The Ghan Train Journey: Australia's Ultimate Rail Adventure

One of the great rail journeys of the world, the mighty Ghan train that travels Australias’ North to South and vice versa between Adelaide and Dawin was my home for 3 nights and 4 days.

Seeing the train sitting at the platform in Darwin gives you a proper sense of what you're about to take on - this isn't a quick scenic add-on, it's an expedition through the middle of a continent. Over four days the landscape changes completely, from the tropical heat of Darwin, through gorge country, out into the red desert around Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, and finally into the vineyards of South Australia.

About the author

Chris is our Programme Director for Australia and has travelled extensively throughout Australia. An avid outdoor enthusiast and an inquisitive traveller, Chris is always looking for new and exciting places as well as those secret hidden gems that bring an Australian holiday to life.

Chris recently travelled on The Ghan train from Darwin to Adelaide.

The journey and the train

This is more than a train – it’s a piece of living Australian history. Named after the Afghan cameleers who once guided camel trains through this same unforgiving interior, it has been carrying passengers between the tropical north and the temperate south since 1929, when the first service pulled out of Adelaide bound for what was then the remote outpost of Stuart (later renamed Alice Springs). It wasn't until 1 February 2004 that the line was finally pushed all the way through to Darwin, and today it covers close to 2,979km (1,851 miles) in a single journey.

It is a whopping 1km long and travels 1800 miles between Darwin and Adelaide with some fabulous stops on the way. It is an extraordinary sight to see up close. For anyone who's always wanted to see the true Outback - Uluru, Alice Springs, the opal town of Coober Pedy - without the logistics of self-driving through some of the most remote country on the planet, this is about as comfortable and stress-free as it gets. 

Choosing your service: Platinum or Gold

The Ghan runs two levels of service, and honestly, both are excellent - the choice really comes down to how much space and privacy matters to you, and what your budget allows.

I stayed in a Gold Service cabin, set up during the day with a banquette style seat stretching the width of the cabin. At night during dinner, this is converted into two separate bunk beds. There is a small ensuite shower, toilet and sink. These cabins are compact rather than spacious - quite intimate for two travellers. 

I inspected the Platinum Service cabins and these are significantly larger and impressive with a permanent double bed and much bigger overall floor space. You also gain exclusive access to the Platinum Club - an upscale lounge and dining space serving regional dishes.

The new Aurora and Australis suites were expansive - with a lounge area, separate bedroom and coffee machines. These were beautifully appointed.

I was also very pleased to see two accessible cabins which were spacious and well appointed.

With any option, you’ll never have to worry about going hungry or having to fork out all that extra money for your meals. The Platinum Service rate includes extensive, filling breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners, with a selection of complimentary wine and other beverages to pair with them as well. The Gold Service rate offers all-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, including Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.

Throughout the journey with any level, you can expect cheerful top-of-the-line service, which means never having to wait for your glass to be filled as well as good company and fascinating tidbits about the culture and history of the region.

The destinations and routes

I travelled from Darwin and the stops were all fascinating and interesting, with a choice of options at each stop for you.

Top tip – prebook your excursion options with our sales staff if you can, to avoid disappointment. You can book on the train but may not get your first choice.

I loved the cruise on the Katherine River at Nitmiluk Gorge, very relaxing, informative with a guide and a great way to start the journey. It is such an iconic place and a long way to get to Nitmiluk if you are travelling in Australia, so it is great that The Ghan gives you the opportunity to experience it. This is a place I may not have had the chance to visit otherwise.

Our next stop was Alice Springs, the options were comprehensive, some went e biking with a guide. I chose to visit Simpson’s Gap (a 3km walk) and Standley Chasm, both were stunning and great to see and I would highly recommend this trip. Dinner was at the historic location of the Telegraph Station and was brilliant in every respect.

Top tip – take a long sleeved top/jumper/fleece to the dinner. Its boiling during the day but can get quite chilly during the dinner.

You can leave the Ghan at Alice Springs and some people did get off. The reason is that many choose to head to spend time seeing the other wonders of the world nearby, Uluru, Wattarka and Kata Tjuta.

I loved Coober Pedy, one of the world's most unusual towns, in the middle of nowhere and remote. The train stops about 15 miles from Coober Pedy and as you travel in by coach, you see the hundreds of small mullock heaps, created by the underground mining. 83% of all the world’s opals come from this desert town. I went on the Discover the Majestic Breakaways trip which took you out to see the vast and beautiful Breakaways Reserve, just short drive from the town, as well as an opal mine where had a superb underground lunch and a chance to dig for opals, keeping what you found. Next, you head into town and visit a museum where you can see how people live in traditional underground homes.

Arriving into Adelaide, The Ghan has its own station and your luggage is taken from your cabin and placed outside on the platform. 

What a journey and what an adventure! The Ghan truly is a unique experience, and well worth it. Give our knowledgeable sales experts a call to help you book The Ghan and your Australian holiday.

Life on the train

The train doesn't run during the day - only at night - which leaves plenty of time to sit back, watch the world go by, and enjoy a drink in hand. There are opportunities to do this both before dinner and before breakfast, and I always chose to sit in the lounge car.

The scenery is pure outback, miles and miles of red scrubland. I loved it simply for its vastness - the Aussies are blessed with space. I was lucky enough to spot kangaroos in the early morning as the train trundled its way to the next stop.

Tea and coffee are available all day, along with water stations in every carriage. The bar is always open and there are snacks available should you wish to top up between breakfast and dinner. Lunch, however, is served off the train during excursions.

The Ghan staff are wonderfully friendly, and everything runs like clockwork - meticulously planned and organised, with someone always on hand to help.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does The Ghan train take to travel from Darwin to Adelaide or vice versa?

From 2027, both directions will be 4 days and 3 nights in duration.

What off-train experiences does The Ghan offer?

From Darwin to Adelaide, there are immersive off-train experiences at Nitmiluk Gorge (formerly Katherine), Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy/ Manguri, including a fabulous dinner at the Telegraph Station in Alice Springs.

From Adelaide to Darwin, the off-train experiences take in the Clare Valley, Flinders Ranges, Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine.

Are all meals and drinks included on The Ghan train?

Yes - all meals, fine wines and beverages are included.

What is the best time to go on The Ghan train?

The Ghan operates between March and November, taking a break over the extreme heat and wet season in the north.

Interested in a similar itinerary? Discover our Darwin to Adelaide on The Ghan tour