Ghan Australia

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GHAN OFFERS & NEWS

NO CARD FEES / NO BOOKING FEES / NO JOINING FEES

Members of the Club (free to join) benefit from:

Discount off the published prices of any journey. Prices quoted are ex Club Discount.

Travel and health advisory links are on this useful page.

Multi-Currency Payments. We accept AUD / EUR / GBP / USD payments using MasterCard and VISA credit and debit cards as well as by bank wire / transfer.

Complimentary Transfers. For Platinum Service - all journeys. For Gold Service - arriving and departing from Darwin/arriving into Adelaide. More details in General Information below.

About The Ghan

The Ghan - what a way to travel across Australia, from the fertile country around Adelaide to the rusty hues of the Red Centre and then to the tropical splendour of the Top End. The ultimate train journey through the heart of the Australian continent.

The Ghan is named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed this route. It began in 1929, thus 2019 marks the 100 year anniversary. It is 1.1km long and is the longest passenger train in the world.

The modern suites with their wooden surroundings contrast to the fantastic retro-Edwardian décor of the dining car, all complete with panoramic windows for perfect observation.

About the Ghan Fares

The 'from fares' shown on this page are before Club Member's discount. Join free by subscribing to the newsletter.

FLEXIBLE FARES Changes are permitted up to 1 day before departure. Fully refundable up to 1 day before departure.

EVERYDAY FARES 10% Deposit, non-refundable and payable at time of booking. Balance no later than 45 days prior to the date of travel. For bookings made at 45 days or less prior to travel, full payment is required at the time of booking.

ADVANCE PURCHASE Not available within 6 months of travel date and not available on every departure. Valid for Gold Service only. Full payment at the time of booking. Non-refundable.

Unofficial video by Tips for Travellers.

Accommodation on The Ghan

Platinum Service

Each Platinum Each cabin has a double bed, a spacious en suite bathroom and full room service; they have all the modern comforts in a classic style, with a distinctly Australian character. By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two armchairs.

INCLUDED

All-inclusive dining, beverages, Off Train Excursions and Outback Experiences; Spacious Double or Twin cabin (almost twice the size of Gold Twin); private en suite with separate shower, basin with cupboard space, toilet and Australian bathroom amenities; Power outlets and in-cabin safe; In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary; Panoramic windows with views on both sides; Platinum Club access for dining and socialising; Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin; Refreshments served in-cabin; Transfers at the start and end of your journey available for guests within 60 km of the terminal; 90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each).

Gold Service

Each Gold Service carriage either has 9 Gold Twin cabins for up to 18 guests or 16 Gold Single cabins. Gold Twin cabins are available for single use subject to a supplement.

Included All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant; off-train excursions and outback experiences; Outback Explorer Lounge access; Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages; in-cabin safe; in-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary; complimentary Australian bathroom amenities; complimentary shuttle bus transfers available between Darwin Terminal and the city centre; 60 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (2 x 30 kg each).

Left - Gold Single by day Right - Gold Twin by day

Gold Twin

During the day, the compact Gold Twin Berth Sleeper Cabins offer a comfortable three-seater lounge, converting to an upper and lower sleeping berth at night. Steward service from the hospitality attendant includes fresh sheets, bath towels, pillows and complimentary toiletries.

Gold Twin Berth Sleeper Cabins have private compact en suite facilities with toilet, wash basin and shower. Gold Twin cabins are available for single use subject to a supplement.

Gold Single

Gold Single Berth Sleeper Cabins feature a comfortable lounge chair and foot rest by day and a single level sleeping berth by night.

Gold Single compact sleeper cabins have a wash basin. Showers and toilets are at either end of the carriage.

Gold Superior

There is a limited number of Gold Superior Double Bed (with third upper bunk) cabins on each departure. These sell out rapidly.

Gold Superior cabins have a ¾-size double bed plus an additional fold down upper berth, lounge area, TV and DVD player, power outlets, mini-bar and en suite.

Contact

Club Members get discount and the guarantee of any special offer valid at time of booking. Contact us to book or for more information.

The Dining Car

Guests dine in the Ghan's beautifully decorated Queen Adelaide Restaurant Cars. There is a Platinum Restaurant / Lounge Car for Platinum guests.

The frequently-changing menus feature a blend of Australian and International cuisine, cooked by on-board chefs. Vegetarian, children's and some special dietary meals can be accommodated - please request these when booking. All wines and beverages are included.

Lounge

The welcoming Outback Explorer Lounge has a friendly atmosphere and is often the centre of activity on the journey, with its panoramic windows enabling passengers to see the passing scenery. Socialise with other passengers or quietly relax and read.

Route & Map

Luxury Train Packages Australia

The Ghan is included in a range of luxury train packages.

Ask for assistance as required.

Itineraries, Dates & Prices 2024/2025

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 from Darwin to Adelaide. Pre- or post-Ghan journeys - The Great Southern, linking Adelaide and Brisbane, from December 2019 for special maiden voyage period.

Beginning in Darwin, this 4 day / 3 night 2979km all-inclusive journey will take you to some of the most remote and captivating parts of Australia in style and comfort. Operating March to October, this is the ultimate Australian outback experience.

Day 1: Darwin and Katherine. Your journey begins with a leisurely, mid-morning departure from Darwin. Once you’re comfortably settled into your cabin, enjoy gorgeous views of the lush, green, tropical north and make your way to the restaurant for a five-star lunch accompanied by a selection of fine wines. Following an early afternoon arrival at the famous Top End township of Katherine, choose between a relaxing cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge’s ancient natural wonders or experience a glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home, with a fascinating day of discovery on a huge cattle station. Enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the outback, then back in your cabin you’ll find your bed turned down.

Day 2: Alice Springs. After your first night on The Ghan, you’ll be greeted by a morning view of the spectacular Red Centre. A full day of excursions awaits you in the outback town of Alice Springs. An optional upgrade is a scenic flight to Uluru, returning in time for a spectacular barbeque dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Returning to the train, the lounges are open until late so travellers can quietly relax before retiring

Day 3: Manguri and Coober Pedy. Breakfast is served as you arrive into Manguri, to disembark and travel by air-conditioned coach for a full day of touring in and around the unique underground opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Enjoy a day of discovery along with a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations - underground. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as the journey continues.

Day 4: Adelaide. From your cabin window 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 majestic Flinders Ranges and prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great travel experiences.

Dates and Prices 2025 Ghan Expedition

The calendar has every date listed. The Ghan does not operate mid December to mid January

2025: GHAN EXPEDITION: Wednesday, April to October depart Darwin 10:00hrs/arrive Adelaide 10:50hrs. Saturday, April to September depart Darwin 09:00hrs/arrive Adelaide 11:35hrs. Subject to change

High Season 2025: May - August

.

Shoulder Season 2025: April, September, October

Prices quoted are per person and ex Club Discount.

The Ghan

Adelaide to Darwin, or Darwin to Adelaide

For three days and two nights, The Ghan travels between Adelaide and Darwin on one of the most fascinating luxury train journeys of the world. Darwin to Adelaide is much the same journey in reverse.

Pre- or post-Ghan journeys - The Great Southern, linking Adelaide and Brisbane.

Day 1. Adelaide – Alice Springs. What a way to travel from Adelaide into wine country, desert and scrubs. The comfort of the train allows one the luxury to gaze at the panorama whilst enjoying a delicious lunch. Marvel as the spectacular Flinders Ranges disappear into the horizon. Wander to the lounge car for afternoon tea whilst passing rustic railway towns and vast tracts of Aboriginal land, where communities have maintained their connection with the land for thousands of years. As darkness descends, partake of dinner.

Day 2. Alice Springs – Katherine. Before arriving in Alice Springs, wake up with a coffee or juice and witness an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla. Back onboard, brunch is served. Explore Alice Springs on one of the many whistle stop tours. Included options in Alice Springs are a Simpson’s Gap walk, a guided coach tour of Alice Springs or a guided walk around the Alice Springs Desert Park. Visit a working camel farm or see the region's birds and wildlife at Alice Springs Desert Park.

Optional extra: Spirit of Mt. Gillen Helicopter Flight. Take a helicopter flight up and over Alice Springs to experience amazing views of Simpson's Gap, one of the most prominent water holes in the region, along with Mt. Gillen Ridgeline and the Larapinta Trail. Fare payable on board. Please note weight restrictions of 130kgs per person do apply. If you choose this excursion, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Excursions.

Day 3. Katherine to Darwin. In the morning we pass through gold-mining town of Tennant Creek and into the historic pioneering township of Katherine. After breakfast we go on one of the many half-day tours. One can cruise down Katherine Gorge past magnificent sandstone cliffs or fly over its interconnecting gorges on a helicopter. As we depart Katherine we pass through the old gold mining town of Pine Creek and Adelaide River, once a World War II military headquarters when the Japanese were bombing Darwin. The options in Katherine are a guided cruise on Nitmiluk Gorge or a Katherine Outback Experience (April-Oct only). A late lunch is served. By late afternoon we arrive in tropical Darwin, where the journey ends.

Dates and Prices 2024 The Ghan

2024. THE GHAN ADELAIDE: Departures - Sunday, March - November, Adelaide 12:15hrs/arrive Darwin 17:30hrs. Wednesday April - September, Adelaide 12:10hrs/arrive Darwin 19:50hrs

2024. THE GHAN DARWIN: Departures - Wednesday, March & November, Darwin 10:00hrs/arrive Adelaide 13:00hrs

Shoulder Season 2024:

Adelaide to Darwin: November

Darwin to Adelaide: November

*Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Further conditions apply.

Prices quoted are per person and ex Club Discount

Dates and Prices 2025 The Ghan

2025. THE GHAN ADELAIDE: Departures - Sunday, March - November, Adelaide 12:15hrs/arrive Darwin 17:30hrs. Wednesday April - September, Adelaide 12:10hrs/arrive Darwin 19:50hrs

2025. THE GHAN DARWIN: Departures - Wednesday, March & November, Darwin 10:00hrs/arrive Adelaide 13:00hrs

High Season 2025:

Adelaide to Darwin: May to August

.

Shoulder Season 2025:

Adelaide to Darwin: March to April and September to November

Darwin to Adelaide: March & November

*Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Further conditions apply.

Prices quoted are per person and ex Club Discount.

General Information About The Ghan

**Advance Purchase fares must be booked a minimum of 6 months in advance and are only valid for Gold Twin and Gold Single.

Pre-Departure Information

Here is useful pre-departure information.

Luggage

Details of The Ghan luggage allowances here.

Included

Platinum. Various off-train excursions. Personalised cabin steward service. Generous luggage limit (3x30kgs). All on-board meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast served in your cabin if you choose. Turn-down service with chocolates. Wide choice of wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, tea and coffee, night-caps and welcome bottle of Bollinger. Chauffeur driven transfers to and from your hotel to the station (up to 60kms). Exception is Darwin where a bus is used to hotels.

Gold. Various off -train excursions. All on-board meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wide choice of wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Turn-down service with chocolates. Coach transfers to and from selected hotels to the station.

Travel Documents. Travel documents are emailed which outline when and where to board as well as luggage arrangements. The document is an itinerary which represents the tickets for the train and any other arrangements. All times are local time and may be subject to change. Guests must be at the terminal at least one hour before train departs.

PLEASE NOTE that your final Travel Documents are sent 14 days before departure. The Travel Documents are only issued if full payment has been received. Please have a printed or digital copy of your Travel Documents for check-in and throughout your journey.

PLATINUM Guests: The Travel Documents are only issued if full payment has been received and your transfer details from hotel to train and train to hotel have been provided.

Stations. Adelaide Parklands Terminal (Keswick Terminal), Richmond, Off Sir Donald Bradman Drive, South Australia. View Map. Darwin Train Station, Berrimah Road, East Arm, Northern Territory. View Map. Guests must be at the terminal at least one hour before train departs.

Transfers. Complimentary transfers to and from your Platinum Service and Gold Service* Ghan rail journey are bookable online.

Click here for a step-by-step guide to arranging your transfer via the train's online booking engine at journeybeyondrail.com.au.
Platinum Service: Complimentary transfer to / from Adelaide Station to selected hotels (up to 60kms). Exception is Darwin where a bus is used to hotels. Gold Service: Complimentary coach transfers to / from Darwin Rail Terminal for guests at selected Darwin hotels. Central hotel drop off is the Mantra on the esplanade. Also Adelaide Station to selected hotels.

Excursions. Off Train excursions are booked by the guests on board. These excursions cannot be pre-booked. TBA is added to the ticket vouchers as this lets the train staff know to ask for the guests choice.

Unforeseen events/changes. Itineraries, routes and times may change at any time for reasons outside the control of the train company. Every effort will be made by train staff to minimise any impact; the Luxury Train Club cannot accept any responsibility for any changes. The Club aims to keep itineraries as up to date as possible.

Coronavirus Notice: Go here for general travel and health advice from governments, WHO and other organisations. Go here for information about the Ghan JourneySafe protocols.

Dress Code. The dress code on board is a smart casual.

Booking & Reservations

All prices are at publicly-quoted rates. Club Members get discount and the guarantee of any special offer valid at time of booking.

Contact us to book or for more information.