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the ghan

• option 1 - gold service
• option 2 - red service
• times
• instant quote
• additional information

The Ghan. It’s an odd name for a train but in Australian history it is a living legend. For it is the ultimate journey through the heart of the continent. A hundred and fifty years ago, the first camels were imported along with their handlers from Afghanistan and, in true Australian style, we soon shortened their name to ‘Ghan’. The Ghan train derives its name from these early pioneers and its emblem of an Afghan on a camel is in recognition of their efforts in opening up the harsh interior to the rest of Australia.

Today, you can make this journey with creature comforts our forbearers would never have imagined. Boarding The Ghan in Adelaide for Alice Springs and Darwin, you’ll experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. You’ll marvel at the spectacular colours of the outback, the spinifex plains and salt pans of the vast interior and the rugged MacDonnell Ranges before travelling on to the tropical splendor of Darwin and the Top End. Alice Springs is the ideal base from which to explore the wonders of the Red Centre, such as Palm Valley, Ayers Rock/ Uluru, The Olgas/ Kata Tjuta and King’s Canyon.

The extension of The Ghan to Darwin has further enhanced what is already considered one of the world's great train journeys. The 47 hour, 2979km transcontinental journey features off train touring options at Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge at modest extra cost.

option 1 - gold service

Sleeper Cabin
Choose from an elegant twin or single sleeper cabin. Gold Service Twin Cabins have a comfortable three seater lounge which converts to upper and lower sleeping berths at night plus a private ensuite bathroom with toilet, wash basin and shower. Cabins are fully serviced by your own carriage attendant with fresh sheets, pillows and doonas. Cabins feature 3 pin 240 volt power points, wardrobes, full length mirror, reading lamps and foldaway table.

Single Cabins have most of the features of the Twin Cabin including a wash basin. The showers and toilet are however, located at the end of each carriage. Complimentary welcome kits, toiletries bags and bath towels are located in all Gold Service cabins.

Guests travelling in Gold Service Twin Cabins can take on board one suitcase (up to 20kg), garment bag, cabin bag and briefcase (any more luggage than this is discouraged due to reduced cabin space). Guests are permitted a maximum of 40kg free of charge in the Luggage Car.

Gold Service Dining
Dining in Gold Service aboard The Ghan is in the beautifully decorated Restaurant Car. All meals are included in the Gold Service fare. The enjoyment of fine food and wine whilst travelling in a world famous train with panoramic views across a vast, beautiful continent is an unrivalled experience. Sample the superb a la carte menus served by your friendly waiter to your table.

The ever changing menus will often feature native Australian cuisine, cooked to perfection by our own dedicated chefs. Excellent wines and beverages are available for purchase to complement your meal. Vegetarian, children’s and some special dietary meals can be accommodated - please request these when you make your booking.

Gold Service Lounge
The spacious Gold Service Bar and Lounge adjoins the sleeper carriages and is often the centre of activity for any journey. The cosy club-like setting is an excellent place to socialise or to sit back and enjoy the passing parade of Australian landscapes. This is the ideal place to gather for a drink before dinner or for a game of cards and a nightcap with new friends.

option 2 - red service

Red Service offers comfortable, air conditioned twin share sleeping accommodation to suit your holiday budget. By day, your Red Service Sleeper Cabin features two facing lounge chairs that afford splendid views of the outback through a panoramic window. At night, the chairs convert to upper and lower sleeping berths with crisp, clean sheets, pillows and doonas.

These cabins feature private washing facilities including bath towels; toilets and showers are located at the end of each carriage. For your convenience there is a wardrobe, vanity mirror, 3 pin/ 240 volt power points, reading lamp and a foldaway table. Guests travelling in Red Service can enjoy the comfortable facilities of the Red Service Diner. Guests travelling alone may be required to share a Red Service Sleeper Cabin.

Red Service Daynighter Seat
Travelling on a budget does not have to mean cramping your style. Red Service Daynighter seating is in comfortable two abreast reclining arm chairs upholstered in woollen cloth trim. Features include generous leg room, individual reading lights and video entertainment and you can swivel seats around to face each other for a bit of socialising. Toilet and shower facilities are located at the end of each carriage. Towels and soap are provided for all guests.

Daynighter Seat guests can enjoy the facilities of the Red Service Diner.

Red Service Diner
The Red Service Diner offers a bright, cheery atmosphere where affordable, tasty light meals and drinks may be purchased. The Diner is licensed and smoking is not permitted. Limited special dietary meals are available on request. All Red Service guests have access to the Diner if ordering from the Diner menu. Dress codes apply.

times

* Arrives 1 hour earlier during daylight savings time. All times are local times and may be subject to change without notice.  

instant quote

Note: Fares are subject to change without notice. The Ghan no longer travels between Melbourne and Adelaide.

additional information

• Conditions: Travel Online will only book the above journeys for full paying adults and children. Passengers requiring discounted pensioner fares or sector fares other than those stated above will need to contact Great Southern Railways directly. Passengers taking a vehicle on the MotorRail will need to contact Great Southern Railway directly for fares and availability.
  
• Children: Child fares are available to children aged 4 - 15 years inclusive or where a child occupies a seat or berth.
  
• Ticketing and payment: All bookings must be paid and ticketed 45 days prior to travel. For bookings made within 45 days of travel payment and ticketing must be made within 24 hours.
  
• Cancellations and amendments: the following schedule of fees (per person and/ or per vehicle) will be levied in respect of cancellation of normal fares:
  • More than 45 days before departure: 10% of total fare (minimum $30)
  • 7 - 29 days before departure: 20% of total fare
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 50% of total fare
  • After the departure date/time: No refund
• Travel insurance: because Great Southern Railway’s liability to you is limited, you should obtain travel insurance before boarding Great Southern Railway’s trains.
  
• Luggage: 50 kilograms of luggage may be conveyed free of charge in the luggage car. This allows 2 items not exceeding 25 kg each and not exceeding 180 linear centimetres. Excess luggage prices on application. Due to space constraints, guests should only take on board hand luggage required for their journey. Remaining luggage should be checked in up to 30 minutes before departure. Unchecked luggage is carried at owner’s risk. Cardboard, plastic or wooden boxes, garbage bags or tea chests will not be accepted as baggage. Bags should be secured and carry the owner’s name, destination and contact phone number both inside and outside the bag. Explosive, combustible and inflammable materials are prohibited. Items such as foodstuffs, plants, animals and furniture cannot be accepted as personal luggage.