The Ghan

About the The Ghan

A journey on board The Ghan is an iconic Australian experience; a legendary rail journey which captures the spirit of adventure of the Afghan cameleers after whom the train is named.

More than 120 years ago, before a road or rail infrastructure was developed, camel drivers came to Australia from Afghanistan to lead camel trains throughout outback Australia, transporting supplies to regional towns, mines and cattle stations. The railway line was opened in 1929, with the train dubbed the Afghan Express, or ‘Ghan’, and ran initially from Adelaide to the remote town of Stuart, later renamed Alice Springs. A mere 75 years later, the railway line was completed with the opening of the Alice Springs to Darwin route.

Today, regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, and the ultimate in relaxed travel, an overnight journey on board The Ghan is a true highlight of Distant Journeys’ tours of Australia and never fails to amaze our guests.

Whether you choose the rail journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs, which forms part of our Wonders of Australia tour, or the crossing from Alice Springs to Darwin, which is included on our Very Best of Australia tour, you can look forward to an amazing experience both on and off the train.

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.

Your Journey

Life on board The Ghan is the ultimate in slow travel – with no phone signal or Wi-Fi, you can switch off, go incommunicado and lose yourself in a reverie as you gaze through the window at the glorious scenery unfolding before you with every passing kilometre. Along your journey, depending on your choice of itinerary, you will either stop in the desert after dinner, to take in the velvety night sky studded with stars; alight the train before dawn to watch the sunrise in the heart of the Australian outback; or explore the pristine wilderness of Katherine with a cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge.

Dining

One of the undoubted highlights of your journey will be the quality of the food and wines you enjoy. Using the finest locally sourced ingredients chefs create innovative, regionally-inspired menus accompanied by all-inclusive fine wines and beverages. Expect to find delicious menus such as a South Australian seafood tasting plate, or a regional Barossa Valley cheese plate paired with outstanding local wines.

Outdoor Explorer Lounge

The social hub of the train and the place to get to know your fellow travellers. The lounge has comfortable seating and picture windows to soak up the amazing views over morning coffee or a pre-lunch aperitif. By night, the Outback Explorer Lounge is where guests gather before dinner and relax over a nightcap before retiring to bed.

Travel in Comfort and Style

Our guests travel in style on board The Ghan, in Gold Service accommodation. Enjoy your own private cabin with a dedicated Cabin Steward. You won’t find a television in the cabin, so your cabin provides the perfect place to relax and recharge as the outback passes by.

Gold Twin Cabins

• 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

Gold 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

Gold Inclusions

• All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant. Hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners.
• All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages in the Outback Explorer Lounge