This August the Australian icon turns 95. The Ghan, the embodiment of the Australian spirit, is an adventure like no other.
The legend of The Ghan goes back to the 1930s when the first Afghan cameleers arrived in Australia and carved a permanent path into the Red Centre. This legendary train still embodies the frontier spirit and a romantic connection to the land and travelling on it is a life changing experience.
Over the past 95 years, the onboard experience has evolved from a basic passenger service to an all-inclusive multi-day experiential journey, showcasing regional food and wine and sharing remote parts of Australia with keen travellers.
The journey’s most recent evolution is the introduction of Gold Premium, a new style of rail travel.
A Piece of Australian History
“The Ghan is more than a train journey. It’s an all-inclusive experience that takes guests to the heart of Australia and showcases the incredible regions the legend travels through,” says David Donald, Executive General Manager of Rail at Journey Beyond. “We’re proud to continue The Ghan’s legacy and are excited to celebrate this momentous occasion with guests.”
Today, The Ghan travels between Darwin and Adelaide, taking guests on an epic adventure traversing the Australian continent and through the Red Centre, a breathtaking region of striking scenery, desert and mountains and some of Aboriginal Australia’s most sacred sites.
During the three-day journey (four days for The Ghan Expedition), guests will travel in comfort in The Ghan’s Gold, Gold Premium or Platinum carriages, enjoying incredible views from the train’s dining and lounge cars while experiencing a stunning menu of food and drink from a talented onboard team.
Each journey’s Off Train Experiences add an extra dimension to the journey, with guests able to experience an open-air dinner at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, and optional upgrades such as a spectacular visit to Uluru and scenic flights over the Painted Hills.
The History of The Ghan
On 4th August 1930, an excited crowd gathered at the Adelaide Railway Station to farewell The Ghan on its inaugural journey. Originally dubbed the Afghan Express, The Ghan train was named for the pioneering cameleers and later shortened to the name it is today, ‘The Ghan.’
The train carried more than 100 passengers and supplies bound for the remote town of Stuart, later to be called Alice Springs. Two days later, its historic journey was complete. The train was steam hauled, and the service had to contend with extreme conditions including flash flooding and intense heat.
As such, it was often irregular. Legend has it The Old Ghan was once stranded for two weeks in one spot and the engine driver shot wild goats to feed his passengers. This is a far cry from the epicurean adventure that The Ghan has become.
Expansion to Darwin
It was always intended for The Ghan to travel from Adelaide through to the Northern Territory city of Darwin. It just took a lot longer for the last section of the rail to be completed. In 2004, the Alice Springs to Darwin railway line was finally finished, with The Ghan embarking on its first journey all the way to Darwin on 1st February 2004.
Today, The Ghan delivers so much more than an extended train ride. It promises access to parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to – the perfect balance of comfort and adventure, confirming that the best way to see Australia is by train.
The average journey on The Ghan spans two nights and three days, or 54 hours, for a one-way trip covering 2979 kilometres. The Ghan Expedition extends this to three nights and four days, or 72 hours, for the same distance from Darwin to Adelaide.
The train averages a speed of 85km/h, with a maximum speed of 115km/h, and its length and weight are approximately 902 metres and 1768 tonnes, respectively.
Onboard Experience
A typical return rail journey includes 49 onboard crew members and accommodates 25 Platinum beds and 258 Gold beds across 36 carriages. These carriages encompass guest quarters, crew quarters, the Platinum Club, Queen Adelaide Restaurants, Outback Explorer Lounges, and power vans.
There are three power vans, each containing three 180kVa generators, providing electricity for approximately 14 carriages. The train is powered by two locomotives.
A three-day, two-night, all-inclusive journey on The Ghan is priced from AUD $2,590 (approx. £1,320), with departures from Adelaide to Darwin available on Wednesdays and Sundays between March and November 2025.
Departures from Darwin to Adelaide are available on Wednesdays only during the same period. A four-day, three-night, all-inclusive journey on The Ghan Expedition is priced from AUD $3,790 (approx. £1,930), with Wednesday and Saturday departures from April to October. These prices are for travel in 2025.
Conclusion
The Ghan’s 95-year journey is a testament to Australia’s adventurous spirit and rich history. From its humble beginnings as a steam-hauled train navigating harsh conditions to its current status as a luxurious rail experience, The Ghan has consistently embodied the essence of Australian exploration and resilience.
The evolution of The Ghan from a basic passenger service to an all-inclusive, multi-day journey offering gourmet cuisine, comfortable accommodations, and unique off-train experiences highlights its commitment to providing an unparalleled travel experience.
Travelling on The Ghan is more than just a train ride; it is an immersion into the heart of Australia, offering access to some of the country’s most remote and stunning landscapes.
Whether it’s the breathtaking views of the Red Centre, the rich history and culture encountered along the way, or the modern comforts of Gold, Gold Premium, and Platinum carriages, The Ghan offers an adventure like no other.
As it celebrates 95 years of service, The Ghan continues to be a testament to the enduring allure and spirit of rail travel in Australia.
