The Ghan Expedition Darwin To Adelaide | Journey Beyond
Departure Times
Journey from Darwin to Adelaide through the heart of the Outback on the iconic Ghan Experience!
- 4-day, 3-night train journey through the remote Outback wilderness
- All-inclusive journey with private cabins and incredible catering
- Off-train experiences at Nitmiluk Gorge, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy
- A high-class yet adventurous way to travel through Australia's Outback
Save money by booking your journey at least 6 months prior to travel with advanced purchase rates! Chat with our travel agents for more info.
Cross the Australian Outback in style onboard the Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide. Board the sleek, luxurious train in Darwin and embark on an epic journey through the Top End, Red Centre, and South Australia. Hop off the train for mindblowing experiences and adventures in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy, with the option to add spectacular scenic flights.
Onboard the Ghan, you can rest in comfort with a lovely private cabin and option to socialise with other travellers. Enjoy regionally-inspired meals, all-inclusive fine wines and beverages, and impeccable service. There is no more refined and elegant way to travel through the Outback!
Highlights
- 4 days and 3 nights aboard the Ghan
- Hotel pick-up in Darwin
- Private cabin with turn-down service
- All-inclusive meals and beverages
- Air-conditioned train run by attentive staff
- Nitmiluk Gorge cruise in Katherine
- Alice Springs activities and dinner under the stars
- Coober Pedy exploration
- Optional scenic flight upgrades for Uluru and other locations
- See glorious Outback sunrises and sunsets
- Premium experience in Australia's most remote regions
Sample Itinerary
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Day 1: Darwin and Katherine
Depart from Darwin in the morning after a convenient hotel pick-up and welcome experience. Board the iconic Ghan train and settle into your private cabin. As the train begins to travel through the Outback, you'll get a front-row seat to the remote and majestic passing scenery. Feast on freshly prepared meals inspired by the nearby regions and dabble in the all-inclus...
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Day 1: Darwin and Katherine
Depart from Darwin in the morning after a convenient hotel pick-up and welcome experience. Board the iconic Ghan train and settle into your private cabin. As the train begins to travel through the Outback, you'll get a front-row seat to the remote and majestic passing scenery. Feast on freshly prepared meals inspired by the nearby regions and dabble in the all-inclusive beverage menu.
In the early afternoon, the Ghan will stop in Katherine for your first off-train experience. Explore the small township and learn about the unique culture, history, flora, and fauna of Australia's Top End. Cruise through the dramatic landscapes of Nitmiluk Gorge by boat, watch the sunset over the Outback wilderness, and return to your turned-down cabin for a cosy night's sleep aboard the Ghan.
Day 2: Alice Springs and Uluru
Wake up to the rich red desert of the Red Centre! Now that you're well-rested from your first night on the Ghan, make the most of your day in Alice Springs. You'll have the day to explore the highlights of Alice Springs, the heart of the Red Centre. Upgrade your experience with an optional scenic flight to Uluru, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Dinner tonight will take place outside under the vast starry sky at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. A classic Aussie BBQ under the stars in the midst of the desert really embodies the spirit of the Outback.
Settle in for another relaxing night in your cabin as the train continues south towards Maguri.
Day 3: Manguri and Coober Pedy
Start your third day in the Outback with a brief stop at the remote outpost Manguri before heading to Coober Pedy. This unique opal mining township in the middle of the desert is famous for having the majority of its infrastructure and residents underground. Venture down into the underground world of Coober Pedy, explore, and have a gourmet lunch. Then return to the train for dinner, sunset views, and a peaceful final night on the Ghan.
Day 4: Arrive in Adelaide
On your final day aboard the Ghan, you'll arrive in Adelaide around mid-morning. Take the early hours of the day to relax, enjoy one last delicious meal, and soak in the last of the Outback scenery from the comfort of your railcar.
Accommodation
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The Ghan offers Gold, Gold Premium, and Platinum cabins that you can choose upon booking.
Read our detailed guide to accommodation and fare options for more information about cabin options!
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The Ghan offers Gold, Gold Premium, and Platinum cabins that you can choose upon booking.
Read our detailed guide to accommodation and fare options for more information about cabin options!
Departs/Returns
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The Ghan Darwin to Adelaide journey runs from April to October.
Wednesday Departures
- 10:00am Wednesday - depart Darwin
- 10:50am Saturday - arrive Adelaide
Saturday Departures
- 9:00am Saturday - d...
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The Ghan Darwin to Adelaide journey runs from April to October.
Wednesday Departures
- 10:00am Wednesday - depart Darwin
- 10:50am Saturday - arrive Adelaide
Saturday Departures
- 9:00am Saturday - depart Darwin
- 11:50am Tuesday - arrive Adelaide
More Information
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What To Bring
- Comfortable clothes for the duration of your journey
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Photo ID for check-in
- Day bag or backpack for off-train experiences
- Sun protection including hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Camera
- Chargers
- Water bottle (though bottled water is provided)
- Card for optional upgrades
- Headphones, books, or entertainment for the journey
What's Included
- Transfer from Darwin hotel to Welcome Experience and Da...
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What To Bring
- Comfortable clothes for the duration of your journey
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Photo ID for check-in
- Day bag or backpack for off-train experiences
- Sun protection including hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Camera
- Chargers
- Water bottle (though bottled water is provided)
- Card for optional upgrades
- Headphones, books, or entertainment for the journey
What's Included
- Transfer from Darwin hotel to Welcome Experience and Darwin Rail Terminal
- 4 days and 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition
- Comfortable private cabins with turn-down service
- Hairdryer and travel-sized amenities in cabins (shampoo, conditioner, and lotion)
- 9 delicious meals from a regionally-inspired menu
- All-inclusive fine wines, beverages, and bottled water
- Off-train experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy
- A fabulous dinner under the stars in Alice Springs
What's Extra
- Souvenirs
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Optional activities
- Nitmiluk Gorge scenic flight in Katherine
- Scenic flight to Uluru from Alice Springs
- Coober Pedy scenic flight
Terms and Conditions
Terms & Conditions
All information provided at any time by Outback Tours and our affiliates is subject to these Terms & Conditions. This includes but is not limited to tour information, pricing, blog posts, travel advice, itinerary information and availability.
Your Responsibilities
Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip.
You must reconfirm all booked tours and itineraries prior to travel as specified on your voucher or ticket. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Outback Tours/Mr Travel and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.
It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers/tickets are correct.
It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and the individual tour check-in agent, before boarding, of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.
You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. Please refer to the specific tour page for full check-in instructions. Guests unable to attend their ticketed tour, transport or accommodation due to delay or lateness will not be eligible for a refund.
If you are undertaking any scuba diving activities, please read and meet the scuba diving medical requirements and information before travel.
Prices/Extra Costs
All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.
We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.
Accountability/Misconduct
All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based on feedback from other Service Operators.
Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.
Outback Tours/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.
Travel Risk/Insurance
It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances.
Guests embarking on activities such as scuba diving, jet skiing, skydiving and hiking experiences should purchase insurance appropriate for the risks involved with these activities.
Transport
It should be noted that any transport you have booked (buses, flights and ferries) through Outback Tours is non-refundable and non-transferable. It might be possible to change flights however do note this must be done directly with the flight operator and we are unable to offer any support with this. This may incur change fees or cancellation fees, it depends on the T+Cs of the flight operators themselves. As we acted as a booking agent for you, it is possible to liaise with the airline directly should there be any unexpected events and the airline is forced to cancel your flights. If there are any changes to your flight times or days, we will get notified and send this email directly to you in a reasonable time.
Merchant Fees
Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.
Other
Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change.
All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.
Transfers
The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies. Not all tours offer transfers, please refer to the individual product to see if this is applicable to your tour.
Itinerary tours, accommodation and transport subject to change
Any specific accommodation, tours, transport, activities or product listed in our itineraries is subject to change according to availability. Our travel agents will do their best to secure you the specific listed accommodation, however, if not possible according to availability, Outback Tours reserves the right to swap and substitute certain products for similar experiences, accommodation or transport that works with your timeframe.
Information & Advice
All information, advice or pricing provided by Outback Tours and our affiliates, or through any of our team, is subject to change. Outback Tours articles and products are provided online for general information purposes only and are intended as guides. Any advice interpreted from information on the website (including but not limited to financial, immigration, employment and tax information) is not specialist advice and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional instruction. Outback Tours does not guarantee that any information provided is up-to-date or accurate. Please obtain professional advice before actioning any advice, including but not limited to tax, immigration, employment, travel restrictions and finances.
Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:
Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value.
E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.
You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.
Cancellations
Client Cancellations
All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made within 60 days of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price
Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers' discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee.
It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to: admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.
Supplier Cancellations
The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.
All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.
All add-on activities (including but not limited to scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, helmet diving, guided snorkel tours, banana boat rides and waterslides) are subject to availability and price changing, and may not be available during your tour without notice. Guests are not eligible for refunds on the grounds of non-operating extra activities.
In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Outback Tours/Mr Travel online department.
Refunds
All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Outback Tours/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.
Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.
You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.
Thank you for booking with our Australian travel experts here at Outback Tours/Mr Travel. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Happy travels!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are flexible fares available?
Yes, the Ghan offers saver, everyday, and flexible fares. Flexible fares allow for free cancellations and changes to your reservation up to 1 day before departure! Find more info about the different fare types in this detailed guide.
What are the price differences between cabins and flexible vs. saver fares?
The Ghan has a huge variety of price options based on cabin choice and whether you want a flexible fare. The prices that you can book on this product are everyday fares. Contact our travel experts for a quote, or refer to this 2024 rates sheet!
What is the temperature like on the train?
The train stays at a consistent 22 degrees. Compared to the hot desert weather outside, it may feel chilly so bring a light jacket or sweater to stay warm if needed.
Are any toiletries included in the cabins?
Each cabin has a hairdryer and travel-sized amenities including shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.
What type of clothes should we pack?
Pack clothes that suit the different climates of your train journey. For the Darwin to Adelaide journey, you'll be crossing through the tropical Top End, the arid Red Centre, and the temperature city of Adelaide. Check the local weather alerts and climates for the different regions and pack accordingly!
Some people also enjoy dressing up for dinner on the Ghan, as it is an upscale experience. This isn't required, but pack some nice outfits if you want to dress up! Comfortable shoes are a good idea though as the train is constantly moving and walking between carriages may be hard in high heels.
Is there Wifi and mobile phone service?
While travelling through the remote Outback landscapes, Wifi and mobile phone service can be spotty. There may be reception in some places, but expect to lose signal throughout the journey. Take this opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the Outback scenery instead!
Can we charge devices on the train?
Yes, each cabin has outlets for charging electronics.
Do we need to bring money?
The Ghan train experience is all-inclusive. The only time you would need to purchase anything is if you want an optional upgrade experience like a scenic flight, or if you want to buy souvenirs. You can use card for purchases as the Ghan is cashless.
How much luggage can we bring?
It's recommended only to bring carry-on-sized luggage. The cabins are spacious but they might not fit large luggage. If you do have lots of bags from your holiday, they can be checked into the luggage compartment and collected at the end of your train journey.
Can we smoke on the Ghan?
No, smoking is not permitted on the Ghan.
Can my dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes, most dietary requirements can be catered for. Please advise of any dietary requirements at the time of booking!