The Ghan, Adelaide to Alice Springs

Adelaide is South Australia’s cosmopolitan coastal capital. Its ring of parkland on the River Torrens is home to acclaimed museums such as the Art Gallery of South Australia, displaying expansive collections of Indigenous art, and the South Australian Museum, devoted to natural history. The world renowned Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine regions are within driving distance, along with stunning beaches, national parks and riverland, making Adelaide an ideal base to experience South Australia's beauty.

This legendary train evokes a frontier spirit, and a romantic connection to the land, and travelling on it creates a moving and unforgettable life experience. The Ghan celebrates outback adventure, with its legend stemming from the 1930s when the first Afghan cameleers arrived in Australia. Departing Adelaide, travel through the Red Centre, experiencing Australia on this overnight adventure. Watch the landscape change from verdant greens to arid plans, where the colours of the outback saturate the landscape. Stop in Marla for an early morning off train experience before you reach Alice Springs. 

Departing Adelaide this afternoon, begin your journey through rugged and breathtaking vistas of the South Australian desert. Enjoy lunch in the dining carriage, and as the cityscape gives way to rolling farmland, you'll witness some of the oldest rock formations in the world, the Flinders Ranges, come into view. Sit back and relax as the landscapes morph and the colours change as darkness falls. Indulge in a three course dinner of regionally inspired produce and, of course, fine local wines before retiring for the evening in your cabin.

Early this morning you will step off the train at Marla in outback South Australia to witness the beautiful sunrise with a hot drink in hand. Spend 45 minutes here soaking up the scenery before boarding the train to indulge in brunch. Cross the border into the Northern Territory and make your way through the MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja), stretching an impressive 161 kilometres to the west of Alice Springs. This ancient setting has been sculpted over time by the elements, a significant landscape that has been walked by its Traditional owners, the Arrernte people, for 20,000 years. Sit back and admire this spiritual centre of Australia as you approach your destination of Alice Springs to alight the train.
You will arrive at Alice Springs Train Station at 13:45.

Not a formal Off Train Experience as such, but an added bonus that we like to include if we can! While you may not have heard of the outback town Marla before, it is fair to say it is worth the early start just to see the sunrise over this South Australian desert landscape. Located closer to Alice Springs than Adelaide, Marla is just shy of 1000 kilometres into the journey. The train arrives in the dark and guests are welcome to step off to stretch their legs as the sun light slowly bathes the surrounding outback and start their day with a steaming mug of coffee and bacon and egg roll. Take a moment to enjoy the stillness on this short 45 minute stop with the promise of the day stretching before you. Re-board the train and brunch will be served from 10am.

Alice Springs is the perfect base to start Australian outback exploration. It is the biggest town in the Red Centre and closest to Uluru. The Traditional Owners of the Alice Springs area and surrounding MacDonnel Ranges are The Arrernte people. They lived in the area for about 30,000 years. The town got its name after Alice, Lady Todd, wife of the telegraph pioneer Sir Charles Todd. Alice Springs is famous for its unique cultural experience, incredible natural environment and wildlife. You should visit Art Gallery Hopping, Alice Springs Telegraph Station, experience camel rides, or take a hot air balloon flight with magnificent views of the Red Centre.