Ghan to Alice Springs Discover

7 Day Train + Touring Package

Experience the Ghan between Adelaide and Alice Springs with a night in Adelaide, 5 days in Alice Springs, an Alice Springs town tour, West Macdonnell Ranges tour and flights. All Ghan off-train activities are included. Journey to the Red Centre on the Ghan and explore Alice Springs. Tour through the amazing West Macdonnells to experience beautiful gorges and waterholes, like Simpsons Gap. Enjoy a tour of Alice Springs and discover “The Alice” at your own pace. See the Old Ghan Train Museum, Olive Pink Botanic Gardens, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre and take in spectacular 360-degree views from the summit of Anzac Hill. Themes include: South Australia, Northern Territory, Departs from Adelaide, Ghan, Luxury Coach, Returns from Adelaide. + Show more

Package Includes

  • Ghan Train Adelaide to Alice Springs (Gold Class)
  • All Airfares (e.g. home to Adelaide & Alice to home)
  • 1 Night Adelaide Hotel (superior 4 star) [except departing Adelaide] 
  • 4 Nights Alice Springs Hotel 
  • 1 Night Ghan private Gold Class cabin
  • All meals onboard Ghan, FREE beverages throughout your journey, FREE toiletries kit, Cabin Steward service , in-cabin music and commentary, use of "Outback Explorer Lounge"
  • All Ghan Off-Train Excursions & Activities (eg Katherine, Marla, Manguri)
  • Alice Springs Luxury Coach Tour
  • West Macdonnells Luxury Coach Tour
  • Meet and Greet Personalised Return Transfers (Train Station, Hotel and Airport)
  • FREE DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Bonus Voucher Book ($500 Value discounts and bonuses in Northern Territory)

Highlights

  The Ghan   Alice Springs   Royal Flying Doctor Service   Historic Telegraph Station   School of the Air   Simpson Desert   MacDonnell Ranges   Spectacular panoramic 360-degree view from the summit of Anzac Hill   National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame   Old Ghan Train Museum   Olive Pink Botanic Gardens   Todd Mall   Contemporary Aboriginal Art   Alice Springs Reptile Centre
Quick Jump

Live Prices

Departure Dates

Book Now

Descriptions

DAY 1 Welcome to Adelaide

As you arrive into Adelaide you can feel the history and culture of this splendid boutique city. You will be personally met at the airport by a DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to experience Adelaide. Perhaps relax at your hotel, explore its facilities and take a stroll around central Adelaide.
  
You could discover Adelaide’s laneway secrets, it's bars, cafes, galleries and boutique shops. Wander the tree-lined boulevard of North Terrace, home to the city’s most important cultural institutions. Take in the stunning flora at Adelaide Botanic Gardens or visit the bustling beachside neighbourhood of Glenelg with its white sandy beach, heritage hotels and alfresco cafés.

Meet and Greet Personalised Arrival Transfer, Overnight Adelaide Accommodation.

DAYS 2–3 Ghan Adelaide to Alice Springs

Enjoy a relaxing slow-paced morning at your hotel, before your DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative takes you to the Ghan railway station to begin your remarkable journey to Alice Springs.
  
The journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs takes you through some of the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery on the planet. As you travel from south Australia up toward its red centre you'll be amazed at the sheer size and beauty of this spectacular country, Adelaide's green hills and country vistas transform into dramatic mountain ranges and rocky outcrops, as you head further north the ochre earth and blue skies contrast in a show of incredible natural beauty.

As you arrive into the Red Centre of Australia you can still sense the strong pioneering outback spirit of Alice Springs. You will be personally met at the Ghan railway station by DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred to your Alice Springs hotel. You can relax and use the rest of the day to explore your hotel and its facilities, perhaps take a stroll around the neighbourhood and central Alice Springs.

See below for full details on your Ghan journey.
Note: passengers embarking in Adelaide join on Day 2 at the Ghan train station (without the hotel or transfers in Adelaide) but with the inclusions on all other days.

Meet and Greet Personalised Arrival Transfer, 1 Night Gold Service Cabin on the Ghan, 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, Luxury Katherine Gorge (Darwin to Alice Springs customers only), Meet and Greet Personalised Rail Transfer, Overnight Alice Springs Accommodation.

DAY 4 Alice Springs Luxury Coach Tour

Your Central Australian adventure starts off today by exploring the modern face of the historic pioneer town of Alice Springs, famous for Afghan cameleers, gold-diggers, flying doctor base, school of the air, The Ghan train, the usually dry Todd River, the Simpson Desert, 'A Town Like Alice', contemporary Aboriginal art (Todd Mall) and the Aboriginal Arrernte people who have lived here for 20,000 years.
  
Enjoy our 4.5 hour luxury coach tour with great informative commentary from our experienced local guide. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service (headquarters of the globally respected medical service providing a critical link to remote communities throughout the Northern Territory), Historic Telegraph Station (site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs, established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide), School of the Air (provides education to primary school aged children living on remote properties throughout the Northern Territory since 1951), Anzac Hill (dedicated as a war memorial to honour those that have fallen in Australia's wars) and Alice Springs Reptile Centre (amazing NT animals like, saltwater crocodiles, huge goannas, frill-neck lizards and Gecko Cave). You will also get a great orientation of thriving Alice Springs, touring through the town and seeing the other main attractions such as the Cultural Precinct, National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame, Road Transport Hall of Fame, Old Ghan Train Museum, Olive Pink Botanic Gardens and Todd Mall.

Enjoy some free time. Perhaps explore some more of Alice Springs or just relax in your hotel, taking advantage of the great facilities.

Alice Springs Luxury Coach Tour, Overnight Alice Springs Accommodation.

DAY 5 Explore Alice Springs

Today explore and discover Alice Springs at your own pace.
  
Overnight Alice Springs Accommodation. 

DAY 6 West MacDonnell Range Luxury Coach Tour

Today explore the iconic West MacDonnell Ranges that form the dramatic ochre red back-drop to Alice Springs, including Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge. This amazing Central Australia geological feature has many hidden treasures for you to discover.
  
Travel west on Larapinta Drive, passing the John Flynn Memorial (foot of the Mt Gillen), see what remains of the twin ghost gums (famous painting by Albert Namatjira), stop at Standley Chasm (amazing red cleft that glows) for a delicious morning tea, perhaps walk into the Chasm (Angkerle Creek bed). Stop at Ellery Creek Big Hole (optional short walk to the cool waterhole), visit the Ochre Pits and Glen Helen Gorge (semi-permanent waterhole) before your scrumptious lunch (with beer, wine or soft drink). Experience Ormiston Gorge and waterhole, with time to enjoy the refreshing waterhole (perhaps have a well deserved swim). Visit Simpsons Gap. All the time spotting for the amazing wildlife such as eagles, kites and falcons (soaring above the range on warm currents) as well as black footed Rock Wallabies and desert lizards.

Luxury Day Tour with Hotel Pick-Up, Morning Tea, Guided Walk, Ploughman’s Lunch, Overnight Alice Springs Accommodation.

DAY 7 Say Goodbye to Alice Springs

Time to say goodbye to beautiful Alice Springs, your fellow travellers and friendly hotel hosts. You will be personally met at your hotel by a DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred from your hotel to the airport to meet your flight home.
Meet and Greet Personalised Departure Transfer.

Journey to The Red Centre

Indulge in the luxury of the Ghan as it passes majestically through our handsome red outback, then enjoy 5 nights in Alice Springs. This is a memory you will treasure for ever.
  
As you journey towards Australia's Red Centre, watch the landscape change and feel the spirit of the ancient land. The Ghan has been operating for more than 80 years. It started in 1878 running out of Port Augusta, but it wasn't until 1929 that it made its way to Alice Springs and the Red Centre. It followed the same route as the telegraph through the centre of the country. A new standard-gauge railway track replaced the original in 1980. And after more than 100 years of discussion and $1.3 billion in investment the track was finally extended all the way to Darwin in 2004. The train is named after the Afghan Express, which was the nickname given in 1923 by the railway-men to the passenger train that ran from Terowie, through Quorn to Oodnadatta. Afghan camel drivers were famous in the late 19th century and made a huge contribution to exploring Australia's desert areas. Today you can relax and take advantage of the luxury and of the modern conveniences of this now famous train as the rugged outback passes by. Your 5 nights in Alice Springs will enable you to discover the heart of our nation.

This popular 7 day Ghan package includes your luxurious "Gold Service" private cabin and all meals onboard the train, your flight home, 5 nights Alice Springs hotel accommodation, Alice Springs Coach Tour, transfers and more.

Inclusions Onboard The Ghan

Relax in your private Gold Class Cabin and watch the red heart of Australia pass by through your large window. Enjoy all meals onboard the Ghan in the stylish Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car (flexible times, hearty breakfasts, two course lunches, three course dinners). Your package includes FREE soft drinks, beers, high-quality standard wines, base spirits, tea and coffee throughout your journey on board. You will also receive a FREE toiletries kit. You have your own en suite, Cabin Steward service, in-cabin music and detailed journey commentary (available from your cabin sound system) and you will love the cosy but exclusive atmosphere of the Outback Explorer Lounge. Your package includes Gold Class but can be upgrade to Platinum Class.

Upgrade to Platinum Class: Experience the luxury of larger cabin space (twice the size of a Gold Class Twin Cabin) along with private Platinum Transfers, in-cabin breakfasts and access to the exclusive new Platinum Lounge and Restaurant. See Upgrade Options below for details.

Flights Home Included

This package includes all flights as detailed below in the price section (including all fees, levies and taxes). However, we can tailor this package to include our special discounted 'package only' airfares from anywhere. Simply let us know.

Rail and Airport Transfers Included

You will be personally met by a DISCOVER AUSTRALIA representative and transferred from the airport to the railway station, from the railway station on arrival in Alice Springs to your hotel and from your hotel to the airport to meet your flight home.

DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Bonus Voucher Book

You receive the FREE DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Bonus Voucher Book that includes $500 value of discounts and bonuses throughout Alice Springs and Northern Territory at shops, restaurants attractions, wineries etc. It's a great way to save even more on your Northern Territory holiday.

All Off-Train Excursions & Activities Included

This package includes all Off-Train activities with various touring options:

Katherine (Ghan Classic Darwin to Alice Springs): Choose from a selection of included tour and gorge cruise options.

Marla (Ghan Classic Adelaide to Darwin): Disembark to enjoy a light breakfast and tea or coffee in this remote and tiny enclave.

Manguri (Ghan Classic Darwin to Adelaide): Disembark to enjoy a nightcap, served with premium chocolate, by the light of an Outback bonfire.

The Ghan in Detail

Use this tool for full details and images on the Ghan: 
Overview Cabins Dining & Lounge Inclusions
Ghan Classic Ghan Expedition Off-Train Excursions Train Details

Overview

Prepare for a holiday of unimaginable proportions… aboard the legendary Ghan. This remarkable journey connects Darwin and Adelaide, travelling through the red heart of Australia. The contrast of the opulent Ghan journeying through the ever-changing landscape of rugged outback will live with you forever. From Adelaide, witness South Australia's rolling green hills gradually change to the ochre red of the Flinders Ranges, then travel through the Red Centre to Alice Springs, before reaching the tropical Top End through Katherine to Darwin. You will feel the true spirit of our ancient land.

When the train stops, the adventures begin with a wide choice of included off-train touring and activities. Onboard enjoy your elegant private cabin with ensuite and savour the delicious food and wines with incredible dining experiences and attentive service.

DISCOVER AUSTRALIA has included everything in your package, there’s no more to pay.


Optional Upgrades

Platinum Service

Upgrade to Platinum Service to join a select group of passengers that will experience the very best in luxury train travel onboard the Ghan including the new and exclusive Platinum Club Car. Platinum Service includes: Spacious private lounge style cabins, premium ensuite cabin with twin or double bed, panoramic views to each side, personalised cabin steward service, private transfers to and from your journey (up to 50kms), generous luggage limit (3 x 25kg), the new and exclusive Platinum Club Car, Outback Explorer Lounge and Queen Adelaide Restaurant access, Off Train Excursions, all onboard meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner, breakfast served to you in your cabin if you choose (new regional based menu), standard wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks are also included. The indulgent Platinum Service cabins are nearly twice the size of Gold Service cabins and come with premium fittings. The large panoramic windows give you the best seats onboard the Ghan plus you have an interior window to give you views of both sides of the train at the same time. During the day, your cabin will be configured as a private lounge, with deluxe lounge seating, a table and two ottomans. By night, it is converted to a comfortable bedroom, with either a double bed or twin beds. All packages can be upgraded to include luxurious Platinum Service, simply ask.

“Luxury” Hotel Upgrade (5 star)

The “Luxury” hotel option is upscale with a more luxurious feel for the discerning traveller and great for celebrating an anniversary (typically 5 stars). Upgrade this package to 5 nights in a "Luxury" Alice Springs hotel.
Peace of Mind Guarantee Book with Confidence
Last Few Seats Remaining

Ghan to Alice Springs Discover

7 Day Train + Touring Package

Limited Availability at these prices. Deal ends soon. Questions? Call 1300 887 469 or Click to Ask Us
$ 3049 *
Typically $4299

*Holiday costs per person, for 2 people sharing, travelling on indicated dates. Subject to limited availability at these prices, after which higher prices normally apply, book now. Prices are subject to change without notice. Select “Single” for solo traveller prices. Booking requests are made subject to availability. Ex Adelaide package starts at the Ghan train station on day 2 (without the hotel or transfers in Adelaide). Itinerary and vehicle types subject to change without notice. Some governments and service operators have Covid vaccination requirements. Subject to Booking Conditions, see Important Information before booking. © DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Booking Code: mp31

Similar Packages
Live Prices
Contact Us
close
x

Contact a
Specialist Consultant

Send us a message here or
call 1800 73 2000​

Privacy Statement

Thank You.
A Specialist Consultant
will respond soon.

See Important Information for conditions before booking. Starting costs, per person for 2 people, selected off-peak travel dates.
DISCOVER AUSTRALIA HOLIDAYS
 136-138 Railway Parade, West Leederville, Perth, WA 6007, Australia. Telephone:
Telephone: 1300 766 016
© Copyright Discover Australia Holidays 2022. All rights reserved.
x
Email me the Best Deals
Privacy Statement
close
x
Book With Confidence
Change Dates
without fees from us#
Flexible Travel Credit
if your holiday can’t go ahead due to Covid#
Travel Freedom

Domestic border restrictions have ended for nearly all States, meaning you:

  • don’t need to apply for a border pass
  • won’t need a Covid test
  • won’t need to quarantine

However, some States and service operators do require proof of vaccination. So all that is required to travel for most Discover Australia packages is to be fully vaccinated. Even WA has now opened up! It is expected that any remaining temporary restrictions will end or ease over coming weeks – since all governments have detailed strategies to live with Covid and to enable their tourism industry to flourish again. See current travel requirements here.

Travel Insurance (with Covid Cover)

Many travel insurance providers are now offering good cover for Covid, including:

  • Travel disruptions and additional expenses due to Covid
  • Positive Covid test before travel
  • Positive Covid test during travel (including need to change travel arrangements / isolation)
  • Cancellation Cover
  • Medical expenses cover

Insurance cover can be very inexpensive, like only $150 for three weeks in Europe#. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with Covid cover. Following are some insurance companies: Medibank | TID | AHM | NIB Book now to secure the best deal and biggest savings. Use part of your Early Bird savings to pay for your travel insurance!

#Peace of Mind Guarantee valid for new bookings confirmed from 10 February until withdrawn. See Booking Conditions for details, inclusions and exclusions. #1 You can choose to postpone your holiday to a future date; since prices vary by travel date some alternative dates may be at a higher price. Choosing to postpone closer to travel may incur supplier change fees, but no fees from us. #2 If your holiday is disrupted due to Covid by us (or a service provider) you will receive a Travel Credit to re-book a holiday. The information provided in relation to insurance and travel requirements is believed to be accurate and is provided in good faith without responsibility taken for it. Official national websites detail exact and current requirements, that can change. We don’t sell insurance or recommend any particular insurance company. As always study the relevant insurance PDS to see what cover matches your needs.