after the booking date.