What It’s Like to Ride The Ghan Train Across Australia’s Outback

If you’re dreaming of seeing the soul of Australia by rail, the Ghan train delivers—rolling from Adelaide to Darwin over three days and two nights through some of the country’s most iconic and remote landscapes. It’s part luxury travel, part cultural immersion, and part slow-moving spectacle. And while it’s not all glitz and wildlife sightings, it’s a travel experience you won’t soon forget.

Back in 2020, we had a full Australian itinerary planned—beaches, cities, and all—but like so many travel dreams that year, it was cancelled. At the time, the Ghan train wasn’t even on our radar. Fast forward to 2025, and our priorities had shifted.

After reading glowing reviews and seeing incredible photos of the Australian Outback from a train window, we knew it was time to rethink the trip. We considered the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, but something about the red center of Australia kept pulling us in.

Driving through the Outback didn’t fit our timeline, and The Ghan offered the perfect compromise: a way to cover serious ground without sacrificing comfort—and with someone else at the wheel. Plus, it meant my husband Dan could relax and soak in the views instead of gripping a steering wheel for hours.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what it’s really like to ride The Ghan train—from cabins and dining to excursions, lounge cars, and packing tips—so you can decide if this iconic rail journey is right for you.

Getting Started: The Warmest of Welcomes

Before the train ever leaves the station, you’re ushered into a pre-departure lounge where the experience already feels elevated—but not stuffy. Think: light bites, juice, coffee, and a mimosa if you’re leaning into vacation mode early. Check-in is seamless, and the energy is upbeat. The conductor and crew welcome you with big smiles, and yes, there’s a charming “All Aboard!” moment.

Once you’re on board, everything is included—from meals and drinks to off-train excursions and onboard entertainment. It’s a truly all-inclusive experience.

Two glasses of orange juice sit on a table beside two red lanyards and tickets labeled The Ghan, featuring a train in Australia’s Outback. A window with an outdoor view sets the scene for an unforgettable train ride. — Sipping mimosas before we board

Getting ready to board The Ghan train

Short on time? Catch the highlights!

Take Me There

Settling Into Your Gold Twin Cabin

Our Gold Service Twin cabin was small but smart—complete with bunk-style single beds and a private en suite bathroom. Every evening, staff turned down our beds (chocolate on the pillow included) and left a note with the next day’s itinerary.

Space is tight, so don’t expect to stretch out, but with so much of the day spent in the lounge or on excursions, the cabin is more retreat than hangout. Wi-Fi is only available in the lounge car—and it’s spotty—so prepare to unplug, which honestly becomes part of the charm.

Sleeping can be a bit tricky if you’re a light sleeper—especially on the first night, when the older tracks make for a noticeably bumpier ride through the Outback. It took us a while to settle into the rhythm and drift off.

By the second night, though, the ride felt smoother and quieter, and we both slept much better. If you’re sensitive to movement or sound, noise-cancelling earplugs are a must—they helped dull the bumps and track noise just enough to finally get some rest.

A cozy train compartment on The Ghan features a green cushioned bench, a large window, wall shelf, and small table. A black bag and hat rest on the bench. Warm lighting and wood paneling complete the inviting Australia Outback train ride ambiance. — Settling in to our Gold Twin Cabin

A narrow Ghan Train sleeper cabin with two bunk beds, white bedding, a pillow, a metal ladder to the upper bunk, a window with a curtain, and wooden interior paneling—perfect for a train ride through Australia’s Outback. — The train crew does turn down service at night (and puts your room back together in the morning)

Compact bathroom aboard the Ghan Train features a toilet, sink, mirror, and toiletries. Beige walls with grab bars and mounted soap dispensers add comfort during your Australia Outback train ride. Bright ceiling lighting and a metal panel complete the space. — The tiny (but functional) en suite bathroom in our cabin

A narrow corridor inside a Ghan Train carriage, with wooden paneling, blue carpet, doors on the right, and large windows on the left showing a blurred view of the Australia Outback during a scenic train ride. — The hallway to our cabin in the sleeper carriage

The Lounge Car: The Heartbeat of the GHAN Train

A view from inside a luxurious train carriage on The Ghan, with patterned red seats and large windows revealing Australia’s Outback beneath a bright blue sky. The interior features warm lighting and comfortable seating for an unforgettable train ride. — The lounge car with plenty of seating

A retro-style lounge car on the Ghan Train features maroon seats, round tables, large curtained windows, and warm lighting. Outside, a bright sky stretches over Australia’s Outback for an unforgettable train ride. — Conversational seating in the lounge with the bar in the back

A smiling man with a beard enjoys a train ride on The Ghan, sitting by the window with a glass of beverage. He wears a dark cap and gray polo shirt, while Australia’s Outback stretches outside—sunny skies and golden fields in view. — Dan enjoying a cocktail and views of the Outback

A retro-style Ghan Train carriage interior with patterned orange seating, a window with sunlight streaming in, curtains, and a small bar area with glassware and bottles—evoking the charm of a train ride through the Australia Outback. — More seating and the host stand to be brought back to the dining car

Framed daily update sign for The Ghan train ride through Australia’s Outback, listing: Date: Thursday 17th April, Location: Alice Springs, Arrive: 1:30pm, Depart: 6:00pm, Temp: 28°C, Humidity: 24%. — The crew would post a Daily Update with the weather and details of the day

Two glasses of wine, one white and one red, sit on a wooden table next to a bowl of snacks inside The Ghan. A large window reveals a bright blue sky with scattered clouds and the stunning scenery of Australia’s Outback passing by. — Snacking and sipping before dinner

A person holds a fan of playing cards, mostly spades, while sitting on a patterned brown couch aboard The Ghan. Another person across holds cards, and more are scattered on the seat during this scenic train ride through Australia’s Outback. — Playing German Whist

This is where the real magic happens. The lounge car is the social hub, and whether you’re sipping a flat white coffee or a bold Barossa red wine, the space invites you to settle in. There are panoramic windows perfect for Outback gazing, and the bar serves up local spirits, wines, and beers alongside snacks throughout the day.

The Ghan train spans more than 30 carriages and the layout is designed for comfort, with one lounge car shared between every few sleeper cabins. With around 200 passengers on board, it feels spacious rather than crowded. You’ll always find a seat to relax, chat with fellow travelers, or simply watch the landscapes drift by.

We kept a deck of cards close at hand and played often—mostly German Whist, a fun two-person game. Something about playing cards on a train just fits the setting. It filled the quiet stretches and gave us an easy way to unwind between excursions and meals.

Dining on The Ghan Train: Pretty Plates, Modest Expectations

The Queen Adelaide Restaurant serves meals in seated shifts, and you’ll select your preferred time each day. Staff plate each meal with care, offering Australian fare like grilled barramundi, kangaroo fillet, bush tomato chutney, and sticky date pudding. There’s always a vegetarian option, and the kitchen accommodates any dietary needs.

You’ll dine with other guests, which adds a social element and often sparks easy, unexpected conversations. Whether traveling solo or as a couple, expect to share a table—part of the charm that sets train travel apart.

The food is good—solid and satisfying more than gourmet, with thoughtful touches and a strong sense of place. Regional wines and relaxed, nostalgic surroundings make meals feel special, even when the dishes themselves are fairly simple.

To be fair, I’d read some glowing reviews that raised our expectations a bit too high. Once we reset them, we could appreciate the meals for what they were: hearty and well-made, with service that felt genuine and welcoming.

Elegant train dining car on the Ghan Train, with ornate ceiling, white tablecloths, large curtained windows, and sunlight streaming in. This Australia Outback train ride creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. No people are present. — A partial view of the dining car where you enjoy all your meals

A breakfast menu from The Ghan Train, capturing the spirit of an Australia Outback train ride, with options like juice, cereals, tropical fruit & natural yoghurt parfait, full breakfast, croque madame, and mango & fresh seasonal berries in elegant fonts. — The breakfast menu on our last day

A menu from The Ghan train featuring an illustration of honeycomb, bees, and flowers, a small Australia map in the corner, and a description of honey below the image—reflecting the sweet flavors found on this iconic train ride through Australia’s Outback. — The back of the menu always shared details on where the ingredients were sourced from

A slice of toast topped with melted cheese, a slice of ham, and a sunny-side-up fried egg, sprinkled with black pepper—perfect for savoring aboard The Ghan as you journey through Australia’s Outback. Served on a white plate. — A delicious Croque Madame for breakfast

A white bowl containing creamy yogurt topped with sliced mango, passion fruit, and sprinkled toasted nuts, photographed from above in natural light—an ideal breakfast before a train ride through Australia’s Outback on The Ghan. — Enjoying a mango passionfruit parfait

Off-Train Excursions: Thoughtful, If Sometimes Slow

Each day features at least one off-train excursion, which adds a dynamic layer to the Ghan train experience. The planning and execution are top-notch, and the staff are pros at keeping things smooth—even with an older crowd on board (we were easily among the youngest couples).

Marla:

After the first night, there’s a pre-dawn stop in Marla. It’s brisk and a little surreal—stepping out into the desert chill as bonfires flicker and staff hand out coffee, tea, and breakfast sandwiches. Watching the sunrise here is worth the early wake-up call.

Sunset over Australia’s Outback with sparse trees and reddish-brown soil, under a sky fading from blue to orange—perfectly capturing the view from a Ghan Train ride. — The sun starting to peek up on the horizon

The sun sets low on the horizon, casting a warm golden light across the flat, open landscape of the Australia Outback as the Ghan Train winds through sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky. — Getting a little more of the sun

A man and woman are smiling and taking a selfie outdoors at sunset amid Australia’s Outback, with red earth and a clear sky in the background—capturing memories after their epic train ride on The Ghan. — Early morning smiles

Alice Springs:

We opted for a visit to Standley Chasm, riding out through the countryside with an engaging bus driver who shared colorful local stories. At the chasm, an Aboriginal guide led us on a short walk and shared stories about the area’s significance and his people’s connection to the land.

Tall, narrow red rock canyon walls rise on both sides of a rocky, sunlit path under a clear blue sky—a scene reminiscent of the Australia Outback glimpsed from the Ghan Train, where sunlight creates dramatic contrasts across the landscape. — The Standley Chasm

Two people stand closely together on a rocky path between tall, steep red canyon walls under a bright blue sky, capturing the rugged beauty of Australia’s Outback. — Snapping a quick photo

A narrow canyon with tall, rugged orange and brown rock walls, scattered large rocks, and a shallow stream reflecting the sky—an iconic scene of the Australia Outback you might glimpse on a Ghan Train ride under bright daylight. — Walking further into the chasm

Katherine Gorge:

This was the most scenic of the excursions—a boat cruise through towering rock formations. The highlight? Dozens of bats hanging like ornaments in the riverside trees. Still, we were a little bummed by the lack of more iconic Aussie wildlife. Not an alligator in sight.

A woman wearing sunglasses and a white sleeveless top smiles while sitting on a bench outdoors during a scenic Ghan Train ride. She holds a straw hat and water bottle, with others nearby and views of the Australia Outback behind her. — Cruising on the river boat

A river flows between two rocky hills in Australia’s Outback, under a bright blue sky dotted with white clouds. Green trees line the hillsides as sunlight reflects on the calm water—a scene reminiscent of views from The Ghan Train. — Heading down the gorge

A wide river flows between rocky cliffs covered with trees and greenery under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, capturing the untamed beauty often seen on The Ghan’s legendary train ride through Australia’s Outback. — A view of the cliffs

Steep, rugged orange rock cliffs rise above a calm, greenish river, with small patches of vegetation in crevices—an iconic scene from Australia’s Outback glimpsed during The Ghan’s legendary train ride. — The jagged rocks of the cliffs

A group of bats hangs upside down from the branches of a leafy green tree during the daytime, just as you might spot while traveling through Australia’s Outback on The Ghan train ride. — Dozens of bats hanging the trees

Wildlife Sightings (Or lack there of)

We had half-hoped for a kangaroo sighting from the train window or maybe during one of the excursions—but no such luck. (We later learned that the local golf course in town is apparently full of them. Go figure!) What we did see, though, were the Outback’s famously towering termite mounds—some nearly six feet tall—dotting the landscape like surreal sculptures. While it wasn’t quite the wildlife moment we’d envisioned, it was still a reminder that you’re far from the ordinary.

A word of advice: bring a fly net. The flies were intense, especially in Marla once the sun came up and during our walk at the Standley Chasm.

Who You’ll Travel With

A straw hat, black sunglasses, and three colorful travel brochures with red lanyards rest on a wooden table, evoking the excitement of a train ride through the Australia Outback aboard the legendary Ghan Train. — Getting ready for our next off-train excursion

This isn’t a backpacker crowd. Most passengers were in their 50s or older, many traveling in couples or small family groups. That meant a slower, more relaxed pace overall, which we appreciated once we settled in.

One of our favorite parts of the journey was meeting fellow travelers in the lounge and at meals. We chatted with a couple celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary who introduced us to Vegemite, a rite of passage we hadn’t yet experienced in Australia. We met another couple enjoying their retirement by slowly making their way around the world. There was a family from the UK celebrating a birthday together. And a couple from New Zealand shared stories of riding the Indian Pacific from east to west.

Everyone had their own story and reason for boarding, and those little moments of connection made the trip all the more meaningful.

Who The Ghan Train Might Not Be For

If you’re after high-adrenaline adventure, constant Wi-Fi, ultra-luxury dining, or prefer a faster pace, The Ghan’s leisurely rhythm may feel too slow. It’s best suited to travelers who value comfort, scenery, and slower moments. Light sleepers might also find the first night challenging due to the older tracks—something to keep in mind.

And while Gold Service offers plenty of comfort, those looking for a more elevated, private experience may want to explore the Platinum tier, which comes with more space, luxury amenities, and exclusive dining options.

That said, even as travelers who usually keep a quicker pace, we found this journey to be a welcome change. After a whirlwind week exploring Sydney and Melbourne, The Ghan gave us a chance to slow down and take it all in—from the window views to the unhurried meals and meaningful conversations.

Final Take: The Ghan Train is Iconic for a Reason

The Ghan train offers one of the most unique Australia travel experiences out there.

It’s not a safari or five-star resort, but something in between—a chance to move through the country in comfort, with moments of wonder, great conversation, and warm hospitality.

Yes, the cabins are compact and the food didn’t quite hit five-star highs. And yes, the Outback flies are something else.

But even with those quirks, The Ghan delivers something few other trips can: the feeling of being part of Australia’s epic story.

If you’re drawn to iconic rail journeys, slow travel, and landscapes that stretch for miles, this one’s worth adding to your list.

Have questions about The Ghan or want help deciding if it’s the right fit for your trip? Drop a comment—I’d love to chat!

With joy,

Bri

P.S. You didn’t think we were done, did you? Keep scrolling for FAQs and more Ghan Train Travel Tips!

Ask Away

Have questions about riding The Ghan train through Australia? Here are some common ones!

The most popular months are April through October, when weather is cooler in the Outback. Summer can be scorching.

We traveled in April 2025, experiencing above-average temperatures and a lush, green landscape, thanks to the recent wet season in autumn.

Book at least 6–12 months ahead, especially for Gold or Platinum cabins. This is a bucket-list experience for many.

You can absolutely book The Ghan directly through Journey Beyond’s official website, which also offers seasonal promotions and detailed route information. Travel agents can help if you’re bundling it with flights or additional tours, but it’s easy enough to book independently.

Everything—from meals, drinks, and daily excursions to accommodations, snacks, and entertainment. Once you’re on board, it’s all taken care of.

The full Ghan experience spans about 2,979 kilometers (1,851 miles) over three days and two nights.

Yes, but only in the lounge car—and it’s very limited. Plan to disconnect.

During the day, casual and comfortable attire is perfect—think breathable layers for the changing Outback temperatures. For excursions, opt for closed-toe shoes, a hat, and sun protection.

In the evening, some guests dressed up for dinner, but there was no pressure. Most folks leaned into smart-casual attire. Think: sundresses and polos, not cocktail dresses and blazers.

Comfortable, casual clothing, layers for the desert temperatures, a fly net, closed-toe shoes for excursions, sunscreen, noise-cancelling earplugs, and a small daypack.

Yes, you’ll receive an itinerary with options to select your preferences before departure.

Platinum offers more spacious cabins, luxury amenities, and private dining, while Gold is more common and still plenty comfortable. Consider Platinum if you’re looking for a more elevated experience.

Yes, but the atmosphere is relaxed and skewed older. Families should expect a quieter pace.

Head to the official Ghan or Journey Beyond websites for the most up-to-date pricing, package options, and availability by season. Look for specials if you’re planning in advance!