The enduring popularity of the iconic railway journey is a travel phenomenon that remains strong even in today’s age of Dreamliners and mega cruise ships.
Australia is a land characterised by great distance and to travel the length and breadth of this country by rail delivers a particular satisfaction for the many committed travellers from all over the world who continue to seek out this special form of travel.
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The Ghan is one such journey that has achieved this unique status both for its historic significance and superior level of service. Gold Class Superior cabins, for example, come with a three-quarter double bed plus single upper berth as well as a TV and DVD player, table settings and a minibar that gets restocked daily.
What was once a slow and troublesome journey across the arid, sandy landscape is now a smooth and feature-packed experience; luxurious accommodation; fine dining; tours and sightseeing that define the spectacular Central Australian landscape are just a few of the journey’s inclusions.
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Named after the hardy Afghani cameleers who were crucial to opening up inland Australia to agricultural and pastoral enterprise, The Ghan travels the almost 3000kms in 54 hours. The cars stop along the route at locations such as Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy over the three days and two nights.
Much more than just a train trip, guests aboard The Ghan have the opportunity to disembark and enjoy camel rides, river cruises and optional helicopter flights, adding a new dimension to the voyage that was inconceivable when the first train puffed out of Adelaide nearly 90 years ago.
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The Platinum Experience
Don't do things by halves. Experience the romance of The Ghan while adventuring through Australia's 'Red Centre' with the all-inclusive Platinum Club package.
The Ghan's Platinum Club introduces a new level of luxury and marks the first major upgrade the service has seen in nearly a decade. The versatile space offers guest amenities from a relaxing, comfortable lounge to intimate dining, banqueting and leisure activities. All this in a dedicated carriage adorned in sophisticated Australian designs featuring quartzite tabletops, timber flooring, brass fittings and leather banquette lounge seating in luxurious nightshades.
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The Ghan Expedition
Turn your journey into an expedition with special departures running April through October. Adding an extra day to the journey means you can stop and experience the wonders of the Red Centre with specially designed excursions out to some of Australia's most recognisable landmarks.
In Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy you disembark for dedicated off-train tours. Enjoy a different pace aboard a stunning cruise in magical Nitmiluk Gorge, witness authentic stockman demonstrations in Katherine, ride a camel at the acclaimed Desert Park in Alice Springs and partake in subterranean exploration in Coober Pedy where opal miners live underground to escape the searing desert heat.
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Dine with Queen Adelaide
A hallmark of the all-inclusive journey is the premium dining experience in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant car. Professional chefs prepare meals for both Platinum and Gold Class passengers amidst 'old world' décor reminiscent of classic rail carriages.
The menu is unashamedly Australian; fresh, local produce like barramundi, beef and lamb; Margaret River cheeses; Barossa Valley smallgoods; and native Australian fare including kangaroo, saltbush and wild rosella flower. Naturally there is a wide selection of premium Australian wines and beers to accompany your meal as panoramic views of the Australian landscape rolls by.
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Consult your Travel Associates Advisor for full details on all options like helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing, or you can even take your car or 4WD one way and continue onward by road. Disabled access is also available on selected departures.
