The Ghan train: Adelaide to Darwin route and stops

The Ghan train runs from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory, a trip of 2,979 km through the middle of the continent. It stops at Alice Springs and Katherine, and the scheduled journey takes about 53 hours, or two nights on board. The line all the way to Darwin has only been open since 2004.

This guide covers the route, the stops, how long the trip takes, and how to choose a cabin.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, The Ghan.

The route from Adelaide to Darwin

The train leaves Adelaide and heads north through South Australia. It then runs across the dry interior of the state, and crosses into the Northern Territory and reaches Alice Springs, close to the middle of Australia.

From Alice Springs the line carries on north to Katherine and then Darwin. This last stretch is the new part. Work started in July 2001, and the first passenger train reached Darwin on 3 February 2004. Before that, the train stopped at Alice Springs.

The trains are long. They are made of stainless steel carriages, and they run at least once a week. In the busy months, there is an extra service each week.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, The Ghan; Wikipedia, Katherine, Northern Territory.

A short history of the name and the line

The Ghan began running in August 1929, on a narrow-gauge line to Alice Springs. The railway had been built north from Port Augusta in stages, and it reached Oodnadatta in 1891. In 1980, a new standard-gauge line from Tarcoola to Alice Springs opened, and the first Adelaide service on it ran on 11 December that year. Today's journey rides on that line and on the extension to Darwin.

Trains once ran on to Melbourne and Sydney as well. The Melbourne extension ran from 1998 to 2002, and the Sydney one from 1999 to 2003. Today the trip starts in Adelaide.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, The Ghan.

The stops: Alice Springs and Katherine

The train does not rush. At Alice Springs and Katherine it stops long enough for passengers to see the sights.

At Alice Springs, one place to see is the old Telegraph Station. It was built in 1872 on the Overland Telegraph Line, and the town grew up around it. The railway arrived in 1929.

At Katherine, the tours centre on Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge. The gorge is known for its many ancient rock paintings. Katherine is about 320 km south of Darwin.

Ask the operator which tours are part of your fare and which cost extra before you book.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, The Ghan; Wikipedia, Alice Springs; Wikipedia, Katherine, Northern Territory.

How long the trip takes

Most people allow four days in all, because you also need time before and after the train. Plan one night in Adelaide before you leave, and a night or two in Darwin when you arrive. The train runs at least once a week, so book early for the busy months of June to September.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, The Ghan; Wikipedia, Katherine, Northern Territory.

Choosing a cabin

Fares on The Ghan are sold in service classes, and the sleeping space is in small compartments. The main choice is how much is included in the price.

• Higher classes: These usually bundle meals, drinks and tours into one fare, with bigger cabins.
• Lower classes: These usually cost less, and you pay for meals and tours on top.
• Seat or cabin: Ask which options your date offers, since they can differ from one departure to the next.

If you want the lowest price, look at the cheapest class. If you want everything paid for in advance, choose a class that bundles it. Check what each fare includes with the operator, Great Southern Rail, before you pay.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, The Ghan.

Planning tips

• Book well ahead. The train is popular with visitors from overseas and with Australians on a long holiday.
• Pack light. Cabins are small, so bring one soft bag and a small day bag for the tours.
• Bring sun protection for the stops. Alice Springs has a hot desert climate, with very hot summers and mild, dry winters.
• Decide on tours at booking time. It is easier than arranging them on the day.

This is general information, not medical advice. For a multi-day rail journey, people with ongoing health needs should check medicines, mobility and meals with their own doctor first.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Alice Springs; Wikipedia, The Ghan.

Sources

1. Wikipedia, The Ghan: en.wikipedia.org
2. Wikipedia, Alice Springs: en.wikipedia.org
3. Wikipedia, Katherine, Northern Territory: en.wikipedia.org