Back from her Australian expedition, our Head of Worldwide Product, Liz, recounts her memorable journey on board The Ghan…
Rolling to a halt in the middle of the Australian outback, desert unfolding in all directions, we stepped off the train and onto the scorched red earth. This was day three of our expedition across Australia, travelling the 2,979 kilometres from Darwin to Adelaide on board The Ghan.
Named in honour of the country’s hardy cameleers who arrived from Afghanistan in the 1860s to help blaze the pioneer trail into the Red Centre, The Ghan train offers today’s travellers a far more comfortable way to cross the continent. Its distinctive red locomotive heads up a train that stretches over a kilometre in length, an unmissable sight as it weaves its way across Australia.
On board, there’s plenty of time to relax, perhaps chatting with other passengers over a drink in the Outback Explorer Lounge, followed by an à la carte dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant. Or, simply settle down in your comfortable cabin to watch the ever-changing Australian landscape pass by your window.
But it’s the off train experiences that make this so much more than just a rail journey. In just four days, we cruised through Katherine Gorge, visited Uluru and dined under the stars at an outback barbecue at Alice Springs. From our desert stop in Manguri, we set off by coach to the unique underground town of Coober Pedy, where we were regaled with entertaining tales about life as an opal miner from local characters ‘Skinny George’ and ‘Jimmy the Greek’
That evening we shared our experiences with our fellow passengers and new-found friends over sunset drinks by the side of the train. Eventually it was time to climb back on board The Ghan, to be gently rocked to sleep one final time, before reaching the end of the track in Adelaide.
Planning your Australia holiday
Find our more about this unforgettable journey through Australia on our 3 night Ghan Expedition, which can be included as part of a tailor made Australia holiday. Contact our team of Aussie Travel Specialists or call on 01737 214 250.
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