Indian Pacific & The Ghan – Perth to Darwin 2027

Your adventure begins in Perth, where you’ll gather with fellow travellers for a warm welcome and a celebratory start to your journey. As the Indian Pacific readies to depart, anticipation builds for the days ahead – crossing the country from ocean to ocean, along the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track. With the sun dipping low over the west, settle into your cabin, meet new friends in the lounge, and savour your first dinner on board. (D)  

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Indian Pacific 

Awake to see the sunrise across the vast Nullarbor before arriving in Kalgoorlie, Australia’s largest outback town. This morning, delve into the region’s fascinating past and present with a visit to its gold-rush heritage and the modern-day Super Pit mine. Choose your Off Train Experience to explore Kalgoorlie in your own way, with morning refreshments included. 

Reboarding mid-morning for brunch, spend the afternoon at leisure on board. Relax with fine hospitality as the endless sweep of the Nullarbor passes by. Crossing borders and time zones, you’ll arrive late evening in the near-ghost town of Cook, South Australia. Once bustling, today only a handful of residents remain, yet its stories endure. Step into this outback outpost to explore the ghost-like town, and as evening falls look skyward – here, under a canopy of stars unspoiled by light, you’ll join a guided stargazing experience to spot the Southern Cross and other constellations that shine bright with dazzling clarity. Later, return to the train for a regionally inspired dinner and the gentle rhythm of the rails as you continue eastward. (B,L,D)

Spend the morning travelling through the pastoral heart of South Australia, with sweeping views of the Flinders Ranges, Spencer Gulf, and the Adelaide Plains unfolding beyond your window. A leisurely breakfast and lunch are served on board, inviting you to savour the relaxed rhythm of train travel. Mid-afternoon, the train arrives in Adelaide where you will transfer to your accommodation. (B,L) 

OVERNIGHT: 1 night Crowne Plaza Adelaide

Check out of your accommodation this morning and explore Adelaide at leisure before transferring to Adelaide Parklands Terminal.  

Your journey on The Ghan begins this afternoon, as you step aboard and settle into the rhythm of life on the rails. Watch the countryside roll past your window as the train makes its way north, a hint of the adventure to come.  

By early evening, you’ll arrive at Long Plains, where you’ll step off the train and transfer to a celebrated Australian wine region. Here, a special dinner experience awaits, showcasing the region’s exceptional produce and fine wines. As the sun sets over the vineyards, raise a glass to the days of discovery ahead.  

After dinner, return to the train and retire for the night as The Ghan continues its journey towards north. (B,D)  

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan 

Wake to the changing landscapes of South Australia as The Ghan arrives into Port Augusta, South Australia’s gateway to the outback.  After breakfast, step off the train and prepare for a full day discovering one of the nation’s most remarkable regions: the Flinders Ranges.  

Your Off Train Experience takes you deep into this ancient landscape, where rugged ranges, dramatic gorges and red rock outcrops tell stories millions of years in the making. From sweeping lookouts to encounters with native wildlife, the Flinders Ranges offers a striking introduction to the outback.  

After a day of exploration, rejoin the train for a relaxed evening on board recalling the days adventures. (B,L,D)  

After a night of fine dining and relaxed comfort aboard The Ghan, wake to a spectacular outback sunrise at Marla, a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border and gateway to the legendary Oodnadatta Track. With red dirt beneath your feet and a bonfire casting warmth into the cool morning air, pause to take in the stillness of this extraordinary place.  

Back on board, enjoy a leisurely brunch as the desert landscape unfolds on the journey north to Alice Springs. Here, a variety of Off Train Experiences awaits. Choose an off-road e-bike adventure across ochre-coloured earth, explore the town’s key landmarks on the A Town Called Alice tour, or embrace a cultural experience at Standley Chasm. Nature lovers can meet the wildlife at the Desert Park or marvel at the striking beauty of Simpsons Gap. For a bird’s-eye view, upgrade to a scenic helicopter flight and witness the sheer scale of this remarkable region.  

Return to the train in the late afternoon, with time to refresh before dinner is served and another unforgettable evening begins. (B,L,D)

Your final day begins in the tropical north, where the landscape gives way to rocky escarpments and fast-flowing canyon streams. Here, you’ll experience one of the Top End’s greatest natural wonders on a cruise through the majestic Nitmiluk Gorge. As you glide along the water, your guide will share the cultural significance of this place to the Jawoyn people, weaving in stories that highlight their deep spiritual connection to the land.  

Alternatively, step into the lives of those who call the outback home at the Katherine Outback Experience, or venture underground to explore the limestone chambers of the Cutta Cutta Caves, rich in native wildlife, Indigenous culture and European history. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and witness the scale and grandeur of Nitmiluk from above.  

After your day’s adventures, return to the train and journey onwards to Darwin, where your unforgettable journey of exploring Australia by train draws to a close. (B,L)