Regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, the Ghan has become synonymous with being the most luxurious way to explore the Northern Territory - and it's about to celebrate its 90th year on the tracks.
From humble beginnings, the Ghan has journeyed through desert and jungle to become a unique way to see outback Australia.
The journey will take you from South Australia’s verdant vineyards and rugged coastline through to the Northern Territory’s red centre and onto Darwin’s tropical surrounds.
This is where it all began.
Origins of the Ghan
The Ghan's history is as long as its near 3000km track.
As European explorers forged their way into the Red Centre in the 1800s, Middle Eastern handlers with their camels travelled along as guides and stock carriers through the shifting desert sands.
The camel teams would later play an essential role delivering food and supplies to the railwaymen laying tracks where before there were only footprints.
The vision was for a rail line tracing from the south of Australia, stretching to the uppermost point of Darwin.
The track reached the centre of the continent in 1929 and a train carrying a smattering of passengers, livestock and goods bound for Alice Springs departed on its inaugural journey that year.
Somewhere along the line, the train was dubbed The Afghan Express - shortened to The Ghan.
The track would only become transcontinental in 2004.
The Ghan name stands as a reminder of the cameleers whose efforts connected Australians across a vast and unforgiving land.
Over the decades, The Ghan has played host to pioneers, jackaroos, adventurers and royalty.
Now regarded among the world’s greatest rail journeys, The Ghan is still the ultimate way to share in the spirit of the Outback.
| Ghan Facts | |
| Symbol | The camel and it’s handler in recognition of the pioneering Afghan cameleers |
| Departure days | Darwin - Wednesday Alice Springs - Thursday (southbound), Monday (northbound) Adelaide - Sunday |
| Standard Configuration | The train’s average length is 889m and average weight is 1730 metric tonnes (based on 36 carriages and 2 locomotives) |
| Length of Journey | 2979km one way |
The Ghan today
From camels to luxury carriages, the Ghan experience has changed from its humble beginning
Aboard the train, you can expect all-inclusive hospitality that’s second-to-none. You’ll dine on regional cuisine that reflects the areas the Ghan travels through and you can sate your thirst in the Outback Explorer Lounge.
And while there’s plenty of time to take in the passing landscape, you’ll get the opportunity to immerse yourself beyond the tracks with included Off Train Excursions.
Cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge and view Aboriginal art that’s thousands of years old or visit an authentic Outback station to bear witness to extraordinary teamwork between man and horse.
In Alice Springs, the choice is yours. Marvel at the towering rock face at Simpsons Gap or visit the Alice Springs Desert Park where you’ll watch an impressive bird of prey show.
Take to the back of a camel for a different look at the MacDonnell Ranges or hit the dirt tracks on a mountain bike.
