The Ghan - What to Expect Onboard

Pre-Departure Information

Selecting your Off-Train Experiences

You will be notified when your Off-Train Experiences preferences is open. You will then either activate your online account or login.

The Ghan Manage My Booking

• Login to manage your booking or activate your account.
• Click the ‘Off Train Experience’ button.
• Your available experiences will be listed for each day. Under ‘Add Guests’ select the name of the guest who wishes to participate in the selected experience.
• Click ‘Save and Continue’ to move to the next day of your journey.
• Once you’ve chosen all your experiences, click ‘Save and Close’.

When you are onboard the train your Hospitality Attendant will confirm which of your preferences you have been booked on. Please note that some Off Train Experiences are subject to change due to weather or low numbers your Hospitality Attendant will be able to advise.

In Travel

Check in process

Check in for The Ghan begins 2 hours prior to departure and closes 1 hour before departure. Please have a copy of passport and travel itinerary. At check in you will be given your cabin number.

Once you are onboard you will be presented with a card with the breakfast, lunch and dinner mealtimes for your journey. Your On-Board Attendant will advise you of the process. If you have any special requests regarding mealtimes, please speak with a member of the On-Board team. If you have a dietary requirement, please make our Australian Experts aware at the time of booking to ensure your requirments are catered to onboard.

During meal service you will be sat with your fellow travellers allowing you to talk about your day.

There is no Wi-Fi onboard The Ghan and data service can be patchy as you travel through the Outback. We recommend downloading any music or audiobooks you may wish to listen to throughout your journey in advance to boarding the train.

 

What should I pack for The Ghan?

There is not a set dress code onboard The Ghan it is recommended to dress smart casual, and some guests enjoy dressing up for dinner although it’s not compulsory.

Onboard the train is a comfortable 22 degrees which can feel cooler than they temperature outside we recommend having a light jumper or jacket with you.

For your Off Train Experiences the temperature can vary depending on where you are on the journey. It is recommended you wear layers such as a jacket or jumper and a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen (SPF30+ or higher) and comfortable walking shoes. Some tours have compulsory closed toes shoes we recommend having a pair of trainers for your Off Train Experience. You may also wish to bring a small bag out with you to carry essential items including water, phone, camera, sunglasses, suncream, medication and any other items you may require during the day.

 

Luggage

Due to the size of the cabins your larger suitcases will be checked in at the start of the holiday and placed in the luggage carriage. You will not be able to access your luggage during your journey until you disembark in your final destination.

You should pack everything you require into a carry on sized luggage or duffel bag. Ensure you have packed all essential items including medication, phone and camera chargers, toiletries and clothes for the duration of your time onboard.

We recommend taking the following cabin luggage on board your rail journey:

 

Aurora Australis Suites

Our Aurora Australis Suites have unlimited luggage allowance due to the generous size of the suites. Luggage items for the Aurora Australis Suites can be stored directly in your suite, or in the luggage van.

 

Platinum, Gold Premium & Gold Twin

One small piece of cabin luggage each up to 15kg (33lb) or share one medium-sized bag between two guests. Additionally, a garment bag and a small personal item are allowed per guest.

 

Gold Single cabin

One small piece of cabin luggage up to 15kg (33lb) and a small personal item.

 

Checked Luggage

Guests travel in Gold can check in 2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg (66lb) per passenger.

Guests traveling in Gold Premium and Platinum can check in 3 pieces up to 25kg (55lb) per passengers.

Guests travelling in Aurora Australis Suites have unlimited luggage allowance if they wish to check in a bag.

For more details on luggage restrictions please visit: The Ghan What to Pack

 

Do I need to pay for anything onboard The Ghan?

No, everything is included during your train journey including meals, drinks and Off Train Experiences. The only additional payments you may wish to pay is if you upgrade your Off Train Experiences or purchase any onboard souvenirs.

 

If you have anymore questions about your Ghan holiday please visit our dedicated page: The Ghan Your Questions Answered