The Ghan Expedition & Indian Pacific – Darwin to Sydney 2026
From Darwin to Adelaide to Sydney, you’ll experience three capital cities that are as different as the landscapes that connect them and everything in between. Starting your journey in Darwin, you’ll spend three nights travelling south on The Ghan Expedition, stopping for two nights in Adelaide before boarding the train again and travelling east on the Indian Pacific.
Highlights
- Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
- Explore the outback town of Alice Springs and the unusual underground town of Cooper Pedy
- Discover Adelaide at your own pace
- Experience the outback town of Broken Hill
- Travel through the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains to Sydney
The Ghan Expedition & Indian Pacific – Darwin To Sydney
November 2026 Prices From:
- Gold Single Cabin from $6,730 pp* solo traveller
- Gold Twin Cabin from $6,945 pp* twin share
- Gold Premium Twin Cabin from $8,355 pp* twin share
- Platinum Twin Cabin from $13,560 pp twin share *
*Please note that prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change without notice. Advance Purchase fares are only available until sold out.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Board The Ghan Expedition, Darwin
Board The Ghan Expedition in Darwin and settle into your comfortable cabin before meeting fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy lunch before your Off Train Experience in Katherine, where you can choose from a cruise through spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge, the Katherine Outback Experience, or a visit to Cutta Cutta Caves. For a truly unforgettable perspective, an optional helicopter flight over Nitmiluk Gorge is also available.
Day 2 – The Ghan Expedition, Alice Springs
Arrive in Alice Springs after breakfast and enjoy an Off Train Experience exploring the heart of Australia. Choose from an e-bike adventure, the historic Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service, Standley Chasm, Desert Park or the stunning Simpson’s Gap. An optional scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta is also available. In the evening, enjoy a memorable outdoor dinner under the stars at Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Day 3 – The Ghan Expedition, Coober Pedy
Arrive at Manguri and travel to the unique opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, where many residents live underground. Enjoy a day of discovery, including a memorable gourmet lunch served underground. Choose from experiences exploring the Breakaways, discovering the town’s history, or learning about opal mining. An optional scenic flight over the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre is also available before returning to The Ghan for dinner and an evening onboard.
Day 4 – The Ghan Expedition, Adelaide
Wake to a dramatic change in scenery as the ochre landscapes of the outback give way to the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch while travelling through the Flinders Ranges before arriving in Adelaide, completing your unforgettable rail journey. Disembark and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay, with the afternoon free to explore Adelaide. Visit the Adelaide Central Market, explore the Art Gallery of South Australia, or enjoy the city’s renowned food and wine scene.
Day 5 – Adelaide
Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Adelaide at your own pace. Explore the city’s vibrant markets, galleries and food scene, or venture into the renowned McLaren Vale wine region to sample South Australia’s celebrated wines and picturesque vineyards.
Day 6 – Board the Indian Pacific, Adelaide
Check out of your hotel and enjoy some free time for any last-minute sightseeing before transferring to Adelaide Parklands Terminal. Board the Indian Pacific and settle into your comfortable cabin or relax in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner as your rail adventure begins.
Day 7 – Indian Pacific, Broken Hill
Wake in Broken Hill, New South Wales, after crossing the border overnight. Enjoy breakfast before choosing from a selection of Off Train Experiences exploring the city’s fascinating history, art and culture. Return to the train for lunch and relax as the Indian Pacific travels through regional New South Wales. Enjoy your final evening onboard with dinner and the chance to soak up the last of your unforgettable rail journey.
Day 8 – Indian Pacific, Blue Mountains & Sydney
After breakfast, say farewell to the Indian Pacific and travel into the spectacular Blue Mountains, a World Heritage-listed region of sandstone cliffs, forests and sweeping valleys. Choose between a Scenic World experience, featuring the Skyway, Cableway and Scenic Railway, or a guided bushwalk with stunning lookout views. Both options finish at Echo Point in Katoomba, where a light lunch is served. Continue by chartered rail to Sydney Central Station, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
*Please note that the itinerary is subject to change.
Highlights
- Experience two iconic rail journeys across Australia
- Explore Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy & Broken Hill
- Journey from Darwin to Sydney via Adelaide and the Blue Mountains
From Darwin to Adelaide to Sydney, you’ll experience three capital cities that are as different as the landscapes that connect them and everything in between. Starting your journey in Darwin, you’ll spend three nights travelling south on The Ghan Expedition, stopping for two nights in Adelaide before boarding the train again and travelling east on the Indian Pacific.
Highlights
- Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
- Explore the outback town of Alice Springs and the unusual underground town of Cooper Pedy
- Discover Adelaide at your own pace
- Experience the outback town of Broken Hill
- Travel through the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains to Sydney
Inclusions
- 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide, including all meals, beverages, and Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy
- Transfer from Adelaide Parklands Terminal to hotel
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Adelaide including breakfast daily
- Transfer from hotel to Adelaide Parklands Terminal
- 2 nights aboard the Indian Pacific, Adelaide to Sydney, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Broken Hill and the Blue Mountains
- 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Exclusions
- Travel Insurance
- Flights to and from Darwin
FAQs
- 3 nights The Ghan Expedition
- 2 nights at Crowne Plaza Adelaide
- 2 nights on the Indian Pacific
How long is the journey?
The package is 8 days and 7 nights, travelling from Darwin to Sydney.
Which trains are included?
The journey includes 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide and 2 nights aboard the Indian Pacific from Adelaide to Sydney.
What Off Train Experiences are included?
Experiences are included in Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, Broken Hill and the Blue Mountains, with a range of activities available at selected stops.
Are meals included?
Yes. The package includes 18 meals, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Meals and beverages are included while travelling aboard the trains.
Is accommodation in Adelaide included?
Yes. Two nights’ accommodation in Adelaide, including daily breakfast, are included between the two rail journeys.
What are the main highlights?
Highlights include Nitmiluk Gorge, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, Adelaide, Broken Hill and the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.
Can I upgrade my experiences?
Yes. Optional upgrades are available, including scenic flights over Nitmiluk Gorge, Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, comfortable daywear and layers are recommended, as temperatures can vary significantly between regions.
Is there free time to explore Adelaide?
Yes. Day 4 includes free time to explore Adelaide, followed by a full day at leisure on Day 5.
Where does the journey finish?
The journey concludes at Sydney Central Station after travelling through the Blue Mountains.
Provided by: Journey BeyondFine Print
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