“Over my 13 years as Head of Australia for House of Travel, I’ve been lucky to experience countless 'pinch-me' moments exploring this incredible country. When I had the chance to join The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide, I knew it would be a highlight—and it absolutely exceeded all expectations.”
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What it's really like to travel on The Ghan: Australia's Iconic Luxury Train Journey
What is The Ghan and why is it one of Australia's most iconic train journeys?
Crossing Australia by train on The Ghan: routes, experiences and highlights.
What it's like on board The Ghan: a real traveller experience.
From the moment she stepped aboard in Darwin, the journey felt special. The train’s art deco-inspired interiors pay homage to the golden age of rail, while still offering modern comforts.
Her Gold Premium cabin balanced style and practicality, with thoughtful details including:
- A spacious private ensuite
- Consistent hot water and strong shower pressure
- Comfortable seating that converts for overnight travel
All while the vast Outback landscapes unfolded just beyond the window.
Life on board The Ghan: What to expect day-to-day
Life on The Ghan quickly settles into a relaxed rhythm of scenery, socialising and exceptional service.
Shortly after departure from Darwin, Julia made her way to the lounge carriage:
“I enjoyed a barista-made flat white while meeting fellow travellers. The social atmosphere is one of the highlights—especially for solo travellers.”
The experience is designed to feel:
- Social without being overwhelming
- Relaxed, with no rigid schedules
- Comfortable for couples, solo travellers and groups
From morning coffees to evening drinks, the lounge carriage becomes a central hub where conversations flow as easily as the landscapes outside.
Gourmet dining on The Ghan: what food is included?
Dining on The Ghan is a standout highlight, and far from your typical train experience.
Forget buffets. Meals are:
- À la carte and chef-prepared
- Inspired by regional Australian produce
- Paired with premium Australian wines
“I kept wondering how they created such incredible dishes in a train kitchen - it was restaurant-quality every time.”
Each meal reflects the regions you travel through, adding another layer to the journey. Food on The Ghan is all-inclusive and served à la carte, featuring regionally inspired Australian cuisine and premium wine.
Highlights of The Ghan: unique experiences you won’t forget.
Starry Outback skies and an Alice Springs BBQ
One of the standout moments is the outback BBQ at the historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs.
- Freshly prepared Australian BBQ
- Live music under the stars
- Historical storytelling from the region
The evening is capped off with a stargazing experience led by a local astronomer, offering a rare look at the vast Southern Hemisphere sky.
Off-train excursions: What do you actually do?
One of the biggest surprises for many travellers is how immersive The Ghan’s off-train experiences are.
Before departure, guests select from a range of included excursions tailored to different interests and activity levels.
All standard excursions are included, with optional upgrades such as:
- Scenic flights
- Helicopter tours
Despite the scale of the train (up to 36 carriages and nearly 1km long), everything runs seamlessly.
Nitmiluk National Park: Katherine Gorge cruise.
Cruising through Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) is a highlight of the journey.
- Glide through ancient sandstone gorges
- Learn from local guides
- See Aboriginal rock art and cultural sites
“It was incredible to experience the history and scale of the landscape up close.”
Alice Springs: Walking tours and Red Centre landscapes
In Alice Springs, walking tours offer a deeper look into the Outback:
- Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges
- Discover desert ecosystems and billabongs
- Enjoy scenic photography opportunities
Coober Pedy: Australia’s underground town
The stop in Coober Pedy is unlike anywhere else.
- Visit underground homes (dugouts)
- Learn about opal mining culture
- Experience life in extreme desert conditions
The day ends at Manguri siding with:
- A bonfire under the Outback sky
- Drinks and sunset views
- A memorable final evening on board
Is The Ghan worth it?
For travellers seeking a unique, comfortable way to see Australia’s interior, The Ghan is widely considered a bucket-list experience.
It’s particularly suited to:
- Couples and solo travellers
- Luxury and experiential travellers
- Those wanting to explore remote Australia without self-driving
What makes it stand out:
- Seamless, all-inclusive experience
- Access to remote destinations
- Balance of comfort, culture, and adventure
Yes, The Ghan is worth it for travellers seeking a luxury, all-inclusive way to explore Australia’s Outback with unique experiences and guided excursions.
The Ghan: Frequently asked questions
Yes, they’re the same train but with different itineraries!
- The Ghan Expedition: A 3-night southbound journey from Darwin to Adelaide, including a stop in Coober Pedy and a special Aussie BBQ dinner in Alice Springs.
- The Ghan: A 2-night northbound trip from Adelaide to Darwin, without the Coober Pedy stop or BBQ dinner.
Cabin types vary mainly in layout and amenities. During the day, each cabin is set up lounge-style, and your bed is prepared during dinner. Here’s a quick guide to each:
- Platinum – Ideal for those wanting extra space and a touch of luxury. The cabin has a spacious double or twin bed with soft linen. These cabins book up quickly!
- Gold Premium – Newly designed with a contemporary feel, this cabin includes upper and lower berths with luxurious bedding.
- Gold Twin – A comfortable option with a three-seater lounge by day and upper and lower berths at night.
- Gold Single – A cozy, compact cabin with a single lounge chair by day and a single bed by night. Bathrooms for Gold Single cabins are shared and located at the end of the carriage.
All Platinum, Gold Premium, and Gold Twin cabins have en-suite bathrooms.
Storage space is limited, so pack a carry-on-sized bag with what you’ll need during the journey. Larger suitcases can be stored in the undercarriage and will be waiting for you at your final destination.
There’s no formal dress code, just dress comfortably and neatly. There’s a touch of elegance in the experience, but no need to “dress for dinner.”
he train ride is smooth with minimal swaying, thanks to the straight tracks. Those with mobility issues may need a bit more time moving between carriages, but the enclosed space and flexible flooring help. Some older guests with walkers managed just fine, often with a little assistance from the friendly crew or fellow travellers. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are also available in limited numbers.
Note: Most cabins have upper and lower berths. If climbing a ladder isn’t ideal, consider a Platinum cabin or two Gold Single cabins.
The beds are incredibly comfortable, with lovely linens and pillows. Keep in mind the "first night, worst night" rule, as it can take a little time to adjust to the gentle movement of the train. Some find the rhythm soothing but if you’re noise-sensitive, consider these pro tips:
- Bring earplugs if you're noise-sensitive, as the train does stop and start overnight.
- Enjoy the complimentary nightcap—it helps with relaxation!
Most travellers range from 50 to 90 years old and include a mix of couples, solo travellers, and even multi-generational groups like mothers and adult daughters. It’s a great blend of people all there to enjoy a unique and memorable experience!
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