The Ghan

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The Ghan - sister train to the trans-Australian Indian Pacific - intersects Australia vertically, travelling for two (northbound – The Ghan) or three (southbound – The Ghan Expedition) nights over distances of around 3000km between the coastal capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin, right through Alice Springs and Australia’s “Red Centre”, and on to Adelaide on the south coast.

The Ghan is an abbreviation of “The Afghan Express”, so-called in memory of the Afghan camel drivers who accompanied colonial explorers in the nineteenth century. As you wait to board at the station with a cold refreshment accompanied by live entertainment, you can take in the size of the train, which can reach lengths of over a kilometre at full capacity!

Once on board, there’s time to settle into your modern cabin as the train departs Darwin and make its way through the greenery of tropical Northern Territory to Katherine where there is a choice from a selection of Off Train Experiences, including cruising through spectacular russet-coloured cliffs of the Nitmiluk Gorge in the extensive national park of the same name.

Once back on board, there’s ample opportunity to watch the sun set over unmistakably Australian vistas ahead of an exquisite evening meal in the Edwardian-style dining car, with dishes inspired by indigenous flavours and produce.

On Day 2, the sun glints off the sparkling silver carriages as the train pulls into Alice Springs, deep in the heart of this enormous country, where you’ll have the chance to take a guided walk in the arid landscape of choose from other included excursions. In the evening, after dinner on the train, you’ll enjoy a star-gazing experience like no other under the huge skies of the desolate outback.

Day 3 begins with sunrise in the outback post of Manguri, before heading to the opal mining town of Coober Pedy, where there are more Off Train Experiences to choose from, before your final dinner on board.

Day 4 sees a distinct change in scenery as the deep ochre tones of the Red Centre give way to the luscious, green fields and winelands of South Australia. There is one last delicious brunch as you glide through the dramatic Flinders Ranges before rolling into Adelaide and the conclusion of your epic journey.

We can arrange pre- and post- travel hotel stays, flights and further exploration around Australia on a tailor-made holiday, please call our team of helpful specialists to help you build this train into your dream holiday.

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Helpful Tips

Darwin-Adelaide: departs every Wednesday and Saturday March - November
Adelaide-Darwin: departs every Sunday and Wednesday during operational season March - November
Also possible to board or disembark in Alice Springs for a shorter journey (northbound only)
The train has limited Wi-Fi access in lounge areas subject to signal strength particularly in outback areas

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