The Ghan, a rail experience across Australia

AUSTRALIA IS ONE OF THOSE MAGICAL PLACES THAT ONCE YOU KNOW YOU WOULD NEVER WANT TO LEAVE. THE BRIGHT COLOURS, THE SHINING OF THE SUN AND THE VARIETY OF LANDSCAPES, CAPTURE THE MIND AND THE HEART.

Stefania Mezzetti una vita in viaggio, un’esperienza di viaggiatrice consolidata negli anni con reportage e servizi da tutto il mondo, spesso a bordo di un treno che l’ha portata alla scoperta di paesaggi e località incredibilmente affascinanti. Intanto il suo treno ha fatto tappa ad Agenda Viaggi dove scrive in inglese e francese.

Australia.
From the lighted skies of the deserts to the brilliant blues of the oceans, to the green of the wild forest, Australia offers a variety of landscapes and unspoiled nature all to be discovered.

The best way to do this is certainly a cruise trip aboard The Ghan, one of the most famous trains in the world that crosses the continent from north to south. A true Australian icon with its bold red and white locomotive taking guests on outback adventures for more than 90 years, travelling between Adelaide in South Australia and Darwin in the Northern Territory.

The railway took its name from the Afghan camel drivers whose caravans allowed the connection of Alice Springs with the rest of the world, before the advent of the railway itself in 1929. The new means of transport made unnecessary animals that were released by the thousands in the desert, where their wild offspring are still found today. In the past, The Ghan was known for its lack of reliability and its course original zigzagging in the outback, passing towns such as William Creek, Oodnadatta and Finke. Sudden showers in the desert swept the tracks away, forcing the train and passengers to stop. The route was therefore diverted and now rests firmly on dry and elevated ground.

These days, the train continues its journeys between Adelaide and Darwin with a series of emotional landscapes for a unique experience. The journey begins with a morning departure from Adelaide heading north, through the cornfields around Crystal Brook to the industrial city of Port Augusta, the gateway to the outback.

The stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, ia an adventure into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues.

From here it turns northeast, through the opal town of Coober Pedy skirting the Simpson Desert and the Great Victorian Desert and passing the great bridge over the Finke River. Although it is usually dry, after heavy rainfall this old river swells and becomes raging, being one of the main reasons for train delays in the old days. The train enters Alice Springs where a full day of excursions awaits you in the outback of the town.  

Here, a visit to the mighty Uluru is a must. The massive boulder of dark red sandstone that rises 378m above the outback, is sacred to local Aborigines, who prefer not to climb to the top. In fact, there is no shortage of alternatives, such as scenic flights, the Base Walk, a 9.4 km circuit around the rock that reveals sacred sites and secret recesses, and the Sounds of Silence. 

Passing Katherine the cruise continues through Nitmiluk Gorge’s ancient natural wonders, exploring the region’s rich Indigenous culture. The arrival at Darwin is completing one of the world’s great travel experiences.

The Ghan can offer a Premium, all-inclusive journey with Off Train Experiences in Alice Springs and Katherine. Featuring Gold Service and Platinum Service, The Ghan can reach up to a kilometre long in peak season with up to 300 guests on board. And while it’s a far cry from its humble beginnings, today’s Ghan is still rooted in its connection to the outback and the spirit of adventure. From April to October each year, the southbound journey from Darwin to Adelaide becomes The Ghan Expedition – an extended, three night, four day journey with Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and quirky, underground town, Coober Pedy. With a major focus on food and wine, The Ghan’s menu tells the story of the country it travels through and proudly showcases local produce including barramundi, quandong and salt bush.
Fhoto credit : JBRE

Info: THE GHAN