The Ghan

The Ghan is the ultimate journey into the heart of Australia. It is an odd name for a train, but in Australian history it is a living legend. About 150 years ago, the first camels were imported along with their handlers from Afghanistan. In true Australian style, the name was soon shortened to "Ghan.' Early explorers used camels, perfectly adaptable for traveling long distances through the hot interior and beyond all the way to Darwin. Today, train enthusiasts can make this journey with all the creature comforts these pioneers could never have imagined.

Room Information

The Journey: Adelaide to Darwin or Darwin to Adelaide – two nights and three days via Alice Springs, each way.

The Ghan celebrated it’s 80th Anniversary in 2009.

Length of Journey: 54 hours - 2,979km one way.

Service: Departs weekly on Wednesday from Darwin and Sunday from Adelaide. A second service departs Saturday from Darwin and Wednesday from Adelaide, June through August. A fortnightly service operates in December and January.

Off Train Explore and Discover Stops: Off train touring is offered in Alice Springs and Katherine and is inclusive with Platinum Service and Gold Service fares.

Symbol: The Ghan’s symbol is a camel and its handler, in recognition of the pioneering Afghan cameleers.

Service Levels and number of berths per average train: Platinum Service: 20 berths.Gold Service: 192 berths.Red Service Day/Nighter Seats: 96 Seats.Plus Locomotive, Power Vans,Luggage Vans and Motorail.

Average speed of train: 85km/hour (max speed 115km/hour).
Average length of train (meters): 710m including two Locomotives and Motorail.
Average weight of train (tons): 1344t excluding Locomotive.

Details

Location:

Adelaide to Darwin and
Darwin to Adelaide
(via Alice Springs)

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Price Guide

$ = Up to $299

$$ = $300 to $599

$$$ = $600 to $999

$$$$ = $1000 to $2499

$$$$$ = $2500+

Starting price per room, per night, in USD and based on double occupancy.