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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Great Ghan Adventure

Independent 8-day Ghan train journey from Darwin to Adelaide

Illustration of The Great Ghan Adventure

Railbookers operates this independent, 8-day, 7-night rail adventure across Australia's outback, from Darwin to Adelaide. The trip opens with two nights in Darwin, including a Hop-on Hop-off city tour, before travelers board The Ghan for a four-day, three-night journey in Gold Service, complete with a private cabin and chef-prepared meals in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant. Along the way, off-train excursions reach Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, the outback town of Alice Springs, and the underground opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, with an outback barbecue dinner beneath the stars on day 4. The Ghan arrives in Adelaide for a two-night stay, where travelers explore the Central Market, the Art Gallery of South Australia, or the wine regions of McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley on their own. With a multi-night train journey at its center, this trip suits travelers who want to see Australia's outback overland rather than by air.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence is inconsistent about which off-train excursions (Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy) are included versus optional; confirm exactly what's included with Railbookers before booking.
  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this package; confirm current dates and pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Darwin

    Darwin

    Get your bearings in Australia's only tropical capital city along the Timor Sea in the Northern Territory. You'll be welcomed by innovative museums showcasing the region's Indigenous art, street-side bars and restaurants, and Mindil Beach's night markets.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Darwin

    Darwin

    Tour Darwin today and learn all there is to know thanks to your including Hop-on Hop-off pass. You'll discover a natural wonderland that is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, native birds, and crocodiles. Later, prepare for tomorrow's train journey onboard The Ghan.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard the train

    Overnight Onboard The Ghan

    Climb onboard the Ghan for your epic four-day, three-night train adventure. Once on the train, staff will show you through the corridors to your private cabin. Take your chef-prepared lunch this afternoon in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant before arriving in Katherine for your first included off-train excursion to Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park.

  4. Day 4overnight: Onboard the train

    Overnight Onboard The Ghan

    Wake up early to catch an outback sunrise. Today's full-day optional excursion to Alice Springs invites you to explore the town. Come evening, you'll dine beneath the stars during an authentic outback BBQ accompanied by music.

  5. Day 5overnight: Onboard the train

    Overnight Onboard The Ghan

    Today's optional, full-day excursion takes you to Coober Pedy, a town famous for its underground homes and churches, and its opal mines. Then, prepare for your final evening onboard the Ghan. Dine in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.

  6. Day 6overnight: Adelaide

    Adelaide

    Welcome to the lively city of Adelaide. Featuring an enjoyable Mediterranean climate, miles of beautiful coastline, green parks, a vibrant arts and music scene, delicious cuisine, and some of the world's best wine. Explore on your own by checking out Central Market, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide Oval, or the Adelaide Zoo.

  7. Day 7overnight: Adelaide

    Adelaide

    Discover must-experience attractions just outside of the city on your own. Dreaming of cuddling a koala, the opportunity is available at the Cleland Wildlife Park in Adelaide Hills. So is some of Australia's best wine tasting, especially at McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley.

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in Adelaide

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Boarding The Ghan for a four-day, three-night journey, with a chef-prepared lunch in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant and an off-train excursion to Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park.
  • Day 4An early outback sunrise, an optional full-day excursion to Alice Springs, and dinner beneath the stars at an outback barbecue with music.
  • Day 5An optional full-day excursion to Coober Pedy, a town known for its underground homes, churches, and opal mines, before a final dinner onboard The Ghan.
  • Day 7Optional day trips from Adelaide to Cleland Wildlife Park or to taste wine in McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Darwin
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Adelaide
  • 3 nights onboard The Ghan in Gold Service
  • Full day city tour and jumping Crocs experience in Darwin
  • Optional excursions in Katherine including Cruise to Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park
  • Alice Springs and outback tour with BBQ dinner
  • Tour of Coober Pedy
  • Morning city tour of Adelaide

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, with 3 nights onboard The Ghan in Gold Service, including a private cabin.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is independent; Adelaide sightseeing and the day 7 wildlife park and wine region visits are on your own, though several off-train and city excursions are organized for you.
What class is The Ghan?
Gold Service, with a private cabin and chef-prepared meals in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.
What off-train excursions does the trip offer?
A Katherine Gorge cruise in Nitmiluk National Park, a full-day excursion to Alice Springs with an outback barbecue dinner, and a tour of Coober Pedy; the evidence is not fully consistent on which of these are included versus optional, so confirm with Railbookers.
Is there an option to see Uluru?
Yes. A scenic wing flight to Uluru, including lunch and aerial views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, is available as an optional extra.
How many nights of accommodation are included?
7 nights total: 2 in Darwin, 3 onboard The Ghan, and 2 in Adelaide.

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