The Ghan
THE LEGEND OF THE GHAN STEMS FROM THE 1830s WHEN THE FIRST AFGHAN CAMELEERS ARRIVED IN AUSTRALIA.
Half a century later, rail construction transformed
the delivery of goods across inland Australia,
but the incredible contribution of these outback
pioneers was immortalised when the first steam
train rolled into Stuart (which later became Alice
Springs) in 1929.
On that momentous journey, the train was dubbed
‘The Afghan Express’ and then shortened to the
legend it is today, ‘The Ghan’.
Let's be honest, the majority of us visit Australia for its cities and its coastline. Very few of us have ventured into the heart of its interior, to those long “forgotten” internal lands that Wikipedia tell us are arid and endless.
If you’re intrigued about what does exist in Australia’s great middle, jump aboard The Ghan and experience The Ghan Expedition.
Step from platform to train and you’ll instantly exchange the hustle of the 21st century for the luxury – and languidness – of a timeless mode of transport. One where luxury meets locomotives and every experience is a memorable one. Flying may be fast, but train journeys stay with you forever. While you absorb the decadence of your new home for three nights, a staff member will guide you down the corridor to your private cabin.
Post lunch, your first included Off Train Excursion with the Ghan Expedition is to the spiritual Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. As with the majority of The Ghan’s outings, you have a choice here. Take a cruise to explore ancient Indigenous rock art, or upgrade your agenda and soar over the gorge by helicopter or small charter plane. Alternatively, stay with your feet firmly on the ground and visit a working cattle station, complete with cattle dog demonstrations and live music performances. Whichever you choose, the magic of Nitmiluk will pull you in the moment you step foot upon its dusty soil. With the sound of cicadas ringing in your ears and the sun pelting down upon the gorge’s sheer sandstone cliffs, you’ll hear stories from the native Jawoyn people and get your first taste of life in the Northern Territory.
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