The Ghan Expedition
Discover the Australian outback aboard The Ghan train
The Ghan, Australia's railway from Darwin to Adelaide, is named after Afghan cameleers and explorers who helped build Australia's vast outback infrastructure between mid 19th century and early 20th century.
Over the course of 4 days and 3 nights, Platinum Members get to embark on a luxurious train journey and experience unforgettable off-train adventures to famous outback towns such as Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy.
Day 1 - Departure from Darwin to Katherine
At 1000 hours, your journey aboard the legendary Ghan begins at Darwin Rail station.
You will be welcome by the friendly staff who will lead you through corridors to your comfortable private cabin. You may take some time settling in and explore the amenities as the view outside of your window begins its smooth and spectacular transformation.
Lunch in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant is bound to satisfy and delight with culinary wonders prepared onboard by talented chefs. All food is included in your fare, from a hearty full cooked breakfast to a delectable 3 course dinner.
And as you sit back and loosen your belt, you'll have arrived in Katherine, ready to experience your first Off Train Excursion to the magnificent and spiritual Nitmiluk(Katherine) Gorge.
Back on board, you will return to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant to enjoy your dinner as the sun sets over the Outback.
In the evening, back in your room, you will find your bed turned down. As the train rolls soothingly onwards, fell asleep in awe of wonders seen, and excited by those yet to come.
Day 2 - Arrival at Alice Springs
In the heart of Australia lies Alice Springs, an oasis in the true sense of word.
Surrounded by red dirt and hautingly beautiful mountain ranges, wake up to the beauty of Alice Springs. After coffee, a juice or sumptuous breakfast, you will be ready for another day of exploration.
A full day of touring in Alice Springs gives you ample opportunity to visit the town landmarks, get up close and personal with Australia’s incredible flora and fauna.
Day 3 - Arrival at Coober Pedy
After breakfast, your guide awaits and is ready to whisk you away for the day to the sun-scorched opal mining capital of the world, Coober Pedy.
An underground town in the outback desert, Coober Pedy is one of Australia’s most unusual places. In a bid to avoid the heat, much of the town has been built underground.
Venture into the tunnels and caves of this underground town, where you may even catch opal fever as you mine for riches, visit the otherworldly underground Serbian Orthodox church and take a glimpse of Umoona Opal Mine. Enjoy a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations before setting off to the stunning Outback.
Return on board after an eye-opening action-packed day. You will enjoy some leisure time to prepare yourself for your final evening onboard The Ghan.
Day 4 - Arrival at Adelaide
Looking out of your window this morning, you will realize a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the Outback make way for the beautiful green fields and pastoral lands of South Australia.
After breakfast, you will have some time to reminisce on your journey before The Ghan rolls into Adelaide.
1050 Hours, arrival into Adelaide.
Friendly staff onboard will assist you off the platform and a private transfer will be waiting to escort you to the airport or your accommodation in the city.
To make a booking, please contact The Platinum Concierge at 1800 392 1177.
The maximum occupancy per cabin is 2 people. E.g. 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child.
The Off-Train Excursion is based on shared tour basis with the other passengers onboard.
There is a Outback lounge where you can enjoy the views outside of the train and meet new people onboard. There are books and board games available at the lounge as well.
Smoking is strictly prohibited onboard the train, including in between the carriages and in the toilets.
There is no WiFi available on-board the train. You will be travelling to some of the most remote and isolated locations in Australia, where 3G / 4G coverage services are at times intermittent. While you may receive coverage at least once a day, we encourage guests to unplug from your devices, relax and fully experience the historic charm of rail travel.
All of the Ghan crew are trained in First Aid. A First Aid kit is stored onboard the train.