Everything you need to know about travelling on board The Ghan Australia

The undeniable romance of train travel calls to many travellers, and a trip on board the iconic Ghan train captures this charm perfectly. The Ghan train journey offers a front-row seat to the ever-changing landscapes of Australia, from the rolling hills of South Australia to the heart of the Red Centre and the rugged landscapes of the Northern Territory.

Often called one of the world’s great rail experiences, The Ghan Australia connects Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north, carving a legendary path through 2,979 km of remote wilderness. This is no ordinary train ride—The Ghan experience blends comfort, fine dining, and immersive off-train adventures for a once-in-a-lifetime way to discover the vast scale and striking beauty of the country.

Whether you're drawn in by the luxury, the romance of rail travel, or the chance to unplug and watch the desert roll by, here’s everything you need to know before boarding one of Australia's most iconic journeys.

The Ghan train history and facts

The story of The Ghan train is deeply rooted in Australia’s pioneering history. Named in honour of Afghan cameleers who arrived in the mid-1800s to help develop remote desert areas, these skilled camel handlers transported goods across the Outback, paving the way for future infrastructure, including the railway. Their efforts led to the naming of the iconic train, The Ghan.

The Ghan’s original service began in 1929, running between Adelaide and Alice Springs. In those early years, the journey was often unpredictable, with flooding and challenging track conditions causing frequent delays.

Today,  The Ghan train journey is a world-class experience, offering modern luxury while honouring the legacy of the pioneers who travelled before. From its humble, rugged beginnings to its sleek, contemporary form, The Ghan remains a powerful symbol of Australia’s adventurous spirit and vast, untamed landscapes.

From meals and beverages to entertainment and off-train excursions, a journey onboard the Ghan is all-inclusive so your wallet can remain tucked away – unless any souvenirs catch your eye from the gift stand!

The Ghan train stops and excursions

Every journey on The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin includes three carefully curated off-train excursions that allow guests to immerse themselves in the unique beauty and culture of the Australian Outback. Upon boarding, passengers can select their preferred excursions, each offering an unforgettable experience.

One of the first stops is Alice Springs, where you can explore the historic town and its surrounding landscapes. A guided walk-through Simpsons Gap offers a deep dive into the region’s natural wonders, with striking red cliffs and diverse wildlife. The tours provide a fascinating look at the town’s connection to Australia’s Indigenous culture and pioneering history.

Next, in Katherine, the journey continues with a visit to Nitmiluk Gorge. Here, guests can enjoy a serene cruise through the gorge, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and lush greenery. For those seeking a more elevated experience, optional helicopter flights give you a bird’s-eye view of the gorge’s breathtaking expanse, offering an awe-inspiring perspective of this natural wonder.

However, for many passengers, the standout moment comes during the early morning stop at Marla Station. As the first rays of sunlight break over the horizon, you’ll step off the train to witness the desert come alive in a brilliant wash of colour. With a hot coffee and a bacon-and-egg roll in hand, the sunrise over the vast Outback offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience that perfectly encapsulates the beauty and stillness of the Australian desert.

These off-train excursions allow you to explore the scenic highlights of The Ghan journey while enriching your travel experience with insights into Australia’s history, nature, and culture.

Difference between Gold and Platinum service on The Ghan

A private retreat away from the lounge and dining carriages, Gold Twin is the standard cabin and has the comforts of home with a small ensuite. Watch the Outback pass by from your perch on a comfortable three-seater lounge or tune in to the in-cabin radio for some music and audio commentary of the journey. When you step away for the evening meal, the lounge is converted into twin-size upper and lower berths for sleeping, with ladder access to the top bunk, and then back into a lounge during breakfast the next morning. 

Solo passengers can avoid the extra cost of a single supplement by selecting Gold Single, which includes a compact sleeper/lounge cabin and full-sized shared toilet/shower facilities at the end of the carriage.

Frequently asked questions about The Ghan

Should I upgrade to Platinum Service? 

For those looking for extra luxury, an upgrade to Platinum service is the key to enhancing your experience. Almost twice the size of the Gold cabins, platinum guests have the option to select a twin or double bed configuration, which is converted from a comfortable bed into a deluxe lounge. Alongside a full-sized ensuite stocked with Australian Appelles Apothecary toiletries, these cabins include a table, two ottomans and broad windows for unrivalled views on both sides of the train. 

Platinum service also includes arrival and departure transfers (within 60 km of the station), access to the exclusive Platinum Club for an extensive food and wine selection and guests can even opt for a continental breakfast served in-cabin.

What are the dining options?

The social hub of the train, the Outback Explorer lounge is a carriage outfitted with comfortable lounges and tables, open from breakfast to late evening. Its well-stocked bar serves everything from barista-style coffee to a range of Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. 

Upon checking in to their cabin, guests will find a list of all their dining times in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant carriage. Laid out in tables of four, travellers will often be paired with other guests for a more social experience. Inspired by seasonal, locally sourced produce and prepared by onboard chefs, a delicious meal is guaranteed; from salt-water barramundi to grilled kangaroo fillet and yellow camel curry. And remember, beverages are included so treat yourself to a perfectly paired glass of wine!

For Gold cabin guests, the dining experience includes a delicious breakfast, a two-course lunch, and a three-course dinner. Those enjoying the luxury of the Platinum service can indulge in a four-course evening meal, with a broader selection of wines and beverages, including Champagne options. Guests in Platinum also enjoy a more exclusive dining experience in the Platinum Club, where the atmosphere is more intimate, and the food offerings are even more refined—anyone for a glass of Bollinger?

How much should I pack? 

Pack light! When preparing for The Ghan travel adventure, keep in mind that space is limited in-cabin, so bulky luggage can feel intrusive. Luckily, large suitcases can be checked in and stored separately for the duration of the journey. We recommend bringing a small overnight bag with the essentials you'll need on board.

For off-train excursions, we recommend Inspiring Vacations’ travellers pack a day bag with items like a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. The Australian Outback can be hot and dry, so it pays to be prepared.

To help you prepare, here is a checklist of the essentials to bring on board:

1. A compact day bag. Perfect for off-train excursions—just big enough for a water bottle, snacks, and your camera or phone.

2. Light layers. The weather can vary throughout the journey, from warm days to cool Australian Outback nights. A lightweight jacket or jumper is ideal.

3. Sun protection and walking gear. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and comfortable walking shoes will keep you comfortable during daytime tours.

4. Smart casual attire. There’s no formal dress code, but neat, relaxed clothing is ideal for both lounging and dining.

Is there a dress code on The Ghan?

Many luxury train journeys require formal attire for evening meals, but The Ghan prioritises comfort for travellers. Pack easy knowing that smart casual attire is recommended for all travellers, no matter the cabin grade, and there’s no need to dress to the nines.

The dress code is smart casual throughout the train, even in the dining carriages. Think neat and comfortable: shirts with a collar, dresses, or nice tops are perfect. Formal wear isn’t required, so you can leave the suit or heels at home.

Do I need to tip?

The all-inclusive nature of The Ghan also includes tips for the attentive onboard hospitality attendants, although it’s entirely at your discretion to leave gratuities if you wish.

Can I book a forward-facing cabin? 

Approximately half the cabins are forward-facing and you’re more than welcome to request one at the time of booking. Please note this is not a guarantee as it does depend on the number of requests and cabin availability for each journey.

How The Ghan train compares to other journeys

While both The Ghan and the Indian Pacific offer extraordinary rail journeys across Australia, each has its distinct charm. The Ghan tours take you through the heart of Australia, showcasing an incredible desert-to-tropics experience. The journey begins in the dry, red landscapes of the Outback and culminates in the tropical warmth of Darwin, where you experience a striking contrast in both climate and terrain.

On the other hand, the Indian Pacific travels from Sydney to Perth, crossing the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain and providing a different but equally awe-inspiring adventure. Meanwhile, the Great Southern explores the southern regions of Australia, with stunning coastal views. Each of these rail journeys offers a unique experience, but The Ghan stands out with its connection to Australia’s pioneering history and the incredible landscapes it travels through.

 The Ghan reviews consistently highlight the luxury service, immersive off-train experiences, and the chance to witness some of Australia’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes—making it an unforgettable experience for all travellers.

Quick tips for travelling on The Ghan

• Stay unplugged: There’s no public Wi-Fi on board, so enjoy the digital detox.
• Dress smart-casual: Comfortable yet polished attire works for all parts of the journey.
• Power up: Every cabin has a standard power outlet for charging devices.
• Relax about motion sickness: The ride is famously smooth, so queasiness is rare.
• Help is close by: Trained staff can provide medical assistance if needed.
• Expect black spots: Mobile reception disappears in remote stretches—plan to be offline now and then.
• Pack light: Check larger suitcases and keep a small backpack or daypack handy for the train and excursions.

Inspired to travel on The Ghan with Inspiring Vacations? Our 12 Day The Ghan, Kakadu & Kimberley tour includes two nights on board The Ghan in a Gold cabin. Train fans will also love our 11 Day Indian Pacific & Margaret River tour with three nights on board the Indian Pacific in a Gold cabin.