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The Ghan Expedition & Indian Pacific – Darwin to Perth 2026

Coast-to-coast Australian rail journey on The Ghan and Indian Pacific

Illustration of The Ghan Expedition & Indian Pacific – Darwin to Perth 2026

Journey Beyond Rail operates this 8-day rail journey from Darwin to Perth, joining two of Australia's named cruise trains end to end. The first three nights are aboard The Ghan Expedition, travelling through the Red Centre with Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and the underground opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, including a gourmet lunch served below ground. After brunch through the Flinders Ranges, the train reaches Adelaide for two nights at the Crowne Plaza before boarding the Indian Pacific for the final two nights, crossing the Nullarbor Plain to Cook and Rawlinna before arriving in Perth. All meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences aboard both trains are included. This trip suits travellers who want an inclusive, hosted way to cross the Australian continent by rail, with one free day in Adelaide for those who prefer to set their own pace partway through.

What to know before you look closer

  • Included meals are 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners across the 8 days; some lunches and dinners, including on the free day in Adelaide, are not included.
  • The evidence available does not list specific 2026 departure dates for this itinerary; confirm scheduling directly with Journey Beyond Rail.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: 3 nights The Ghan Expedition

    Board The Ghan Expedition in Darwin

    Board The Ghan and settle in before an Off Train Experience in Katherine (Nitmiluk Gorge cruise, Katherine Outback Experience, or Cutta Cutta Caves; optional helicopter upgrade).

  2. Day 2rail

    The Ghan Expedition, Alice Springs

    Choice of Off Train Experience in Alice Springs (e-bike adventure, Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service tour, Standley Chasm, Desert Park, Simpson's Gap, or optional scenic flight). Evening dining experience at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station under the stars.

  3. Day 3rail

    The Ghan Expedition, Coober Pedy

    Morning stop at Manguri, then Off Train Experience in the underground opal-mining town of Coober Pedy (Breakaways, town tour, Opal Experience, or optional Painted Hills/Lake Eyre scenic flight). Gourmet lunch underground.

  4. Day 4overnight: 2 nights Crowne Plaza Adelaide

    The Ghan Expedition, Adelaide

    Brunch on board through the Flinders Ranges, arrive Adelaide, transfer to accommodation.

  5. Day 5

    Adelaide

    Free day at leisure; optional McLaren Vale Winery Experience ($235pp).

  6. Day 6overnight: 2 nights Indian Pacific

    Board The Indian Pacific in Adelaide

    Delicious welcome dinner before joining the Indian Pacific.

  7. Day 7

    Indian Pacific, Nullarbor

    Cross the Nullarbor Plain, calling at Cook; signature dinner at Rawlinna (seasonal).

  8. Day 8

    Indian Pacific, Perth

    Brunch on board through the Avon Valley before arriving Perth.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Ghan Expedition departs Darwin, and Katherine offers a choice of Off Train Experiences including a cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge.
  • Day 3The Ghan Expedition stops at Manguri for an Off Train Experience in the underground opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, followed by a gourmet lunch served underground.
  • Day 6Travelers board the Indian Pacific in Adelaide after a welcome dinner.
  • Day 7The Indian Pacific crosses the Nullarbor Plain, calling at Cook, with a signature dinner at Rawlinna offered seasonally.
  • Day 8Brunch is served on board through the Avon Valley before the Indian Pacific arrives in Perth.

Included

  • 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?
From A$7,690 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $5,516 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is train travel included?
Yes. The fare includes 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide and 2 nights aboard the Indian Pacific from Adelaide to Perth, with all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences included on board.
Which trains are used?
The Ghan Expedition runs Darwin to Adelaide, and the Indian Pacific continues Adelaide to Perth.
What hotel is included?
Two nights at the Crowne Plaza Adelaide, including breakfast daily, between the two train journeys.
What is not included?
Some lunches and dinners are not included (only 4 lunches and 5 dinners are provided across the 8 days), and optional extras such as helicopter flights, scenic flights, and the McLaren Vale Winery Experience cost extra.

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