The Great Southern Railway

What is it?

The Great Southern Railway Australia is an interstate passenger train operator in Australia. There are 3 different types of journeys you can go on: The first is “The Indian Pacific journey”, which goes from Sydney to Perth. The second is “The Overland”, which connects Melbourne to Adelaide, and the last and biggest is “The Ghan”, which connects the south to the north of Australia.

The Ghan

The Ghan is one of the greatest train journeys. It is a three-night and four-day or 4 day and three nights trip (depending from your departure city), which goes from Adelaide to Darwin, stopping by a few cities such as Alice Springs, Katherine and Coober Pedy, including off-train excursions (depending on the package you choose).  Available on the train are cabins for sleeping, bar, restaurant and many more. You can start from different places: You have the Adelaide-Darwin train ride, Darwin-Adelaide, Adelaide-Alice Springs and Darwin-Alice Springs.

Here is the itinerary for the Adelaide – Darwin train trip passing through Alice Springs and Katherine:

• Day 1: You get on board in Adelaide and the first stop is at Alice Springs. On the way to Alice Springs, you will see the country scenery extending to the horizon, the desert, the Dog Fence which is the world’s longest fence and speed through Cadney Homestead at the gateway to the Painted Desert,andmany more.
• Day 2: This is when the train stops in Alice Spring in the morning. In Alice Springs, you will be able to visit the outback of central Australia and also the Aboriginal History. You will be able to walk around for the day and discover Alice Springs. You will then return to the train late afternoon to get on the way to Katherine. 

• Day 3: The next day, you will be arriving in Katherine in the morning. On this stop, you will have the opportunity to also discover another part of the outback of Katherine.  Depending on the package that you have taken, you will be able to participate in various activities and half-day excursions. You will then depart from Katherine early afternoon, crossing the old gold mining town of Pine Creek and Adelaide River, to arrive in Darwin late afternoon.

There are several packages and options you can get for different trains and off-train excursions.  For more information about the other train rides and options, check out this website.

Does this seem like the perfect trip for you? Would you love to cross Australia and discover the Outback? Get in touch with Stage-Australia and start your dream down under!