The legendary desert train was named after the hardy Afghans and their camel trains which provided the only means of transport into "The Centre" in the early days. The journey is now a comfortable 20 hour world class train trip!
Starting in Adelaide, pass through the "Wheat Belt" to Port Pirie, follow the scenic Flinders Ranges to Port Augusta, and then head north from Tarcoola through the MacDonnell Ranges, approaching Alice Springs through Heavitree Gap, a narrow pass which accommodates the railway line, the road and the Todd River.
The historic Ghan recently commenced a weekly return journey between Melbourne and Alice Springs. You can now join this famous train in Melbourne and step off 36 hours later in Central Australia, without changing trains!
- FROM ADELAIDE to Alice Springs. Departs from Adelaide on Mondays and Thursdays at 3:00pm, arrives in Alice Springs 10:00am the next day.
- FROM ALICE SPRINGS to Adelaide. Departs from Alice Springs on Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:00pm, arrives in Adelaide 7:40am the next day.
- FROM MELBOURNE to Alice Springs. Departs from Melbourne on Wednesdays at 10:35pm, arrives in Alice Springs 10:00am the second day.
- FROM ALICE SPRINGS to Melbourne. Departs from Alice Springs on Tuesdays at 1:00pm, arrives in Melbourne 9:05pm the next day.
- FROM SYDNEY to Alice Springs. Departs from Sydney on Sundays at 1:10pm, arrives in Alice Springs 10:00am the second day.
-
FROM ALICE SPRINGS to Sydney. Departs from Alice Springs on Fridays at 1:00pm, arrives in Sydney 9:15am the second day.
What to look for along the way (between Adelaide and Alice Springs)
In 20 short but scenic hours you will travel 1559 kms through some of Australia's most unique country, rich in natural beauty, exquisite desert sunsets and spectacular landscapes.
- Snowtown. The large grain silo is one of many in South Australia served by freight trains.
- Cristal Brook. Edward John Eyre named the town after seeing crystal clear water in the creek in 1840. It is situated in the heart of a large primary production area with wheat and barley being the main crops.
- Port Augusta. Situated near the top of the Spencer Gulf, it has a population of over 17,000 people and is a popular fishing area. Port Augusta lies on the cross roads of the continent; west to Perth, north to Alice Springs, east to Sydney and south to Adelaide.
- Pimba. From Pimba you can see the lights of Woomera. A branch line once served the Woomera Rocket Range. Woomera is the Aboriginal word for wooden device used to propel spears.
- Tarcoola. This township was named after the 1893 Melbourne Cup winner. Large gold deposits were found near the town in the 1890's. It was once a busy railway station where steam locomotives were coaled and watered before continuing across the desert.
- Northern Territory Border. The border between NT and SA is 1287km from Adelaide. Construction of the new rail line reached this point on October 12, 1979.
- Iron Man Scultpure. The Iron Man was constructed by railway workers to commemorate the one millionth concrete sleeper laid during construction of the line.
- Finke River Bridge. Finke River Bridge is the biggest bridge on the line. It has 15 spans each 30 metres long. Although usually dry, the river becomes a raging torrent when floods occur.
Sleeping Compartments and Seats
The Ghan" offers First Class accommodation highlighted by dining in the stylish Stuart Restaurant, while Holiday Class passengers enjoy the truly Australian atmosphere of Matilda's buffet-style Restaurant. Coach Class passengers have their own food and beverage facilities. Lounge car entertainment for First Class passengers includes a piano or electronic organ, video and music programs, space to relax and play cards, and a liquor service throughout the day and evening. The furnishings recall the golden age of rail travel.
For more information on the Ghan, go to: