Image: Journey Beyond Rail
After more than 95 years crossing the spine of the continent, The Ghan is entering a new era. Journey Beyond Rail has opened bookings for its 2027 season and revealed a major evolution to its flagship northbound journey – a three-night, four-day itinerary designed to slow things down, deepen the immersion and give travellers more time in some of Australia’s most extraordinary landscapes.
The extension brings the northbound route into step with the southbound Ghan Expedition, cementing its place as a centrepiece of the company’s annual program. And, in true Journey Beyond fashion, the trip doesn’t ease in gently. Departing from Adelaide, guests will start with a celebratory dinner in one of South Australia’s noted wine regions – a fitting introduction to a journey known for its off-train adventures and quietly extravagant dining.
“The Ghan holds a special place in the story of Australian travel. By extending the northbound journey, we’re allowing travellers to slow down, deepen their connection to Country, and discover Outback Australia in a way that is both immersive and unforgettable,” says David Donald, Executive General Manager of Rail at Journey Beyond.
From there, the itinerary moves into terrain that feels almost primordial. A full day is dedicated to exploring the Flinders Ranges – a region defined by ancient geology, deep Aboriginal cultural ties and, recently, a spot in Lonely Planet’s Top 25 places to visit in 2026. It’s a chance to feel the scale of the outback before the train pushes north toward Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine.
Across the journey, specially tailored Off Train Experiences offer moments of cultural and environmental connection – learning about Country, walking through dramatic gorges, or simply taking in the kind of silence you can only get in the desert. The adventure wraps in the lush, tropical Top End.
Journey Beyond is also rolling out a suite of fresh holiday packages for 2027, created in partnership with Outback Spirit and aligned with its summertime Great Southern route along Australia’s East Coast. Each blends rail travel with short-break tours, luxe stays and deep dives into regional highlights.
Among them are the Queensland Hinterland Spectacular, spotlighting wild parklands and winding country roads, and of course the spectacular Kangaroo Island, showcasing its beaches, wildlife and renowned wine regions.
For those wanting to extend their trip on either side, the brand’s City Stay packages return – offering curated hotel stays and bespoke experiences in Adelaide, Sydney, Perth and more.
On board, things are getting even more comfortable. The Aurora Australis Suites, designed by acclaimed firm Woods Bagot, lift the luxury quotient with spacious private bedrooms, premium amenities and wide viewing windows that turn the changing landscape into a moving artwork. They’ve quickly become some of the most sought-after rooms on rails.
Bookings for the 2027 season are now live, and if early demand is anything to go by, the extended Ghan experience is set to be one of the year’s most coveted Australian journeys. With high-season permits and sleeper suites often selling out months in advance, the advice is simple – book early.
The Ghan expands to a three-night, four-day experience
For more details or to reserve your spot, head to Journey Beyond Rail’s website.
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