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Fred. Holidays (Fred. Rail Journeys) · Luxury rail journey

The Ghan

Luxury rail crossing Australia vertically from Darwin to Adelaide

Illustration of The Ghan

The Ghan, operated by Fred. Holidays, is a four-day luxury rail crossing that travels vertically through Australia from Darwin to Adelaide over three nights. The train traverses approximately 3000 kilometres through Australia's Red Centre, stopping at Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, and the Flinders Ranges. The journey is named in memory of Afghan camel drivers who accompanied colonial explorers. Days are structured around guided Off Train Experiences: on Day 1, guests can cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge near Katherine; Day 2 features a guided walk at Alice Springs deep in the outback, followed by star-gazing; Day 3 includes sunrise at Manguri and opal-mining excursions at Coober Pedy. All three nights are spent aboard the train in the Edwardian-style dining car, where evening meals feature indigenous flavours and produce. The train can extend over one kilometre in length at full capacity. This journey suits luxury seekers, repeat rail travellers, food enthusiasts, and photographers drawn to desert landscapes and the Australian interior.

What to know before you look closer

  • The northbound journey (Adelaide to Darwin) takes two nights; the southbound journey (Darwin to Adelaide, called The Ghan Expedition) takes three nights as shown in this itinerary.
  • You can board or disembark at Alice Springs for a shorter journey, but only on the northbound direction.
  • Off Train Experiences are included but involve choices at three stops; confirm which excursions appeal to you before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: On board

    Darwin to Katherine

    Board at Darwin station with refreshments and live entertainment before departure. Travel through tropical Northern Territory to Katherine, with a choice of Off Train Experiences including a cruise through the Nitmiluk Gorge. Evening meal on board in the Edwardian-style dining car.

  2. Day 2railovernight: On board

    Alice Springs

    The train pulls into Alice Springs, deep in the outback, for a guided walk or a choice of other included excursions. After dinner on the train, enjoy a star-gazing experience under the outback skies.

  3. Day 3railovernight: On board

    Manguri and Coober Pedy

    Sunrise at the outback post of Manguri, then on to the opal mining town of Coober Pedy for further Off Train Experiences, before a final dinner on board.

  4. Day 4

    Flinders Ranges to Adelaide

    The deep ochre tones of the Red Centre give way to the green fields and winelands of South Australia. A final brunch is served while travelling through the Flinders Ranges before arriving into Adelaide.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board at Darwin station with live entertainment before departure; choice of Off Train Experiences includes a cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge.
  • Day 2Train pulls into Alice Springs in the heart of the outback for guided walks and other included excursions; star-gazing experience follows dinner.
  • Day 3Sunrise at the outback post of Manguri, then explore the opal mining town of Coober Pedy with included Off Train Experiences.
  • Day 4Final brunch served while the train travels through the Flinders Ranges and green winelands before arriving in Adelaide.

Included

  • Evening meals on board in the Edwardian-style dining car
  • Off Train Experiences (choice of excursions at Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy)
  • Star-gazing experience in the outback
  • Final brunch on board

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included in the price?
Yes. The journey from Darwin to Adelaide aboard The Ghan includes all three nights of rail travel, meals on board, and Off Train Experiences.
What is included in the journey?
Evening meals in the Edwardian-style dining car, Off Train Experiences with choice of excursions at Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy, a star-gazing experience under the outback skies, and a final brunch on board.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
The train includes guided Off Train Experiences such as a guided walk at Alice Springs and a Nitmiluk Gorge cruise at Katherine. The journey is structured as a luxury rail experience with included activities.
How long is the journey and where does it travel?
The journey is four days and three nights, travelling approximately 3000 kilometres from Darwin south through Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, and the Flinders Ranges to Adelaide.
Can I take a shorter journey?
Yes. You can board or disembark at Alice Springs for a shorter journey, but this option is available on the northbound direction only (Adelaide to Darwin).
What accommodation is provided?
All three nights are spent on board The Ghan in cabins aboard the train. Pre- and post-travel hotel stays can be arranged as optional extras.

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