Explore The Ghan: A Legendary Train Journey through Australia
Considered one of the greatest rail journeys in the world, The Ghan takes three days and four nights to travel through the guts of Australia. Southward bound, it departs from Darwin in the Northern Territory, and snakes its way across the desert to Adelaide, approximately 2979 kilometers away, in South Australia. Along the way, passengers stop off at iconic outback towns—Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy—where day excursions provide a deeper insight into this remarkable landscape.
From the train window, the land appears flat and sun-scorched, showcasing various shades of brown; however, on descending The Ghan during its off-train excursions, you quickly realize this landscape is more vibrant than you first envisioned. There is an abundance of life in the outback, including massive saltwater crocodiles (known as ‘salties’) in the far north, dingoes, eagles, spectacular insects, reptiles, and even herds of wild camels wandering the remote desert. This immense landscape offers a unique perspective, making travelling by train a comfortable and stylish way to experience it.
Excursions and Attractions
One of the excursions allows you to cool off at Wangi Falls, a segmented waterfall located in Litchfield National Park south of Darwin. It may even be possible to swim in the crystal-clear water under the falls at certain times of the year, providing a refreshing escape from the hot Northern Territory weather. Remember to bring your swimsuit if you are a confident swimmer and courageous enough to immerse yourself in the cold water.
Furthermore, massive saltwater crocodiles, or ‘crocs’ as Australians refer to them, patrol the tranquil Adelaide River in Litchfield National Park. Be on the lookout for those eyes peeking above the water’s surface; their formidable bodies remain cleverly concealed beneath. As the world’s largest reptiles, these majestic creatures make the Northern Territory the prime location for observing them.
Another unexpected feature of this expansive landscape is the Dingo Fence (or Dog Fence), a 5600 km-long barrier constructed in the 1880s that stretches from Surfers Paradise in Queensland to the coast of South Australia near the Great Australian Bight. Its primary purpose is to serve as a pest-control mechanism, preventing dingoes from preying on cattle in the north and sheep in the south.
Experience Uluru (formerly known as ‘Ayers Rock’) through a scenic flight from Alice Springs to the Red Centre. The flight takes approximately one hour (or 450 km by road) in a small five-seater aircraft. This journey is often followed by a walking tour of this 550-million-year-old sandstone monolith, a sacred site for the indigenous Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara peoples.
On The Ghan Expedition, numerous local excursions are available for passengers, including an open-air dinner at the historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs.
As the train crosses into South Australia, it stops on a siding just south of Coober Pedy, as the train is too long to fit in the small town’s station. Passengers are transported by coach into town. Notably, South Australia is the driest state in the driest continent, and during summer, temperatures can soar to 50 degrees Celsius in the shade.
The dining carriage of The Ghan is beautifully adorned, providing passengers with a sense of comfort and luxury reminiscent of a bygone era. The menu features dishes that reflect the regions you traverse, such as kangaroo steak and camel tagine, along with mouthwatering barramundi—a fish prominently caught in the Northern Territory. Vegetarian options and other dietary requirements are also available. Moreover, the best part is the all-inclusive wine and beer service, allowing you to enjoy Australia’s finest wines without the worry of additional costs during your journey.
