The Ghan Rail Journey

Duration: 3 Days

Price: from AU$2,480

Departure From: Adelaide or Darwin

Departure Date: Wednesday & Sunday (Mar-Nov)

Tour Type: Fully Hosted

Meal Plan: All Inclusive

Physical Grading: 2

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A legendary train. An unforgettable Australian adventure. Travel aboard The Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin on an all-inclusive journey through the heart of Australia.

This fantastic 3 day/2 night rail journey on the legendary Ghan will take you coast to coast from Adelaide to Darwin, or vice-versa. Journey into the heart of Australia with an unforgettable ride on one of the world’s greatest trains. This exhilarating adventure will take you past some of Australia’s most magnificent landscapes, from the rolling hills of Adelaide’s lush wine region and the ochre plains of the Simpson Desert, to the ancient gorges and tropical hideaways dotted throughout the Northern Territory.

The Ghan is named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed this route. Building the railway began in 1929, and 2019 marked 90 years of outback crossings. The train is 1.1km long and is the longest passenger train in the world. The elegant private cabins suites with their wooden surroundings contrast to the fantastic retro-Edwardian décor of the dining car, all complete with attentive service and panoramic windows for perfect observation. And when the train stops, adventures begin.

The Ghan is a unique and epic experience. A journey of a lifetime.

Please note: The Ghan books well in advance, often 12 months before departure. Contact LOCO now to avoid disappointment.

The Ghan Sunrise
The Ghan Sunrise

The Ghan – Adelaide To Darwin

Departing from Adelaide, travel coast to coast through the fiery red centre, experiencing Australia at its dramatic best.

The Ghan Darwin to Adelaide LOCO Journeys

Adelaide to Darwin Highlights and Inclusions

  • 3 days / 2 nights aboard The Ghan, travelling from Adelaide to Darwin
  • All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages
  • A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
  • Immersive Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine
  • Cruise the Nitmiluk Gorge or learn more about Katherine’s ancient Indigenous rock paintings

See below for departure dates and pricing

The Ghan Marla Experience
The Ghan Marla Experience

The Ghan – Darwin to Adelaide

Departing from tropical Darwin, travel from north to south, through the the heartland of our Australia, experiencing everything the red centre is famous for.

The Ghan Darwin to Adelaide LOCO Journeys

Darwin to Adelaide Highlights and Inclusions

  • 3 days / 2 nights aboard The Ghan, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide
  • All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages
  • A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
  • Immersive Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Manguri
  • Cruise the Nitmiluk Gorge and learn more about Katherine’s ancient Indigenous rock paintings

See below for departure dates and pricing

Telegraph Station Dinner
Telegraph Station, Alice Springs

The Ghan – Off-Train Optional Experiences

Extend your journey with these unique off-train extra experiences

Katherine: Nitmiluk Gorge Scenic Helicopter Flight – Stretching for kilometres throughout the top end of Australia, Nitmiluk Gorge consists of a staggering 13 limestone formations which make up one of Australia’s most epic natural wonders.

Alice Springs Spirit of Mt. Gillen Helicopter Flight – The helicopter flight will take you up and over Alice Springs to experience amazing views of Simpson’s Gap – one of the most prominent water holes in the region – Mt. Gillen Ridgeline and the Larapinta Trail. It’s only from the air that you’ll experience the sheer magnitude of this ancient and timeless land. Absorb the spirit of the Outback as your pilot reveals its mystery through detailed commentary. Limited Availability.

spirit-of-mt-gillen-helicopter
Mt Gillen Scenic Helicopter Flight

The Ghan – Your Onboard Experience

Everything is Included.

There’s nothing like putting down your suitcase and allowing your journey to simply unfold. Once you step aboard our trains, you can relax, knowing everything has been considered and included in your fare. From world-class food and wine to a range of immersive Off Train Experiences, the hardest decision you’ll need to make is what to have for lunch and which experience to join.

In addition to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin onboard, you’ll find yourself indulging in sumptuous cuisine, fine wines, and camaraderie in our dining carriages.

Taking our cue from the diverse environments our trains travel through, our expert culinary team works closely with local suppliers, farmers and providores to source the best ingredients, creating an innovative, regionally-inspired menu accompanied by all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.

The Platinum Club

The Ghan – Platinum Service

Stylishly appointed and spacious cabins are complemented by discreet, personalised service and access to the exclusive Platinum Club carriage for meals, relaxation and socialising. As you’d expect, the food and wine is of the highest standard. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and four-course dinners, all regionally inspired and paired with champagne and premium wines.

And it all begins before you’ve even stepped aboard. Platinum guests receive private transfers before and after your journey, beginning the adventure in style.

Platinum cabins offer premium extras, like a full-size en suite, expansive window views from the train, and exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage. Add to that the luxurious linen, French Champagne, Bracegirdle’s chocolates, a nightcap at turndown and more, and you’re in for an exceptional experience.

Platinum Double Cabin

Platinum Service inclusions:

  • All-inclusive dining, beverages, and Off Train Experiences
  • Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Service Twin cabin
  • By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans
  • By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
  • En suite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet and Australian bathroom amenities
  • Power outlets and in-cabin safe
  • In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
  • Panoramic windows offering views from both sides of the train
  • Access to the exclusive Platinum Club 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).
Platinum Double Cabin Plan LOCO Journeys

The Ghan Train – Gold Premium Service

Gold Premium is a new style of travel, with contemporary cabins that take inspiration from the colours and contours of the Australian outback. Think walnut timber and polished brass details, along with Indigenous prints on the upholstery. The cabins are designed to cocoon guests in comfort and come with exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Dining carriages. Whether you want to share the highlights of your day with fellow guests over an aperitif in the Lounge or relax in your cabin as you admire the colours and contours of the passing landscape, you’ll enjoy special moments throughout the journey and a range of enhanced benefits, such as all-inclusive dining, premium beverages and fascinating Off Train Experiences.

Gold Premium Inclusions:

  • Newly designed, contemporary cabins
  • Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen and silk eye masks
  • Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage
  • 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
  • 75kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 25 kg each)
  • Priority luggage check-in
  • Power outlets in cabin
  • In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
  • Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin and Brisbane to selected hotels in the city centre
Gold-Premium-Twin-Cabin-Night
Gold Premium Twin Cabin

The Ghan – Gold Service

Choose between Gold Twin or Single cabins, both of which provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day’s journey. Spend hours deep in conversation with new friends in the shared Outback Explorer Lounge, sipping on barista made coffee, or a glass of white wine. Later make your way to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant to dine.

Gold includes hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners. You may also choose to complement your meal with our selection of premium wines and beverages, all included in your fare.

Gold-Service-Twin-cabin LOCO Journeys
Gold Twin Cabin
Gold-Service-Single-Cabin
Gold Single Cabin

Gold Service Inclusions:

  • For Gold Twin, the most popular option, offers a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day
  • Gold Superior cabins feature a ¾ size double bed plus an additional fold down upper berth, lounge area, TV and DVD player, mini-bar and en suite.
  • For Gold Single, 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
  • Gold Access Cabins are exclusively reserved for the mobility impaired. This cabin is subject to availability and assessment of the guest’s Fitness to Travel.
  • 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 Excursions and Short Stops
  • Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
  • Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre
Gold Service Twin Cabin The Ghan Plan
Gold Service Single Cabin The Ghan Plan

The Ghan Prices & Departure Dates 2025

All prices shown are AUD and subject to availability, and subject to change. Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Further conditions apply.

2025 Ghan Departures from Adelaide

Adelaide to Darwin, 3 days, 2 nights, 7 meals. Departing Sunday, March to November and Wednesday April through to November.

CABINFARE TYPEMar – Apr & Sep – NovMay – Aug
PlatinumEveryday$5,190$5,490
PlatinumFlexible$5,990$6,290
Gold Premium TwinAdvance Purchase$3,490$3,790
Gold Premium TwinEveryday$3,990$4,390
Gold Premium TwinFlexible$4,490$4,890
Gold TwinAdvance Purchase$2,890$3,190
Gold TwinEveryday$3,390$3,590
Gold TwinFlexible$3,790$4,090
Gold SingleAdvance Purchase$2,590$2,890
Gold SingleEveryday$2,990$3,290
Gold SingleFlexible$3,390$3,690
*Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Further conditions apply.

2024 Ghan Departures from Darwin

Darwin to Adelaide, 3 days, 2 nights, 7 meals. Departing Wednesdays, March and November only. For southbound departures from Darwin departing from April to October, please refer to the Ghan Expedition

CABINFARE TYPEMarch & Nov
PlatinumEveryday$5,025
PlatinumFlexible$5,530
Gold PremiumAdvance Purchase$3,495
Gold PremiumEveryday$3,895
Gold PremiumFlexible$4,255
Gold TwinAdvance Purchase$2,925
Gold TwinEveryday$3,230
Gold TwinFlexible$3,555
Gold SingleAdvance Purchase$2,480
Gold SingleEveryday$2,755
Gold SingleFlexible$3,030
*Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Further conditions apply.

2025 Ghan Departures from Darwin

Darwin to Adelaide, 3 days, 2 nights, 7 meals. Departing Wednesdays, March and November only. For southbound departures from Darwin departing from April to October, please refer to the Ghan Expedition

CABINFARE TYPEMar & Nov
PlatinumEveryday$5,190
PlatinumFlexible$5,990
Gold Premium TwinAdvance Purchase$3,490
Gold Premium TwinEveryday$3,990
Gold Premium TwinFlexible$4,490
Gold TwinAdvance Purchase$2,890
Gold TwinEveryday$3,390
Gold TwinFlexible$3,790
Gold SingleAdvance Purchase$2,590
Gold SingleEveryday$2,990
Gold SingleFlexible$3,390
*Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Further conditions apply.

For southbound departures from Darwin departing from April to October, please refer to the Ghan Expedition


Should you wish to add pre or post night accommodation, activities, or international flights to your Ghan rail experience, please be sure to let us know at the time of booking. And if you wish to start or conclude your rail adventure in Melbourne, link your Ghan rail trip with The Overland. Find out how here.

Tour Inclusions

  • 2 nights onboard accommodation
  • 7 Meals as indicated within the itinerary
  • All sightseeing, cruises, rail travel and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
  • The services of an experienced train staff
  • This tour visits some remote locations. We have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person, Single Gold Cabin
  • Price based on Advance Purchase 2024 departures and subject to availability
  • Full payment is required at the time of booking
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
  • Full terms and conditions will be advised at the time of booking.
  • The Ghan is a no smoking environment

Tour Itinerary

The Ghan Northbound; Adelaide to Darwin, Day 1 | Departing Adelaide
Departing Adelaide, what lies ahead is rugged, beautiful and spectacular - through the Red Centre to the tropical north of Australia. Settle into your cabin and watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia from your window, or meet your fellow travellers in the lounge car. Before long some of the oldest rock formations in the world, the Flinders Ranges come into view. As darkness envelopes the rugged outback, it's time to indulge in a regionally inspired dinner and all-inclusive fine wines and bevarages.
Begin with a freshly brewed coffee or juice as the day dawns at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. It is here, deep inland, that you will enjoy a one of a kind experience, as you watch the desert come to life at sunrise. All aboard for brunch as you make your way thought the MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs where a choice of Off Train Excursions awaits. Alice is an icnonic Red Centre outpost, 1,500 kilometres from the nearest major city, it may be remote, but offers plenty to explore - home to doctors who fly, rivers that run dry, and a cast of colourful characters. Your time in the çapital out of the outback'offers numerous opportunities to eplsore its historic legacy and unique environement.
Your day dawns in the tropical north. The pristine wilderness of Katherine is stirring and powerful, and you'll have the chance to explore if from the water on an off train experience. Cruise the jaw-dropping Nitmiluk Gorge, learn more about is ancient Indigenous rock paintings and gain insight into the culture of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawaya people. As evening falls, arrive in Darwin to complete your epic Austalian journey.
From Darwin, take in the remarkable Top End views before stopping in Katherine for an afternoon of unique touring. Prepare to experience one of the region's most impressive natural wonders near Katherine. The stunning Nitmiluk Gorge lise within the massive 292,000 hectares of the Nitmiluk National Park, and you'll have the chance to explore it from the water with guided cruise options - an eperience to remember.
Next stop is Alice Springs where more off train experiences await. Explore Simpsons Gap, tour the town attractions, or get up close to some of the Red Centre's native wildlife. Dinner on the train is followed by an extraordinary evening exprience in the outback where you will see the Milky Way like you have never seen it before. Simply breathtaking.
From your cabin window this morning you'll see a dramatic change in landscape, as the rich orche 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. In the smart southern city, you can extend your experience with a holiday package to the Barossa Valley, fascinating Kangaroo Island, or an expertly-curated tour of this food and wine loving captial. Ask your LOCO Journeys consultant how.

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.