The Ghan is known as one of the world’s great train journeys. Yet there could be a doubt about a train trip that is crossing a semi-arid landscape. Is journey through a desert going to be interesting?. The Ghan delivers a resounding yes, it’s awe inspiring with artful departure timing, substantive off train half day trips and a packed fine dining schedule to ensure you are well fed and entertained. . You are going off grid, WIFI is non-existent for major parts of the journey. Perfect for what is an original slow paced trip (with the accompaniment of the clicking tracks of a modern train) experience.
The Ghan is 2 nights, 3 days from Adelaide to Darwin (or reverse), there is the option of joining the train in Alice Springs for an overnight stay on the train (depending on availability).
The Ghan is considered a luxury train and tickets are accordingly priced. The Ghan is all inclusive meaning gourmet meals, off train half day trips and transport to and from the train station is included in your fare.
Is The Ghan, Australian train journey a suitable journey for families with children and teenagers?
Nzjane does not think The Ghan is entertaining enough for a younger audience. Wifi is intermittent, the landscape is relatively unchanging with subtle differences leading to a perceived sense of ‘sameness.’
The classic vintage feel of the train’s plush interior might seem ‘stuffy’ to a younger audience. Obviously this is a broad statement and depends on your family’s interests.
Is The Ghan, an Australian train journey, a gold service cabin value for money?
The Ghan gold service cabin is considered value for money when you weigh the cost of airfares to or from Adelaide to Darwin and Alice Springs.
Additionally gourmet meals, off road half day trips make The Ghan value for money.
The final measure is the scenery and off road trips, this is ultimately subjective and up to individual preferences.
Does The Ghan, an Australian train journey gold service cabin, have enough space for two people?
It’s a very tight fit with a closet sized bathroom however everything is there for a night’s rest and bathroom call when required.
The Ghan’s gold service cabin is much bigger than a business class airline lie flat seat with its shared toilet. Don’t forget it’s a train with carriages that have fit onto a railway track.
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Platinum service offers plenty of space with a considerable cost hike. As two Ghan hospitality attendants said, the gold service is buzzy in the Outback Explorer Lounge with interactions and animated conversation.
Preferences are always up to the individual. The gourmet meals are fundamentally the same with Platinum service simply offering more courses per meal and nightcaps afterwards.
If a journey is about social interaction, listening to locals (the majority of people on the nzjane experience were Australians) then the gold service is good value for money.
Nzjane recommends you further explore The Ghan’s train journey. Enjoy time out from connectivity, watch the Australian red centre, its outback unfold from a train window.
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