Qantas Frequent Flyer members can save up to 30,000 Qantas points when booking Classic Rail Rewards for travel on The Ghan until 31 March 2021.
The Ghan is an inconic luxury train service running through the centre of the country between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin. It’s operated by Journey Beyond, which has partnered with Qantas Frequent Flyer since December 2020 to offer Qantas Frequent Flyer members the opportunity to earn and redeem points on their railway journeys. The Qantas partnership also includes the Indian Pacific and Great Southern trains.
The current discount on The Ghan journeys is available on eligible departures between 8 February and 31 March 2021 only, and the discount varies depending on the journey and class of travel:
As an example, a trip on The Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs normally costs $1,599 for a Gold Single cabin. Until 31 March 2021, you could book this as a Classic Rail Reward for 115,000 Qantas points. However, note that Classic Rail Rewards – just like Qantas Classic Flight Rewards – are subject to availability. Some departures on The Ghan may not have any more seats available to book using Qantas points.
When redeeming Qantas points for a Classic Rail Reward, there are no taxes or surcharges payable in addition to the points. All of the Journey Beyond experiences include all meals, drinks, off-train excursions along the way and a comfortable lie-flat bed & bathroom on board the train.
If you’re interested in what it’s like on board, Paul Stewart (who normally creates flight reviews) recently posted a video review of the train journey from Adelaide to Darwin on his YouTube channel.
Free cancellations up to 7 days before departure
While The Ghan is currently running, there is a risk that future state border closures could suspend services (as they did temporarily when there was a COVID-19 outbreak in Adelaide last year). There is also a risk that you may be unable to enter SA or NT if either of those states declare your home city/state a COVID-19 hotspot before you are due to travel.
Normally, Qantas Classic Rail Rewards can only be cancelled for a full refund up to 14 days after booking, and not within 45 days before departure. However, as a special promotion, Qantas is allowing all Classic Rail Rewards to be cancelled for a refund up to 7 days before departure until 31 March 2021.
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: QF FF points now earned and redeemable on Great Southern Railways
