Ghan

Explore the wonders of Australia’s vast interior on one of the world’s most renowned rail journeys – The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide. Beginning in Darwin, this four-day, all-inclusive expedition takes you to some of the most remote and captivating parts of Australia. Operating April to October, your adventure through the country’s vast, varied, and captivating interior will demonstrate the true meaning of the Australian outback. In the Northern Territory, explore Katherine and Alice Springs, where you’ll enjoy a signature dining experience at The Historic Telegraph Station, and in South Australia, stop at Manguri and Coober Pedy before reaching your final destination of Adelaide.

Day 01 KATHERINE	Celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome drink and light refreshments and pause for a photo with The Ghan’s iconic red locomotive before stepping on board, Settle into your home for the next few days, enjoying the comforts of your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. As The Ghan begins to travel south, a chef-prepared lunch awaits before your Off Train Experience in Katherine. Here you’ll choose how to explore this remarkable region. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge and uncover its deep cultural significance. Alternatively, step into the Katherine Outback Experience for an authentic glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home. Or venture underground at 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 from above. (L,D)
	Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise INCLUDED IN FARE Set off on a tranquil cruise down the Katherine River, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this ancient landscape. As you glide through the serene waters, the towering cliffs of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) unfold, revealing millennia of geological transformation. Sail through the First and Second Gorge, with the calls of cicadas echoing off the cliffs and the soothing sound of water lapping against the boat. As you journey, learn about the cultural significance of Nitmiluk to the Jawoyn people, the traditional custodians. Hear stories passed down through generations, offering a glimpse into their deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land. Guests are required to walk approximately 1 km on this experience over rocky paths. Guests must be able to board and disembark the boats unassisted.
	Nitmiluk Rock Art Cruise INCLUDED IN FARE (SEASONAL) Explore the rich cultural heritage of Nitmiluk Gorge on a unique cruise, where ancient Indigenous rock art and Dreamtime stories come to life. Glide along the calm waters of the First Gorge, surrounded by majestic sandstone cliffs as your expert guide shares the significance of the landscape to the Jawoyn people, traditional custodians of the land. Along the way, hear Dreamtime stories about the gorge’s creation, deepening your connection to this sacred place. A highlight of the journey is a stop at a remarkable rock art site atop the First Gorge, where artwork over 10,000 years old offers a direct link to the enduring Jawoyn culture. Your guide will explain the spiritual and cultural meaning of the art, enhancing your understanding of the Jawoyn people’s deep bond with the land. Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests are required to walk approximately 500 m on this experience over rocky paths, including climbing 28 steps. Guests must be able to board and disembark the boat unassisted.
	Cutta Cutta Caves INCLUDED IN FARE (SEASONAL) Explore the extraordinary Cutta Cutta Caves, formed millions of years ago. Located 15 metres below the surface, these caves sit within 1,499 hectares of limestone landscape, providing an unforgettable experience for all visitors. On this 60-minute adventure, marvel at stunning stalactites and stalagmites shaped over millennia, creating a breathtaking underground world. The caves are also home to diverse wildlife, including rare bats and birds, with the occasional brown tree snake resting on a cave ledge, highlighting the unique biodiversity of this environment. On the return journey to the Ghan, enjoy a short stop at the Katherine Outback Experience. Here, skilled trainers showcase live performances, often from horseback, offering a lively glimpse into life on a working cattle station. This engaging experience combines the sights and sounds of the outback with the energy of Australian country music, connecting visitors to local culture in a memorable way. Recommended Fitness Level: High – Guests are required to navigate steep stairs upon entry on this underground experience. Enclosed footwear is mandatory for safety reasons.
Day 02 ALICE SPRINGS	Wake to the wide-open skies of the outback as The Ghan draws closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. After a hearty breakfast on board, step into the heart of Central Australia with a choice of Off Train Experiences designed to suit every traveller. Take to the red dirt on an off-road e-bike adventure, join the A Town Called Alice tour to uncover the town’s major landmarks, or immerse yourself in culture with a guided journey through Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. Here, sheer rock walls blaze red in the sunlight and ancient landscapes hold deep spiritual significance for the Arrernte people. Wildlife lovers can meet desert creatures at Alice Springs Desert Park, while those seeking a grander perspective can opt for a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. As night falls, the hallmark experience of The Ghan Expedition awaits. At the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, dine beneath a canopy of stars, surrounded by the red earth of the desert. With white tablecloths, fine food and live entertainment, it’s an evening you’ll never forget. (B,L,D)
	A TOWN CALLED ALICE INCLUDED IN FARE* Alice Springs invites you to uncover its rich history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes at the heart of the Australian outback. Begin at the Alice Springs School of the Air, the world’s largest classroom, where innovation has delivered education across 1.3 million square kilometres since 1951. Discover how this iconic institution continues to inspire students in the remote outback. Next, explore the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a lifeline for Australia’s most isolated communities. Interactive exhibits reveal the critical healthcare and emergency services connecting the outback to lifesaving care. Finally, visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, home to fascinating native creatures like frill-neck lizards and thorny devils. Learn from experts about their unique behaviours and habitats, celebrating the region’s remarkable biodiversity. Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – multiple coach stops through your experience, some walking and standing for short periods required.
	DESERT PARK INCLUDED IN FARE* (MOBILITY FRIENDLY) Nestled at the foot of the West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs Desert Park is a registered botanic garden offering an immersive journey through Central Australia’s unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Discover the deep connection between the land, wildlife, and the traditions of the local Arrernte people as you explore three distinct desert habitats – Desert Rivers, Sand Country, and Woodland – each showcasing the resilience of life in the arid outback. Prepare to be amazed by a thrilling free-flight display featuring desert raptors, showcasing their impressive hunting and survival techniques. This captivating performance not only highlights the beauty and agility of these magnificent birds but also offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access, allowing you to meet the birds and their trainers. Step inside the Nocturnal House, where you can observe iconic creatures such as the bilby and mala wallaby. Witness their fascinating nocturnal behaviours and learn about the essential role they play in the ecosystem, further enriching your experience at this remarkable park dedicated to preserving and celebrating Central Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. Recommended Fitness Level: Low to Moderate – Guests are required to walk between 1 and 4 km on this experience, along gravel and sandy pathways, broken into shorter distances.
	WEST VENTURES INCLUDED IN FARE* Nestled in Simpsons Gap, this tour offers a unique blend of nature and Indigenous culture. Rich in Mulga stands, the area supports over 40 rare plant species and a vibrant wildlife ecosystem. Known as Rungutjirpa to the Arrernte people, the Gap is a sacred site and the mythological home of giant goanna ancestors, with Dreaming trails reflecting the deep spiritual connection between the land and its people. Embark on a bush walk through this stunning landscape, guided by a local Arrernte who will share the area’s cultural significance. Hear stories about the people’s connection to the land, learn about bush tucker, and discover the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The towering rock formations and serene waters provide a breathtaking setting for this enriching journey. Continue to Standley Chasm, traditionally known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’ or ‘Gap of Water’. Towering at 80 metres and just 3 metres wide, this geological wonder has been shaped by millions of years of rainfall and floods, revealing vibrant sandstone colours that shift throughout the day. As you explore, an expert guide will explain the cultural significance of the site to the Western Arrernte people. Learn about traditional bush tucker, survival skills, and the deep spiritual connection the Arrernte maintain with this sacred landscape. Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests are required to walk approximately 3 km on this experience over uneven and rocky terrain, with periods of standing required.
	Telegraph Station Outback Dinner INCLUDED IN FARE After a day of touring, sit back and relax under a blanket of stars at a truly unique dinner experience. Be immersed in the history and grandeur that is the Australian Outback.​ Step back in time as you walk around the historic Telegraph Station site, gaining an understanding of early settler life. Learn about the importance of the Telegraph Station in building a communication network across the country and connecting to the rest of the world.​ You can also watch the local blacksmith crafting away using traditional tooling and methods.
Day 03 COOBER PEDY	Today brings you to the extraordinary outback town of Coober Pedy, where life is anything but ordinary. Known as the opal capital of the world, this desert settlement hides its treasures both above and below, and more than half the population live underground. Your adventure begins with a morning stop at the remote outpost of Manguri to take in the sunrise, before continuing on to Coober Pedy for a day of exploration. A highlight is a gourmet lunch enjoyed underground, a dining experience as unique as the town itself. Off Train Experiences include visiting the striking Breakaways, uncovering the town’s quirky attractions, or learning the fascinating history of opal mining on the Opal Experience. For an unforgettable view, upgrade to a scenic flight over the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre. Back on board for your final night, dinner is served in the dining carriage before one last nightcap in the lounge with fellow travellers as The Ghan journeys towards Adelaide. (B,L,D)
	EXPLORE COOBER PEDY INCLUDED IN FARE Embark on a full-day adventure through Coober Pedy’s underground world, where history, architecture, and cultural heritage converge in the outback. Begin with a visit to the Serbian Orthodox Church, a stunning underground sanctuary, where stained-glass windows cast vibrant hues across the stone walls, creating a serene atmosphere. Next, explore the town’s opal mining legacy at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, where you’ll discover life in a traditional ‘dugout’ home and learn about the town’s Indigenous connections and the role opal mining played in its transformation. Continue to Quest Mine, where you’ll don a hard hat and try opal mining yourself, experiencing the excitement and challenges miners face. Afterward, enjoy an underground lunch surrounded by the region’s fascinating geology. Finish the day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Breakaways, a vast landscape of flat-topped mesas that showcase the raw beauty and geological history of the outback. Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests will be required to climb coach stairs, with multiple stops included throughout the experience. Some walking and standing for short periods will be required.
	DISCOVER THE MAJESTIC BREAKAWAYS INCLUDED IN FARE Discover the stunning Breakaways Reserve, a natural wonder of colourful low hills that seem to have ‘broken away’ from the higher ground. Once part of an ancient inland sea, this striking landscape evolves over time, offering a constantly changing panorama of ochre, rust, and green. Continue to Quest Mine, where you’ll don a hard hat and try opal mining yourself, experiencing the excitement and challenges miners face. Afterward, enjoy an underground lunch surrounded by the region’s fascinating geology. Next, explore the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, learning about opal’s significance to the region and the Indigenous culture. The guided tour takes you through the original underground dugout homes and tunnels, highlighting Coober Pedy’s opal mining legacy. Recommended Fitness Level: High – Guests are required to walk approximately 1 km on this experience, with short periods of standing required.
	OPAL EXPERIENCE INCLUDED IN FARE Experience Coober Pedy’s unique charm on this engaging shorter tour showcasing its opal mining history and underground lifestyle. Begin at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, where you’ll explore the fascinating world of opal mining and see stunning opal specimens. The museum’s historical artefacts and underground caverns offer a glimpse into Coober Pedy’s distinctive charm, including one of the original underground homes. Next, head to Quest Mine, where you’ll don a hard hat and try opal mining yourself, experiencing the excitement and challenges miners face. Afterward, enjoy an underground lunch surrounded by the region’s fascinating geology. Finish with a visit to the Big Winch, offering panoramic views of Coober Pedy and the surrounding outback, a symbol of the town’s thriving tourism industry. Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests will be required to climb coach stairs, with multiple stops included throughout the experience
Day 04 ADELAIDE	This morning, you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the Flinders Ranges before arriving in Adelaide. Stepping off the train, you’ll carry more than memories of extraordinary landscapes. You’ll take with you the stories shared, the connections made, and the sense of wonder that only a journey through the heart of Australia can bring. (B)

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