5 Things to Know About The Ghan
A great many tourists have become ordinary tick-box robots travelling on auto-pilot, moving from one bucket list target to the next. The Ghan is not for them! A Ghan train tour is a “not to be missed” holiday to remember.
Too often traveller’s fly right over the top of a country rather than seeing what’s below them. Bucket list tourists hop from airport to airport, capital city to tourist destination. They only looking out a plane window when their in-flight entertainment is interrupted by a meal, a toilet break, the end of a movie, or a window shade being opened as the day breaks on the infinite horizon.
But one thought will cross every mind as they gaze 35,000 feet below – “I wonder what’s down there”.
And that is the singular beauty of travelling by rail, rail holidays, rail tours and train travel in general. This ‘old-fashioned’ transport solution actually delivers a far richer experience. There is a lot to say for being on the ground in the middle of that land they are gazing down upon. Being among not only that scenery but around the people, smells, vibrations, sounds. It’s travelling for real, at its ethereal best.
And so to The Ghan. This great Australian rail tour has to be one of the best examples of getting on the ground and travelling the land. Between Darwin and Adelaide precisely, this 2,979km train journey will allow you to see the middle of Australia unadorned.
If you’ve decided that you are going to have a train holiday aboard The Ghan but not quite decided when, allow LOCO Journeys to help you make your decision more straight forward with five things you need to know when travelling aboard this iconic rail tour.
1. The Ghan Gold Class or Ghan Platinum Class; Which Cabin Is Right for You?
One of the most important decisions when booking The Ghan is choosing between Ghan Gold Class and Ghan Platinum Class. While both offer exceptional comfort on this iconic transcontinental journey, the experience and space differ in meaningful ways.
Ghan Gold Class offers two cabin types: Gold Twin and Gold Single. Gold Twin features two single bunks that convert into a comfortable lounge by day. Each cabin includes a private en suite bathroom and a large picture window, ensuring uninterrupted views of the ever-changing Australian landscape.
Gold Single provides a compact yet cleverly designed space, with a bed that converts into a seat during the day and access to shared bathroom facilities located at the end of the carriage. While space is tighter than Gold Twin, it remains thoughtfully arranged and comfortable for solo travellers.
Ghan Platinum Class is widely regarded as the most luxurious transcontinental rail experience in Australia. With cabins almost twice the size of Gold Class, Platinum Class features a double bed that converts to deluxe lounge seating by day, expansive windows on both sides of the carriage, in-cabin breakfast service, and exclusive access to the Platinum Club. The additional space and premium inclusions elevate the journey to a truly indulgent level.
Whichever class you choose, both deliver the high standard of service and comfort you would expect from a quality hotel, including generous dining experiences and hot showers with excellent water pressure after a day of Off Train Experiences.
2. The Ghan All-Inclusive Experience. Dining, Drinks and Off-Train Experiences
One of the true highlights of travelling on The Ghan is that it is an all-inclusive experience, allowing you to completely relax from the moment you board.
Throughout your journey, you’ll enjoy an impressive regionally inspired food and wine menu, served in the elegant Queen Adelaide Restaurant. Your reserved booth features a full picture window, ensuring uninterrupted views of the ever-changing outback landscape. It’s dining with a view unlike any other — breakfast, lunch and dinner framed by Australia’s most dramatic scenery.
Beverages are also included, with a generous selection of Australian wines, beers and non-alcoholic options available in the lounge cars. It’s the perfect setting to meet fellow travellers, unwind after a day’s exploring, or simply watch the vast interior roll by.
Most Off-Train Experiences are included in your fare and are carefully designed to immerse you in the destinations along the route. Optional upgrades or speciality touring may incur an additional cost, as will souvenirs purchased during the journey.
EFTPOS and credit card facilities are available onboard; however, there is no cash-out option during transactions.
3. Important On-Board Inclusions & Exclusions on The Ghan Train
Like any well-prepared traveller, it pays to understand the practical details before boarding The Ghan train. Here are a few essential on-board inclusions and exclusions to be aware of before you travel.
The Ghan train is a non-smoking train, including all cabins and lounge areas. Designated stops may allow time to step off the train, but smoking is not permitted onboard at any time.
The train is fully air-conditioned, maintained at approximately 22 degrees to ensure year-round comfort as you travel through dramatically changing climates, from the tropical Top End to the arid Red Centre and southern states.
Currently, The Ghan does not offer WiFi. While this may surprise some travellers, many guests see it as part of the charm, an opportunity to properly disconnect and immerse yourself in the experience, the landscape, and the company of fellow passengers.
And if you were wondering, pets are not permitted to travel onboard (with the exception of registered assistance animals, subject to approval).
Knowing these small but important details helps ensure your journey on The Ghan is smooth, comfortable and exactly as expected.
4. The Ghan Off-Train Excursions: Exploring Australia’s Red Centre and Top End
A defining part of the journey on The Ghan is stepping off the train to explore some of Australia’s most remarkable landscapes and cultural sites through its curated Off-Train Excursions.
Depending on your itinerary and direction of travel, a range of experiences are available. While many excursions are included in your fare, certain optional upgrades may only be arranged onboard and cannot always be pre-booked. It’s still helpful to understand what may be on offer so you can plan ahead and make the most of your time.
In the Northern Territory, you may:
- Cruise through the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge on a guided boat tour, taking in towering sandstone cliffs and learning about the region’s deep cultural significance.
- Discover the Katherine region through an immersive cultural experience, including creating your own Indigenous artwork and learning about Dreamtime stories.
In Alice Springs, excursion options can include a visit to the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service base, or the fascinating Alice Springs Desert Park, where the flora and fauna of the Red Centre come to life.
If travelling northbound, an unforgettable highlight is the Marla sunrise — stepping off the train at dawn for a warming cup of tea or coffee as the vast outback horizon begins to glow.
When travelling south on The Ghan Darwin to Adelaide, the remote Manguri stop offers the chance to experience the brilliance of the southern night skies, far from city lights — an extraordinary stargazing moment in the heart of Australia.
These Off-Train Excursions transform the journey from a scenic rail trip into a fully immersive Australian adventure.
5. The Ghan Packages: From Classic Rail Journeys to Extended Outback Holidays
If you want to enjoy the very best The Ghan train journey, choosing the right itinerary is essential.
The classic northbound journey from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs is a 4 day / 3 night experience from 2027, travelling through the heart of Australia’s Red Centre before arriving in the tropical Top End.
Travelling south, The Ghan Expedition offers a 4 day / 3 night journey via Katherine, with stops in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. This longer itinerary allows more time for immersive Off-Train Experiences and deeper exploration of Australia’s interior.
However, the rail journey itself is just the beginning. There is an extensive range of longer and more in-depth The Ghan holiday packages designed to combine the train with guided touring, iconic national parks, and additional Australian highlights.
For Ghan specials, Ghan train prices, Ghan timetables and everything in between, contact Kylie at Loco Journeys by emailing hello@locojourneys.co.nz or call 03 441 4735.
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