Riding the Ghan Train in Australia’s Outback is one of the most charming and adventurous ways you can explore South Australia. Immerse yourself in the Northern Territory across the expanses of the Outback.
I’ve always been a lover of train travel so I was incredibly excited to explore the great outback from Alice Springs to Darwin/Katherine by train. Riding the Ghan Train is the perfect way to explore the center of Australia.
Ready to book your trip on the Ghan Train? Here’s everything you need to know about riding the Ghan Train in Australia’s outback!
Rooms on the Ghan Train
Sometimes during a busy trip, I crave a bit of privacy. Just some time in which I can be alone and recollect my thoughts.
I loved that with The Ghan Gold Service I was able to get away for a while in my private sleeper.
Gold Service cabins come in two options; you can choose between a two-berth if you’re traveling with someone else or a single-berth if you’ve decided to explore the outback solo.
History of The Ghan
I love knowing the history of places I travel to, so this was a special experience for me! The name “Ghan” originates from 19th-century folklore when cameleers established paths in the Red Center.
At the time, the cameleers were believed to have come from Afghanistan. However, it’s now known that they were actually from modern-day Pakistan.
The Ghan was originally called the Afghan Express in 1929, but the name was eventually changed to The Ghan.
Originally, The Ghan was used to transfer people and supplies to Alice Springs. In the early 2000’s the tracks were replaced, and the train received a modern look. Today, the north to south cross-country journey covers 2979 kilometers and passes through diverse landscapes from the stunning South Australian plains, to the rusty reds of the MacDonnell Ranges, to the tropical greens of Katherine and Darwin.
The Ghan train is now one of the worlds’ most iconic rail lines.
Riding from Alice Springs to Katherine on The Ghan
The Ghan is specifically designed to evoke the golden age of rail travel. I felt this as soon as I got on board! The Ghan from Alice Springs to Katherine is a two-day journey through the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory.
From the Red Center through the lush Top End, you get to experience the best of Australia’s Outback.
For the ultimate experience, book The Ghan Expedition, a three night and four-day adventure, that takes you coast to coast (2,979km) between Adelaide and Darwin.
Food on The Ghan Train
Anyone who knows me also knows how much I enjoy good food! The Ghan serves amazing regionally-sourced Australian food that is both tasty and fresh.
Complement your food with beer, wines and non-alcoholic beverages. Experience all kinds of Australian cuisine from Margaret River cheeses to Top End barramundi.
Depending on the class of your booking, you can have all meals and beverages included, as well as off-train excursions.
Experience the Australian Outback
You cannot help but feel completely taken in by the spectacular scenery that the Outback has to offer on board The Ghan. Trust me when I say that you’ll find it a struggle to stop staring, as you’ll be afraid that you’ll miss something great.
It is an incredible experience to be transported from the gorgeous rusty hues of the Red Center to the amazingly lush green hills surrounding the Adelaide. Plus always be on the lookout for kangaroos!
I never really thought about train travel across Australia. Most people I know either rented a car or bought one just for the country!
My husband and I were thinking of doing the Ghan Train for this year’s Trip of a Lifetime, but we like to be active and weren’t sure how much moving around we would be able to do on the train. Do they only cover ground at night and give you time to explore every day, or are you on the train most of the day?
There are organized activities during the day. Every day we stopped in different places to explore and traveled at night.
Thank you so much! That is very helpful!