Way back in 1967 I travelled on The Ghan from Port Augusta to Alice Springs, the full extent of the track at that time. With few photos to show for it, I have always yearned to travel on the modern Ghan. After travelling from Sydney to Perth on the Indian Pacific in 2019 I was even more convinced that I HAD to do this.
Above: a 58 year old photo from when Finke was one of the stops on the route.
Below: one of the original carriages with the balcony at the end, seen in the Wadlata Outback Centre at Port Augusta in 2019.
We decided to travel in July from Darwin to Adelaide on The Ghan Expedition because it gives you three nights on the train and a better travel experience. Every-one's first comment is 'but it costs so much', well, I can assure you that it is worth every cent.
Let me give you a little taste of how Journey Beyond turn a train ride into an experience of a life-time!
We were collected by coach from our resort accommodation and driven to the rail terminal at East Arm, about 45 minutes drive. We were met on the platform by friendly young staff, checked in and directed to enjoy breakfast. Sweet and savoury pastries, fruit, juice, barista coffee and bubbles! And it wasn't even 8 am.
Once settled into our cabin in car M5 we enjoyed the ever changing scenery until brunch was served. We had received our dining times from our activities coordinator, along with our lanyards for our daily activity details and a very warm welcome.
The Outback Explorer Lounge is enjoyed by those who like to chat, play games or have hot or cold drinks. For each four sleeping carriages there is a lounge and a dining car.
Mid afternoon we arrived in Katherine and were transported by coach to Nitmiluk Katherine Gorge. This was our selected day tour but there were several to choose from at each stop.
The cruise on Katherine Gorge was amazing, every bit as stunning as expected. Our outstanding Irish tour guide entertained and educated us well. We cruised two sectors of the gorge and walked some distance between the two. As well as the towering rock walls we saw crocodiles, aboriginal rock art and birds.
Back on the train and it was almost dinner time. By now we realized that we were going to be very well fed and 'watered'. At every meal we were seated with different people and without fail they were friendly, like minded travellers with lots of good stories to tell. So much talking and eating in fact, that I forgot to take photos of the beautifully presented food or the Queen Adelaide Restaurant dining car. This photo is taken from a web site collection.
Returning to our cabin we found that our beds had been prepared and a chocolate and tomorrow's news sheet were nearby. It was incredible how comfortable the beds were, we slept very well.
No comments:
Post a Comment