A journey aboard the iconic Ghan is a bucket-list experience through Australia’s Red Centre, stopping at fascinating, remote desert locations you’re unlikely to experience when travelling by other means.
Pukekohe Travel Director, Damian O’Connor, has been lucky enough to travel on The Ghan three times, escorting tours for Pukekohe Travel.
Damian says from the moment you hop aboard, you’re greeted with a quintessential Aussie ‘G’day’ and first-class service.
The Ghan travels between Darwin and Adelaide and offers off-train experiences in Katherine and Alice Springs. The Ghan Expedition offers a four-day, three-night journey south with an added off-train experience in Coober Pedy’s underground world. A shorter three-day, two-night northbound journey includes a sunrise breakfast in Marla.
“The Katherine Gorge experience and the Telegraph Station Outback dinner in the desert are spectacular,” says Damian. “The visit to Coober Pedy is a real highlight as most people live underground in the opal mine town and you get to experience lunch in an underground restaurant.”
Travelling on The Ghan in Gold Class is all-inclusive of meals, off-train experiences and drinks, so once on board there’s no need to put your hand on your wallet – everything is taken care of.
“The cabins are cosy with large windows to watch the passing landscape, and at night, your seat transforms into a comfortable bed. The food is exceptional – everything is prepared fresh on board with plenty of choice,” Damian says.
“Travelling through the heart of Australia aboard The Ghan whilst witnessing the vastness of the harsh, unyielding landscape which is the Outback is something truly special.
“The rail journey itself is a blend of Outback exploration, quiet time to relax, great service and excellent food. It’s an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.”
In 2026, Pukekohe Travel won the First Travel Group Top Performance Award from Journey Beyond, who own and operate both The Ghan and Indian Pacific trains in Australia.
Pukekohe Travel offers several escorted tours each year aboard The Ghan and the Indian Pacific as well as bookings for independent travellers.
Contact the experienced team at Pukekohe Travel today about your next trip, wherever that may be.
www.pukekohetravel.co.nz
info@pukekohetravel.nz
0800 785 386
