The first thing you notice when you hit the Aussie outback is the colours. That deep, almost rusty red that feels so distinctly Australian it’s hard to explain unless you’ve seen it properly; the wide-open blue of the sky, going on forever. It feels vast, relentless and totally mesmerising.
In the midst of this, The Ghan stands waiting, the train’s distinct red matching its environment perfectly.
Sitting in the lounge of The Ghan with a glass of champagne in hand, watching the Outback roll past the window – it’s a contrast that should feel strange, but somehow feels exactly right.
That’s kind of the whole trip, really. A perfect mix of quiet indulgence meets authentic Outback Australia.
Red dirt and champagne. Turns out it’s a match made in heaven
Inside, everything is calm. Not flashy or over the top, but think: soft lighting, good wine and food that feels like someone’s really thought about. You settle into train life quickly, without really noticing how easy it has been made for you.
Outside, it’s quite the opposite. Harsh, wild, quirky and the dusty, sunburnt reality of regional Australia.
This is where the beauty of it lies for me.
It’s the balance that Journey Beyond has managed to nail. Understated comfort against the ruggedness and wildness of the Outback that makes the journey feel so special, proving luxury doesn’t have to disconnect you from a place but can actually help you slow down and understand it more deeply.
Switching off (properly): no service, no stress
Time behaves differently on the train. Both in a romantic, poetic way and practically. There’s nowhere to rush to, so you don’t.
You stop checking the time because it doesn’t really matter. Unless it’s an Off Train Experience – don’t be late for those!
Without your phone constantly pulling you back into everything else, your brain gets a bit quieter. You talk to strangers, you stare out of the window, and you actually enjoy the journey. It’s a rare feeling for probably most of us, and that feeling has stayed with me. It’s things like this that make the whole experience special and stay with you long after you disembark.
Strangers to familiar faces: the social side of The Ghan
You sit down in the dining car and suddenly you’re in the middle of a conversation. Different people each time. Different stories. Some hilarious, some a bit random, some surprisingly honest considering you met 30 minutes ago.
It doesn’t seem forced. It just happens naturally, and that human connection over shared experiences is a beautiful thing. The crew are a huge part of that too; they are so warm, welcoming and genuinely friendly in a way that immediately puts you at ease and makes the whole experience feel relaxed from the moment you step onboard.
I particularly felt this way in Gold Premium. It felt very social and like you’re all part of the same slightly strange, very enjoyable bubble moving through the middle of the country. It’s pretty surreal.
Outback moments that stay with you
There are moments on this journey that quietly stop you in your tracks. The Australian Outback has always had that effect on me.
Maybe it’s the scale of it, the silence or the endless openness of the landscape, but it has a way of making everything else feel smaller and less important for a while.
Stepping off The Ghan into the dry heat of the Outback really brings that feeling home. The red dirt, the huge skies, the stillness – it’s impossible not to pause and take it in.
Then you’re back on board with a chilled drink in hand, dust still on your shoes, watching the landscape roll past from the comfort of the lounge. That contrast stays with you. And somehow, instead of feeling disconnected from the place, the comfort of the train makes you appreciate the rugged beauty of the Outback even more.
Why you shouldn’t wait to do The Ghan
What stayed with me most wasn’t one standout moment or single highlight. It was more the feeling that comes with the whole experience, that rare sense you’ve genuinely slowed down and done something special.
It’s the kind of trip people tend to put in the “one day” basket. Something to save for later or to celebrate a milestone. A special occasion.
But somewhere along the journey, it struck me that I reckon we’ve got it backwards. This is the special occasion. Connecting with people, with the land, maybe with yourself too. The simple luxury of being fully present. We’ve lost that in our day-to-day lives. Sharing good food, good conversation and uninterrupted time with the people around you, without the usual noise of everyday life pulling you (mentally or physically) somewhere else.
The takeaway: just go
Go with your partner, your family, your closest friends or go solo and lean into the experience for yourself.
Because what makes The Ghan so memorable isn’t just the landscapes or the train itself. It’s a rare opportunity to properly slow down and spend uninterrupted time together. Long lunches, drinks in the lounge, conversations without phones on the table and hours spent either watching Australia pass by outside the window or getting out amongst it.
In a world where everyone is busy and constantly rushing, that kind of time feels pretty special.
I checked for you, and yes, there’s still some availability left on select 2026 departures. So, what are you waiting for? Find out more at Journey Beyond Rail.
Dani Tuffield travelled as a guest on The Ghan.
