The Ghan is Australia's north–south transcontinental train, operated by Journey Beyond. Our outback by train guide compares The Ghan with the Indian Pacific and the Queensland trains. This page focuses on the stops: where the train pauses, what the off-train experiences involve, and how to see more on your own.
The route at a glance
| Day | Stop | Off-train experience |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darwin → Katherine | Afternoon in Katherine; Nitmiluk Gorge |
| 2 | Alice Springs | Full day of excursions; dinner at the Telegraph Station |
| 3 | Manguri → Coober Pedy | Morning at Manguri; a day in Coober Pedy, with lunch underground |
| 4 | Flinders Ranges region → Adelaide | Brunch on board; mid-morning arrival |
This is based on Journey Beyond's Ghan Expedition itinerary (Darwin to Adelaide). Timetables change by season, so check the current timetable before booking.
Katherine
The train leaves Darwin in the morning, and guests have lunch on board before an early-afternoon arrival in Katherine. The main off-train experience is Nitmiluk Gorge: Journey Beyond highlights its natural wonders and the region's rich Indigenous culture, usually with a gorge cruise. Dinner is served as the sun sets, and the train travels south overnight.
If you're travelling independently, Katherine deserves more time. See Nitmiluk National Park and the Katherine Hot Springs.
Alice Springs
Day 2 is a full day of excursions in Alice Springs. An optional upgrade is a scenic flight to Uluru. Guests return for a barbecue dinner under the stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, where the town began as a station on the Overland Telegraph Line.
Many travellers break their journey in Alice Springs. They leave the train, spend a few days at Uluru, Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnells, and then fly or join a later train. See the Uluru itinerary, Kings Canyon and the Larapinta Trail.
Manguri
Manguri is a remote siding on the line, the stop for Coober Pedy. Journey Beyond describes an evening or morning Off Train Experience there, depending on the itinerary. It's a chance to stand in the vast, quiet desert at the start or end of the day.
Coober Pedy
From Manguri, guests travel into Coober Pedy, where Journey Beyond says more than half the residents live underground. The day includes discovery tours and a gourmet lunch underground. Independent travellers can visit the free Umoona museum, the underground churches and the Kanku-Breakaways.
Into Adelaide
On the final morning, the outback's ochre tones give way to the green fields of South Australia. The train passes the Flinders Ranges region during brunch and arrives in Adelaide mid-morning. Add a stay in the Flinders Ranges another time.
When it runs
Journey Beyond says The Ghan Expedition operates from April to October, with departures from Darwin on set days. In 2026, the timetable listed Wednesday departures in the Expedition season. Journey Beyond also runs other Ghan itineraries, so compare options on its site. Check the current year's timetable.
Tips for the stops
- Choose your excursion early. Off-train experiences are pre-selected, and popular ones fill up.
- Pack a day bag with a hat, sunscreen, water and a warm layer.
- In the Red Centre, mornings can be near freezing in mid-winter, so dress in layers.
- Respect cultural sites. Follow guides' advice about photography. See visiting Country respectfully.
Planning and booking
- Book early. Popular departures in the cooler months can sell out well ahead.
- Check the itinerary. Off-train experiences and stop times differ between itineraries and can change, so read the current details on the Journey Beyond website.
- Choose experiences in advance where the operator asks you to. Some have limited places.
- Plan connections. Allow plenty of time between your flight and the train in Darwin or Adelaide.
- Consider stopovers. Breaking the trip in Alice Springs or Katherine and travelling on later gives more time to explore. Check what the operator allows for your fare.
What to pack for the stops
- A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a refillable water bottle.
- Comfortable walking shoes for gorges and town tours.
- A warm layer for cold desert mornings and evenings in the Centre.
- Insect repellent for the Top End.
- A small daypack for off-train excursions.
Ghan or drive?
The Ghan follows roughly the same corridor as the Stuart Highway. If you'd rather stop when you like, see the Stuart Highway and Adelaide to Darwin guides. Some travellers take the train one way and drive the other.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Where does The Ghan stop?
Journey Beyond's Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide stops for off-train experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, plus an Off Train Experience at Manguri, the siding that serves Coober Pedy. The train also passes through the Flinders Ranges region on the final morning.
How long is The Ghan train journey?
The Ghan Expedition covers 2,979 km over 4 days and 3 nights, from Darwin to Adelaide.
What is the best month to do The Ghan?
The Ghan Expedition operates from April to October, the cooler dry season, when off-train experiences in the Top End and Red Centre are most comfortable. Mid-winter (June to August) is peak season, with warm days and cold nights in the Centre.
Is there a dress code on The Ghan?
Journey Beyond describes smart casual dress on board. For off-train experiences, wear comfortable shoes, a hat and layers, because mornings in the Centre can be cold and middays warm.
Why is The Ghan so expensive?
The Expedition is an all-inclusive journey, with a private cabin, 9 meals, wines and beverages, and guided off-train experiences such as a Nitmiluk Gorge cruise and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station dinner. You're paying for a cruise-style package rather than a rail ticket alone.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- The Ghan Expedition — Journey Beyond Rail
- The Ghan Expedition 2026 timetable — Journey Beyond Rail
- The Ghan versus The Ghan Expedition — Journey Beyond Rail
