The Ghan Rail
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The Ghan: Top End Explorer
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The Ghan Rail
Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
View of Darwin Harbour
Check-In Assist
Gold Service Food
Gold Service Twin Cabin
Alice Springs
Alice Springs Terminal
Kakadu National Park
Litchfield National Park

The Ghan: Top End Explorer (Tour code: 12607)

Starts and Ends
Adelaide to
Darwin
Travel Periods
Departs Sun & Wed (Mar - Oct) 2026
Experience
Travel Style
Rail Journeys
Connect with culture and country by combining two iconic national parks with one legendary rail journey.

Highlights

Explore the outback town of Alice Springs

Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine 

Cruise on the Mary River spotting wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife

Visit the Ubirr art site within Kakadu National Park, home to some of the world’s most outstanding rock art

Swim in a waterfall at Litchfield National Park

Take in the sparkling waters of Darwin Harbour on a Sunset Dinner Cruise 

8 days
From
AUD 5,265
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

You’ll experience Australian wildlife in their natural habitat and visit incredible remote landscapes as you explore Australia by train on The Ghan, before continuing on to Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks for deeper exploration of the Top End’s diverse natural habitats.

Inclusions

2 nights aboard The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine
Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
Transfer from Darwin Rail Terminal to hotel
3 nights' accommodation in Darwin, including breakfast
2 nights Kakadu touring, East Alligator River and Litchfield touring with Outback Spirit, travelling on 4WD Mercedes-Benz vehicle, incl. accommodation, guided tours and meals
Cruise on the Mary River spotting wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife
Visit the Ubirr art site within Kakadu National Park, home to some of the world’s most outstanding rock art
Darwin Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners

Day 1 Board The Ghan in Adelaide

Board The Ghan in Adelaide for an incredible showcase journey of inland Australia. As the train leaves the city heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond, the dramatic changes in landscape from pastoral land to arid outback scenes will ignite your imagination. Lunch is served on board – this is the first of many superb, chef-prepared gourmet meals, showcasing regional flair and season flavours.

Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.

Lunch, Dinner
Board The Ghan in Adelaide
Check-In assistant on the platform

Day 2 The Ghan: Alice Springs

After your first night enjoying the fine dining and relaxed comfort of this iconic train, you’ll wake to an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track. Enjoy the magnificent scenery as you make your way onwards to Alice Springs, where you have a selection of Off Train Experiences to choose from. There’s an experience to suit everyone, from an off-road mountain bike adventure to the Alice Explorer tour, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park, or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight.

Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Ghan: Alice Springs
Alice Springs

Day 3 The Ghan: Katherine and Darwin

When the landscape transforms into rocky gorges and fast flowing canyon streams, prepare to experience one of the Top End’s most impressive natural wonders on a boat cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home. There is also a helicopter flight upgrade available, for those wishing to see Nitmiluk from an aerial perspective. Continue to Darwin, where you’ll disembark The Ghan and be transferred to your overnight accommodation. After checking in, you may wish to explore the Waterfront Precinct with its many restaurants and bars. 

Overnight stay in Darwin at Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

Breakfast, Lunch
The Ghan: Katherine and Darwin
Nitmiluk National Park

Day 4 Darwin Litchfield and Kakadu National Park

As one adventure ends, another begins with Outback Spirit. This morning, depart Darwin and head towards Batchelor, the gateway to Litchfield National Park. Containing several types of typical Top End habitats, Litchfield National Park is abundant with lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, and cascades.

After stopping for morning tea, the next stop is Florence Falls. Here you can watch from the scenic viewing platform as the spectacular falls cascade into the plunge pool below.

Next, move onto Wangi Falls; a large plunge pool surrounded by shady grassed areas. The falls flow all year round and you can take a dip in the crystal-clear pool. After a light lunch, cross the Adelaide River and continuing east, enter the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park before arriving at your accommodation for the next two nights, the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru, so named for the crocodile shape it takes. 

Note: Swimming at Wangi Falls is subject to National Park No Croc Safety Clearance.

Overnight stay at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Darwin → Litchfield and Kakadu National Park
Crocodile at Kakadu National Park

Day 5 Kakadu National Park

 An early start today - head to Jabiru Airstrip, where you'll gain another perspective on this incredible environment. Take to the skies on a 60-minute scenic flight over ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers, exhibiting the results of 1.8 billion years of continuous erosion. Your flight includes live commentary from your pilot as you glide over these spectacular ancient lands.

After landing at Jabiru Airport, depart for the East Alligator River region, known as the gateway to Arnhem Land. Take a spectacular local indigenous cruise on the East Alligator River and listen to the stories of the region as you spot the large saltwater crocodiles that dwell in these waters.

After a peaceful cruise, it's time to reboard the coach and head to the World Heritage Ubirr art site, home to some of the world's most outstanding rock art. Enjoy a 1-kilometre circular track walk and take in the amazing rock art. There will be time for those feeling fit to make the steep 250m climb to the top of the rocky escarpment for magnificent views across the Magela floodplain.

Enjoy lunch before heading to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Art Site where you can take in ancient rock paintings and spectacular vistas whilst enjoying the 1.5 kilometre walk around this incredible indigenous site. Then it's time to head back to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner.

*Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April you will experience Nourlangie after your scenic flight instead of Ubirr, and the cruise will occur on Yellow Waters

Overnight stay at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park

Day 6 Kakadu National Park Darwin

This morning, depart Kakadu National Park and travel along the Arnhem Highway through the Mary River National Park with its vast wetlands attracting many migratory birds.

On arrival at Mary River, you will take to the water on a cruise that showcases the local wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and the abundance of birdlife in the region.

From here, travel through the productive region of Humpty Doo, where an array of tropical fruits are grown before heading to Darwin, arriving early evening, where your three-day Simply Kakadu Tour comes to an end. 

*Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April you will enjoy the famous ‘Jumping Croc Cruise’ in place of the Mary River cruise.

Overnight stay at Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.

Breakfast, Lunch
Kakadu National Park → Darwin
Litchfield National Park

Day 7 Darwin

Today is free for you to enjoy the sights of Darwin at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the Waterfront Precinct or visit the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. In the evening, admire a spectacular sunset while feasting on a Territory-style dinner featuring local seafood and produce on a Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise.

Overnight stay at Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.

Breakfast, Dinner
Darwin
Darwin Harbour

Day 8 Farewell

Your Top End experience comes to an end as you check out of your accommodation after breakfast and farewell Darwin.

Breakfast

Accommodation

The Ghan

Upgrade available

GOLD

Immerse yourself in the world of romance that epitomises rail travel with Gold Service. 

Choose between Gold Twin or Single cabins, both of which provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day’s journey. Spend hours deep in conversation with new friends in the shared Outback Explorer Lounge, sipping on barista made coffee, or a glass of white wine. Later make your way to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant to dine.

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 ensuite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day.

The Ghan
  • 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
  • Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
  • Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre

Room Upgrades

Gold Single Cabin

Your stylish and ultra-modern cabin cleverly accommodates your belongings with a series of compartments and shelving options incorporated into the compact design. Your comfortable seat with full leg extension bench seat by day converts to a cosy bed by night.

The soulful, reflective and contemplative nature of moving across the continent by train is ideally suited to travelling solo but you can be as quiet or as social as you wish and with your included choice of Off Train Experiences allows you to join fellow guests as you experience the amazing places you visit together.

Inside your cabin, choose from six music and journey commentary channels to add background ambience to your travels, and you have numerous power supply outlets to keep your devices charged.  Complimentary shuttle bus transfers are available between Darwin Terminal and the city centre, with a checked luggage allowance of 60 kg per guest (2 pieces at 30 kg each).

Gold Single Cabin

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

Gold Premium

For travellers who want that little bit more, Gold Premium delivers an enhanced journey experience. Accommodated in newly designed, contemporary cabins, guests have exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Restaurant for meals and socialising. Enjoy delicious breakfasts, two-course, regionally inspired lunches and delectable four-course dinners in beautiful surrounds, accompanied by a selection of premium beverages.

Gold Premium offers some special touches to make the journey special, like priority check-in and an increased luggage allowance, a private ensuite, LaGaia amenities, tour preferencing and more.

Choose between a Gold Premium Twin cabin or Gold Premium Suite, which has a little more space. Whichever cabin you choose, Gold Premium offers a step up to a whole new style of train travel.

Gold Premium Twin cabin

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:

  • Private en suite with LaGaia amenities, luxuriously soft linen and satin 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
Gold Premium

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

Platinum

Tailored for the discerning traveller, Platinum sets a refined and elegant tone throughout your journey. Stylishly appointed and spacious cabins provide comfort after a day’s exploring, while the Platinum Club carriage offers a sophisticated setting for meals, relaxation and socialising. As you’d expect, the food and wine is of the highest standard. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and five-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 luxe extras, such as a full-size ensuite, expansive window views from the train. Add to that the luxurious linen, Champagne Bollinger, premium Jurlique amenities, Bracegirdle’s chocolates, a nightcap at turndown and more, and you’re in for an exceptional experience.

Platinum service includes:

  • Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Premium Twin or Gold Twin cabin
  • All-inclusive dining, beverages and Off Train Experiences
  • 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
  • Luxuriously soft linen and satin eye masks
  • Ensuite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, and toilet
  • Premium Jurlique 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 (Platinum transfers in Alice Springs, Darwin and Brisbane are provided in shared vehicles)
  • 90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each)
  • Priority luggage check-in
Platinum

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

Additional information

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Can I request a forward-facing seat?

Yes, you are able to request forward facing-cabins aboard The Ghan at the time of booking; however, as approximately half the cabins face forward, we are unable to guarantee a forward facing cabin depending on the number of requests received for any given departure.

Can someone with mobility limitations travel on the The Ghan?

The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern have a Gold Access Cabin available for wheelchair bound/physically impaired guests travelling in Gold Service. This cabin is subject to availability and assessment of the guest’s Fitness to Travel. Please ask us for more information.

What are the meal times onboard the train?

In your cabin when you first board the train, you will find a card with the breakfast, lunch and dinner meal times for your journey. Your On-Board Attendant will advise you of the process. If you have any special requests regarding meal times, please speak with a member of the On-Board team when travelling.

Does the train have Wi-Fi?

Limited Wi-Fi is available in the Outback Explorer Lounges and Platinum Club carriages.

Please note that Wi-Fi availability is dependent on mobile network coverage, and as we travel through some remote locations it may not always be available.

What special dietary requirements can be accommodated on board the train?

Most special dietary requirements can be accommodated – including vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free and vegan. Please ensure this is advised at the time of booking.

Is there a dress code when onboard The Ghan?

It’s your holiday and we want you to be comfortable so smart casual attire is recommended.

We also recommend:

  • Warm clothes for Outback Experiences as mornings and evenings in the Outback can be cool
  • Hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes for your Off Train Experiences.

Can I smoke onboard?

No, smoking is not permitted onboard The Ghan.

Do I need to check-in prior to arrival?

Check in opens approximately 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.

We ask all guests to check in at least 60 minutes prior to departure to be welcomed onboard. Please bring your travel itinerary and Photo I.D.

Are there luggage restrictions?

Luggage limits apply for both carry on and checked luggage. These limits vary depending on the level of service you are travelling in and by train.

While on board The Ghan, you can access one piece of hand luggage plus a garment bag, cabin bag or briefcase per person, and store this within your cabin.

Checked luggage cannot be accessed during your rail journey and will be stored on a separate part of the train.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

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