The Ghan
Journey: Adelaide - Alice Springs
The Ghan is an odd name for a train but in Australian history The Ghan is a living legend. It is the ultimate journey through the heart of the continent.
A hundred and fifty years ago, the first camels were imported along with their handlers from Afghanistan and, in true Australian style, Afganistan was shortened to ‘Ghan’. The Ghan train derives its name from these early pioneers and its emblem of an Afghan on a camel is in recognition of their efforts in opening up the harsh interior to the rest of Australia.
Early explorers and later the telegraph linesmen used camels, perfectly adapted for travelling long distances through the hot, inhospitable interior, to blaze a permanent trail into Central Australia.
Today, you can make this journey with creature comforts our forbears would never have imagined. Boarding The Ghan in Adelaide for Darwin, you’ll experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. You’ll marvel at the spectacular colours of the outback, the spinifex plains and salt pans of the vast interior and the rugged MacDonnell Ranges on this epic adventure to the heartland of Australia. The Ghan stops in Alice Springs, the ideal base from which to explore the wonders of the Red Centre, such as Palm Valley, Ayers Rock/ Uluru, The Olgas/ Kata Tjuta and King’s Canyon. The extension of The Ghan to Darwin will further enhance what is already considered one of the world's great train journeys. The 47 hour, 2979km transcontinental journey will feature off train touring options at Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge at modest extra cost. Continue on to Darwin, the latest section of australians railroad history, and discover the wonders of the Top End. |
The Ghan Services
Gold Kangaroo Service
- Superior, well appointed day and overnight sleeper accommodation
- Ensuite twin or single berths provide a haven of tranquillity
- One double size ‘Deluxe’ Cabin featuring double bed, lounge and own bar/ video.
- Stylish restaurant car dining included in your fare. Freshly prepared, nutritious meals with waiter service to your table. Quality wines and beverages for purchase.
- Luxurious lounge and bar car for relaxation, refreshment and video entertainment. Newspapers and board games available.
- Gold Kangaroo Service Reception.
- Certificate of Travel upon completion of journey.
- Dedicated cabin steward service.
- Music channels and detailed journey commentary selected from your own sound system.
- Complimentary welcome kit in cabins, including "collectors" pin.
- Complimentary toiletries bag.
- Complimentary on-board magazine.
- Complimentary hair dryers and CD units (small deposit required)
- Complimentary tea and coffee, available 24 hours a day.
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Red Kangaroo Service
| Red Kangaroo Sleeper Cabin
- Comfortable twin share cabin comprising two facing lounge chairs converting to sleeping berths at night.
- Private washing facilities in your cabin.
- Access to the Red Kangaroo Dining Car, offering tasty meals for purchase.
- Access to the Red Kangaroo Lounge Car, offering relaxation, refreshment and video entertainment.
- Alcoholic beverages, softdrinks and snacks for purchase.
- Toilets and showers at the end of each carriage.
- Complimentary on-board magazine.
Red Kangaroo Daynighter Seat
- Comfortable recliner lounge chair with generous leg room and individual reading light.
- Access to Red Kangaroo Lounge and Diner (dress codes apply).
- Buffet car meals, snacks and drinks for purchase.
- Video entertainment and on-board magazine.
- Showers and toilets at the end of each carriage.
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The Ghan Schedule
(Valid 1 April 2007 - 31 March 2009)
Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin |
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The Ghan |
Sunday |
Wednesday |
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Dep. Adelaide |
12:20pm |
12:20pm |
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Monday |
Thursday |
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Arr. Alice Springs |
1:45pm |
1:45pm |
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Dep. Alice Springs |
6pm |
6pm |
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Tuesday |
Friday |
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Arr. Katherine |
9am |
9am |
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Dep. Katherine |
1pm |
2:30pm |
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Arr. Darwin |
5:30pm |
6:30pm |
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(Valid 1 April 2007 - 31 March 2009)
Darwin - Alice Springs - Adelaide |
May - July |
The Ghan |
Wednesday |
Saturday |
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Dep. Darwin |
10am |
9am |
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Arr. Katherine |
1.40pm |
12:40pm |
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Dep. Katherine |
6.20pm |
4:45pm |
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Thursday |
Sunday |
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Arr. Alice Springs |
9.10am |
11:15am |
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Dep. Alice Springs |
12.45pm |
3:15pm |
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Friday |
Monday |
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Dep. Adelaide |
1:10pm |
1:10pm |
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Taking Your Car
Overview
Vehicle Types Carried:
Cars *
Campervans and Camper Trailers (subject to approval)*
Trailers *
4WDs *
* height/width and wheel track restrictions apply
Vehicle Check-in / Collection points:
Adelaide, Alice Springs, Katherine, Darwin
Take your car on the train with you so you can do your own exploring at the end of the line. With our $99 Motorail offer, taking your car is easy and affordable – offer valid with purchase of 2 Gold Kangaroo Service tickets or holiday packages. Conditions apply.
Fares (valid to 31.3.07)
| Route |
Up to 5.5m Length ($) |
5.5m to 7m Length ($) |
| Adelaide – Alice Springs or v.v |
389 |
465 |
| Sydney – Alice Springs |
748 |
910 |
| Alice Springs – Darwin / Katherine or v.v |
449 |
549 |
| Adelaide – Darwin / Katherine or v.v |
799 |
899 |
| Sydney – Darwin / Katherine |
1158 |
1344 |
Note: Rates for unaccompanied vehicles available on request. Maximum width 2.2m. Maximum height Sydney – Adelaide/ Melbourne – Adelaide 1.57m; Adelaide – Darwin 2.00m. Roof racks, wind deflectors, louvers etc must be removed before loading. The length of any towbar should be included. Caravans, including pop tops and boats are not able to be conveyed by Motorail. Vehicles must be roadworthy at time of loading and capable of being driven onto carrier.
Please read the Terms and Conditions
For further information, please send email enquiry to
enquiries@perthtourist.com
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