Streaking across Australia on the Ghan...
Australia’s iconic rail experience, the Ghan, is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its original 1,500 kilometre service from Adelaide to Alice Springs.
Construction of the rail line that is now known as the Ghan began in 1878, starting in Port Augusta and following the route of the overland telegraph.
The line reached the South Australian towns of Hawker in June 1880, Beltana in July 1881, Marree in January 1884 and Oodnadatta on 7 January 1891. Extension of the line through to Alice Springs began in 1926 and the final leg of the train journey to Alice Springs was undertaken by camel prior to line completion in 1929.
Construction of the Alice Springs to Darwin section of the rail began in July 2001; after more than a century of planning. The first passenger train reached Darwin on 4 July 2004, heralding a new era in tourism for the Northern Territory.
Nowadays the Ghan is a passenger train that offers luxury services between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin. The classic rail journey takes 48 hours and covers 2,979 kilometres, taking passengers through the heart of Australia.
Departing from Adelaide, the Ghan heads to Port Pirie, following the scenic Flinders Ranges to Port Augusta, and then north from Tarcoola through the MacDonnell Ranges. The train approaches Alice Springs through Heavitree Gap; a narrow pass which accommodates the railway line, the road and the Todd River.
From Alice Springs the train continues north towards Darwin, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn. The scenery changes from rocky ranges through to Spinifex and Tea Trees as the train line skirts the Tanami Desert (one of the most arid and isolated places on earth).
Heading towards Katherine, the train passes through the gold mining settlement of Tennant Creek. In Katherine, passengers can take time out with an optional boat cruise or helicopter tour of the spectacular Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park.
From Katherine, the Ghan heads into the tropics; crossing the Adelaide River and arriving at Darwin.
The Ghan caters for all budgets and offers three levels of service; Platinum, Gold and Red. The Ghan now offers accommodation options that rival the best world-class trains. Platinum service is the new luxury level of train travel; deluxe accommodation including double beds, a spacious ensuite and 24 hour room service.
Make the journey of a lifetime on the magnificent Ghan.