The Ghan: Darwin to Adelaide

Overview

Departing from Darwin, travel coast to coast through the fiery red centre, experiencing Australia at its dramatic best. Sit back and enjoy the Gold Services All-Inclusive features aboard the iconic Ghan.

The beauty of experiencing Australia by train is that you have a front-row seat from which to observe the changing colours of the landscape. While the views of the outside world from the comfort of your cabin are captivating, sometimes it's good to step off the train and stretch your legs to explore the remote pocket of Australia you find yourself in.

In between tracing the landscape, ech leg of your rail journey is marked with tailored Off Train Experiences and authentic encounters. These experiences tell the unique story of the land, providing a sense of place, people, and culture.

* Note: Only operates during March & November only. For travel onboard The Ghan between April - October, please refer to The Ghan Expedition itinerary.

Inclusions

2 nights aboard the Ghan - Darwin to Adelaide

Enjoy All-Inclusive Meals and drinks aboard the Ghan

Exciting Off Train Experiences

Complimentary coach transfers to Darwin Rail Terminal are available for guests departing from selected Darwin Hotels**

Itinerary

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Intro Map

The Ghan - Darwin to Adelaide

Day 1 The Ghan Journey: Darwin to Katherine

From Darwin, take in the remarkable Top End views before stopping in Katherine for an afternoon of unique touring. Prepare to experience one of the region’s most impressive natural wonders near Katherine for an afternoon of unique touring/ Prepare to experience one of the region's most impressive natural wonders near Katherine. The stunning Nitmiluk Gorge lies within the massive 292,000 hectares of the Nitmiluk National Park, and you'll have the chance to explore it from the water with guided options - an experience you'll never forget.

Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.

Lunch, Dinner

Nitmiluk National Park

Day 2 Alice Springs

Next stop is Alice Springs, where more Off Train Excursions await. Explore Simpsons Gap, tour the town attractions, or get up close to some of the Red Centre’s native wildlife. Dinner on the train is followed by an extraordinary evening experience in the outback where you will see the Milky Way like you have never seen it before. Simply breathtaking!

Choose from a range of "Off Train Experiences" in Alice Springs.

Alice is an iconic Red Centre outpost. 1,500 kilometres from the nearest major city, it may be remote, but offers plenty to explore – home to doctors who fly, rivers that run dry, and a cast of colourful characters. Your time in the ‘capital out of the outback’ offers numerous opportunities to explore its historic legacy and unique environment.

Off Train Experience in Manguri: Please note, this stop is only for guests travelling from Darwin to Adelaide in March and November only.

Not a formal Off Train Experience as such but an added bonus that is included for March and November departures only! Magnificent Manguri is a rail siding 30 minutes outside of Coober Pedy in South Australia and in this instance, darkness is our friend. The outback’s pitch-black sky unsullied by man-made lights mean the stars out here are truly something to behold.

The Ghan pulls into Manguri after dinner and guests are invited off the train to enjoy a nightcap around a bonfire while taking in the brilliant carpet of bright stars on a clear night. You’re unlikely to find yourself in Manguri at any other time so while this is a short stop, it’s the kind of stop that adds to a very memorable journey on The Ghan.

Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Alice Springs Terminal

Day 3 Arrive Adelaide

From your cabin window this morning you'll see a dramatic change in landscape, as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges and prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world's great travel experiences. In the Smart Southern City, you can extend your experience with a holiday package to the Barossa Valley, fascinating Kangaroo Island, or and expertly curated tour of this food and wine loving capital.

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

The Ghan

Upgrade available

The Ghan offers more than transit between Adelaide to Darwin and vice versa. Onboard you will find sumptuous dining, elegant private cabins, attentive service, and the camaraderie of your fellow travellers and when the train stops, the adventures begin. Choose from a huge range of included off-train experiences to create your own rich and rewarding personal journey through Australia’s outback and beyond.

GOLD SERVICE

Immerse yourself in the world of romance that epitomises rail travel with our Gold Service offering. Our most popular service option has everything you’ll need to feel at home for the duration of your journey.

Choose between Gold Twin or Single cabins, both of which provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day’s journey.

And after a day of off-train activities, your cabin provides the perfect place to relax and recharge before heading for the lounge or dining carriage. With room to stretch out and all the comforts of home, Gold Service is the most popular level of service aboard The Ghan. You’ll enjoy private cabin accommodation together with all-inclusive dining, beverages and a range of fascinating Off Train Excursions at key stops.

Gold includes hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners. You may also choose to complement your meal with our selection of premium wines and beverages, all included in your fare.

Gold Twin Cabins

Gold Twin offers a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day

Features include

Power outlets in cabin
In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary available
All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
All-inclusive Off Train Excursions and Short Stops
Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre

Single cabins available – or upgrade to the highest level of service onboard, Platinum Service.

Room Upgrades

Gold Single Cabin

A compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day, private vanity, with shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage.

Australia’s iconic rail journeys offer purpose-built carriages to do it in superb style. Our Gold Service Single is a comfortable sleeper cabin option that offers all the luxurious inclusions of the Gold Service Twin such as fully inclusive dining with three gourmet meals per day, all-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, and your choice of Off Train Experiences as you travel.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Gold Premium

Gold Premium is a new style of travel for 2024 – For travellers who want that little bit more. Accommodated in newly designed, contemporary cabins, guests have exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage for meals and socialising.

The Gold Premium Lounge is your social hub. Think luxe leather banquettes and swivel chairs made for sinking into, and mood lighting creating an elegant ambiance that references the romance inherent in train travel.

Gold Premium Dining is a feast in multiple ways, with a contemporary design that respects Art Deco as the setting for carefully curated meals, from hearty breakfasts to two-course regionally inspired lunches and delectable four-course dinners, featuring the finest ingredients from local suppliers, farmers and providores. Naturally, this is accompanied by a selection of premium Australian wines.

Gold Premium Twin

A newly designed, contemporary cabin that converts from a lounge by day into sleeping berths at night.

Gold Premium Suite

The Gold Premium Suite has a three-quarter-size double bed plus a fold-down upper berth and a lounge area, with extra room to relax.

Gold Premium (Twin & Suite) service includes:

Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen and silk eye masks
Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage
Two-course, regionally inspired lunches and four-course dinners
All-inclusive premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
All-inclusive Off Train Experiences and preferences on tour selections
75kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 25 kg each)
Priority luggage check-in
Power outlets in cabin
In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin and Brisbane to selected hotels in the city centre.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Platinum

Nothing enhances the romance of rail travel quite like Platinum Service. Tailored for the discerning traveller, our Platinum Service adds a new level of sophistication to your journey. Stylishly appointed and spacious cabins are complemented by discreet, personalised service and access to the exclusive Platinum Club carriage for meals, relaxation and socialising. As you’d expect, the food and wine are of the highest standard. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and four-course dinners, all regionally inspired and paired with champagne and premium wines.

And it all begins before you’ve even stepped aboard. Platinum guests receive private transfers before and after your journey, beginning the adventure in style.

Platinum cabins offer premium extras, like a full-size en suite, expansive window views from the train, and exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage. Add to that the luxurious linen, French Champagne, Bracegirdle’s chocolates, a nightcap at turndown and more, and you’re in for an exceptional experience.

Platinum service includes:

All-inclusive dining, beverages, and Off Train Experiences
Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Service Twin cabin
By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans
By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
En suite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet and Australian bathroom amenities
Power outlets and in-cabin safe
In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
Panoramic windows offering views from both sides of the train
Access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining and socialising
Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin
Refreshments served in-cabin
Transfers at the start and end of your journey available for guests within 60 km of the terminal
90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each).

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

**DARWIN TRANSFERS - In 2024, guests travelling onboard the Ghan will be provided with transfers from their accommodation* to the Darwin convention centre for The Welcome Experience - and later transferred to the Darwin Railway terminal to board The Ghan.

The Welcome Experience is held in a beautiful space that overlooks the Darwin Waterfront and wharf. After completing your check-in arrangements at the Convention Centre, you will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with your crew and fellow guests. There will be a special Welcome to Country experience as you enjoy a light breakfast offering. When the 'All Aboard' call comes, guests will board a coach and be transferred to the Darwin Rail Terminal to board The Ghan.

*Platinum Service guests are provided with complimentary transfers (within 60kms from the rail terminal). Platinum transfers in Darwin are provided in small multi-passenger vehicles. Please note, we are unable to accept and confirm requests less than two business days of departure.
*Gold Service guests are provided with complimentary coach transfers to the Darwin Convention for the Welcome Experience and these are available for Gold guests departing from selected Darwin hotels as per times below (subject to change).

Guests not staying at preferred hotels shown below can either make their own way to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin (central pick up point) or can make their own way to the Darwin Convention Centre for check-in between 7-8:45am (Wednesdays) and 6:30-7:45am (Saturdays)

Guests to be assembled in the lobby of the hotel 15 minutes prior to departure time:


Darwin Hotel	Wednesday Departure Time	Saturday Departure Time
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin (central pick up point)	7:00am	6:15am
Mindil Beach Casino Resort	7:00am	6:15am
Travelodge Darwin	7:15am	6:30am
Hilton Darwin	7:15am	6:30am
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront	7:25am	6:40am
Vibe Hotel Darwin	7:25am	6:40am
Oaks Elan Darwin	7:25am	6:40a

For 2025 and beyond - transfers from Darwin Convention Centre to Darwin Railway Terminal will only be provided.

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

Travel on a specific airline of their choice
Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

The Ghan: Darwin to Adelaide (Tour code: 12968)

Highlights

Overview

Inclusions