Spotlight on Australia

The Ghan Railway Adventure

This 2979km long rail journey glides elegantly through Australia's grand red centre, while stopping at naturally and culturally exquisite sights on the way. The historic railway has been through over a hundred years of alterations and extensions, with the final chapter of construction concluding with the first passenger train reaching Darwin in February 2004.

With the first sod turned by the then Premier of South Australia, Sir William Jervois, construction of the track began in 1878, and after a break in construction from 1891 to 1926, finally made its way to Alice Springs in 1929. Funnily enough, Jervois was the first to suggest the line should extend all the way North to Darwin.

The line was originally named the Afghan in honour of the Afghan camel teams who were crucial in the initial exploration of Central Australia. This name was soon shortened to The Ghan and that name has stuck ever since.

In 1980, after many trials and tribulations with the unforgiving Central Australian climate, the original Ghan was put to rest and a new track was built from Adelaide to Alice Springs about 160kms west of the original.

Finally in 2001, construction of the final section of track from Alice Springs to Darwin began, and when the first train made it to Darwin in 2004, a new era of Top End tourism appeared.

The Ghan as it stands today is a 48 hour experience that caters for travellers of all budgets. More affluent patrons can take the Platinum Service option (A$2987 one way pp) which provides 5 star meals, extra cabin space and your own spacious ensuite. Those on a tighter budget may prefer the Red Service option (A$363-877 one way pp) which has either recliner chairs or twin share cabins, share bathrooms and an affordable, licensed diner for meals.

As the train only runs twice per week, passengers have the chance to stop and take Whistle Stop Tours. These include camel rides, desert walks, helicopter flights, cultural excursions and many other tours, timed specifically to fit in with the train's schedule.

The Ghan can be easily accessed by flying into Darwin, Adelaide or Alice Springs or by transferring from another rail journey from Melbourne or Sydney.

Photos courtesy of Great Southern Rail