The Ghan Adelaide to Darwin
The Ghan an Australian Luxury Train Journey
I recently had the opportunity to travel on The Ghan - one of the world’s great luxury train services.
The Ghan runs from Adelaide to Darwin and vice versa.
I travelled from Adelaide to Darwin over 2 ½ days. There are two nights on board and 2 whistle-stops at Alice Springs and Katherine. At each stop they operate some tours which for Gold and Platinum class passengers are included with a couple of options, plus 1 or 2 optional tours at a charge. Red class can also elect the tours for a charge. At Darwin there is also a complimentary shuttle again for Gold and Platinum guest to their hotels.
At Adelaide Parkland’s Terminal there is a lounge and shops, and a check-in area for those who wish to check in luggage. This is for luggage that you won’t need access to during the journey, as the cabin luggage should be around 10k per person.
The Ghan operates with 3 classes of service: Red, Gold and Platinum
Red service is a traditional seat option with the ability to buy drinks and food from an on-board lounge/bar. For those who wish to sleep there is also an option to opt for a Red Shared Sleeper.
I travelled in Gold Class. Gold class has options for single cabins and for twins. We travelled in a twin. The compartment was made up during the day with comfortable seating, which was then converted in the evening into 2 single bunk beds. There was an en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet. The compartment also had electric sockets, wardrobe and safety deposit box.
On boarding a staff member showed us to the cabins and advised on the location of the Explorer Lounge and the Queen Adelaide Restaurant. He then took our preferred dining times and choice of off train excursions. For guest in gold and platinum the tours and all drinks and meals are included.
The explorer’s lounge was a little haven where you could relax before a meal, meet very interesting people and enjoy a tea, coffee, wine, beer or alcoholic beverage including sparkling wines. Great views from the windows made this a lovely experience.
At the designated meal time a staff member would come check us off and show us to our table. Dining was informal but high end. All tables seated 4 people, so each mealtime we would get to dine with two new people. A great way to get you talking! The menu consisted of 3 or 4 choices of entrée, main course and dessert, along with wines and tea or coffee.
Platinum service primarily has the same offerings but has a much larger cabin layout.
Check out the photos at http://pinterest.com/StephenMTA/the-ghan-adelaide-to-darwin/