After a lifetime of experience Great Southern Rail, The Ghan celebrates 90 years in the making. Traversing our wide brown land in style from the wetlands in the north to our southern seas, journeying across our great desert escapes. Discover too an iconic crossing of the continent onboard The Indian Pacific, searching out vast expanses from the bright blue of Sydney Harbour with its jewels in the crown – the Opera House and Harbour Bridge – to the golden western sunsets of beautiful Perth.

The longest Stretch of straight railway in the world takes you across the Nullabor Plains, where you will be treated to spectacular views through the big-screen picture window of your cosy, well-appointed cabin. You’ll watch outback secrets unfold as the train transports you from one end of the continent to the other.

The Ghan – 90^th celebrations

In 2019 The Ghan celebrates 90 years of outback adventure – a legendary rail journey renowned for its rich place in Australian history and its connection with this awe-inspiring country. From South Australia’s verdant vineyards and rugged coastline, through the deserts of the Red Centre to Darwin and the tropical Top End, the outback landscape is timeless.

Much has changed since 1929, when the original Afghan Express steam train and its motley mix of passengers, livestock and supplies completed the inaugural journey to Alice Springs. Today, guests stepping aboard The Ghan are welcomed into a world of heightened wonder, style and adventure that only a truly epic transcontinental journey can evoke.

You are invited to celebrate anniversary celebrations, which will reach their peak throughout June, July and August 2019. Guests booked on these departures can expect a few surprises to make their journey extra special!

Australia’s iconic North-South Journey – 2979km – 85km/hr

This incredible rail adventure through the heart of the nation traces the footsteps of explorers, pioneers, jackaroos and royalty, all of whom have travelled aboard over the last nine decades.

Darwin to Adelaide – 4D/3N

Ready yourself for an incredible, one-of-a-kind experience on The Ghan Expedition. Begin your journey in our northernmost capital, Darwin and whisk your way to your first off-train excursion at the serene and spiritual Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. An outback sunrise will greet you on day 2 as you roll into the landmark central town of Alice Springs. Take an optional flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta… or for those wishing to visit, why not opt for an extended stopover and catch the train up on its next run?!

Without nearby big city lights you have the opportunity to really look at the stars sparkling in a dark velvet-like sky – you could almost reach up and touch them. Wake up to the the middle-of-nowhere stop at Manguri before your next off-train experience at the underground opal mining capital of world, Coober Pedy. As you journey on the rich reds and scorched oranges melt away into rolling green hills of Adelaide – home to the Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island and a whole city of discoveries.

Adelaide to Darwin, or vice versa

Set off for the north from Adelaide’s Flinders Ranges with a quick stop at Marla for that “middle of nowhere” experience. Be treated to more incredible outback scenery until arriving in iconic Alice Springs. Overnight travel to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge to enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Katherine River and spend the day with local Aboriginal masters who will share their culture, stories and bushcraft with you. Finally journey on the Australia’s Top End capital Darwin, home of the crocodile and gateway to the wetlands of Kakadu National Park.

Shorter journeys onboard The Ghan:

Darwin to Katherine to Alice Springs – 2D/1N
Set off from Darwin at 10am, travelling into the heart of Australia, 1,559km to the iconic outback town of Alice Springs

Adelaide to Alice Springs, via Marla or Manguri – 2D/1N
Roll from the deep green pastures and Flinders Ranges of the South into rich red outback splendour, with a magnificent sunrise in Marla or a stop in Manguri to showcase the stars.

Choose 2019’s milestone year to book your Ghan journey into the heartland of Australia.

SHOWCASING THE INDIAN PACIFIC

ALL INCLUSIVE actually means an All-Inclusive fare – included are interesting off-train excursions and outstanding gourmet meals for wining and dining to drinks shared within atmospheric lounges with huge picture windows to make the most of this inspiring journey.

The Indian Pacific presents many ways to explore Perth, Sydney, and everywhere in between. With its bold wedge-tailed eagle emblem emblazoned upon its engine and carriages, the Indian Pacific traverse’s cool blue mountain ranges, rich red deserts and goldfields, and more on its transcontinental crossings.

Choose from four expertly crafted rail journeys.

Sydney to Perth – 4D/3N – 4352km – 85km/ph

Follow in the footsteps of celebrated adventurers, prospecting gold-rushers and larrikin bush pioneers who stepped out of our coastal cities to live life large in our unique, rugged outback.

Travel from the heights of the majestic Blue Mountains near Sydney and wake up in the historic mining town of Broken Hill. Make sure to visit Pro Hart’s gallery for an artists unique take on our outback. Onwards to Adelaide, the Barossa Valley Wine Region and the Flinders Ranges before setting forth on the longest stage across the raw beauty of the Nullabor Plains into western capital of Perth, lush vineyards of Margaret Valley and more.

Perth to Sydney – 4D/3N – 4352km

The journey in reverse brings its own joys as you travel from the cosmopolitan Perth through to your first off train excursion in the wild west mining town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Back onboard enjoy all the luxury, comfort and stunning cuisine that the Indian Pacific has to offer as you shoot across the intense remoteness of the Nullabor Plains. Get a chance to wander through Cook, an intriguing ghost town literally “in the middle of nowhere”. As the train makes its way through Adelaide’s gentle rolling foothills you will soon have the opportunity to feast upon her sights, sounds and tastes of the locally-grown produce, multicultural treats and unexpected gourmet delights. Next its on to Australia’s legendary Outback base, Silver City – Broken Hill before rolling on to the Blue Mountains, panoramic views of the Three Sisters and for the thrill-seekers amongst us take a ride over the cliff-face on the world’s steepest-incline railway! Finally making your way to Sydney’s famous harbour.

Adelaide to Sydney, or Vice Versa – 2D/1N

Make your way from Adelaide, City of Churches via the historic Silver City of Broken Hill to Sydney’s iconic Harbour. Or try the journey in reverse (and maybe team it up with another iconic rail journey – The Ghan)

Adelaide to Perth, or Vice Versa – 3D/2N

A remarkable journey, from Adelaide’s rolling hills across the spectacularly flat Nullabor Plain via Cook and Kalgoorlie to Perth.

Both iconic trains will take you on an unforgettable rail holiday packed with eye-opening, life-changing experiences. Once onboard it doesn’t take long to realize why they are firmly among the world’s greatest train journeys.