Darwin to Alice Springs Rail Journey

Travel by rail between Darwin and Alice Springs and you are embarking on one of the great train journeys of the world. Named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed this route.

A journey on The Ghan is an incomparable way to travel to the two jewels of Australia's Northern Territory - the tropical Top End and the Red Centre. No journey aboard The Ghan is complete without taking in both of these must-see destinations.

The Ghan's timetable makes the most of the daylight hours to offer unsurpassed views of the passing landscape. Each new day begins with a fresh panorama of this changing landscape.

Whistle Stop Tours in the northern town of Katherine offer you the opportunity to experience the inspiring wonders of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) before your rail journey concludes in Alice Springs, the second largest city in the Northern Territory.

Compare Service Levels

Red Daynighter Seat

The Red Service Day/Nighter Seats are two-abreast reclining chairs that can swivel to face each other if you'd like to socialise. You can take in the views, enjoy the entertainment and information on the video screen or even relax with a drink and a meal in the Red Service Diner.

To make the most of the space available, there's plenty of room for your hand luggage in the overhead racks.

Red Service Day/Nighter Seat features include:

• Recliner lounge-style chairs with ample leg room and individual reading light. Travel pillows and blankets available for purchase
• Access to the Red Service Diner offering meals, snacks, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks for purchase
• Shower and toilet facilities available at the end of your carriage.

Red Service Sleeper Cabin

For affordable comfort, these air-conditioned twin share Red Service Sleeper Cabins have two facing lounge chairs that easily convert to snug upper and lower sleeping berths at night. Your twin berth sleeper has a wash basin, while showers and toilets are located nearby at the end of each carriage. If you'd like a drink, a snack or simply a change of scenery and the chance to stretch your legs, you have full access to the Red Service Diner.

Because Red Service Sleeper Cabins are twin share, you may be required to share with a fellow traveller if you're travelling alone.

Red Service Sleeper Cabin features include:

• Compact twin share day berth converting to twin sleeping berths at night
• Seating comprises two facing lounge chairs
• Wash basin facilities in your cabin, with toilets and showers at the end of each carriage
• Access to the Red Service Diner offering meals, snacks, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks for purchase
• Free 'Platform' magazine
• Red Service Concession Fares available.

Gold Kangaroo Service

Rail Accommodation

• Well appointed day and overnight sleeper accommodation
• Choose from an elegant twin or single sleeper cabin combinations
• Twin Cabins feature 3 seater lounge converting to upper and lower sleeping berths plus ensuite facilities with toilet, washbasin and shower
• Single Cabins feature a lounge chair converting to single sleeping berth with communal shower and toilet facilities located at the end of each carriage
• Cabins feature 3 pin/ 240 volt power point, wardrobe, full length mirror, reading light, foldaway table
• Complimentary toiletry bags and onboard magazine provided in all Gold Service cabins

Superior Cabin

Ideal for guests seeking a little extra style, space and comfort. The Superior Cabin is twice the size of a Gold Twin Cabin and offers a small double bed plus additional fold down single bed. Extra features include a private lounge area with table, arm chairs, a dvd player plus a selection of titles, toiletries, complimentary chocolates, fruit bowl, plunger coffee, a bar-fridge stocked with complimentary refreshments, priority choice of meal seating at dinner or optional room service for meals and a complimentary bottle of wine with dinner. Availability is limited so advance bookings are essential. A surcharge applies for the Superior Cabin: $795 per cabin per night  

Dining in The Queen Adelaide Restaurant

Gold Service guests travelling aboard The Ghan dine in a beautifully decorated Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car. All meals are included in the Gold Service fare. The enjoyment of fine food and wine combined with views across this vast, beautiful continent is an unrivalled experience. Sample selections from our superb menus served to your table. The ever-changing menus feature a blend of Australian and International cuisine, cooked to perfection by our on-board chefs. Quality wines and beverages are available for purchase. Vegetarian, children's and some special dietary meals can be accommodated - please request these when you make your booking.

Note: breakfast packs will be delivered to cabins on some services to cater for early morning destination arrivals and off-train tour requirements.

The Outback Explorer Lounge

The relaxed setting of the Outback Explorer Lounge offers an excellent place to socialise and meet fellow travellers from all corners of the world or sit back and enjoy the passing parade of Australian landscapes. The Lounge has a licensed bar and is the ideal place to gather for a drink before dinner or for a game of cards and a nightcap with new friends.

Platinum Service

Platinum Service offers a new level of comfort to elevate your onboard experience to a truly global standard of luxurious travel. Enjoy our new spacious private cabins complete with plush, high quality fittings and en suite; elegant dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car; along with flourishes of service, attention and indulgence that turn a holiday into a life-enhancing experience. Our new Platinum Service typifies the hospitality and attention to detail that have made Australia's Great Train Journeys world famous.

Once onboard, you set your own pace. Start with a continental breakfast served in your cabin, then spend a lazy day with a good book as the landscape rolls by, or maybe meet, greet and swap stories with your fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge.

The sheer convenience of on-call Cabin Steward Service and in-cabin menu makes this new service level a five-star travel and accommodation experience.

There's no better way to immerse yourself in the timeless natural beauty of our great southern land than through the window of your private cabin. From the rolling plains of the south, through the stark beauty of the Red Centre and the tropical delights of the Top End, you'll love having the time and space to absorb some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth.

In our newly refurbished, world-class carriages, Great Southern Rail's Platinum Service is the ultimate Australian rail adventure with unparalleled service in luxury surrounds. The rail travel experience of a lifetime awaits you.

Platinum Service Cabin features include:

• An exclusive new service, limited to just 25 Platinum Cabins on The Ghan departing Adelaide and Darwin twice weekly
• Your cabin is a private lounge during the day with a movable table and two ottomans, offering plenty of room to entertain or simply relax and enjoy the journey
• By night your private cabin converts to your choice of comfortable double or twin beds with quality bedding
• All en suites are equipped with premium fittings, full size shower, vanity with cupboard space, mirror and toilet facilities
• An oversized panoramic window in your cabin offers you a unique perspective on the ever-changing Australian landscape
• Enjoy views from both sides of the train, as each cabin features an additional interior window
• Set the tone, dim the lights to your personal preference and settle in for the night with in-cabin entertainment
• For your convenience and peace of mind each cabin offers a lockable door and in-cabin safe.

Your Dining Experience

Platinum Service guests dine in the elegantly themed Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car. At each meal you will be offered a choice of fine food freshly prepared by the onboard chefs. The seasonal menu features distinctly Australian mouth-watering dishes such as saltwater barramundi and grilled kangaroo fillet. You may choose to complement your meals with a selection of premium Australian wines and beverages available for purchase.

Included in your fare are full or continental breakfasts, all onboard lunches and a la carte dinners. Vegetarian and special dietary requirements are also available on request at time of booking.

Platinum Service features include:

• Welcome drink and appetiser on arrival in your cabin
• Cabin Steward service to cater to your needs
• Fine Australian wine or tasty delights (available for purchase) from the in-cabin menu
• Complimentary nightcap and turndown service provided nightly
• Binoculars and in-cabin entertainment available on request
• Enjoy tea/coffee delivered to your cabin each morning
• Complimentary morning or afternoon tea in your cabin
• Optional in-cabin continental breakfast or full breakfast in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car

Further Information

Concession Fares

Pensioner: To receive concessional travel fares, Great Southern Railway is required to confirm your eligibility for the concession electronically with Centerlink. If you do not want this to happen you will need to contact Centerlink or the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) to obtain a Pension Concession Letter as proof of your eligibility for the concession and provide this directly to Great Southern Railway before the concession can be given.

Rail Saver payment is required at time of booking. No changes permitted. Non refundable (100% cancellation fee). Subject to availability.

Child fares are available to children aged 4 - 15 years inclusive or where a child occupies a seat of berth.

Student fares full time students aged 16 years and over must hold a current ID card from a recognised institution.