Regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, The Ghan delivers so much more than an extended train ride. Prepare to journey deep into the heart of Australia on the legendary Ghan, accessing parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to, while offering the perfect balance of comfort and adventure.

Distant Journeys are proud to offer some of the world’s best rail tours across our destinations. Travelling on this iconic train, you can enjoy the comfort and solitude of your private cabin, socialise in the relaxing lounge, or simply gaze out of the window at your ever-changing landscape.

Itinerary

Adelaide to Alice Springs
Day 1: Depart Adelaide
Step aboard the legendary Ghan at noon. Once you’ve settled into your private cabin, venture to the classically styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant carriage for a delicious lunch, accompanied by your choice of fine wines. With all meals and beverages included in your Platinum or Gold Service fare, you can afford to leave your credit card tucked away in your cabin.

Watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia merge into rugged mallee scrub. Marvel as the spectacular Flinders Ranges disappear into the horizon, all the while enjoying the solitude of your cabin, reading or catching up on your favourite podcast, then mingling with fellow travellers in the Lounge car for afternoon tea.

A three course meal in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant is bound to satisfy and as darkness falls outside the train’s windows, talk inevitably turns to the impressive outback gourmet menu. Entrees include a South Australian Regional Seafood Tasting Plate, a succulent rack of lamb for mains, and your choice of desserts including a regional cheese plate with Barossa Valley brie, Limestone Coast clothed cheddar and Lobethal goat blue.

The selection of wines is equally outstanding and staff are expert in helping you find the perfect drop to match your meal. For those with a little steam left in the engine, make new friends in the Lounge or if all that mouth-watering food and sightseeing has taken it out of you, head back to your cabin for a good night’s sleep in anticipation of a striking outback sunrise.

Day 2: Alice Springs
Wake up with a coffee or juice and witness an unforgettable outback sunrise at our new morning stop in Marla in the remote reaches of SA. Back on board, it’s time for brunch. Enjoy a light bite from the extensive menu or order something a little more substantial – perhaps a full breakfast complete with eggs just the way you like them. And while you’re in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant why not try the Belgium chocolate waffle with strawberries, chocolate sauce and double cream? You are on holiday after all! After a few more coffees, fresh juices and more incredible outback scenery, you’ll be arriving in iconic Alice Springs.

Alice Springs to Darwin
Day 1: Depart Alice Springs
Step aboard the legendary Ghan at noon. Once you’ve settled into your private cabin, venture to the classically styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant carriage for a delicious lunch, accompanied by your choice of fine wines. With all meals and beverages included in your Platinum or Gold Service fare, you can afford to leave your credit card tucked away in your cabin.

Watch the dramatic Outback landscape disappear into the horizon, all the while enjoying the solitude of your cabin, reading or catching up on your favourite podcast, then mingling with fellow travellers in the Lounge car for afternoon tea.

A three course meal in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant is bound to satisfy and as darkness falls outside the train’s windows, talk inevitably turns to the impressive outback gourmet menu. Entrees include a South Australian Regional Seafood Tasting Plate, a succulent rack of lamb for mains, and your choice of desserts including a regional cheese plate with Barossa Valley brie, Limestone Coast clothed cheddar and Lobethal goat blue.The selection of wines is equally outstanding and staff are expert in helping you find the perfect drop to match your meal.

For those with a little steam left in the engine, make new friends in the Lounge or if all that mouth-watering food and sightseeing has taken it out of you, head back to your cabin for a good night’s sleep in anticipation of a striking outback sunrise.

Day 2 Darwin
After breakfast, The Ghan arrives into Katherine, where we disembark and have the opportunity to visit nearby Nitmiluk National Park, home to the spectacular Katherine Gorge. The gorge is a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved over many millions of years by the Katherine River. As we cruise up Katherine River, calls of the cicada resonate across the water between the towering sandstone cliffs. Listen to stories of how the gorge was named, whilst marvelling at the sheer walls, etched by time and the elements, and home to a myriad of plant and animal life. Afterwards we return to The Ghan in time for a delicious lunch and continue our journey to Darwin.

Gold Service
Settle into your Gold service cabin and enjoy the following:

  • Comfortable sleeper cabins – upper and lower berths convert to a three-seater lounge by day
  • All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
  • All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
  • All-inclusive Off Train Experiences
  • Power outlets in cabin
  • In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary available

Gold Premium Service
Enhance your experience by upgrading to Gold Premium service and benefit from:

  • Priority luggage check-in
  • Newly renovated modern cabins with premium luxuriously soft linen and silk eye masks
  • Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Dining carriages
  • Two-course, regionally inspired lunches and four-course dinners
  • All-inclusive premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
  • All-inclusive Off Train Experiences and preferences on tour selections
  • Power outlets in cabin
  • In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary available

Twin Facilities

  • Upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day 
  • Private en suite bathroom with toilet, washbasin and shower 
  • Power outlets in cabin 
  • In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary available 

Single Cabins

  • A bed that converts to a seat by day 
  • Washbasin and vanity unit 
  • Shared shower/toilet facilities located at either end of the carriage 
  • Power outlets in cabin 
  • In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary available

Onboard Experience
Embark on your journey aboard the Ghan, watch the outback unfold through the big screen window of your cosy, well-appointed cabin. The perfect blend of comfort and adventure all in one. Put your feet up and relax knowing your chosen onboard experience is all included, with a range of world-class food and wine.

Off Train Experience
Explore the remote areas of Australia by choosing from a range of included off train experiences.

Gold Service Dining
Enjoy an all inclusive menu featuring mouth-watering dishes cooked from fresh local ingredients. Breakfasts, two course lunches and three course dinners along with a choice of a selection of all inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.

Gold Premium Dining
Indulge in an all inclusive carefully selected premium dining experience from delicious breakfasts to two-course regionally inspired lunches and delectable four-course dinners with a selection of all inclusive premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.

Outback Explorer Lounge
Enjoy breathtaking views as you make friends with fellow travellers in the lounge, open from breakfasts until late evening. Choose from a selection of all inclusive beers, Australian wines, soft drinks, and standard spirits.

Gold Premium Lounge
Relax in the gold premium lounge from breakfast to late evening whilst indulging in a diverse selection of all inclusive premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages served by your onboard train crew. Form friendships with other travellers aboard the train.