“The Ghan” is a symbol of Australian trains. This transcontinental route allows passengers to experience authentic Australian scenery, from the lush and wonderful scenery of the inland forests, to the dense tropical regions of the north. It is one of the top ten scenic train routes in the world.
“The Ghan” is named after the Afghan camel drivers who helped pioneer and build infrastructure in the interior regions of Australia from the 1860s to the early 20th century. Spanning approximately 3,000km, it is one of the world’s top train journeys. Departing from the picturesque hills and plains of rural South Australia, it travels through the vast expanse of Australia to the rusty red centre and the tropical forests of the far north. Along the way, passengers can explore famous inland towns such as Alice Springs and Katherine while enjoying the camelback heritage and scenery.
The Ghan Train Cabins
There are 3 types of cabins (daytime seating converts to beds at night). All cabins include all meals, beverages, and off-train activities (upgrades available for a fee).
Platinum (with either a double bed or twin beds) – Includes VIP transfers, breakfast in the cabin, the ability to view the scenery from both sides of the train, and a cabin space that is almost twice the size of Gold Twin. Passengers can also enjoy drinks and meals in the Platinum Lounge.
Gold Twin – Includes transfers to and from Darwin, access to the Outback Explorer Lounge and Queen Adelaide Restaurant, and bunk beds at night. Each cabin has a private bathroom.
Gold Single – Includes transfers to and from Darwin and shared bathroom facilities at the end of the carriage.
There is also a Superior cabin option, but availability is limited and difficult to reserve, so it will not be discussed here!
Route of The Ghan Train
The train runs three main routes:
The Ghan – a three-day, two-night journey with seven meals, travelling south to north from Adelaide to Darwin, operating from February to November (avoiding the hot and rainy season in Darwin). Passengers can experience a sunrise at Marla, with tea and snacks served beside the train. The journey departs every Sunday, with prices starting at 1919 AUD per person.
The Ghan – a three-day, two-night journey with seven meals, travelling north to south from Darwin to Adelaide, operating in February, March, and November. Passengers can enjoy afternoon tea with champagne at Manguri, beside the train. The journey departs every Wednesday, with prices starting at 1919 AUD per person.
The Ghan Expedition – a four-day, three-night journey with nine meals, traveling north to south from Darwin to Adelaide, operating from April to October. In addition to the above routes, this journey includes a dinner at Alice Springs’ oldest telegraph station and lunch underground in Coober Pedy. Passengers can also upgrade to a flight to Uluru. The journey departs every Wednesday, with prices starting at 2829 AUD per person.
The Ghan Train Reviews – What we think about The Ghan
The accommodation conditions in Platinum are comparable to those of a five-star hotel! The mattress and bedding were of high quality, and toiletries were provided. The crew was also very attentive. Although the train has limited space, we could feel that every detail on the train was well thought out.
The ticket includes three meals, and each meal can be enjoyed in the bright dining carriage, where the food is decent Western cuisine with various courses, including appetisers, main dishes, and desserts. The Platinum passengers can also order unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It was very satisfying to enjoy a nightcap and wake up to freshly brewed coffee in the morning!
In the morning, the train stops at a small station called Marla. Everyone gathers to have breakfast and watch the sunrise on the desert. In the afternoon, there are off-train activities available in Alice Springs, including cultural landscapes, hiking, camel riding, and scenic flights (with additional fees).
There is an off-train experience in Katherine, which includes boat tours, performances, and small plane rides, before arriving in Darwin in the evening.
The entire journey, including transportation, meals, and off-train activities, is included in the ticket price. The staff members are very friendly and accommodating. They will even tell you to help yourself to the drinks, snacks, and other refreshments in the train’s refrigerator at night. The experience feels like living in a free utopia.
The overall experience is excellent! The only small problem is that there is no internet access for most of the trip since the train travels through remote areas. Although there is Wi-Fi on the train, it is not always reliable. However, living without the internet for 3 days in the midst of nature is also a beautiful experience. During leisure time, you can sit by the window and enjoy the scenery or chat with other travellers.
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