Ghan

Ghan refers to The Ghan, a long-distance passenger train service in Australia that operates between Adelaide and Darwin, typically via Alice Springs. The journey is known for traversing the Australian Outback and offering scenic views, onboard dining, and sleeper accommodations. The service is operated by Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions, formerly part of Great Southern Rail, and has become one of the country’s most famous rail experiences.

Historically, the name and service trace back to the era of camel-based supply routes in the interior. The train’s predecessors were originally associated with Afghan cameleers who opened up inland connections in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The railway service adopted a branding that reflected this heritage, evolving from an earlier name to The Ghan as it modernized and expanded its routes and facilities.

The Ghan’s route links the major southern city of Adelaide with the northern frontier city of Darwin, passing through remote towns and the central Australian landscape, including Alice Springs. The journey is marketed as a premium multi-day experience, with on-board sleeper cars, boutique dining, and guided excursions or opportunities for off-train activities at key stops. Variants of the service may include different schedules or additional experiences, such as longer itineraries or enhanced sightseeing options, but the core offering remains the Adelaide–Darwin crossing.

In popular culture, The Ghan has become emblematic of Australian rail travel and the broader heritage of exploration and connectivity across the continent. It is frequently cited as a signature way to experience the Australian outback in comfort and style.