An icon of Australian rail travel, ride the rails of history aboard The Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin, this epic 3 day, 2 night journey will take you to some of the most remote yet captivating parts of Australia in style and luxury. If you’re seeking a truly authentic Australian adventure, following the footsteps and camel tracks of our fledgling nation’s heroic pioneers, The Ghan is heralded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys.
Regarded as one of the world’s greatest train journeys, The Ghan delivers so much more than an extended train ride. It promises access to parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to – the perfect balance of comfort and adventure, culminating in an experience that will move you in every sense of the word. In 2019, The Ghan marked 90 years of outback crossings. Much has changed since 1929, and today The Ghan offers more than transit between Adelaide to Darwin and vice versa. Onboard you will find sumptuous dining, elegant private cabins, attentive service, and the camaraderie of your fellow travellers. And when the train stops, the adventures begin. Choose from a range of included Off Train Experiences to create a rewarding personal journey through Australia’s outback and beyond. Travel on The Ghan or book The Ghan Expedition – an extended journey – as the foundation for your next adventure. Your rail journey can also be enhanced with a choice of tailored holiday packages. Please contact your local RAC Travel Centre or call 1300 655 179 for more information.
Gold Service inclusions:
For Gold Twin, a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day
For Gold Single, a compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage
Power outlets in cabin
In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary available
All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
All-inclusive Off Train Experiences
Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre
Gold Premium Twin inclusions:
A newly designed, contemporary cabin that converts from a lounge by day into sleeping berths at night
Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen and silk eye masks
Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage
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
75kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 25 kg each)
Priority luggage check-in
Power outlets in cabin
In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin and Brisbane to selected hotels in the city centre
Platinum Service inclusions:
All-inclusive dining, beverages, and Off Train Experiences
Spacious double or twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Service Twin cabin
By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans
By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
En suite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet and Australian bathroom amenities
Power outlets and in-cabin safe
In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
Panoramic windows offering views from both sides of the train
Access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining and socialising
Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin
Refreshments served in-cabin
Transfers at the start and end of your journey available for guests within 60 km of the terminal
90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each)
Adelaide - Darwin
The Ghan
This itinerary can also be done in opposite direction departing Darwin. Darwin to Adelaide departures are available in March 2024 and March & November 2025 only, departing Darwin on Wednesdays.
Day 1: Depart Adelaide
Departing Adelaide, what lies ahead is rugged, beautiful and spectacular – through the Red Centre to the tropical north of Australia. Settle into your cabin and watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia from your window or meet your fellow travellers in the lounge car. Before long some of the oldest rock formations in the world, the Flinders Ranges, come into view. As darkness envelops the rugged outback, it’s time to indulge in a regionally inspired dinner and all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.
Day 2: Alice Springs
Begin with a freshly brewed coffee or juice as the day dawns at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. It is here, deep inland, that you will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, as you watch the desert come to life at sunrise. All aboard for brunch as you make your way through the MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs where a choice of Off Train Excursions awaits. Alice is an iconic Red Centre outpost. 1,500 kilometres from the nearest major city, it may be remote, but offers plenty to explore – home to doctors who fly, rivers that run dry, and a cast of colourful characters. Your time in the ‘capital out of the outback’ offers numerous opportunities to explore its historic legacy and unique environment.
Day 3: Katherine and Darwin
Your day dawns in the tropical north. The pristine wilderness of Katherine is stirring and powerful, and you’ll have the chance to explore it from the water on an Off Train Experience. Cruise the jaw dropping Nitmiluk Gorge, learn more about its ancient Indigenous rock paintings and gain insight into the culture of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawoyn people. As evening falls, arrive in Darwin to complete your epic Australian journey.
2025 Fares and Timetable
Departs Adelaide on Sundays (March - November 2025) and Wednesdays (April - October 2025) Arrives in Darwin on Tuesdays (March - November 2025) and Fridays (April - October 2025)
The Ghan also operates in opposite direction Darwin to Adelaide. Departures are available in March & November 2025 only, departing Darwin on Wednesdays.
Cabin Type
Adelaide - Darwin
Fare Type
Shoulder Season
(Mar - Apr & Sep - Nov 25)
High Season
(May - Aug 25)
Gold Twin
Advance Purchase
$2890
$3190
RAC Member Fare
$3220
$3410
Everyday Fare
$3390
$3590
Flexible Fare
$3790
$4090
Gold Single
Advance Purchase
$2590
$2890
RAC Member Fare
$2840
$3125
Everyday Fare
$2990
$3290
Flexible Fare
$3390
$3690
Gold Premium Twin
Advance Purchase
$3490
$3790
RAC Member Fare
$3790
$4170
Everday Fare
$3990
$4390
Flexible Fare
$4490
$4890
Platinum Service
Everyday Fare
$5190
$5490
Flexible Fare
$5990
$6290
Prices are per person, one way.
Advance Purchase: Are you booking at least 6 months in advance? Please enquire about the Advance Purchase Fare to get the lowest price! For Advance Purchase Rail Journeys, full payment will be required at the time of booking and a stricter cancellation and amendment policy applies.
Everyday Fare: For Everyday Rail Journeys, you may pay in two parts, a deposit at time of booking and the balance no later than 45 days prior to departure. Everyday Fares are generally a bit more expensive than Advance Purchase Fares but offer more flexible cancellation and amendment policy.
RAC Member Fare: The RAC Member Fare is based on the Everyday Fare. The same terms and conditions apply but as a RAC member you save 5% off the Everyday Fare.
Flexible Fare: For Flexible Rail Journeys, full payment will be required at the time of booking, however the fare is fully refundable if cancelled 1 or more days prior to departure.
For detailed terms and conditions please enquire with your local RAC Travel Centre or call 1300 655 179.
*Advertised price is per person based on Advance Purchase in a Gold Single Cabin for travel in March - April 2025 & September - October 2025. Other travel dates available at seasonal surcharge. For Advance Purchase Fare full payment is required at time of booking. 100% cancellation fees apply 14 days after booking.
^RAC member discount applies only to Gold Twin and Gold Single Cabins as well as Gold Premium Twin Cabins booked on Everyday Fare only and is not combinable with any other discount. For the Everyday Fare a non-refundable 25% deposit is required at time of booking, balance due 45 days prior departure. Timetables and Off Train Experiences are subject to change without notice. Standard Journey Beyond terms and conditions apply. Credit card fees may apply to your booking. Other terms and conditions apply, for full terms and conditions please visit RAC Travel general terms and conditions.