Is The Ghan Worth It for Millennials and Gen Z? A Luxury Train Journey Reviewed Through a Modern Lens

Australia’s legendary luxury train, The Ghan, has long been associated with silver-haired adventurers and retirees chasing bucket list dreams. But is this iconic journey across the outback actually worth it for younger generations?

With Millennials and Gen Z travelers seeking unique, Instagram Mable, and immersive experiences   The Ghan might just be the slow-travel experience you didn’t know you needed.

What Is The Ghan, Exactly?

The Ghan is a luxury train that runs between Adelaide and Darwin, covering nearly 3,000 kilometers through the heart of Australia. It’s named after the Afghan camel drivers who once helped explore this vast interior.

The journey takes:

• 3 days / 2 nights (Adelaide to Darwin or reverse)

• 4 days / 3 nights if doing the longer version with stops and excursions

Expect fine dining, off-train experiences (like visiting Katherine Gorge or Alice Springs), and a chance to see Australia’s red centre in all its rugged glory  all from a plush cabin with panoramic windows.

Why Millennials and Gen Z Should Care About The Ghan

Let’s be real  train travel isn’t usually top-of-mind for younger travelers. But The Ghan offers a surprisingly fresh alternative to planes and camper vans. Here’s why it could be a match made in slow-travel heaven.

1. It’s Seriously Instagrammable

From sunrise over the Outback to elegant train interiors, The Ghan is made for reels and stories. You’ll find:

• Sweeping desert landscapes

• Retro-chic carriages with modern luxury

• Epic drone-worthy stopovers in places like Coober Pedy and Nitmiluk Gorge

No filters required.

2. It’s a Digital Detox That Doesn’t Feel Like One

Wi-Fi is limited onboard, and that’s the point. The Ghan gives you a rare chance to:

• Unplug

• Be present

• Reflect while watching the Outback roll by

Perfect for those craving mindful travel after years of screen fatigue.

3. Foodies Will Be Impressed

Think local, seasonal cuisine with a native Australian twist. You’ll try:

• Kangaroo loin with bush tomato chutney

• NT barramundi

• Wattleseed desserts

Dietary needs? Vegan and gluten-free travelers are catered for too — not an afterthought here.

4. It’s Expensive  But Not Unreachable

Let’s address the elephant in the cabin: The Ghan is a luxury train. It’s not cheap.

But if you:

• Skip a few short-haul flights

• Travel in Gold Service (not Platinum)

• Book during off-peak months

then it starts to make sense  especially for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that includes accommodation, meals, and excursions.

5. It’s Sustainable Travel, Reimagined

Many younger travelers care deeply about environmental impact. While trains still use diesel, they’re significantly lower in emissions than planes over long distances.

Plus:

• The Ghan works with local Indigenous communities

• Many excursions support regional tourism in remote towns

• It encourages slow, intentional travel  not rushed consumption

What to Expect Onboard as a Younger Traveler

• Cabin Options:

  • Gold Twin (ensuite and comfy for couples or friends)

  • Gold Single (for solo travelers)

  • Platinum (more space, $$$)

• Social Spaces:
  The Outback Explorer Lounge is great for meeting people   surprisingly friendly vibes, especially if you’re solo.

• Dress Code:
  Smart casual by day, slightly dressier by dinner. Nothing stuffy.

Is The Ghan Boring for Younger People?

Short answer: No if you’re the right kind of traveler.
If you’re expecting nightclub energy or backpacker-style chaos, this isn’t it. But if you enjoy:

• Great conversations

• Nature immersion

• Cultural excursions

• Unusual, high-quality experiences

Visit : https://gr8traveltips.com/ghan/

FAQs

Is The Ghan worth the price for younger travelers?

Yes, if you value quality over quantity. It’s not a budget trip, but it combines luxury, nature, culture, and food — with minimal effort on your part.

Do young people actually go on The Ghan?

Increasingly, yes. Especially couples, solo travelers, and remote workers doing “laptop-free” escapes. The demographic is still older overall, but it’s shifting.

Can you work remotely from The Ghan?

Not easily. Internet is very limited. Consider it a short sabbatical and a good excuse to take a break.

What should I pack for The Ghan as a Gen Z or Millennial traveler?

• Lightweight, layered clothes

• Smart casual evening wear

• Reusable water bottle

• Camera or phone for content

• A journal or book (you’ll have time!)

When is the best time of year to ride The Ghan?

• March to May or August to October offer ideal weather

• Summer (Dec-Feb) is very hot in the Outback

• Booking early helps with price and availability

Final Verdict:

If you’re a Millennial or Gen Z traveler looking for something authentic, elevated, and completely different, The Ghan is 100% worth considering.

It’s not just a train ride  it’s an immersive journey through the soul of Australia.

Luxury without pretension
Adventure without chaos
Experience without compromise

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