Ghan
NT 872 • Northern Territory
About Ghan
Ghan is a remote locality in the MacDonnell Region of the Northern Territory, covering an extraordinarily vast area of approximately 55,294 square kilometres in the arid heart of Australia, south of Alice Springs. Established as a gazetted locality in April 2007, Ghan takes its name from the iconic Ghan railway line that has traversed this remote landscape since the 1920s. With a small population of around 124 residents recorded in the 2016 Census, the locality represents one of Australia's most sparsely settled places, with a population density of just 0.002 people per square kilometre.
The landscape of Ghan is quintessential Central Australian outback — vast red plains, ancient mountain ranges, sparse mulga scrubland, and expansive skies that stretch to the horizon. Temperatures in the region range from warm summer highs to cool winter nights, with an annual rainfall of around 250 mm. Alice Springs, the nearest urban centre approximately 120 kilometres to the north, provides the region's services, healthcare, and major retail. The locality suits those connected to pastoral stations, Indigenous land management, and the remote outback way of life.
Ghan falls under postcode 872 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Namatjira electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- No scheduled bus services — Alice Springs Approx. 1 hr 20 min by car
Commute to Darwin CBD
🛣️ Stuart Highway passes through Alice Springs to the north; fly-in fly-out is typical for non-residents
One of Australia's most remote localities; all services are in Alice Springs, and a car or light aircraft is essential
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Nyirripi Community