The Ghan Rail Journey - Darwin to Adelaide 2026

Your fare excludes:

Day 1 - THE GHAN, KATHERINE

Celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome drink and light refreshments and pause for a photo with The Ghan’s iconic red locomotive before stepping on board, Settle into your home for the next few days, enjoying the comforts of your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. As The Ghan begins to travel south, a chef-prepared lunch awaits before your Off Train Experience in Katherine.

Here you’ll choose how to explore this remarkable region. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge and uncover its deep cultural significance. Alternatively, step into the Katherine Outback Experience for an authentic glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home. Or venture underground at the Cutta Cutta Caves, where fascinating limestone formations, native wildlife and stories of Indigenous culture are waiting to be shared. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and take in the scale of Nitmiluk from above. (L,D)

Day 2 - THE GHAN, ALICE SPRINGS

Wake to the wide-open skies of the outback as The Ghan draws closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. After a hearty breakfast on board, step into the heart of Central Australia with a choice of Off Train Experiences designed to suit every traveller.

Take to the red dirt on 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 through Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. Here, sheer rock walls blaze red in the sunlight and ancient landscapes hold deep spiritual significance for the Arrernte people. Wildlife lovers can meet desert creatures at Alice Springs Desert Park, while those seeking a grander perspective can opt for a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

As night falls, the hallmark experience of The Ghan Expedition awaits. At the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, dine beneath a canopy of stars, surrounded by the red earth of the desert. With white tablecloths, fine food and live entertainment, it’s an evening you’ll never forget. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - THE GHAN AND COOBER PEDY

Today brings you to the extraordinary outback town of Coober Pedy, where life is anything but ordinary. Known as the opal capital of the world, this desert settlement hides its treasures both above and below, and more than half the population live underground.

Your adventure begins with a morning stop at the remote outpost of Manguri to take in the sunrise, before continuing on to Coober Pedy for a day of exploration. A highlight is a gourmet lunch enjoyed underground, a dining experience as unique as the town itself. Off Train Experiences include visiting the striking Breakaways, uncovering the town’s quirky attractions, or learning the fascinating history of opal mining on the Opal Experience. For an unforgettable view, upgrade to a scenic flight over the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre.

Back on board for your final night, dinner is served in the dining carriage before one last nightcap in the lounge with fellow travellers as The Ghan journeys towards Adelaide. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - THE GHAN AND 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.

Stepping off the train, you’ll carry more than memories of extraordinary landscapes. You’ll take with you the stories shared, the connections made, and the sense of wonder that only a journey through the heart of Australia can bring. (B)

Below fares are based on travel in Mar & Nov 2026*

• P​latinum Everyday from $6,790 pp
• G​old Premium Twin Advance Purchase from $4,590 pp
• G​old Premium Twin Everyday from $5,290 pp
• G​old Twin Advance Purchase from $3,690 pp
• G​old Twin Everyday from $4,390 pp
• G​old Single Everyday from $3,890 pp

Advance Purchase fares must be booked at least 6 months prior and are subject to availability.

Call our friendly Australian travel team on 1300 414 198 to hold your place! or ask about other departure dates.

Pricing is subject to change without notice. *denotes advertised pricing

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 staff 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.