The Ghan
Journey Beyond Rail
2024
At Monday's meeting Lea gave an overview of a recent trip her and Dave made on The Ghan, in Australia
History of The Ghan
The train was originally dubbed the Afghan Express. The Ghan train was named after the pioneering cameleers who worked on the permanent trail through the centre of Australia for than 150 years ago.
1929 - First rail trip for The Ghan taking 100 passengers and supplies to Alice Springs
1940s - Train used to transport servicemen during WWII
1980s - Work on the rail link from Alice Springs to Adelaide
1 Feb 2004 - The Ghan took the inaugural journey from Adelaide to Darwin
23 May 2015 - The Ghan departed Darwin for the first time on a 4 day/3 night trip
Train Statistics
Average length of train | 774m |
Average weight of train | 1400 tonnes (based on locomotives and 30 carriages) |
Length of track | 2979km |
Length of journey | 54 hours |
Average speed of train | 85km/hour (max speed 115km/hour) |
Symbol | The Ghan's symbol is a camel and its handler in recognition of the pioneering Afghan cameleers. |
Average number of carriages | 36 carriages, including guest carriages, crew quarters, Platinum Club, Queen Adelaide Restaurants, Outback Explorer Lounges and power vans |
Average beds per journey | 25 Platinum Service beds and 258 Gold Service beds |
average water per carriage | 3000 litres of water for each carriage |
average diesel consumption | 40,000 litres |
average number of crew onboard | 49 |
number of power vans | 3 |
The Journey from Adelaide to Darwin is 3 days/2 nights. The train stops along the way at Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine, where off train excursions are provided and are included in the price.
Another option is to add on additional nights in Darwin to explore the city.
A trip that is recommended to anyone thinking of hopping across the ditch,
