Aussie Trains’ travel experience on The Ghan train offers a unique insight into the Australian frontier spirit. It’s an unforgettable journey that follows the same route as explorer John MacDouall Stuart when he trekked across Australia’s unique and unforgiving terrain in 1862, through central Australia to Darwin. Capture the excitement and romance of an earlier era by making the journey in well-appointed passenger cabins on The Ghan train and learn the fascinating history behind one of Australia’s greatest rail journeys.
1839 – The Arrival of the Cameleers
In 1839, the first cameleers arrived in South Australia. “Harry”, the very first camel to make it to Australian shores, was one of six that survived the journey. In 1846, Harry carried supplies for John Horrock’s expedition around Lake Torrens, proving the worth of camels for transporting supplies in harsh Australian conditions.
1860s – The Growth of Infrastructure
By the 1860s, there were thousands of camels and Afghan cameleers transporting goods, water, tools and equipment to remote towns. The Ghan train is named after the Afghan cameleers that were so critical to Australia’s early history.
1877 – 1915: Rail Lines and the Overland Telegraph
By 1877, over 665 kms of rail lines were built from Port Augusta to Oodnadatta. The Overland Telegraph, allowing fast connection between Australia and the rest of the world, was also established along John MacDouall Stuart’s route. The rail route from Port Augusta to Alice Springs was completed in 1915.
1911 – Approval of the Adelaide to Darwin Railway
In 1911, the Commonwealth of Australia committed to the construction of a 3000-mile railway line from Adelaide to Darwin. This would be known as The Ghan.
1929: Adelaide to Alice Springs Rail Completed
Crowds gather in Adelaide on August 4th, 1929 for the inaugural journey of the new rail line between Adelaide and Stuart (later to be called Alice Springs). This journey was aboard a steam-hauled train and took 2 days.
1940s: World War II and the Railway
In the 1940s the rail was used prolifically as a soldier transport. 1944 was the train line’s busiest time in history, deploying up to 247 trains per week to transport servicemen during World War II.
1960s to 19702 – The Growth of Industry
The 1960s and 1970s saw the rail line used to transport critical supplies to the mining, transport and agriculture industries.
1980 – New Alice Springs to Darwin Link Complete
A section of new rail line between Alice Springs to Darwin was completed on February 1, 1980. This track replaces the original Ghan railway track. The older track still operates as the Pichi Richi Railway line today.
2001 – 2004: The Ghan Line is Completed
From 2001 to 2004, the final gap of the 1420km railway line from Alice to Darwin was completed.
2015: The Ghan Expedition is Created
In 2015, The Ghan train route was extended to offer optional expedition tours to Uluru and Coober Pedy as a part of The Ghan Expedition train trip.
2019: Celebration of The Ghan Railway
The Ghan celebrates its 90-year anniversary.
All fares and journey information are correct at the time of publication but subject to change.