Darwin to Adelaide by train - The Ghan
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The Ghan train from Darwin to Adelaide has long held a fascination for us. Having taken the Indian-Pacific train from Perth to Sydney in 2019 we now looked at The Ghan. Staff on the Indian-Pacific recommended travelling south from Darwin and to go later in the year before the wet season and before temperatures climbed from hot to unbearable. September suited us, so with all bookings made and paid for we flew off to Sydney for a few days before flying on to Darwin. In Darwin we explored the town and its heritage and then headed east to see the Kakadu National Park before boarding the train for the journey south.
From Darwin the train travels almost due south, stopping first at Katherine Gorge. Here we were loaded into buses for the short drive to the gorge. Then back on the train for dinner and our first night on the train. The next morning we were in Alice Springs for the day, finishing with a dinner under the stars. Back on the train and the next day we were in Coober Pedy, the opal mining centre. Another night on the train and we ended up in Adelaide for a few days looking for relatives (in the local cemeteries), before flying home again.
Paul and Colma, September 2019
Our Itinerary
| Day | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-5 | Monday 9 September to Friday 13 September 2019 |
Flew Auckland to Sydney picked up the rental car and drove south. Back to Sydney for the night and then a long flight to Darwin. Picked up the rental car and drove into Darwin. |
| Day 6 | Saturday 14 September 2019 | A day to explore Darwin. |
| Day 7 | Sunday 15 September 2019 | A long drive east to Kakadu National Park, through Jabiru to Cooinda. |
| Day 8 | Monday 16 September 2019 | Early start for the all-day 4WD tour of Kakadu - "Footprints of Kakadu" |
| Day 9 | Tuesday 17 September 2019 | An even earlier start for the Sunrise over Kakadu tour then the long drive back to Darwin. |
| Day 10 | Wednesday 18 September 2019 | The Ghan Day 1 - Darwin to Katherine Gorge |
| Day 11 | Thursday 19 September 2019 | The Ghan Day 2 - Alice Springs |
| Day 12 | Friday 20 September 2019 | The Ghan Day 3 - Coober Pedy |
| Day 13 | Saturday 21 September 2019 | The Ghan Day 4 - Arrival in Adelaide. |
| Day 14 | Sunday 22 September 2019 | Adelaide |
| Day 15 | Monday 23 September 2019 | To Adelaide Airport and home. |
Last updated: 06/06/2020