Luxury Train Travel Throughout The Australian Outback
One of the world’s greatest luxury train travel journeys takes you into the very heart of the Australian continent. The Ghan is Australia’s premier train trip and it is named after the legendary Afghan cameleers who ventured into the desert from Adelaide delivering supplies to opal miners in the remote outposts.
Unlike the Afghan riders of old, there is no need to sweat it out in the desert sun, in fact you will be ensconced in absolute comfort. But you will have the chance to take in some of the harshest and most striking landscapes to be found anywhere on earth. The railway glides past huge cattle stations, the rich red hues of the Great Victoria Desert and the vast Macdonnell Ranges. This is the Australia of post cards and travel brochures right before you.
The Ghan begins its journey bisecting Australia in Adelaide in the south of the continent. It continues to Alice Springs in the center of Australia and then glides north through Katherine to Darwin in the tropical north. The luxury train travel journey takes almost three days and travels almost 3000 kilometers.
The Ghan was begun back in 1878 and has been operational for more than 80 years. The railway opened up to Alice Springs in 1929, but the final leg of the journey to Darwin still had to be completed by camel.
Since those humble beginnings The Ghan has changed substantially to become a luxury train travel option. The railway closed temporarily in 1980 and was reopened in 2004 as a luxury travel experience through the mysterious and amazing center of Australia.
When traveling on The Ghan you can choose between Platinum, Gold or Red class. If you really want to experience luxury train travel on one of the world’s most scenic routes, then you are best opting for a Platinum ticket. In Platinum class you will have a cabin that is twice the size of the Gold class and full ensuite. You have access to the first class dining and lounge as well as 24 hour room service. Platinum class has only recently been added to The Ghan service at a cost of $12 million dollars for the 24 luxury suites.
The first class dining carriages offer delectable meals and a huge range of high quality Australian wines. When traveling in Platinum class, you can dine in the Queen Adelaide carriage or the Outback Explorer carriage. Both of these dining cars have a wide range of Australian and international cuisine on the menu and top chefs are on board to prepare five star meals.
If it was not considered great before, The Ghan can certainly count itself among the best of luxury train travel with the addition of Platinum class. In fact, the journey was recently listed as one of the top 25 rail journeys in the world according to the United States Society of International Railway Travelers.
For a unique and memorable introduction to the heart of Australia, there is nothing quite like making a trip on The Ghan. It holds a special place in Australian history as well as a first class view of some of the world’s harshest, yet most beautiful scenery. The luxury train travel trip should be on the must do list of anyone that yearns to see the real Australia.
Hoping to experience the world in a whole new light? If you’re ready to pack your bags for vacation, try Luxury Train Travel on your next trip. Everything you thought you knew about Train Travel has changed. Learn more today!
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