From The Ghan to the Indian Pacific and Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway, these are five of the greatest and most scenic Australian rail journeys.
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Are meals included on The Ghan journeys?
How much are tickets for The Ghan?
What else is there to see and do in Darwin?
The ultimate guide to The Ghan
Crossing the Red Centre from the Top End to South Australia, The Ghan is one of the world’s great train journeys. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
The Ghan is a moving and unforgettable train travel experience that evokes a romantic connection to our great southern land.
"On a journey like The Ghan, it’s easy to be seduced by the incredible landscapes of the Australian outback as you travel between Adelaide and Darwin," says David Donald, Executive General Manager, Rail, at Journey Beyond.
"It’s not just about watching the scenery as you pass through, though. There are also opportunities to immerse yourself in those landscapes on the all-inclusive Off Train Experiences, whether it’s a cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge, a cultural walk at Standley Chasm, lunch underground in an opal mine in Coober Pedy, or dinner under the stars at the old Telegraph Station in Alice Springs."
It’s also a great way to travel responsibly, by supporting Australian communities, learning from Indigenous guides, and reducing your reliance on car and airplane travel.
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Everything you need to know about The Ghan
What is The Ghan?
The Ghan is one of the world’s greatest train journeys. The railway stretches for 2979 kilometres between Adelaide and Darwin, with stops at iconic locations like Alice Springs and Katherine.
The Ghan is a shortened version of the train’s original name, The Afghan Express. It’s named after the pioneering Afghan cameleers, who blazed a trail into Australia’s Red Centre more than 150 years ago.
Donald says that it’s the landscapes and colours that set The Ghan apart from other rail trips. "The Ghan as it goes through the heart of the country has all those hot reds, pinks, honey yellow and ochres," he says. "It has so much history behind it too, having been in operation since 1929 and now nearing its 100-year milestone. The history, the ambience, the scenery, the hospitality … travelling on The Ghan makes you feel like you’re connecting with the country in a different way and seeing it in a new light."
The Ghan is one of the most relaxing ways to see Australia's Red Centre. All images courtesy of Journey Beyond.
How long does The Ghan journey take?
The full Legendary Ghan journey is three days from Adelaide to Darwin, extending to a four-day journey in 2027 with a brand new itinerary visiting the Flinders Ranges, recently named one of the world’s top travel destinations by Lonely Planet.
"The southbound journey is called The Ghan Expedition and lasts four days, including an iconic outback dinner under the stars at the historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs, and a day exploring the fascinating opal mining town of Coober Pedy,” explains Donald.
There are also shorter rail journeys between Alice Springs and either Darwin or Adelaide.
There are also a number of holiday packages, where you can extend your journey with additional stops and experiences, like the eight-day Top End Explorer, the 11-day Red Centre Spectacular, or the 14-day Ultimate Territory Tour.
Finally, The Ghan and Ponant rail and sail tours last 18 days and pair the legendary train journey through Australia’s Red Centre aboard The Ghan with a cruise aboard PONANT’s Le Laperouse boat from Darwin to Broome.
The Ghan experience includes meals, fine wines, and beverages.
Where does The Ghan stop for Off Train Experiences?
All Ghan journeys that travel between Darwin and Adelaide stop at Alice Springs and Katherine.
The northbound Legendary Ghan journey also briefly stops at Marla, where you’ll watch the sun rise over the South Australian desert landscape with a steaming cup of coffee and a bacon and egg roll.
From 2027, guests travelling south on The Ghan Expedition will enjoy an extended stay in the extraordinary opal mining town of Coober Pedy. Largely built underground, this remarkable outback town is known as the opal capital of the world. During a guided tour, you’ll uncover its fascinating history, with visits to the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum and a traditional underground dugout home.
At the Opal Quest Mine, you’ll have the chance to fossick for your own opal before enjoying a relaxed lunch underground. The journey continues along a section of the Dog Fence – stretching more than 5,600 kilometres and among the longest structures in the world – before arriving at the striking Breakaways, where colourful low hills shift in tone with the changing light.
As evening falls, you’ll return to Manguri for sundowners beside the train, enjoying drinks by the fire as the sun sets over the desert landscape – an unforgettable moment and a standout photo opportunity – before reboarding The Ghan for dinner onboard.
In summary
- The Ghan Expedition - Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and Manguri
- Legendary Ghan 2026 - Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine
- Legendary Ghan 2027 - Off Train Experiences in the Clare Valley, Flinders Ranges, Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine.
The Ghan crosses the Elizabeth River in the Northern Territory beneath a magenta sky.
What is there to do at Alice Springs with The Ghan?
At Alice Springs, you can embark on exciting experiences such as:
- Alice Explorer – visit a range of unique Alice Springs sites, starting at the School of the Air to learn about the local children’s lives in the Australian Outback and followed by the Reptile Centre to get up close and personal with Aussie reptiles like saltwater crocodiles, goannas, thorny devils and frill-neck lizards. You’ll also explore the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, where you’ll learn about the Overland Telegraph Line that bridged the isolation between remote Australian towns.
- Standley Chasm Cultural Walk – explore this impressive sandstone gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges with an indigenous Western Arrernte community member. Beautiful outback colours, a natural spring, and native wildlife abound on this guided cultural walk.
- Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk – tour an important spiritual site where a group of mythological giant goanna ancestors lived, full of ancient ghost gums and sunlight reflecting off the cliff walls.
- Alice Springs Desert Park – tour the park with an experienced guide, go inside the Nocturnal House to peek into the nighttime habits of native creatures the avoid the harsh daytime temperatures, and get a front-row seat to the spectacular free-flight bird show.
- Alice to Off Road – a mountain biking adventure led by a local guide that will take you from the Alice Springs Rail Terminal through town and down to the Ilentye Trail, an ochre-coloured dirt track named after the pink galahs that fly overhead. You’ll also spot black-footed rock wallabies and ghost gums on your bike ride.
What is there to do at Katherine with The Ghan?
At Katherine, there’s another wealth of activities to choose from:
- Nitmiluk Rock Art Cruise (seaonal) – cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge to experience ancient Jawoyn rock art and Dreamtime stories, as dramatic sandstone cliffs and calm waters reveal a living cultural landscape shaped over tens of thousands of years.
- Cutta Cutta Caves (limited availability - seasonal) – discover the ancient Cutta Cutta Caves on a guided underground tour, then enjoy a lively taste of Top End culture at the Katherine Outback Experience.
- Katherine Outback Experience (mobility friends - seasonal) – experience live horse-breaking, working dog demonstrations and country music performances that bring the skills, stories and spirit of life on a working cattle station to life.
Enjoy a tranquil cruise down the Katherine River, surrounded by breathtaking ancient landscape.
Are there Off Train Experience upgrades and add-ons available on The Ghan?
There are also optional Off Train Experience upgrades and add-ons available. These experiences incur additional costs, and you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences, as they happen at the same time.
At Katherine, you can upgrade your experience with the Nitmiluk Gorge Helicopter Flight and fly over the 13 limestone formations that make up the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge to fully appreciate the gorge’s sheer enormity and complexity.
At Alice Springs, you can upgrade your experience with the Spirit of Mt. Gillen Helicopter Flight. You’ll fly over Alice Springs to Simpson’s Gap, one of the most prominent waterholes in the region, and on to Mt. Gillen Ridgeline and the famous Larapinta Trail.
When travelling onboard The Ghan Expedition, you can upgrade your Alice Springs day to the Uluru Fixed Wing Scenic Flight. This is an incredible way to view Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), rising majestically out of the surrounding Central Australian desert. Once you arrive at Ayers Rock Airport, your tour guide will take you on an immersive experience of Uluru to visit important indigenous sites like Mutijulu Waterhole.
Donald recommends the Painted Hills & Lake Eyre Scenic Flight that departs from Coober Pedy as his top optional Off Train Experience. "It takes guests to the Anna Creek Painted Hills, a spectacular section of the Breakaways country in the far north of South Australia that can only be accessed by air," he explains.
"The flight then continues to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake, for captivating views of the lake’s shimmering pink and orange salt crystals. Lunch is a quintessential Australian pub lunch at the William Creek Hotel, and then after a ground tour of the township, it’s back in the air to fly over Anna Creek Cattle Station, the world’s largest working cattle station."
Gold Premium offers exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Dining carriages.
Are meals included on The Ghan journeys?
All Ghan journeys are all-inclusive of meals, beverages and a range of Off Train Experiences. Special dietary requirements such as gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian and vegan diets can be accommodated: simply advise at time of booking.
"The food on board is a highlight," Donald says. "Our chefs craft superb dishes that are very much of the place. In the Northern Territory it might be barramundi, kangaroo usually makes an appearance along the way, and so on. There are a lot of native ingredients in the mix as well. Naturally, there is a selection of Australian wines to pair with your delectable meals – and again, everything is included. The only thing you have to do is board the train and enjoy the experience."
The Alice Springs Telegraph Station is a stop that boasts an impeccable outback dinner.
Is there Wi-Fi or charging points aboard The Ghan?
While there is no Wi-Fi, there are 240-volt outlets in cabins to keep devices charged. Electricity may be subject to fluctuations, so a surge protector is recommended.
What should I pack for The Ghan? Are there luggage limits?
Temperatures vary significantly on The Ghan as you travel from one end of the country to the other. You should pack for both warm and cool climates. Expect mid-30° temperatures in Darwin and Katherine, and 4° nights and early mornings around Marla or Manguri. On board temperatures average 22° thanks to air conditioning.
Most travellers opt for smart casual attire aboard The Ghan. Make sure to pack a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy full-length pants, closed-in walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and SPF30+ sunscreen for your Off Train Experiences. Add a fleece or jacket, gloves and a beanie for cooler morning or evening experiences.
Please note that The Ghan has luggage limits for both checked and carry-on luggage.
You can go on a discovery walk at Simpson's Gap when the train stops at Alice Springs.
How much are tickets for The Ghan?
Ticket prices vary depending on your journey and any add-on experiences you choose. If you’re considering a northbound journey, 2026 currently offers the best‑value pricing.
RACV Members save on The Ghan trips with RACV Travel and Experiences.
What else is there to see and do in Adelaide?
Adelaide has become one of Australia’s leading cultural and lifestyle destinations, with plenty of boutique shopping, art museums, festivals and beaches. Adelaide is one of the best road trip destinations from Melbourne thanks to sinkhole-filled Mount Gambier and internationally acclaimed wine district McLaren Vale. From Adelaide, you can explore the Flinders Ranges, explore the picturesque Adelaide Hills region, the travel the Limestone Coast.
There’s an experience to suit everyone, including an off-road mountain bike adventure.
What else is there to see and do in Darwin?
Darwin is a former frontier outpost that has grown into the Northern Territory’s capital. From Darwin, you can explore Litchfield National Park and Kakadu National Park’s incredible waterfalls, lush rainforests, ancient rock art and dramatic landscapes. Tiwi Islands, the ‘Island of Smiles’ full of thriving Indigenous culture, is just a ferry ride away. In the city itself, visit the hair-raising Crocosaurus Cove and the Darwin Royal Flying Doctor Service. If you’re after adventure, try the Darwin Airboat Tour through the mangroves – or, if you prefer luxury, book onto the Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise.
