The Ghan is adding a spectacular new stop in 2027

The Ghan is extending its long-loved northbound journey with a spectacular new stop.

Some pairings feel ordained: Tim Tams and cold milk, road trips and AC/DC, footy and beer. Now, Journey Beyond Rail is uniting two travel icons in a heaven-sent match. From 2027, The Ghan’s storied northbound itinerary will be extended to three nights and include a full day at South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges – the only Aussie destination to make Lonely Planet’s Top Places Hotlist 2026.

It’s a meet-cute 600 million years in the making.

A legend on rails

the ghan train — The Ghan’s first journey was in 1929. (Image: Journey Beyond Rail)

For the uninitiated, The Ghan is perhaps Australia’s most iconic rail journey and has been ranked among the world’s best. Its history stretches back to 1929, when the original Afghan Express was named for the cameleers who helped chart routes through the Red Centre long before steel tracks arrived.

Over the decades, The Ghan has evolved from a rattling lifeline to a rolling hotel, gliding north from Adelaide through the outback spine of the continent all the way up to Darwin. It’s the kind of journey that turns train sceptics into train evangelists, usually when they’re carving through glowing desert at sunrise with a coffee in hand.

The new 2027 itinerary

the ghan flinders ranges — The Ghan will stop for a day in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. (Image: Journey Beyond Rail)

Journey Beyond Rail has revealed its 2027 season, and with it, a new itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin. What has long been a two-night northbound journey will stretch into a three-night, four-day experience, giving guests more time to tune into Australia’s Red Centre and bringing the classic journey in line with the popular Ghan Expedition southbound itinerary.

“By extending the northbound journey from two to three nights, we’re allowing travellers to slow down, deepen their connection to Country, and discover Outback Australia in a way that is both immersive and unforgettable," says David Donald, Executive General Manager of Rail at Journey Beyond.

flinders rangers aerial — The Ikara-Flinders Ranges in South Australia is 600 million years old. (Image: Getty/Greg Brave)

Notably, the new itinerary will also make a full-day stop at the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. The ranges are the traditional lands of the Adnyamathanha people, whose stories and cultural connections trace back tens of thousands of years. It’s an extraordinary layer of meaning atop already extraordinary scenery. And then there’s the geology: the rocks are older than multicellular life, and Wilpena Pound alone looks like a natural amphitheatre you’d expect dinosaurs to wander into at any moment.

“The Flinders Ranges has been named one of Lonely Planet’s Top 25 destinations for 2026," Donald tells Australian Traveller. “Shaped over 600 million years, this ancient and rugged mountain landscape is defined by peaceful tree-lined gorges, dramatic escarpments, and a seasonal wealth of wildlife. Its vast sense of space makes Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park a truly remarkable destination for those seeking nature, culture, and untouched beauty."

platinum australis suite the ghan — The Ghan’s Australis Suite is luxury in motion. (Image: Journey Beyond Rail)

Departing Adelaide, guests joining The Legendary Ghan 2027 start with a celebratory dinner in one of South Australia’s top wine regions. Then comes the journey’s new showstopper: a full day discovering the Flinders Ranges, where guests explore spectacular ranges and deep gorges with The Ghan’s Off Train Experience.

“Guests will also step off the train for lunch in Quorn, a historic railway town nestled in the heart of the Flinders Ranges," adds Donald. “A paradise for history lovers, Quorn’s scenic landscapes have featured in iconic Australian films such as The Shiralee, Gallipoli, and The Water Diviner. The town is also home to the heritage-listed Pichi Richi Railway, where vintage locomotives evoke the golden age of rail travel."

From there, The Ghan resumes its legendary northerly sweep, pausing for an otherworldly sunrise in Marla; cultural adventures in Alice Springs; dramatic sandstone in Katherine; and finally rolling into the humid exhale of the Top End.

Prices begin at AUD $3390 per person and include regionally inspired meals paired with fine wines and beverages. The journey also includes a series of off-train experiences, from cultural learning to wildlife encounters and active expeditions.

“The Ghan holds a special place in the story of Australian travel, and guests have been asking for more time to experience its remarkable landscapes," explains Donald. The new itinerary answers that call, inviting guests to slow down, look out the window and let the wide, ancient spaces do their work.

The details

Journey name: The Legendary Ghan 2027
Length: Three nights, four days
Where: Ventures through the Ikara-Flinders Ranges and Red Centre from Adelaide to Darwin
When: Departs Saturday (March to November) and Tuesday (April to October) from 2027
Prices: From $3390 per person
Website: Journey Beyond Rail

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

Australia’s most iconic train journey is changing in 2027