This posts a detailed(yatri doctor) experience of traveling on The Ghan, Australia’s most expensive and iconic long-distance passenger train journey, running between Adelaide and Darwin. The narrator shares firsthand insights about the journey, train facilities, pricing, itinerary, and historical background.
Key Highlights and Insights
- Train Overview:
- The Ghan runs from Adelaide to Darwin, covering approximately 2,979 km.
- Duration: Around 48 to 55 hours (2 nights, 3 days).
- It is considered one of the most adventurous and premium rail journeys in Australia.
- The train is extremely long, approximately 841 to 1,100 meters, spanning two platforms at stations.
- At the time of travel, there were 224 passengers and 40 crew members aboard.
- Ticket Pricing & Booking:
- The narrator booked a Gold Twin Cabin for two persons at approximately AUD 5,780 (AUD 2,890 per person) for 2 days, inclusive of meals and drinks.
- Booking needs to be done months in advance (7 months prior suggested) due to high demand.
- Various cabin classes exist, with prices ranging from AUD 2,500 up to AUD 12,000 per person
- depending on luxury:
- Gold Single (cheapest, common washroom)
- Gold Twin (private cabin, narrator’s choice)
- Gold Premium Twin
- Gold Suite & Gold Premium Suite
- Platinum Twin (side-by-side beds)
- Platinum Double (double bed, AUD 2,400 extra on Twin)
- Australian Cabin (latest, luxury, approx. AUD 12,000 per person)
- Platinum service includes extras like luxury car pickup in Adelaide and alcoholic beverages.
- Check-in & Boarding Experience:
- Check-in closes 1 hour before departure; boarding closes 15 minutes before.
- The narrator nearly missed boarding but was helped by very cooperative staff.
- The check-in process resembles an airport with baggage drop counters (no baggage was carried in this case).
- The train departs from Adelaide Parklands Terminal.
- Onboard Experience & Amenities:
- Gold Twin cabin (K8) includes:
- Twin beds (convertible seating/sofa by day).
- Personal bathroom with shower, hot/cold water, shampoo, conditioner.
- Towels, washbasin, toiletries.
- Cabin lighting with night mode and staff call/cancel buttons.
- Storage safe with lock.
- Hairdryer, mirrors, hangers.
- A small pantry area on the carriage for coffee and beverages.
- Meals are included, consisting of multiple courses with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Dining and lounge cars offer premium food and beverage services.
- Free non-alcoholic drinks including coffee, juices, and beers; alcohol is included in Platinum class.
- Cabin attendants provide personalized service and can adjust bed configurations on request.
- Journey Itinerary & Stops:
- Major stops include:
- Adelaide (departure)
- Port Augusta (last big city before desert, population ~13,000)
- Marla (first stop where passengers can disembark, ~1,100 km from Adelaide)
- Alice Springs (midpoint, offers optional off-train experiences like cycling or town tours)
- Katherine (near final stages)
- Darwin (final destination)
- The train passes through diverse landscapes, transitioning from agricultural land to the iconic red desert terrain.
- The journey includes scenic highlights such as the only full train curve visible at Kununurra Town.
- The train does not operate during the hottest months (December to February) due to extreme desert heat.
- Historical Context:
- The train’s name “The Ghan” originates from Afghan cameleers brought by British colonists to assist in laying railway tracks through the desert.
- Originally called the Afghan Express and later shortened to The Ghan.
- Rail construction started in 1878 at Port Augusta, reached Alice Springs by 1929, and extended to Darwin only in 2004.
- The camel symbol on the train honors these Afghan cameleers.
- Additional Notes:
- The narrator emphasizes traveling light for comfort.
- The train journey offers exclusive off-train experiences at selected stops, though these often book out early.
- The train consists of 36 carriages and 2 engines.
- The narrator compares this journey’s luxury to previous experiences on Canadian and American trains, describing The Ghan as a premium experience.
- The journey is seasonal, with the main travel period between June and November.
- The narrator invites viewer support due to the high costs incurred during such journeys.
| Event | Time / Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in closes | 1 hour before departure | Boarding closes 15 minutes before train leaves |
| Departure from Adelaide | 12:15 PM | Train splits across two platforms |
| Lunch | 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Multi-course meals included |
| Evening | Red desert landscape appears | Transition from farmland to desert |
| Overnight | Two nights on train | Twin cabin private with amenities |
| Morning stop at Marla | ~6:00 AM | First disembark stop (small settlement) |
| Mid-journey stop at Alice Springs | Day 2 afternoon | Optional off-train experiences |
| Final destination at Darwin | Day 3 afternoon/evening | Shuttle to city center included |
Cabin Types and Pricing Overview
| Cabin Type | Bed Configuration | Approximate Price (AUD) | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Single | Single bed | From ~2,500 | Shared washroom, cheapest option |
| Gold Twin | Two beds (twin) | ~2,890 per person | Private bathroom, narrator’s booking |
| Gold Premium Twin | Enhanced Gold Twin | Slightly higher | Better seats and amenities |
| Gold Suite | Double bed | Higher | More space, luxury |
| Gold Premium Suite | Premium Gold Suite | ~300-500 more than suite | Extra luxury |
| Platinum Twin | Side-by-side beds | Higher | Alcohol included, luxury car pickup |
| Platinum Double | Double bed | +2,400 above Platinum Twin | More luxurious, premium experience |
| Australian Cabin | Newest, luxury cabin | ~12,000 per person | Most expensive, exclusive |
Core Concepts
- The Ghan is a historic, luxurious, and very long passenger train journey crossing Australia’s vast and varied landscapes.
- The journey offers premium cabin classes with varying prices and amenities.
- The train is renowned for its scenic routes, desert landscapes, and historic significance.
- Booking requires early planning due to high demand.
- Onboard services emphasize comfort, gourmet meals, and personalized attention.
- The journey is not operational during the peak summer months due to desert heat.
- The train honors its Afghan cameleer heritage through its name and symbolism.
