A rail journey for the ages

Posted 2 December, 2025 Andrew Rasch. This content is sponsored by Journey Beyond.

Name a train journey that takes you from a Mediterranean climate, through red-painted bone-dry deserts, to the tropics, in less than a week. A trip on the legendary Ghan, you say? You’re right.

Make your 2027 truly unforgettable and join one of the world’s most iconic rail experiences with a brand-new extended itinerary. Travel from Adelaide to Darwin over four incredible days on an all-inclusive journey through the heart of the country, experiencing Australia at its dramatic best.

Life on the rails

A trip on the legendary Ghan isn’t your average rail commute. It’s nearly 3000km of rolling hills and wineries, rugged mountain peaks, vibrantly coloured deserts, and tropical forests and gorges. The steady clickety-clack provides a comforting soundtrack as you soak in your stunning surroundings.

The sun sinking in the western sky creates scenes so incredible, you’ll find yourself pressing your nose to the window to get a closer view. Cross the world’s longest fence – the Dingo Fence – pass through the Territory gold mining town of Tennant Creek, all while making new friends over a cocktail.

Along with ever-changing scenery on The Ghan, you’ll also enjoy subtle white wines and hearty reds, paired with regionally inspired dishes such as barramundi, kangaroo, and topped off with local cheeses.

Meals, fine wines and beverages are included, so forget about cooking and washing up for a few days. Your only task is to relax with a cool drink, chat with fellow travellers, and have the time of your life.

The fabulous Flinders

Step off the train and be plunged deep into the heart of Australia’s gateway to the outback, where rocky outcrops, jagged ranges, and ochre cliffs contrasted with green shrubs, await.

Fresh from its place in Lonely Planet’s 2026 Best in Travel list (the only Australian destination to be named), the Ikara-Flinders Ranges is a compelling treat for any traveller.

For hundreds of millions of years, nature has shaped and coloured this region into the stunning landscape we know today.

Home to one of the world’s most significant fossil sites, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges is an unforgettable part of South Australia that’ll have you counting the days until you can visit again.

Desert delights

Just as there’s never too much fine dining or comfort onboard, you can’t watch too many sunrises. This time, you’ll see the sun ascend at the remote outpost of Marla, 160km from the Northern Territory border and at the start of South Australia’s world-famous Oodnadatta Track.

The Ghan then makes its way to the desert town of Alice Springs, where you’ll have a selection of off train experiences to choose from.

Feeling adventurous? Maybe off-road mountain biking is for you. Perhaps you’d prefer an Alice Explorer tour, cultural experience at Standley Chasm, wildlife meet and greet at Desert Park, or the unforgettable beauty of Simpsons Gap.

And, after taking Simpsons Gap in at ground level, you can opt for a helicopter flight for a stunning bird’s-eye view.

Tropical tempos

As you travel further north, it’s clear you’ve left the desert behind. The rocky gorges and fast-flowing canyon streams introduce a delightful change of scenery.

You’re in for a remarkable surprise when you take a relaxing boat cruise among the towering sandstone cliffs on one of the Top End’s most impressive natural wonders, Nitmiluk Gorge/Katherine Gorge.

If you want to get among the people (and the working dogs and horses), check out the Katherine Outback Experience.

When you step off the legendary Ghan for the last time in Darwin, prepare to reflect. You’ve seen our magical land from south to north (in style), met people you’ll want to see again, and you’ve experienced wonders you never imagined. Another magnificent entry in your memory bank.