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Journey Beyond Rail · Rail journey

Alice Springs to Darwin 2026

The Ghan overnight rail journey through Australia's Northern Territory

Illustration of Alice Springs to Darwin 2026

Journey Beyond Rail's The Ghan delivers a premium overnight rail journey across Australia's Northern Territory, departing Alice Springs in the early evening and arriving in Darwin the following day, with a stop in Katherine. The 2-day, 1-night trip is all-inclusive: modern Australian cuisine and local fine wines accompany you on board, and meals are served throughout. On arrival in Katherine, you choose between a cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge with Jawoyn cultural commentary, a visit to the region's ancient Indigenous rock paintings, or an exploration of Cutta Cutta Caves. The train features Gold, Gold Premium, and Platinum twin cabins, each offering a different level of on-board comfort and service. This journey suits rail travellers seeking refined accommodation and meals in one compact overnight experience, couples looking for a intimate rail escape, and food-and-wine enthusiasts drawn to regional Australian hospitality.

What to know before you look closer

  • Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability; prices vary by season (March and November are lowest; May to August are highest).
  • The journey is short at 2 days and 1 night; this is a single train segment, not a multi-week rail holiday.
  • Off-train experiences in Katherine are included, but a helicopter flight upgrade is optional and costs extra.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: The Ghan

    Alice Springs

    Early evening departure from Alice Springs Terminal. Modern Australian cuisine and regional fine wines on board, with time to socialise before retiring to the cabin for the night.

  2. Day 2

    Katherine and Darwin

    The landscape gives way to rocky escarpments and fast-flowing canyon streams. A cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge with cultural commentary on the Jawoyn people, the Katherine Outback Experience, or the Cutta Cutta Caves, with an optional helicopter flight upgrade. Continue on to Darwin, where the journey concludes.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Early evening departure from Alice Springs Terminal aboard The Ghan; modern Australian cuisine and regional fine wines served on board before retiring to your cabin.
  • Day 2Cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge with cultural commentary on the Jawoyn people, or explore Katherine's ancient Indigenous rock paintings and Cutta Cutta Caves.

Included

  • All meals, fine wines and beverages aboard The Ghan
  • Off Train Experiences in Katherine

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. All tickets include all meals, fine wines, and beverages aboard The Ghan, plus off-train experiences in Katherine.
Which train operates this journey?
The Ghan, operated by Journey Beyond Rail, runs from Alice Springs to Darwin with stops in Katherine.
What cabin classes are available?
Gold Twin Cabin, Gold Premium Twin Cabin, and Platinum Twin Cabin. Prices range from AUD 1,790 (advance purchase) to AUD 5,590 (Platinum, peak season).
What activities are included in Katherine?
Choose from a cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge with cultural commentary, viewing ancient Indigenous rock paintings, or visiting Cutta Cutta Caves. A helicopter flight upgrade is optional.
How long is the journey?
2 days and 1 night aboard the train, departing Alice Springs in the early evening and arriving in Darwin on day 2.

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