Without question, one of the great train journeys of the world is that between Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory and Adelaide in South Australia. From the tropical climbs of what Australians call ‘The Top End’, through the continents’ red centre and finally into the lush surrounds of the Great Australian Bight, The Ghan train has been making the journey for more than 90 years.
In April 2026 we’ll be part of this iconic 4 Day/3 Night 2979km adventure. The Ghan Expedition will take us to some of the most remote and captivating parts of Australia in style and comfort. For The Ghan offers more than just transit between Darwin and Adelaide. Onboard you’ll find sumptuous dining, elegant private cabins, attentive service and the ‘espirit de corps’ of like-minded fellow train travellers. A legendary train and an unforgettable experience.
Time in both Darwin and Adelaide will bookend the train journey itself, combining to become 12 days of exploration and relaxation.
THE TRAIN
Originally dubbed the Afghan Express, The Ghan train was named for the pioneering cameleers who blazed a permanent trail into the vast interior of Australia more than 150 years ago.
The Ghan Expedition is a 4 Day/3 Night traverse of the continent where, once you board, you simply put down your suitcase and let your journey unfold. From world-class food and wine to a range of immersive off-train experiences, the hardest decision you’ll need to make is what to have for lunch and which experience to take.
Your Gold Twin cabin has everything you need to feel right at home. With an ensuite bathroom and upper & lower berths that convert into a lounge by day, your cabin is the perfect sanctuary in which to lose yourself as the scenery glides by your window or a place to recharge after an off-train activity before heading to the Lounge or Restaurant carriages. With in-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary accessible throughout the train, no matter where you are, you won’t miss a thing.
The Queen Adelaide restaurant, with its Art Deco ambience, salutes the golden era of train travel and features superb all-inclusive menus for breakfast lunch and dinner, classic beverages and seamless service. The Outback Explorer Lounge (left) is the social hub of the train. Get to know your fellow-travellers, enjoy a coffee, snack or pre-dinner drink or simply kick back and watch the passing landscape through the huge picture windows.
OFF TRAIN EXPERIENCES
There are opportunities to explore beyond the train on three of the days on the great train journey. Each stop offers a selection of experiences to choose from.
Train Day 1: We depart Darwin in the morning and after lunch we stop at Katherine, a region renowned for its jaw-dropping natural beauty. Here enjoy a cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge. If you’d like to enjoy the sights from above there’s an optional upgrade of a helicopter flight.
Train Day 2: Enjoy a good breakfast onboard before we arrive at Alice Springs ready for a day off the train. There’s an experience to suit everyone, including an off-road e-bike adventure. Alternatively, the Alice Springs Desert Park showcases the hugely diverse wildlife of the region from reptiles to raptors. Here you have an optional upgrade of a helicopter flight. In the evening the hallmark experience of The Ghan Expedition begins. Dine under a blanket of stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. This will be a night to remember.
Train Day 3: After seeing the sunrise in Manguri, you’ll venture into the opal mining township of Coober Pedy. Off train experiences on offer include exploring the majestic Breakaways, touring the town and plenty more. Theres also an optional upgrade of a scenic flight.
Train Day 4: This morning you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. You’ll enjoy a leisurely brunch before arriving in Adelaide.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
This tour is by no means limited to a mighty train journey. We’ll explore tropical Darwin and ‘The Top End’ before we board The Ghan and historic and genteel Adelaide and the Barossa Valley when we get off. Lots of fabulous highlights at these iconic locations too.
Here comes a summary of the itinerary:
Days 1, 2 & 3 – Home to Darwin via Auckland & Sydney
Our adventure begins with a flight to Auckland and a relaxing overnight stay at the Novotel Airport Hotel. The next morning, we fly to Sydney for an overnight stop, highlighted by a stunning sunset dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. On ANZAC Day, we continue north to Darwin and check in at the beautiful Mindil Beach Casino Resort.
Days 4, 5 & 6 – Darwin
These three days are a perfect mix of group activities and individual leisure time. Our half-day City Sightseeing Tour would lead easily to an afternoon at the Museum & Art Gallery Of The Northern Territory which is right next to our resort. Our morning tour to see the enormous saltwater Jumping Crocodiles so famous in these parts could be followed by a relaxed afternoon wandering the fabulous Darwin Botanic Gardens, across the road from our resort. Not to be missed are the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, again, conveniently right beside our resort. Although with 2 pools, 4 restaurants, 4 bars, a café and the legendary Darwin Casino all part of the resort complex, not to mention Mindil Beach itself, you need not leave the premises at all. Our final night in Darwin will see us enjoying a Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise.
Days 7, 8 & 9 – The Ghan – Katherine, Alice Springs, Manguri & Coober Pedy – see previous page
Day 10 – The Ghan & Adelaide
This morning the landscape changes dramatically as the train enters South Australia with its lush green hinterland. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as we pass through the Flinders Range before arriving in Adelaide. A fascinating guided sightseeing tour of the city awaits us before we arrive our home for the next 2 nights, the Crowne Plaza Adelaide Hotel. Has the gentle rocking of the train left you yet?
Day 11 – Hahndorf & The Barossa Valley
Today we head away from the city and first visit the charming village of Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Browse the incredible range of German-influenced shops, cafes and smallgoods outlets on the village main street. A delicious lunch and wine tastings in the Barossa Valley wine region awaits us and a picturesque journey back to town.
Day 12 – Adelaide to Home
You’ll start the day waking up in Adelaide and thanks to a connecting flight (if available for your home airport), we’ll have you back in the comforts of your own home by bedtime!
