The Ghan Expedition & Indian Pacific – Darwin to Sydney 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.

Your journey begins with check-in at Adelaide Parklands Terminal, before transferring by coach to the renowned Barossa Valley. Set among rolling vineyards and historic estates, the Barossa provides a fitting introduction to your journey, with an evening dedicated to the exceptional food and wine of South Australia.

At the historic Seppeltsfield Estate, begin with a wine and canapé tasting before heading into the vintage cellar for a signature culinary experience created exclusively for Indian Pacific guests. Witness the spectacular ‘Firing of the Barrel’ before enjoying a food and wine pairing designed by Executive Chef Owen Andrews. Platinum guests are also invited to taste a rare 100-year-old tawny, a true highlight of the region.

After dinner, return by coach to Adelaide Parklands Terminal and board the Indian Pacific. Settle into your cabin for the first night of your journey, as the train departs Adelaide and begins its journey east into the night. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Indian Pacific 

Early morning the Indian Pacific arrives at Broken Hill, New South Wales – the famed Silver City. After a hearty breakfast, set out to explore this legendary outback town.

Choose an experience that brings the character of Broken Hill to life, from exploring its rich mining heritage and early outback history to delving into its vibrant artistic culture. Food lovers can enjoy an experience celebrating the region’s native ingredients, while other experiences offer a chance to meet local characters and gain a deeper connection to this remarkable outback community.

Return to the train for lunch and admire the changing landscapes of regional New South Wales. In the evening, savour your final dinner on board and raise a glass to an unforgettable journey exploring Australia by train. (B,L,D)

Your final day begins in the majestic Blue Mountains, where soaring sandstone cliffs and eucalypt valleys create a World Heritage–listed landscape unlike any other. After breakfast, farewell the Indian Pacific and step into this extraordinary bushland for your Off Train Experience.

At Scenic World, choose from four iconic adventures. Glide above ravines on the Scenic Skyway, descend into the forest aboard the Scenic Cableway, or ride the world’s steepest passenger railway. Alternatively, stretch your legs on a guided walk to soak up the views, or savour a decadent high tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel, framed by sweeping mountain panoramas.

To complete your journey, board our chartered New South Wales rail service, fully hosted by your Indian Pacific crew, into Sydney’s Central Station. For those preferring an earlier arrival, the option to remain on the Indian Pacific and reach Sydney before lunch is also available. (B,L) (B)