The Legendary Ghan Adelaide to Darwin by Rail

Your journey begins in Adelaide with a welcome experience before you step aboard The Ghan and settle into the rhythm of life on the rails. Watch the countryside roll past from the comforts of your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the lounge carriage as the train makes its way north.

By early evening, arrive at Long Plains before continuing by coach into the rolling vineyards of the Clare Valley, one of South Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. Here, a signature dinner awaits in a reimagined Woolshed, set amongst the picturesque surrounds. With a menu of seasonal produce grown and curated exclusively for guests of The Ghan, every dish is drawn from the farm and paired with the Clare Valley’s celebrated Rieslings and reds under the guidance of Executive Chef Nicola Palmer. As the sun sets over the vines, raise a glass to the days of discovery ahead.

Meals: Dinner

This morning, wake to the changing countryside as The Ghan arrives into Port Augusta, South Australia’s gateway to the outback. After a hearty breakfast, step off the train and prepare for a full day discovering one of the nation’s most remarkable regions: the Flinders Ranges.

Your Off Train Experience takes you deep into one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, where 600 million years of geological history has folded the land into dramatic gorges and red rock outcrops. Stand amid ancient rock formations and take in a landscape millions of years in the making.

From here, head to the historic town of Quorn, once a vital crossroads on the Trans-Australian Railway and home to the heritage Pichi Richi line. Settle in for a delicious lunch paired with the botanicals of Flinders Gin, then visit the ruins of Kanyaka Station to hear stories of the broken dreams of colonial farmers in this harsh and unrelenting landscape. Rejoin the train for a relaxed dinner on board recalling the day’s adventures.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a night of fine dining and comfort aboard The Ghan, wake to a spectacular outback sunrise at Marla, a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border and gateway to the legendary Oodnadatta Track. With red dirt beneath your feet and a bonfire casting warmth into the cool morning air, pause to take in the stillness of this extraordinary place.

Back on board, enjoy a leisurely brunch as the journey continues north and the desert landscape unfolds. Arriving in Alice Springs, choose from a range of Off Train Experiences that reveal the history, culture and character of this remarkable outback town. Take a guided town tour and gain a deeper sense of place, from its pioneering history to the people and stories that have shaped Alice Springs, or venture into the West MacDonnell Ranges for a guided experience at Simpsons Gap or Standley Chasm, where towering red rock walls and ancient landscapes hold deep spiritual significance for the Arrernte people. At Alice Springs Desert Park, encounter native wildlife and the unique ecosystems of Central Australia, while those seeking a different perspective can upgrade to a scenic helicopter flight over the surrounding ranges, taking in their scale and rugged beauty from above.

By late afternoon, return to the train with time to freshen up for dinner and another unforgettable evening on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Your final day begins in the tropical north, where the landscape gives way to rocky escarpments and fast-flowing canyon streams. Enjoy breakfast on board as The Ghan makes its way south towards Katherine.

Here, the choice is yours as to how to explore this remarkable region. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge, uncovering its deep beauty and cultural significance. Step into the Katherine Outback Experience for an authentic glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home. Or venture underground to the Cutta Cutta Caves, where fascinating limestone formations, native wildlife, and stories of Indigenous culture are waiting to be shared. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and take in the scale of Nitmiluk’s 13 gorges from above.

After your day’s adventures, return to the train and journey onwards to Darwin, where your unforgettable journey of exploring Australia by train draws to a close.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch