Ghan Red Centre Spectacular; Train & Outback Tour

Duration: 11 Days

Price: from AU$11,145

Departure From: Darwin

Departure Date: Wednesday & Saturday, April-November

Tour Type: Group Tour

Meal Plan: B&B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 3/5

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Settle into The Ghan’s gentle rhythm as you travel through the country and immerse yourself The Ghan Red Centre Spectacular set in the Northern Territory’s breathtaking natural wonders on this 11-day Australian rail journey

From exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges to taking your place beside spiritual Uluru and Kata Tjuta, you’ll understand why people travel great distances to see the Territory’s remarkable landscapes and icons.

This Ghan rail tour features an unforgettable 5 night, 6 day intimate small-group touring experience on an outback safari. This immersive off-train experience will offer you the most enjoyable Red Centre experience, delightfully delivered with quality and the guarantee of spectacular memories.

Having been in the outback adventure business for over twenty years, Outback Spirit Tours are wholly committed to providing our guests with the trip of a lifetime.

The Ghan Red Centre Spectacular Highlights & Inclusions of your Ghan Journey

  • 1 night aboard The Ghan Expedition Darwin to Alice Springs Train, including all meals and beverages, and Off Train Experiences in Katherine and Alice Springs
  • Transfer from Alice Springs Rail terminal to hotel
  • 7 nights intimate small-group touring with Outback Spirit Tours, travelling on board a state-of-the-art 4WD Mercedes-Benz vehicle, including accommodation, meals and guided touring
  • Transfer from hotel to Alice Springs Rail Terminal
  • 2 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition Alice Springs to Adelaide, including all meals and beverages and Off Train Experiences in Coober Pedy
  • 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
  • Visit the ancient Nitmiluk Gorge
  • Explore underground sights in Coober Pedy
The Ghan tour route - Red Centre Spectacular
Uluru Scenic Flight on your Ghan rail tour
Uluru Fixed Wing Flight – an optional extra

The Ghan Red Centre Spectacular Highlights of your 5 night Outback Spirit Tour

  • Discover the incredible rugged beauty of Australia’s Red Centre
  • Visit Kings Canyon for a guided scenic walk and journey through the West MacDonnell Ranges, visiting Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge
  • Visit World Heritage-listed Uluru and enjoy a guided base tour
  • Early risers will experience the magic and beauty of the sun rising over Uluru
  • Dine under the stars at the ‘Sounds of Silence’ dining experience
  • Explore the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Walpa Gorge
  • Admire the internationally acclaimed ‘Field of Light’ display at Uluru and watch as it illuminates the desert night
The Ghan Train Taste of the Top End Tour
The spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge
Sounds of Silence Dining Experience on the Ghan Train Tour by Loco Journeys
Sounds of Silence Dining Experience

The Ghan Train – 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 of Ghan rail 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 for meals. Your onboard chefs will create an innovative, regionally-inspired menu accompanied by all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.

The Ghan Marla Experience
Enjoy The Ghan Expedition heading south to Adelaide

The Ghan Train – 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 on the Ghan train 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 Dining Room
Platinum Dining – The Ghan Train

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 Train – 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 on the Ghan train. 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 Train Cabin
Gold Cabin View

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 Red Centre Spectacular Prices & Departure Dates

Red Centre Spectacular 2026

Darwin to Adelaide, 11 days, 10 nights, 30 meals. Departing Wednesdays, April to November and Saturday April to October. Advance Purchase Holiday fares are subject to availability. Within 6 months of travel Saver Holiday fares may be offered, subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Further conditions apply.

CabinFare TypeAPRIL, SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBERMAY TO AUGUST
PLATINUMEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$14,535$15,675
GOLD PREMIUM TWINADVANCE PURCHASE HOLIDAY*$12,095$12,945
GOLD PREMIUM TWINEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$12,880$13,920
GOLD TWINADVANCE PURCHASE HOLIDAY*$11,145$12,165
GOLD TWINEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$11,905$12,850
GOLD SINGLEADVANCE PURCHASE HOLIDAY*$12,915$13,780
GOLD SINGLEEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$13,520$14,365

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below.

Red Centre Spectacular 2027

Darwin to Adelaide, 11 days, 10 nights, 30 meals. Departing Wednesdays, March to November and Saturday April to October. Advance Purchase Holiday fares are subject to availability. Within 6 months of travel Saver Holiday fares may be offered, subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Further conditions apply.

CabinFare TypeMARCHAPRIL & SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBERMAY TO AUGUST
PLATINUMEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$13,590$14,890$16,090
GOLD PREMIUM TWINADVANCE PURCHASE HOLIDAY SALE$10,590$11,590$12,590
GOLD PREMIUM TWINEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$11,990$13,090$14,190
GOLD TWINADVANCE PURCHASE HOLIDAY SALE$9,690$10,690$11,790
GOLD TWINEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$11,090$12,090$13,090
GOLD SINGLEADVANCE PURCHASE HOLIDAY SALE$11,490$12,390$13,290
GOLD SINGLEEVERYDAY HOLIDAY$12,890$13,690$14,490

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below.

Should you wish to add pre or post night accommodation, activities or international flights to The Ghan Red Centre spectacular, please let us know at the time of booking.

Click here for alternate but equally brilliant Ghan train journeys and holidays or contact LOCO Journeys to discuss your desired journey.

Tour Inclusions

  • 3 nights onboard The Ghan all inclusive, fully hosted
  • 2 nights in Alice Springs
  • 5 nights touring with Outback Spirit Tours
  • 30 Meals; 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
  • 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, Twin Gold Cabin, Advance Purchase
  • 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
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Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Darwin - The Ghan Train (L,D)
Settle into the comforts of The Ghan, relaxing in your cabin or mingling with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy lunch ahead of your Off Train Experience in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge.
After breakfast you’ll arrive into Alice Springs, and your eight-day Red Centre tour commences. Here you will be met by your Outback Spirit crew. It all starts with a tour of Alice Springs Town including a light lunch at a local eatery. Then you will check-in at your Alice Springs accommodation where you will stay for the first two nights. In the evening the group will meet for welcome drinks and a short breifing.
Today explore Alice Springs and its surrounds, taking in natural rock formations that are truly spectacular. After breakfast we venture to the West MacDonell Ranges and enjoy a walk to Simpsons Gap - an important spiritual site and home to dozens of rare plants. We'll then visit Standley Chasm, a cultural icon of Australia. We'll break for morning tea and then visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here enjoy a guided tour that will challenge your perception of the desert. This evening, enjoy a classic-style outdoor BBQand show under the incredible night sky.
Today, we say goodbye to Alice Springs as we go deeper into the outback. First up is a visit to Ellery Creek for a short walk and morning tea, then we travel to Ormiston Gorge to see its towering red cliffs. After lunch, we’ll travel on to the mighty Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. As we drive through the outback, we'll take the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Kings Canyon Resort, where we'll spend the next two nights. Tonight, dinner is at Carmichael’s, a relaxed restaurant situated in Kings Canyon Resort, surrounded by native trees and bushlands. If you’re lucky, you may spot an inquisitive dingo wandering through the grounds.
This morning, we depart early to experience the beauty of Kings Canyon. Two walks are available, including the spectacular 6km rim walk, which features breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park before descending into the 'Garden of Eden'. For those who wish to save energy, a more relaxed walk is also available along the creek on the canyon floor (2.6km). There is also the opportunity to take a 15-minute helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park (at own expense). After the morning's activities, we return to Kings Canyon Resort for lunch and to rest and refresh. For those wishing to take the optional helicopter flight over Kings Canyon, this afternoon offers some time to enjoy Kings Canyon from the air (at own expense), or you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure. As afternoon turns to evening, we'll enjoy sunset drinks and canapes at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by the acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill and gather to recall the day's adventures.
Today is special. This morning we visit Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours, an indigenous owned and operated cultural tour. In the Aranda language, Karrke is the Aboriginal name for the western Bowerbird, which is native to Central Australia, and our guide will teach us about bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and physical healing. We then depart Karrke for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, passing through Kings Creek Station to enjoy lunch at Curtin Springs, a million-acre cattle station. In the early afternoon, we arrive at the award-winning Sails in the Desert Hotel, part of the Ayers Rock Resort. This evening, we are transferred to the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner. A breathtaking cultural storytelling experience through choreographed drones, lasers and projections illuminating the night sky. After a short journey from the resort, we venture to an open-air theatre set upon a dune top. Enjoy cocktails infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views of Uluru. As darkness descends, enjoy a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern techniques to create a balanced and flavourful palette as the night sky lights up before our eyes. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told and feel a powerful connection to country listening to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language.
After breakfast, we depart to discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature. Take in the cultural centre and take a guided tour around the base of Uluru, which stands 348 metres above the desert plains. Learn about traditional Anangu culture and why Uluru, one of the largest monoliths in the world, is such a sacred site. This afternoon is at your leisure. You may choose to explore the Town Square, arrange a scenic flight (own cost) or relax in the comfort of your hotel. Departing the resort before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune-top location, again with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro's global phenomenon Field of Light gently illuminates. Aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), Field of Light features 50,000 slender stems, crowned with radiant, frosted-glass spheres, spread across an area the size of seven football fields. After your host provides insight into this remarkable installation, you can explore the stunning display via dedicated pathways. This evening, return to the hotel for dinner. (Please note dinner will be at approximately 9.00pm).
Early risers can experience the sun rising over Uluru this morning and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. Breakfast is at the hotel, before we depart for the Mala Walk. Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls. We return to the hotel for lunch with an afternoon ahead of us. You can spend this time at your leisure or participate in additional touring of the area, including a visit to the Gallery of Central Australia or other informative guest activities. This evening, enjoy the unique Sounds of Silence dining experience under the stars. Offering the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours, the evening begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of the didgeridoo and enjoy a premium bush tucker-inspired buffet incorporating native bush ingredients. Afterwards, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. After this incredible experience, we return to Sails in the Desert for our final night.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before making the journey by road from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal, where your Red Centre Explorer tour comes to an end. Re-join The Ghan Expedition and enjoy a unique dining experience this evening. Tuck into a mouthy-watering meal as you sip on a cold beer or a glass of fine wine under a chandelier of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
From your morning stop at Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Off Train Experiences on offer include exploring the majestic Breakaways, touring the town, learning more about mining history on the Opal Experience, or an optional upgrade with the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre scenic flight. Dinner is served back on the train, where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues.
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 before your arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great rail journeys.

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