The Ghan Expedition & Indian Pacific – Darwin to Sydney 2026
From Darwin to Adelaide to Sydney, you'll experience three capital cities that are as different as the landscapes that connect them and everything in between. Starting your journey in Darwin, you'll spend three nights travelling south on The Ghan Expedition, stopping for two nights in Adelaide before boarding the train again and travelling east on the Indian Pacific.
- Transfer to Darwin Rail Terminal
- Welcome experience with light refreshments, barista coffee and sparkling wine
- 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy
- Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
- Explore the outback town of Alice Springs and the unusual underground town of Cooper Pedy
- Transfer from Adelaide Parklands Terminal to hotel
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Adelaide including breakfast daily
- Discover Adelaide at your own pace
- Transfer from hotel to Adelaide Parklands Terminal
- 2 nights aboard the Indian Pacific, Adelaide to Sydney, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Broken Hill and the Blue Mountains
- Experience the outback town of Broken Hill
- Travel through the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains to Sydney
- 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Your fare excludes:
- Travel Insurance
- Flights to and from Darwin
DAY 1 – BOARD THE GHAN EXPEDITION IN DARWIN
Settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy 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. (B,L,D) OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan Expedition
DAY 2 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, ALICE SPRINGS
Your arrival into Alice Springs after breakfast provides you with time to explore this iconic town in the red heart of Australia on an Off Train Experience. 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 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, COOBER PEDY
From your morning stop at Manguri, 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. Dinner is served back on the train, where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 – THE GHAN EXPEDITION, 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 in Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail experiences. After disembarking the train, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation, your home for the next two nights. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure as you acquaint yourself with Adelaide’s city centre. Stroll to the Adelaide Central Markets for lunch and see over 70 traders bring colour and life to the undercover markets. Or, visit the Art Gallery of South Australia to see local and international works. As a city of food and wine, there is no shortage of delicious restaurants; take your pick and enjoy your first evening in Adelaide. (B) OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Crowne Plaza Adelaide
DAY 5 – ADELAIDE
Explore more of Adelaide at your leisure. If you’d like to get to the source of that gourmet experience, visit the wine growing region of McLaren Vale. (B) WE RECOMMEND: McLaren Vale Winery Experience $235 per person A tour to McLaren Vale along the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula includes four cellar door experiences and a delicious restaurant lunch. The region is best known for its Shiraz, but expert vignerons will explain why Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes also thrive in this unique microclimate.
DAY 6 – BOARD THE INDIAN PACIFIC IN ADELAIDE
Check out of your accommodation this morning and take in any last minute sights before transferring to Adelaide Parklands Terminal. Start your journey with a delicious welcome dinner before joining the Indian Pacific, where you can settle into your cabin or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. (B,D) OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Indian Pacific
DAY 7 – INDIAN PACIFIC, BROKEN HILL
Crossing another border during the night, you’ll wake up in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, ready for the day’s activities in the Silver City. You’ll have a choice of four Off Train Experiences, including guided history, art and cultural experiences that showcase the highlights of Australia’s first heritage-listed city. Returning to the train for lunch, admire the scenery as the Indian Pacific travels through regional New South Wales. Tonight, dinner is served on board as you make the most of your final night exploring Australia by train. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 – INDIAN PACIFIC, BLUE MOUNTAINS AND SYDNEY
The Blue Mountains is known for its soaring sandstone ridges wrapped in native flora. This World Heritage-listed area marks your final stop before arriving in Sydney. Say goodbye to the Indian Pacific after breakfast, to travel deep into the mountains for this afternoon’s Off Train Experiences. Scenic World includes four phenomenal mountain experiences, from the Scenic Skyway, which takes you over ancient ravines, with 360-degree vistas to the Scenic Cableway that glides over the forest to the valley floor and the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world. Alternatively, stretch your legs on a guided walk with spectacular views from numerous lookouts along the trail. Both experiences end at Echo Point Lookout, perched on the edge of the escarpment in Katoomba, where a light lunch is served. Complete your journey on our chartered New South Wales rail service (fully hosted by our crew) into Sydney Central Station. Alternatively, if you prefer to arrive in Sydney earlier, stay on board the Indian Pacific to travel directly to Sydney Central Station. (B,L) (B)
Below fares are based on travel in June - July 2026
- Platinum Everyday from $12,725 pp
- Gold Premium Twin Advance Purchase from $7,900 pp
- Gold Premium Twin Everyday from $9,270 pp
- Gold Twin Advance Purchase from $6,830 pp
- Gold Twin Everyday from $7,810 pp
- Gold Single Advance Purchase from $6,300 pp
- Gold Single Everyday from $7,155 pp
Call Us Now to get up-to-date pricing and secure your preferred stateroom.
*Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Within 6 months of travel Saver fares may be offered, subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Further conditions apply.
As our highest level of service, Platinum Service offers guests a range of deluxe extras including Platinum Transfers, in-cabin breakfasts, personalised cabin steward service and access to the exclusive Platinum Club.
Features include
- Spacious Double and Twin cabins almost twice the size of a Gold Twin cabin
- By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans, and by night, the lounges are converted to a double bed or two single beds
- Full-size ensuite equipped with shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet and complimentary bathroom amenities
- Windows offering views from both sides of the train
- All-inclusive dining in the exclusive Platinum Club
- Relax in Platinum Club’s exclusive lounge area
- All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
- First priority for check-in and all-inclusive Off Train Experiences
- 75kg checked luggage per person (3 x 25kg)
Gold Premium is a new style of travel, featuring newly designed, contemporary cabins that take inspiration from the Australian outback. Think walnut timber and polished brass, along with Indigenous prints on the upholstery. Choose between Gold Premium Twin or Gold Premium Suite, both of which come with premium inclusions.
Features include
- Newly designed, contemporary cabin that converts from a lounge by day into sleeping berths at night.
- Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen, silk eye masks.
- Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining.
- 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.
- Priority check-in and priority luggage on departure.
- 75kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 25 kg each).
Gold offers a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day
Features include
- 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 Experience and Short Stops
- Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
- Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre
Gold Single offers a compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage
Features include
- 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 Experiences and Short Stops
- Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
- Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre
I have booked my rail holiday online, how do I add my accommodation and touring?
Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions offers a wide range of accommodation and touring options. We would be happy to assist you with booking your holiday. Please contact our Travel Centre on 13 21 47.
Can I fly out the same day as the train arrives?
We want you to enjoy your journey without concerns over flight times. We therefore would recommend you allow for an overnight stop before connecting to domestic or international flights. Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions does not accept liability for any missed connections due to late train arrivals.
What time can I check in for my train departure?
The Ghan, The Ghan Expedition, Indian Pacific and Great Southern trains check-in opens 2 hours prior to departure time and closes 1 hour prior to departure.
The Overland check-in time opens 1 hour prior to departure time and closes 30 minutes prior to departure in Melbourne and Adelaide. For guests joining at intermediate stops it is recommended to be at your pick up location at least 30 minutes prior to the trains scheduled arrival time.
Please bring your travel itinerary and Photo. I.D.
Starts at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Package is Land Only. All product is subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice.
Tour requires minimum numbers to run. Minimum 4, Maximum 20 passengers.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations within 48 hours prior to departure - 100% non-refundable.
Cancellations within 7 days of departure - 50% non-refundable.
The operator reserves the right to cancel any tour, change type of vehicle, alter the itinerary or arrange an alternate operator if necessary. All tours are subject to weather conditions. Cooktown Tours: If the Bloomfield Track is closed or safety considerations arise, an alternative route via the Mulligan Highway will be taken. No refund will be given in these circumstances or in the event of any delay curtailment oralteration of a trip resulting from any cause including adverse weather conditions or mechanical failure. In addition to cancellation policy, Cooktown flight amendments and cancellations incur a $35 per person administration fee.