5 Fabulous Reasons to Embark on The Ghan Expedition

Many Australians lament the fact that theyve never seen their country and the natural landmarks like Uluru which its famous for. Admittedly, organising a trip through Australias red centre on your own can be daunting, but a luxury rail journey aboard The Ghan on the other hand is the perfect, stress free way to take in the countrys epic desert landscape. This week, we take a look at five fabulous reasons why The Ghan Expedition should be on your holiday bucket list.

Macdonnell Ranges 850 onpage — The vast MacDonnell Ranges

outback sunrise 380 onpage — Another dazzling outback sunrise

1. Breathtaking views

Renown for its harsh beauty, Australias red centre and top end are characterised by mesmerising arid landscapes that have the colour and sculptural exuberance of a Salvador Dali fever dream.

Take in the majesty of an emu mob strutting across the Nullarbor, electrified desert sunsets, and the soaring jagged cliffs of Heavitree Gap in the MacDonnell Ranges, all from the comfort of your cabin.

Queen Adelaide Restaurant couple onpage 851 — Every meal is a gourmet experience at The Queen Adelaide Resturaunt

food Indian Pacific onpage 380 — Dine on fresh regional cuisine

2. Unique Australian cuisine

Dining at The Ghans Queen Adelaide Restaurant is a gastronomic adventure which encompasses the red centres bold regional flavours. Chef de Partie Joseph Cobiac is committed to providing travellers on the Ghan with a taste of the breathtaking arid landscapes that the Ghan journeys through. Placing heavy emphasis on fresh regional food, Cobiac has designed a menu that reflects the particular region that the train is travelling through. As the train heads towards Darwin, indigenous ingredients such as barramundi, kangaroo, wattleseed, saltbush, wild rosella flower and quandong feature heavily. Journeys south showcase produce from South Australias fertile food bowl such as artisan goats cheese from Woodside Cheese Wrights, smoked salmon from the Harris Smokehouse in Hahndorf, and Coorong Angus beef.

Platinum class 850 onpage — Take in the desert landscape from the comfort of your own private room

onboard bar 380 onapge — Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at the Platinum Club

3. Luxury accommodation

A journey aboard The Ghan is all about experiencing the real Australia without having to compromise on the comforts you might expect in an exclusive hotel. To get the full luxury experience, a Platinum Service ticket is the only way to go. Communal bathrooms and cramped sleeping quarters are non-existent in Platinum service, with cabins almost twice the size of the twin cabin on Gold Service which decked out to be a relaxing private lounge by day with picture windows offering views on both sides of the train. Come nightfall, the cabin converts into an elegant bedroom and guests can enjoy the privacy and convenience of a full sized ensuite.

nitmiluk gorge 850 onpage — Cruise down the breathtaking Nitmiluk Gorge

simpsons gap 380 onpage — Visit the sacred Simpsons Gap site

4. Indigenous culture

The songlines of Indigenous Australians criss-cross the entire country, but since white settlement and urban development, many indigenous groups have lost touch with this connection to the landscape. However, in Australias relatively undeveloped red centre, traditional owners maintain a strong connection to country, and there are many sacred places and important archaeological sites that remain intact. Travelling on The Ghan Expedition offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the first Australians, and learn about their ancient traditions and beliefs which are closely entwined with the natural landscape. Off train excursions such as the Nitmiluk First Gorge Rock Art Cruise and the Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk provide you with the opportunity to learn about the rich, complex relationship between Indigenous Australians and the land they have protected, lived off, and cared for over countless generations.

coober pedy onpage 380 — Coober Pedy is one of Australia's most unique towns

5. Romance of rail travel

Since rail travel first emerged in the 19th century, it has been romanticised as the epitome of luxury escapism. Everything about rail travel is a delight for the senses; from the changing landscape that passes by outside to the luxury berths and on-board amenities designed for the comfort and leisure of passengers. The Ghan is very much a 21st century continuation of the luxury rail travel tradition, where you can sit back with a glass of Barossa Shiraz and watch as the landscape transforms from the rolling verdure of the Adelaide Hills to the vast red ochre plains of Coober Pedy.

Book your berth aboard The Ghan in 2017 with Rail Plus, or get in touch with us on 03 8779 4828 to learn more.