The Ghan
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Journey Overview
Route:        Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin
Duration:     2 nights in either direction
Distance:    2979 kilometers
Frequency: Twice weekly Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin.


NEW!!
Platinum Service on The Ghan has arrived

Great Southern Rail is excited to announce that the new Platinum Service will be launched on The Ghan service departing Adelaide for Darwin on 10 September 2008 and ticket sales will open on Monday, 5 May 2008.

 

The GhanExperience the Legend.”  A trip aboard The Ghan is a pilgrimage as will as a pleasure - one of Australia’s most prestigious and luxurious trains.  The 908 mile, 22 hour journey from Adelaide to Alice is an artery to the heart of Outback wilderness. 

The Ghan travels once a week from Melbourne Victoria or Sydney New South Wales and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, stopping off at picturesque Adelaide along the way.

The Ghan will take you through ancient mountain ranges, over the red-baked earth of the Simpson Desert and past oceans of sandhills. You will travel under a brilliant outback sunset and experience the wonder of the Southern sky.

The Ghan follows the route of the Afghan camel trains. This journey connects Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney to Alice Springs - the gateway to Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).

You will enjoy magic hours on a journey full of fine dining, scenery and characters as warm as the great Australian outback itself. This world-famous train will transport you with all the air-conditioned comfort and style of a fine hotel. The journey can be taken in First Class Sleepers, Holiday Class Sleepers or Coach Class Seats.

First Class sleeping carriages on board The Ghan allow passengers the privacy of their own well appointed sleeper cabins complete with dedicated attendants at your service. These cabins are designed to make your train journey comfortable and memorable. Passengers can choose from two types of First Class accommodation - single or twin sleeper cabins.

Each cabin is air-conditioned, so that an even temperature is maintained on your journey through the extremes of Australian weather conditions, from green hills to searing desert temperatures. First Class passengers can visit the First Class Lounge to relax and take in the scenery, enjoy refreshments and talk to other passengers.

First Class passengers receive a complimentary toiletries kit. Information on the train journey such as a route map and service information can be found in your complimentary on board compendium.  First Class passengers sleep in deluxe compartments and can enjoy gourmet meals in the Stuart Restaurant, and refreshments in the 2 lounge cars. Rate includes all meals.

First Class Single Cabins all have a toilet and wash basin, with showers located at the end of each carriage. There is a comfortable lounge chair in each cabin which allows you to spend the day in comfort while gazing at the landscape passing by outside. At night the cabin converts to a sleeper with crisp sheets, pillow and duna. All cabins are fitted with fresh towels, reading lamps, wardrobe, storage space, vanity mirror, foldaway table and a 3 pin 240/110AC power point.

First Class Twin Sleepers are fitted with a comfortable three seater lounge. This converts to ready made upper and lower sleeping berths at night with fresh sheets, pillows and dunas. First Class Twin Sleepers have an en-suite which includes a shower, wash basin, toilet and fresh towels. Also included in the cabin are: 3 pin 240/110AC power point, wardrobes, full length mirror, reading lamps, foldaway table, in cabin radio, PA system and luggage storage space.

Deluxe Cabin - For passengers wishing to have that extra bit of space and comfort on board, there is a special deluxe cabin available. The cabin has a small double bed and an additional fold down bed. The cabin features ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet, wash basin and fresh towels; 3 pin 240/110AC power point; wardrobes; full length mirror; reading lamps; PA system and radio; table and armchairs and a video player. A well stocked bar fridge provides you with complimentary refreshments. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided. A surcharge applies for use of this cabin. Advance booking is necessary for this cabin.

Holiday Class. The private compartments offer seating to comfortably view the passing scenery by day, and convert to sleepers at night. These cabins are twin share and are the same size as First Class Single Sleeper cabins.

Holiday Class cabin comprises two facing lounge chairs. At night the chairs convert to upper and lower sleeping berths complete with fresh sheets, pillows and dunas. These rooms are fitted with private wash basin, towels, wardrobe, vanity mirror, 3 pin 240/110 AC power point, reading lamps and foldaway table. Showers and toilets are located at the end of each carriage. There are 16 compartments in each carriage. Holiday Class passengers traveling alone may be required to share a twin cabin.

All cabins are air-conditioned and will remain at a constant temperature during your journey across Australia. Holiday Class passengers can also choose to sit back and relax in the Holiday Class Lounge.

 The Ghan Holiday Class Lounge

The Ghan offers Holiday Class travelers a relaxing, comfortable Holiday Class Lounge to enjoy their journey.  Sit back in the comforts of the Holiday Class Lounge, your home away from home. This lounge offers you a place to socialize with fellow travelers whilst relaxing in informal surroundings.

The Holiday Class Lounge is equipped with a video player, and tea and coffee making facilities. An assortment of drinks and snacks can be purchased from Cafe Matilda. The lounge offers both smoking and non-smoking areas.

Coach Class

Coach Class seats are available on The Ghan to give passengers all the comfort and freedom to enjoy their journey.  Stretch out and relax, move around, enjoy a meal, watch the Australian countryside glide past, meet new people and above all, enjoy yourself.

Coach Class passengers enjoy comfortable two-abreast lounge seats. These are woolen cloth seats which recline for comfortable sleeping. There are windows next to each row of seats and these can be closed over by the passenger to block out exterior light. Individual reading lights are provided above each seat. The seats can swivel to face each other if traveling with a group or you wish to talk to other passengers.

Toilets and shower facilities are located at the end of each carriage and fresh towels are supplied by the attendant. Smoking is not permitted in Coach Class carriages. A designated smoking area is provided on the train.

When you are hungry, a wide selection of meals and snack foods, both hot and cold, can be purchased from the Buffet Car. The Buffet Car also offers a range of soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages.

There is ample leg room when sitting in Coach Class Seats, with fold out foot rests for your comfort. Video players are installed for your entertainment and information. Passenger information is broadcast through loudspeakers.

 When traveling in Coach Class you can purchase a variety of meals and beverages from the Buffet Car. Hot or cold meals or snack foods are available. Drinks can also be purchased from the Buffet Car, from a range including soft drinks, juices, flavored milks, water and alcoholic beverages.

Food and beverages are not included in Coach Class fares. Purchases must be consumed at your seat.

Smoking is not permitted in the Buffet Car, a separate smoking area is provided within Coach Class. The Buffet Car is open throughout the day.

Dining

There are three types of dining facilities aboard The Ghan, depending on the class of travel you have chosen. They offer passengers a choice of quality food, which will suit any taste. When booking your journey you can specify limited special dietary requirements. Children’s menus and vegetarian food is available.

First Class Restaurant

Fine dining is a highlight of this world-class journey, enjoyed in the warm atmosphere of the Stuart Restaurant. Relax and enjoy the delicious food and wine as you soak up the spectacular scenery passing you by. Breakfast and Dinner are included in the fare and passengers can purchase from a selection of fine Australian wines in the restaurant.

Holiday Class Restaurant  "Cafe Matilda"

Cafe Matilda provides tasty, family style meals in a bright, cheery atmosphere. The restaurant is licensed and offers a comprehensive menu for breakfast and dinner. Food and beverages are not included in the holiday class fare price. Travelers can choose from continental or cooked breakfast and dishes such as Schnitzel or Fish of the Day for Dinner. Smoking is not permitted in Cafe Matilda.

Coach Class Buffet

When traveling in Coach Class you can purchase a variety of meals and beverages from Cafe Matilda buffet counter. Food and beverages are not included in the Coach Class fares. Purchases must be consumed at your seat. Smoking is not permitted in Cafe Matilda.

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