Australia’s legendary train adventure, The Ghan, has arrived at the heart of Melbourne, offering locals and visitors a taste of the Northern Territory’s iconic landscapes and experiences. In a groundbreaking activation, Journey Beyond, Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, in collaboration with Tourism NT, is presenting The Ghan Experience from January 21–27, 2025, at Queensbridge Square along Southbank Promenade.
This one-of-a-kind event coincides with the Australian Open, leveraging Melbourne’s vibrant crowds to showcase the unparalleled charm of Australia’s Top End and Red Centre.
A Sensory Journey to the Outback
At the Queensbridge Square activation, visitors are invited to step aboard a train carriage-themed installation and be immersed in the rugged outback’s sights, sounds, and scents. Designed to transport guests straight to the heart of the Northern Territory, the experience highlights the remarkable off-train adventures available aboard The Ghan.
Key highlights include:
- Cruising through Nitmiluk Gorge, where towering cliffs and tranquil waters enchant travellers.
- Exploring the ancient West MacDonnell Ranges, showcasing the vast beauty of Australia’s Red Centre.
- Interactive storytelling that evokes the wonder and adventure of embarking on a real Ghan journey.
This activation offers a firsthand perspective of life aboard The Ghan, helping visitors envision themselves on this iconic train journey.
Exclusive Offers for 2025 and 2026 Travel
As part of this experience, Journey Beyond is unveiling exclusive offers for 2025 and early access pricing for 2026:
- Fly Free Packages to ease travel logistics.
- Free Darwin City Stays to extend the adventure.
- Early bird pricing for the 2026 Ghan Expedition Season and curated Outback Spirit Holiday Packages, covering iconic destinations like Kakadu, Uluru, and Arnhem Land.
These packages emphasize Journey Beyond’s commitment to making once-in-a-lifetime journeys accessible for travellers seeking extraordinary experiences.
Leaders in Experiential Tourism Speak Out
Justine Lally, Executive General Manager of Marketing at Journey Beyond, emphasized the unique value of the activation:
“Amidst Melbourne’s bustling Australian Open week, locals and visitors can escape the city by being transported from Southbank to the Top End and Red Centre in the Northern Territory. We encourage you to explore The Ghan experience and escape the hustle of the city to an adventure onboard The Ghan.”
Lally further noted the activation’s ability to demystify extended train travel:
“Many are curious about what extended train travel and life onboard The Ghan is like. This is a chance for visitors to experience it firsthand before making the decision to book.”
Adding to the excitement, Tony Quarmby, Tourism NT’s Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the Northern Territory’s unmatched appeal:
“With our spectacular landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and extraordinary experiences, visiting the Northern Territory as part of a journey on The Ghan is a must for anyone looking for a holiday that is different in every sense.”
A Destination Unlike Any Other
The Ghan has been synonymous with luxury train travel in Australia for decades, traversing a 2,979-kilometer route between Darwin and Adelaide. This activation reimagines the iconic journey for a city audience, inspiring travellers of all ages to explore the unique magic of the Northern Territory.
Whether it’s the vibrant colours of Kakadu’s wetlands, the spiritual resonance of Uluru, or the untamed beauty of Arnhem Land, The Ghan Experience celebrates everything that makes the Top End and Red Centre extraordinary.
Plan Your Adventure Today
Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to experience the wonders of The Ghan at Melbourne’s Southbank. Visit Journey Beyond for more details and booking options.
For more inspiration on planning your Northern Territory adventure, head to Northern Territory Tourism.
Written by: Sandra Jones
