The Ghan Expedition & Indian Pacific – Darwin to Perth 2027

Celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome drink and light refreshments, then pause for a photo with the iconic red locomotive before stepping on board. For the next few days, The Ghan will be your home away from home. Settle into the comforts of your cabin or mingle with fellow travellers in the lounge carriage. Enjoy lunch on board as The Ghan makes its way south towards Katherine, before your first Off Train Experience.

Here, the choice is yours as to how to explore this remarkable region. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge, uncovering its deep beauty and cultural significance. Step into the Katherine Outback Experience for an authentic glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home. Or venture underground to the Cutta Cutta Caves, where fascinating limestone formations, native wildlife, and stories of Indigenous culture are waiting to be shared. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and take in the scale of Nitmiluk’s 13 gorges from above. (L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan Expedition

This morning, wake to the wide-open skies of the outback as The Ghan rolls deeper into Central Australia and towards the iconic town of Alice Springs. After a hearty breakfast on board, step into the heart of the Red Centre with a choice of Off Train Experiences that offer different perspectives on this remarkable part of the country.

Gain a sense of Alice Springs through its pioneering history, distinctive character and connection to the surrounding desert, or venture into the West MacDonnell Ranges for a guided experience at Simpsons Gap or Standley Chasm. Here, sheer red rock walls rise from the ancient landscape, a place of deep spiritual significance for the Arrernte people. Visit Desert Park to encounter native wildlife and gain an insight into the unique desert environments of Central Australia, take to the red dirt on an off-road e-bike adventure, or for those seeking a grander perspective, upgrade to a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

As night falls, a signature experience of The Ghan’s southbound journey awaits at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Settle in beneath a canopy of stars, where white-clothed tables, fine food and live entertainment create a memorable evening surrounded by the red earth of the Australian desert. (B,L,D)

Today brings you to the extraordinary outback town of Coober Pedy, where life is anything but ordinary. Known as the opal capital of the world, this desert settlement hides its treasures both above and below ground, with more than half of its population living underground.

Your adventure begins as The Ghan arrives at the remote outpost of Manguri, where you’ll continue by coach to Coober Pedy. Explore the striking Breakaways, uncover the town’s quirky character and attractions, or delve into the fascinating history of opal mining. For a different perspective, upgrade to a scenic flight over Painted Hills and Lake Eyre, taking in the vastness of this ancient landscape from above. A highlight of the day is a gourmet lunch served underground, offering a taste of the town’s unique way of life.

Return to the train and settle in for your final evening on board The Ghan. Enjoy dinner in the dining carriage before raising one last nightcap in the lounge with fellow travellers as the train continues south towards Adelaide. (B,L,D)

As the sun rises, watch the landscape transform as the rich ochre tones of the outback give way to the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy light refreshments as The Ghan travels through the Flinders Ranges before continuing towards Adelaide.

After disembarking the train in Adelaide, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation, your home for the next two nights. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure as you acquaint yourself with Adelaide’s city centre. Stroll to the Adelaide Central Markets for lunch and see over 70 traders bring colour and life to the undercover markets. Or, visit the Art Gallery of South Australia to see local and international works. As a city of food and wine, there is no shortage of delicious restaurants, take your pick and enjoy your first evening in Adelaide. (B)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Crowne Plaza Adelaide

Delight in a memorable culinary journey at the National Wine Centre of Australia with a “Feed Me” style lunch dining experience curated by the Head Chef. This indulgent menu showcases the best of South Australia’s regional produce, artfully crafted to take your taste buds on a captivating voyage of flavours and textures.

Each course is perfectly paired with premium wines, hand-selected by the Centre’s expert Sommeliers to enhance the dining experience and elevate each dish. This immersive food and wine adventure promises to enchant and surprise your palate at every turn.

Following your lunch, enjoy a hosted tour of the National Wine Centre of Australia – a perfect conclusion to this unforgettable sensory experience. (B,L)

Check out of your accommodation this morning and take in any last minute sights before transferring to Adelaide Parklands Terminal to join the Indian Pacific.

Celebrate the beginning of your journey with the ‘Flavours of South Australia’ welcome dinner at the Adelaide Parklands Terminal. Enjoy an evening showcasing the state’s exceptional produce and world-class wine, with regional flavours from land and sea paired with a selection of South Australian wines.

Later in the evening, make your way aboard the Indian Pacific and settle into your cabin for your first night on board. As the train departs Adelaide and begins its journey west, relax into the rhythm of the journey ahead. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Indian Pacific

PLEASE NOTE: The welcome dinner is occasionally held offsite at other restaurants. Guests will be notified in advance if there is a change in the dinner venue.

Today is all about the vast, unforgettable views of the Nullarbor Plain. Awaken to the rolling dunes of Ooldea and spend the morning watching from your window as the landscape morphs into iconic arid country. You’ll journey across the legendary expanse on the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track, before pausing at Cook, a once-bustling railway town and now a near-empty outpost with stories etched into its weathered buildings.

By evening the train will roll into Rawlinna, on the edge of Australia’s largest sheep station. Here, the outback comes alive as you dine beneath a canopy of stars at a spectacular signature long-table dinner (seasonal/weather permitting). Alternatively, gather around a roaring bonfire with drinks and canapés to soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable setting. (B,L,D)

Wake to the soft light over Western Australia’s Avon Valley, its rolling green hills a fitting finale to your journey west. Savour a leisurely brunch on board as the train makes its final approach into Perth. Soon, you’ll step off the Indian Pacific, farewelling fellow travellers and crew after an unforgettable journey travelling Australia by train. (B)