Journey Beyond Rail · Rail journey

The Ghan Expedition

Four-day rail journey from Darwin to Adelaide through Australia's outback

Illustration of The Ghan Expedition

Journey Beyond Rail's The Ghan Expedition is a 4-day, 3-night all-inclusive train journey running between Darwin and Adelaide from April to October, covering 2,979 kilometres through Australia's remote interior. You spend three nights in a private cabin aboard The Ghan, with all meals, fine wines, and beverages included throughout. The journey alternates between onboard relaxation and guided off-train experiences: on Day 1, you cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge from Katherine to explore its natural landscape and Indigenous heritage; Day 2 brings a full day of excursions around Alice Springs, culminating in a barbeque dinner under the stars at the historic Telegraph Station; Day 3 takes you to the underground opal mining town of Coober Pedy for a gourmet lunch served below ground. The trip suits repeat rail travellers and food-and-wine enthusiasts who want a premium, guided experience combining rail comfort with immersive regional exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • Advance Purchase fares are subject to availability; prices may change and further booking conditions apply.
  • Single cabin prices (from AUD 3,235) are considerably lower than the single everyday rate (AUD 3,595), but availability is limited.
  • The optional scenic flight to Uluru is not included in the standard package price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: The Ghan

    Darwin and Katherine

    Morning departure from Darwin; settle into your private cabin, mingle with fellow travellers and sample the onboard food, wine and service. Lunch is served before an early afternoon arrival at Katherine, with a relaxing cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge exploring its natural wonders and Indigenous culture. Dinner is served as the sun sets over the outback.

  2. Day 2overnight: The Ghan

    Alice Springs

    Wake to a morning view of the Red Centre for a full day of excursions in Alice Springs, with an optional scenic flight upgrade to Uluru, before a barbeque dinner under the stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

  3. Day 3railovernight: The Ghan

    Manguri and Coober Pedy

    Morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri before venturing into the opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half the residents live underground, including a gourmet lunch served underground. Dinner is served back on the train.

  4. Day 4

    Adelaide

    Leisurely brunch on board ahead of a mid-morning arrival into Adelaide.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge from Katherine, exploring its natural wonders and Indigenous culture before dinner at sunset.
  • Day 2Full day of excursions in Alice Springs with the option of a scenic flight to Uluru, culminating in a barbeque dinner under the stars at the historic Telegraph Station.
  • Day 3Visit the underground opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half the residents live underground, and enjoy a gourmet lunch served below ground.

Included

  • 4 days / 3 nights aboard The Ghan
  • All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages
  • A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
  • Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy
  • Evening Off Train Experience in Manguri

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The Ghan Expedition includes 4 days and 3 nights aboard the train with all meals, wines, and beverages, plus off-train experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, Manguri, and Coober Pedy.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Journey Beyond Rail operates this as an all-inclusive rail journey with guided off-train experiences at each major stop.
What accommodation is provided?
You sleep in a private cabin aboard The Ghan for all three nights. Cabin categories range from Gold to Platinum, with single and twin options.
When does The Ghan Expedition run?
Departures operate from April to October 2022, with lowest fares in April, September, and October.
What is the lowest price?
Gold Twin Advance Purchase fares start at AUD 3,595 (approximately USD 2,494) for the lowest season, subject to availability.
What kind of walking is involved?
Off-train experiences include a Nitmiluk Gorge cruise, walking tours in Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, and an evening visit to Manguri. An optional scenic flight to Uluru is available.

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