Australia's Ghan Rail Expedition

Discover Darwin’s rich heritage and Aboriginal art before unwinding at the lively Waterfront precinct.
Journey aboard The Ghan through the heart of Australia, from tropical Darwin to the Red Centre.
Cruise Nitmiluk Gorge and dine under the desert stars during your stay in Alice Springs.
Explore Coober Pedy’s underground wonders and the surreal outback landscapes of South Australia.
Arrive in Adelaide to savour Barossa Valley wines and stroll through the city’s vibrant East End.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,306 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,306 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Rural Charm

Highlights countryside settings rich in character, culture, and tranquillity.

Unique Accommodation

Incorporates distinctive stays that add personality and memorable flair.

Rail Journeys

Trips that help you explore the world by train.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Rural Charm

Highlights countryside settings rich in character, culture, and tranquillity.

Unique Accommodation

Incorporates distinctive stays that add personality and memorable flair.

Rail Journeys

Trips that help you explore the world by train.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Darwin

DAY

Half Day Darwin Highlights Tour

DAY

Depart Darwin on The Ghan

DAY

Exploring Alice Springs

DAY

Discovering Coober Pedy

DAY

Arrive in Adelaide

DAY

Full Day Barossa Valley Tour

DAY

Depart from Adelaide

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Darwin

Transfer

Darwin Airport to Darwin - City Centre

Your Accommodation

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

If you want to be in the middle of the action and close to the Darwin CBD, Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront is the place for you. Choose to stay in one of the hotel's 121 well-appointed guest rooms. Perfectly positioned amongst the entertainment and dining hub of Darwin’s seafront promenade, Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront is surrounded by great shopping, a range of Territorian pubs, as well as some of the most amazing restaurants and cafés in the NT. Whether you're tasting craft beers at The Precinct Tavern, enjoying hand crafted menus at Il Lido or Wharf One, or trying NT favourites at the Oyster Bar or Hot Tamale, you'll feel right at home at this picturesque location.

Duration

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Room Only

Show on Map

DAY

Half Day Darwin Highlights Tour

Day Tour

Darwin City Sights

Embark on a captivating tour of Darwin, immersing yourself in the city's rich history. Your tour includes the Darwin Aviation Museum, where you'll delve into the fascinating world of aviation history. Admire the impressive collection of 19 aircraft on display, including the iconic B-52 Bomber on loan from the United States Air Force. Continue to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), a treasure trove of artistic and scientific excellence. Explore its internationally renowned collections and research programs, the highlight being the largest permanent display of Aboriginal Art in Australia. Stroll through the tranquil Darwin Botanic Gardens, one of the few in the world that has marine and estuarine plants naturally in its grounds.

DAY

Depart Darwin on The Ghan

Transfer

Darwin - City Centre to Darwin Berrimah Terminal

Multi Day Tour

Depart Darwin

Your journey aboard the legendary Ghan begins in Darwin, where you'll take the small but momentous step from platform to carriage. Friendly staff will lead you through corridors to your comfortable private cabin where you can take your time settling in and exploring the amenities as the view outside your window begins its smooth and spectacular transformation. Lunch in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant is bound to satisfy and delight with culinary wonders prepared onboard by the talented chefs. All food is included in your fare, from a hearty full cooked breakfast to a delectable 3 course dinner. And as you sit back and loosen your belt, you'll have arrived in Katherine ready to experience your first included Off Train Excursion to the magnificent and spiritual Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the idyllic Katherine River, gazing in awe at the towering sandstone cliffs, learning the Aboriginal and geological history of the area. Take time to soak up the ancient beauty and inspiring silence of one of the world's untainted natural wonders. Or gain a moving insight into the culture and ways of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawoyn people, with an exclusive tailor-made cultural experience. If you'd prefer to ramp it up a notch, you're welcome to upgrade your excursion with a helicopter flight or scenic flight over Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks, providing unparalleled views of the geographic wonders that gave rise to many of the aboriginal Dreamtime stories Back on board you'll return to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, enjoying dinner as the sun sets over the outback. Then back in your room you'll find your bed turned down with a cheeky nightcap waiting on the bedside table. As the train rolls soothingly onwards, fall asleep in awe of wonders seen, and excited by those yet to come.

Meal

Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

The Ghan

The legendary train was named after the hardy Afghans and their camel trains which provided the only means of transport into "The Red Centre" in the early days. The journey is now a comfortable world class train trip!

Show on Map

DAY

Exploring Alice Springs

Multi Day Tour

Arrive Alice Springs

Wake up to a new view outside your window, in a world which feels a million miles from home. An outback sunrise could be one of the most spectacular you'll ever see, setting the tone for the day ahead. After coffee, a juice and a sumptuous breakfast you'll arrive in Alice Springs ready for another day of exploration. Here you have the opportunity to embark on one of the included off Train Excursions, taking in the delights of this famous outback town. A full day in Alice Springs gives you ample opportunity to visit the town landmarks, get up close and personal with Australia's incredible flora and fauna or explore the Alice at your own leisure. At this point you may choose to upgrade your excursion with a helicopter ride over the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges or with the ultimate outback experience; an intimate scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. There really is no better way to comprehend the vastness of the Northern Territory. Come the evening you'll dine beneath a canopy of stars at an authentic Outback Bush Barbecue set in a strikingly lit quarry. This is a truly unique experience with live Australiana music and a feast of mouth-watering steak and traditionally made damper. After dessert, cast your eyes skyward and ponder life, the universe and everything with an informative astronomical talk. And with a full belly and deep sense of wonderment, it's back on the train to rest up and roll out of Alice Springs, fulfilled in every sense of the word.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

The Ghan

Show on Map

DAY

Discovering Coober Pedy

Multi Day Tour

Coober Pedy

After breakfast this morning you'll wake up and rub your eyes with disbelief as you pull into the middle-of-nowhere stop at Manguri. Here, a friendly tour guide awaits ready to whisk you away for the day. Your destination - the sun-scorched opal mining capital of world, Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Venture into the tunnels and caves of this underground town, where you may even catch opal fever as you mine for riches, visit the otherworldly underground Serbian Orthodox church and glimpse the famous Coober Pedy Golf Course - the only course in the world boasting reciprocal rights with St. Andrew's course in Scotland. Below the earth's surface, you'll enjoy a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations before setting off to the stunning outback moonscape that is the Breakaways. After an eye-opening action-packed day - if you haven't chosen to stay and find your fortune - it's back on board with plenty of time to ease into a slower gear and prepare yourself for your final evening onboard The Ghan. Dine in style in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, meet and share stories with new friends in the Outback Explorer Lounge (open until late) or simply head back to the privacy of your cabin to wind down, read a book and plan your next epic journey.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

The Ghan

Show on Map

DAY

Arrive in Adelaide

Transfer

Adelaide Parklands Terminal to Adelaide - City Centre

Your Accommodation

Crowne Plaza Adelaide

Enjoy a culturally-rich and inspiring escape at Crowne Plaza Adelaide with stunning views from the city's tallest building in design-led rooms. Stay in the East End- Adelaide's sweet spot- close to Lot Fourteen and Adelaide Botanic Garden with easy access to the casino, Adelaide Convention Centre and Adelaide Oval. Indulge in fresh experiences beginning with check-in on Level 10 that seamlessly lets you segue from business to leisure and back again at this urban haven in the sky.

Duration

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Room Only

Multi Day Tour

Arrive Adelaide

Looking out of your window this morning you'll notice a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the beautiful green fields and pastoral lands of South Australia. After breakfast you'll have time to reflect on your journey before The Ghan rolls into Adelaide. Here, you may wish to extend your stay with trips to the Barossa Valley or Kangaroo Island topping the to-do list. Or stay close to the city, nibbling, sipping and munching your way through the famous Central Market, perusing the revitalised Riverbank precinct (including the updated Adelaide Oval and free Donald Bradman Exhibition), before exploring a myriad of chic laneway restaurants, bars and entertainment venues in this, Australia's City of Churches.

Meal

Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

Full Day Barossa Valley Tour

Day Tour

Best of Barossa

Your journey begins with a city orientation tour. You travel through the scenic Torrens Gorge to the Barossa Valley. Perhaps you'll stop at a local bakery to taste the best of the fine German pastries. Travel over the Jacobs Creek for your first tasting of the fine wines at the Peter Lehmann winery. Then visit Torbreck wine cellars, a small winery with rustic charm, making wines in traditional Barossa methods. After, you'll stop for a stroll in the German town of Tanunda with time to discover the small shops. Before lunch take the picturesque drive up to Menglers Hill for an unsurpassed view over the entire Valley. Continue into historic Angaston - one of the more English villages in the Barossa. Lunch will be alfresco under the vines or at Vintners restaurant just out of Angaston. Your next stop may be Henschkes winery in Keyneton, a fifth generation German winery or the historic Yalumba, the biggest family run winery in Australia. If time permits you may visit small boutique producers such as Charles Melton or Turkey Flat.

DAY

Depart from Adelaide

Transfer

Adelaide - City Centre to Adelaide Airport

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

The Ghan

Gold Service Twin Cabin

Queen Adelaide Restaurant aboard The Ghan

Queen Adelaide Restaurant, The Ghan

Outback Explorer Lounge, The Ghan

The Ghan Expedition Southbound at Coober Pedy

The Ghan at Coober Pedy

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

AdelaideMostly Sunny

31°C / 88°F

25mm / 1.0"

DarwinMostly Sunny

30°C / 86°F

7mm / 0.3"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,306 Reviews

Verified

We have used Goway several times to plan simple & more complicated trips. The last 2 trips we worked with Brooke Theron who is extremely customer focused. She listens well & is alway flexible to look at alternatives. We will continue using this representative & Goway. Our only criticism is that they do not break down the various costs of a trip which makes tipping very awkward. It can also create a sense of " mistrust" when all the costs are not transparent. Cheryl Hayes

Verified

Our trip to Switzerland was an amazing experience. Our travel agent at GoWay, Bo was so helpful in helping my husband Louie plan just what we wanted to do on this trip. Taking the trains thru the county was easy by the many hours Louie and Bo worked on this. Also our helicopter ride in Zermatt on my birthday was just unbelievable. Flying around the Matterhorn and the Alps is one flight we will never forget. Thanks Bo for setting this up. The trip was one incredible adventure that we will never forget. Thanks again Bo, Lynn Gerber. Lynn Gerber

Verified

We booked a Goway tour to Botswana and Zimbabwe and it was excellent. We worked with Brooke, the Goway represntative, to set up the tour and she was an outstanding agent who answered any questions we had very quickly and completely. Her hotel recommendation for the additional night we stayed was pefect. Goway hires a local tour group, Jenman Safaris, to lead the safari in the 2 countries. The tour itself was amazing...the lodges that we stayed at were very nice and the food was great (except for one lodge's food). The Goway itinerary was slightly different than the actual Jenman Safari itinerary but most of the sites that we went to were the same as listed on the Goway itinerary. I would use Goway again because their choice of a local tour group was very good...nice lodges/camps and good food and knowledgeable tour guides.Ma Fa

Verified

Our GoWay tour representative, Michael Keon, was on top of all of our concerns and questions in a professional manner and we look forward to working with him in the future. Michael was very easy to work with and treated us like family.Thomas

Verified

Matthew handled my honeymoon couple's very specific African itinerary like a pro! My clients went to four different travel agents who only wanted to send them on safaris. My clients had already done safaris and were specific on what they wanted to do and see. Matthew hit the nail on the head! Highly recommend!Amanda Schott

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Seamless prompt excellent communication from our first query about a possible destination to follow-up after the trip ended. Shalini’s knowledge, advice and enthusiasm were invaluable. Jane

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Jacqueline Fagioli from Goaway Travel is excellent and very helpful and supportive. Venessa

Verified

Our travel agent, Melissa Moses, created the perfect itinerary for our recent holiday to Portugal. Melissa had also planned our previous trip to England/Scotland. We have a great deal of confidence in her ability as she really listens to what we are looking for and she caters the plans according to our comfort levels and interests. customer

Verified

Jacqueline F. made our trip exceptional. Everything she planned or reserved worked out as it was supposed to. Croatia was amazing and I feel we were able to explore a lot of it because of Jacqueline.Allen

Verified

This was the first time we had utilized Goway. We wanted a custom itinerary for a 3 week Italy, Athens and Greek Island adventure. Edwina Brislane was receptive to our goals for the trip, had helpful suggestions and reacted well to our requested revisions. Lisa Dachuk helped "tie a ribbon" on the trip and ensured we had considered all aspects of the experience. Lisa dealt quickly with a couple of requests while on the trip and celebrated a successful trip with us. We enjoyed working with both Edwina and Lisa. Their knowledge and enthusiasm contributed to our very memorable trip.Dan & Gail

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What do the experts say?

Erin Hutchinson

Destination Specialist

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Tasmania is under the radar for many travelers, but it’s great for hikes, natural landscapes and now modern art!

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Erin Hutchinson

Destination Specialist

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Sydney and Melbourne are a great combination for first-time visitors to Australia, with Brisbane, Adelaide and/or the Outback added in, depending on how much time you have. Returnees should take in Perth, Darwin and the Kakadu National Park area and/or Tasmania if they can, plus spend some time in the cities they loved the first time around

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Erin Hutchinson

Destination Specialist

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It might sound cliche, but you really can visit year-round. Australia is a big country, so there is always somewhere with amazing weather!

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Alice Teramoto

Destination Specialist

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Goway’s trips to Australia are not stock itineraries. We can put together trips of a few weeks or a few months, allowing you to see as much of the land Downunder as you can. And we offer a mix of travel options, from self-drives to train journeys to long stays.

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Alice Teramoto

Destination Specialist

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Goway has partnerships with many unique inns and hotels in Australia. Among the most memorable are Qualia on Hamilton Island, Longitude 131 at Uluru and Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.

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Exclusive Savings

Insider Benefits

Australia's Ghan Rail Expedition

Trip Features

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

Arrive in Darwin

Half Day Darwin Highlights Tour

Depart Darwin on The Ghan

Exploring Alice Springs

Discovering Coober Pedy

Arrive in Adelaide

Full Day Barossa Valley Tour

Depart from Adelaide

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Darwin

Half Day Darwin Highlights Tour

Depart Darwin on The Ghan

Exploring Alice Springs

Discovering Coober Pedy

Arrive in Adelaide

Full Day Barossa Valley Tour

Depart from Adelaide

Departures

Terms and Conditions

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

What do the experts say?

Erin Hutchinson

Erin Hutchinson

Erin Hutchinson

Alice Teramoto

Alice Teramoto

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.