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The Ghan. Australia

The Australian Ghan Great Train Journey takes you from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide in South Australia on an unforgettable travel experience to Alice Springs in Australia's Northern Territory and now onto Darwin. This is one the worlds great train journeys and not to be missed

The Ghan

From its early days as a rather irregular service, the legendary Ghan has evolved into one of the world's most comfortable and impressive rail journeys. The Ghan is an unforgettable travel experience connecting  Adelaide with Alice Springs and Darwin,  connecting Indian Pacific and Overland services from Sydney and Melbourne.

The Ghan will take you through ancient mountain ranges, over the red-baked earth of the Simpson Desert and past oceans of sandhills. You will travel under a brilliant outback sunset and experience the wonder of the Southern sky. 

Gold Kangaroo Lounge

Gold Kangaroo Twin Cabin

Red Kangaroo Diner

Daynighter Seat

Gold Kangaroo Lounge  Gold Kangaroo Twin Cabin  Red Kangaroo Diner Red Kangaroo Daynighter Seat

The Journey 

The Ghan follows the route of the explorer John McDouall Stuart and the Afghan camel trains. This journey connects Adelaide, the picturesque capital of South Australia, and Alice Springs gateway to Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and then onto Darwin.

You will enjoy magic hours on a journey full of fine dining, spectacular scenery and characters as warm as the great Australian outback itself. This world-famous train will transport you with all the airconditioned comfort and style of a fine hotel. The journey can be taken in Gold Kangaroo Sleepers, Red Kangaroo Sleepers or Red Kangaroo Daynighter Seats. 

The Ghan is equipped with Gold Kangaroo and Red Kangaroo Lounges, and these are often the centre of activity for any journey. These lounges provide guests with the perfect atmosphere for relaxed drinking and chatting with newly found friends. Each lounge car is decorated and furnished with a theme taken from the history of the Indian Pacific and the various places of interest along the route. The attention to detail and high level of service makes your journey a truly unforgettable experience.

The Ghan. It’s an odd name for a train but in Australian history it is a living legend. For it is the ultimate journey through the heart of the continent.

The legend has soared to new heights with the extension of The Ghan journey to Darwin. When The Ghan first departed Adelaide for Alice Springs, it was always intended that it would one day travel through to Darwin. More than 70 years on, that dream has become reality.

Boarding The Ghan in Adelaide, with great connections available on the Indian Pacific and The Overland for guests travelling to or from Sydney and Melbourne, experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. Enjoy 2 nights aboard this great train and marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes; from the rusty reds of the Red Centre, then north to Katherine and the tropical splendour of Darwin, or south to the countryside and rolling hills surrounding Adelaide.


The Ghan Fares (valid to 31st March 2008)  Back to Top

Note: Return fares are generally double the one way fare. Other sector fares on application. All travel between Sydney & Adelaide is on the Indian Pacific. All travel between Melbourne & Adelaide is on The Overland. All travel between Adelaide & Alice Springs is on The Ghan. Melbourne-Alice Springs or v.v Red Kangaroo Sleeper Cabin fare includes Gold Kangaroo Service on The Overland. Gold & Red Kangaroo Service on The Overland differs from The Ghan or Indian Pacific. Fares subject to change without notice. v.v = vice versa. CSHC = Australian Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Holder. 

Gold Kangaroo fares include all meals. Red Kangaroo guests can purchase meals, snacks and refreshments on board, from Cafe Matilda. Red Kangaroo Daynighter Seat guests can purchase meals, snacks and refreshments from the Buffet Car.


AUS$ Per Person One Way

Gold Kangaroo
Red Kangaroo Service
Service
Sleeper Cabin
Daynighter Seat*

Adelaide - Alice Springs or v.v

Adult

AUS$995
AUS$685 AUS$335

Child/ Pensioner/CSHC

AUS$681 AUS$417 AUS$159
Adelaide - Darwin/Katherine or v.v
Adult AUS$1920 AUS$1390 AUS$690
Child/ Pensioner AUS$1496 AUS$1023 AUS$424
CSHC AUS$1315 AUS$846 AUS$327
Alice Springs - Darwin/Katherine or v.v
Adult AUS$1095 AUS$705 AUS$355
Child/ Pensioner AUS$815 AUS$606 AUS$295
CSHC AUS$749 AUS$429 AUS$168


The Ghan Timetable   (valid 1 March 31st 2008)   Back to Top

Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin (valid to 31 March 2007) Darwin - Alice Springs - Adelaide (valid to 31 March 2007)
The Ghan Sun Wed(May to July 2005) Presently Discontinued Fri The Ghan Wed Mon
Depart Adelaide 12.20pm   5.15pm Depart Darwin 10.00am 9.45am
  Mon   Sat  Arrive Katherine 1.40pm 1.40pm
Arrive Alice Springs 11.55am   11.55am Departs Katherine 6.20pm 6.20pm
Depart Alice Springs 4.10pm   4.10pm      
  Tue   Sun   Thur

Tue

      Arrive Alice Springs 9.20am  8.00am
Arrive Katherine 8.00am   8.00am Depart Alice Springs 12.45pm 12.40pm
Depart Katherine 12.10pm   12.10pm   Fri Wed
Arrive Darwin 4.30pm   4.30pm Arrive Adelaide 9.00am 9.30am
Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin (valid from 1 April 2007 to 31 march 2008) Darwin - Alice Springs - Adelaide - Sydney (Valid from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008)
The Ghan Sun Wed The Ghan Wed Sat
Depart Adelaide 12.20pm 12.20pm Depart Darwin 10.00am 9.00am
  Mon Thurs Arrive Katherine 1.40pm 12.40pm
Arrive Manguri 3.00am 3.15am Depart Katherine 6.20pm 4.45pm
Depart Manguri 3.30am 3.45am   Thurs Sun
Arrive Alice Springs 1.45pm 1.45pm Arrive Alice Springs 9.10am 11.15am
Depart Alice Springs 6.00pm 6.00pm Depart Alice Springs 12.45pm 3.15pm
  Tue Fri Arrive Manguri 9.45pm 10.50pm
Arrive Katherine 9.00am 9.00am Depart Manguri 10.55pm 11.00pm
Depart Katherine 1.00pm 2.30pm   Fri Mon
Arrive Darwin  5.30pm 6.30pm Arrive Adelaide 1.10pm 1.10pm

**An optional tour of Adelaide is available at extra cost for guests joining The Ghan. Enquire at time of booking.


Rail Explorer Pass - International Visitors
6 months unlimited travel in Red Kangaroo Service aboard the great trains;
The Legendary Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland.  Back to Top

Red Kangaroo Daynighter Seat (valid to 31 March 2008)

Adult $690
Student/ Backpacker $690

Great Southern Railway Pass Conditions

  • Pass is only available to holders of foreign (non Australian) passports and non Australian residents.

  • Pass and Passports (and Student ID or Backpacker membership ID where applicable) must be shown prior to each sector travelled and on train upon request.

  • Pass is non transferable and non refundable.

  • Pass is valid from date of first travel for the period specified only.

  • The Pass allows unlimited travel on the Great Southern Railway routes.

  • Pre booking is required for all trains at least 24 hours prior to travel.

  • Cancellation and 'no show' fees apply.

  • A fee of $150 will apply if a Pass is lost and requires reissuing.

  • Tickets should be collected at least 90 minutes before departure.


The Ghan Motorail   Back to Top

Take your car on a Rail Holiday too! Travel in the comfort of the train whilst your car enjoys a rest aboard one of our special vehicle carrier wagons. Enjoy the convenience of having your own vehicle with you at the end of the line for touring and discovering new places.

Motorail Fares

Rates for unaccompanied vehicles available on request. Roof racks, wind deflectors, louvres, etc must be removed before loading. The length of any towbar should be included. Caravans, including pop tops and boats are NOT conveyed by Motorail. Vehicles must be roadworthy at time of loading and capable of being driven onto carrier. v.v = vice versa.

AUS$ for Accompanied Vehicles Only
(valid 1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007)
Up to 5.5m Length 5.5m to 7.0m Length

Adelaide - Alice Springs or v.v

AUS$389
AUS$465

Sydney - Alice Springs or v.v

AUS$748
AUS$910
Alice Springs - Darwin/Katherine or v.v AUS$449 AUS$549
Adelaide - Darwin/Katherine or v.v AUS$799 AUS$899
Sydney - Darwin/Katherine or v.v AUS$1158 AUS$1344
     
AUS$ for Unaccompanied Vehicles Only
(valid 1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007)
Up to 5.5m Length 5.5m to 7.0m Length

Adelaide - Alice Springs or v.v

AUS$595
AUS$740
Alice Springs - Darwin or v.v AUS$649 AUS$849
Adelaide - Darwin or v.v AUS$999 AUS$1099

Motor Vehicle Check-in Times (on day of travel)

Route

Check-in Time

Adelaide - Alice Springs

1.30pm - 4.00pm (Fri & Sun)
Adelaide - Darwin 1.30pm - 4.00pm (Sun)

Alice Springs - Adelaide

11.00am - 1.00pm (Sat)
Alice Springs - Adelaide 9.00am - 11.00am (Thur)
Alice Springs - Darwin 1.00pm - 2.30pm (Mon)
Darwin - Alice Springs/Adelaide 6.30am - 7.45am (Wed)
Katherine - Alice Springs/Adelaide 2.00pm - 4.00pm (Wed)
Take Your Car for $99*

***Take your Car with you for just $99* with the purchase of 2 Gold Kangaroo Service tickets***

Conditions: Offer valid with the purchase of two Gold Kangaroo Service tickets. Car booking must be made at the time of Gold Kangaroo Service booking. Strictly non-refundable. Subject to availability. Offer for inter-capital travel and for travel to or from Alice Springs only. Valid for travel until 31 March 2007.

 

To make a reservation/booking please fill in the request form or simply send us an e-mail at enquiries@fathomtravel.com  The site is constantly being updated for your information. When you are ready to make a reservation you will receive the very best attention to detail from one of our knowledgeable travel consultants. When making a reservation please use our Secure Payment Form