Thank you! The thing is you have two or three courses at every meal. I doubt you’ll be hungry afterwards but if you are, I’m sure they could give you extra.
This is such a good video. Me and my wife watch ghan videos anytime we have a treat night when the kids are in bed with a beer and a wine in hand. It's our dream to make the trio. Thanks for the great video. Watching from Liverpool, UK
This is a properly brilliant trip report! I'm doing this next month (if the borders are open!) so it was good to get a taste of what to expect! Lucky getting the upgrade to the gold twin! I paid extra for the single supplement as I wasn't keen on sharing a bathroom lol
Thanks Paul! Yeah - fair enough about sharing a bathroom. Though people I know who’ve travelled in gold single said the bathrooms are large (compared to the twin cabin en-suite) and always very clean.
As in the US, I'm sure that the tracks are maintained primarily for freight trains, and improving their condition for passenger comfort would be a costly program. The majority of people who travel long distances fly, though they miss out on the spectacular scenery! But The Ghan has done all they can to make you comfortable, and those meals looked wonderful.
BUT the entire line was newly constructed 30 years ago (late 80’s) with modern techniques. To be honest it shouldn’t be in bad shape it’s not like it’s 100 years old with minimal maintenance.
That’s the problem most rail passengers do not travel long distances. Intercity rail doesn’t work without extensive suburban rail systems in the cities served and in between. The other conditions for success include speed or a combination of speed and density of areas served. India gets away with its network due to such a high volume of people. The French railways and Spanish ones were in decline before upgrading to high speed service. USA has literally zero intercity rail outside the NEC that is even useable as frequency is too terrible to use fully and the few trains that run are slow and unreliable therefore useless. China literally had to kick passenger trains off of freight lines in order to make them reliable that’s the real basis behind their high speed rail system to separate freight from passengers to the benefit of both.
Great video! This train looks very nice, comfy and big (especially two diesel locomotives). This train reminds me of American trains. I hope I will have a chance to try this train someday. Greetings from cold winter Europe :-D
Thanks Pete! Yes, it was very comfortable. Hopefully you can make it Down Under one day. You should also try the Indian Pacific, run by the same company, which goes from Sydney to Perth via Adelaide. But they’ll both put major holes in your bank balance. 😝 Greetings to you too. It’s a bit warmer here. Has been over 30C this week. ☀️🤓
@@dife8227 Thank you. I generally purchase tickets directly from the operator, in this case Journey Beyond Rail. www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/journeys/the-ghan/
@@aloysiusflartey6122 That’s one way to look at it - but that’s part of the point. It’s the remote Australian outback and you can look for miles and see nothing. Plus there’s a spectacular sunrise. 🙂
Nicely done. Such a relaxed approach but with plenty of detail. Still pricey but the carriages are better than I had thought. Shame we have no Dome carriages in Australia. No mention of being able to transport your car as driving eastward from a mid point would be an adventure. Spending 10 days travelling across the top from Darwin to Cairns would certainly be an experience.
They still had normal passenger seats back in the 90's when I used to ride on it quite regularly. People would end up sleeping on the floor between the seats in the good old days! Look like it has changed a lot. I'd love to take another ride one day, travel in style.
Thank you. Yes, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Part 2 to Darwin is now live too: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yjTcUBj9lEs.html
I have done the Indian pacific from Perth to Adelaide and then the Ghan north to Darwin in 2019 and this June (2021) I am doing the ghan south Bound from Darwin to Adelaide and then I am finishing the Indian pacific i am so excited and I can it definitely worth doing
@@FromtheWindowSeat i can say after June that have done north to south and west to east of Australia and almost every capital city missing Melbourne and Canberra
Imagem bonita de ser ver ......esse trem autraliano......paisagem australiana . Do Brasil / América do Sul cidade de S.Paulo assistindo esse canal maravilhoso . Meu sonho é conhecer Australia .
Your channel is very enjoyable.. nice to watch something diffrent. Plus you are encouraging people to see Australia more. 👍🇦🇺 Question: do you get snacks in between the 3 main meals?
My daughter and I travelled the Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide in late March 22, it was fabulous! We also did the Overland from Adelaide to Melbourne, and I'd now like to do some of the other great train journeys across Australia.
Whqt would be great to see is The Ghan running from Melbourne to Darwin, overnight stay in Adelaide. That way we'd eliminate the need for The Overland. Melbourne to Darwin would be one of the worlds top 3 train trips behind The Orient Express & The Rocky Mountaineer.
I've done the Indian Pacific, Sydney to Perth. Whole Heartedly recommend it. The off train options in Adelaide are all incredibly good. The Rawlinna dinner's awesome.
@@rick_fortune this post focuses on The Ghan, Australia's best and most famous train journey. Nobody mentioned anything about the boring east west trip. I'd rather visit a giant ball of mud than a shithole like sydney. Melbourne is Australia's best city and its also the rail and transport hub of Australia. All trains should run through Melbourne, not through dirty shitholes!
I never heard of The Ghan until I stumbled on your channel. It’s exactly what I’d love to do and I’m adding it to my bucket list. Your review was first class..or Platinum! How does anybody give a thumbs down to it? Thanks!
You made a comment about a question often asked. "Doesn't it get boring?" and your reply was something akin to a passenger on an ocean liner of the past. The seascape on a ship is always different but always the same (sort of) .. the similarities of watching an endless similar landscape passing by .. as in the ocean passing by, in calm waters and stormy seas, it almost forces you to be sociable and what a wonderful thing that is. I have done many ocean liner voyages most were 4-6 weeks long from NZ to UK and vice versa. They impacted on my life in so many ways, and I get the feeling of something like that in your videos. Difference is there is no outside deck to wander around on. Funny old world. Cheers
The topography of Adelaide to Alice Springs is even more boring than going across country in the USA from Chicago to Denver. The food is magnitudes better on the Ghan than on Amtrak though.
To each their own - I really enjoyed it. And enjoyed travelling from Chicago to Sacramento on the California Zephyr too. Yes, the scenery is very different, but each have their appeal. :)
I drove it, I did not find it boring, I found it beautiful. But short attention spans and a devotion to electronic insta-gratification are definitely on the rise.
thanks so much for showing me the Ghan i often wondered what it would be like ? , now i know it's over price crap , 1950 designed cabin , with shitty little windows , no decent" lounge car" with glass over head,( like in the Rockys ), boring scenery , and horrible tiny little meals ,in the lounge car , not big enough for a child , let alone a grown up, so glad i found your video , thanks again i will never go on the Ghan ever , regards
Good video. These carriages, in the wet season, are deployed on the Southern Discovery journey...Adelaide to Brisbane. We are taking this platinum cabin journey next month!
As an American (in Nebraska, in fact) I've always dreamed of riding this train. Ever since it was highlighted by Michael Frayn in Great Railway Journeys.
I actually watched part 2 first as l missed this upload. Lovely and the views at sunrise picture perfect. Gosh l remember going to the Pichi Richi railway as a child in 1980 on a family trip from Melbourne and lve never heard about it since. Thankyou for bringing back memories. 👍
My wife and I were booked on the Ghan (platinum sleeper) in late May. 4 days before we were due to head off, her father died. Now, I get that their terms say that cancelling at such short notice means no refund, I really do. But I would have expected a halfway decent company to offer some sort of token partial credit for a future trip. Just as a gesture of good faith. But no. Beyond are beyond belief. Not only will I never travel with them, I will - and am - telling everyone I know this story.
I’ve been looking into catching The Ghan for a couple of months now, and this video has sold me on it. The footage and detail of your narrative is fantastic. This is easily the best review of The Ghan I have ever seen. I do have to ask though, are you able to purchase drinks outside of the dining hours? Or are drinks included in the price of the ticket?
Queen Adelaide restaurant just looks so much nicer than the Platinum one, I'd definitely go Gold to ensure I got the Queen Adelaide. Which direction do you find is better to sleep either parallel with the train like on your Indian Pacific run or perpendicular like on this trip on the Ghan? I'd probably take sea sickness/motion sickness meds that have drowsiness potential to help me sleep as well particularly on first night and maybe the 2nd as well.
I have loved The Ghan since I was very little, and even though I have never rode it, I would ❤ to one day. The reason why I first heard of The Ghan was because one of my Mum's friends Dad loves trains, and he drove across Australia for years, filming trains across the country, and put all of the footage onto a DVD once he got all the footage he wanted of trains he wanted to see, and two clips of the The Ghan were among them. A short while longer, my parents discovered I had a huge interest in trains, and asked the person to make a copy of the DVD for me, and he happily did so, and when I first saw the Ghan train on the DVD, I instantly fell in love! The red NR class locomotive, and the stainless steel carriages which reminded me of the USA's Budd passenger cars, and the route it takes, Mmm-Mmm! Lovely!
The problem with this train is the timetable. The reason you go by train is to see the sights, yet the major sights of Adelaide to Alice are the Flinders Ranges and the salt lakes. If they left at say 0730 you'd see both in daylight, at least in summer. But with the lunchtime departure, and Port Augusta at 5pm, you miss the salt lakes just north of Woomera cos it is dark. Dumb! The track runs right alongside one of the larger ones yet you'd never know unless you look at a map! That's not a tourist timetable.
Well I guess there are pros and cons to everything. They time it for sunrise in Marla and to allow enough time for off train excursions in Alice Springs for passengers travelling through to Darwin.
With the Ghan you go through the country, not over it. You do see the scenery and enjoy the wildlife too. Want relaxing and cool trip. Try the Ghan. You won't be disappointed.
I dont remember the Sun Rise breakfast but its been a few years since I traveled so it could have happen Didnt have trouble sleeping enjoyed actually its like I got rocked to sleep
Love to travel with GHAN one day,it’s one of my bucket list, I’m definitely going to do it near future,& love to see beauty of Australia,hopefully soon ,Thanks
I feel immensely proud to see that Australians acknowledge the contributions of the AFGHAN cameleers to Australia. However, the name should have never been changed from the AFGHAN express to the GHAN. Still, thank you for this beautiful video and for presenting that little bit of history @2:53. Peace
I did this the year the Darwin section first opened, it was Brilliant, shame they don't still have the seats that recline for backpackers, it was a great way to see Australia. I did 10 trips although covering, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Alice Springs, Darwin, Back to Alice Springs, then back to Adelaide for my trip to Sydney. Then I rejoined at Alice to go back to Adelaide and back to Perth. other than the lack of choice in the buffet car, it was great. Miss Australia and all the friends I made.
Tennant Creek is north of Alice Springs so would have been part of my second journey. Here’s the video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yjTcUBj9lEs.html However, I think the train passes through in the early hours.
concerned that it might be a tad boring. the scenery can only captivate a person for so long. beyond that and the meals there does not appear to be much to pass the time, particularly if the person is an introvert.
I understand your concern but I didn’t find it boring. When you take into account the meals and off train activities, there’s not actually that much time with nothing to do. I am also an introvert but I found the whole journey enjoyable. If you watch my second video on the leg to Darwin you’ll see there’s more diversity in the scenery. The Ghan experience | Alice Springs to Darwin | Gold Service review ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yjTcUBj9lEs.html
Never been on The Ghan but I did go to Alice Springs in 2006, so seeing our wide brown land through your eyes brought back memories. Cheers from Melbourne 😊
Yes, it's certainly a challenge. Although the next part of this trip, from Alice Springs to Darwin was on much newer and smoother track, so sleep was a bit easier. You'll have to stay tuned for part 2 to see that. ;)
It's one of my dreams to take "The Ghan" and "The Indian-Pacific" in Australia and "The Canadien" et "The Atrantique" au Canada; in my future. Thanks a lot for the nice video on the You-Tube.
They can build a railway train from Darwin to Adelaide 3000km but the government refuse to build an artificial river from Northern Australia and supply water to major cities Melbourne and Sydney, adelaide and agriculture. A day of rainfall in Darwin would be enough to fill the Sydney Harbour. A few years ago, Melbourne spent $20 billion to build desalination plant which covert sea water to fresh water.
Australia IS beautiful... if it were a glass-like train .. with glass ceilings and glass corridors to make it feel spacious and just to take in as much scenery as possible.
Alice Springs came into my life from the book, "A town like Alice" by Australiam author Shamus Frazer. The novel was about Australians caught up in the Fall of Singapore in 1942.
Thank you for correcting my mistake. The author is Nevil Shute. The novel made a great impression on me, then a schoolboy in Singapore, for it showed the grit and determination of a group of Australians, including children who become prisoners of the Japanese during the fall of Singapore and were forced to march on foot to camps in Malaya.
@@haridaspanicker5888 I have had the same thing happen with a couple of old books; I read them years back and was sure they were by different authors...
Gold service single Adelaide to Darwin is $1900-$2200 (Australian) if purchased more than six months in advance; while a twin cabin is $2100-$2400 per person twin share if purchased more than six months in advance. Prices vary depending on the season etc. journeybeyondrail.com.au/guest-information/fares-and-timetables/the-ghan-2021-fares-timetable/
I’ve been on both trains the ghan and Indian pacific and explored the trains so I’m curious why did you go in a double gold class cabin and not the single
I was originally booked in a single cabin but new health restrictions caused by the pandemic meant shared bathrooms were not allowed - so they upgraded me to a twin room at no cost.
@@FromtheWindowSeat oh you know that makes sense now that i think about it lol edit plus i didnt skipped to the end cause i didnt really care about the fares part at just looked so ye my bad there
Be sure not to miss part 2 from Alice Springs to Darwin. Here’s the link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yjTcUBj9lEs.html Please also note I manually calculated some of the rail distances and made a major error, so some of the distances are overstated (in particular, Port Augusta should be 314km from Adelaide). Sorry!
What a wonderful journey. I look forward to seeing the 2nd part. I'd like to take the full trip but with my age, covid 19 and the fact I do not live In Oz I doubt that I will ever be able to do so. What a great shame.
Thank you for this very informative clip - you've put a lot of effort into it and I'm very grateful for your efforts. I love train travel and had The Ghan high on my list of must do's. Sadly though, early in your clip, I noticed there was a fair amount of vibration and then you mentioned how poorly you slept. I think an uncomfortable ride - to say nothing of not being able to sleep - is a poor sign in this day and age. The Ghan isn't off my list just yet, but it has certainly dropped way down the list. I'll watch the second installment, and see how I feel afterwards.
Thank you - glad you appreciated it. Definitely watch part two (spoiler: the track does improve). The issue is not really the fault of the operators of The Ghan, but the owners of the railway. And the line primarily exists for freight - so having a smooth ride isn't that important to them. But hopefully they'll upgrade the track in time.
Thank you so very much for sharing your journey. I have lived in Alice Springs for twelve years, from Brisbane. Each week I sit in my car or pull up with bicycle or walk adjacent to the railway line walkways and marvel at this almost one kilometre of travelling bewilderment of steel, luxury, comfort, freight, fellow travellers, and staff. I think about the people behind double-glazed windows staring back at me on the journey they made to be where they are. Inching their far away ways through the red centre. I will be so humbled later this week to standby the railway walkways of Alice Springs as The Ghan enters 0870, I will gesture with gratitude for knowing so much more about this mighty and legendary locomotive of travel and adventure and what makes it tick with service and hospitality on the inside. Thank you, watching your two videos on the stretch from Adelaide to Darwin has made my year. 😊🚊🎒📚🧳🚂🌏
pretty detailed and nice journey, with solid background knowledge. just wondering for the trips/activities in Alice Springs, do you just walk-in or book online before hands as separate service or package? I have been studying to go to Alice Sprigs / Ululu with my family for a few days but just not which way is better (by guided tour or just drive around)
Thank you. It depends on your plans. If you book the train from Adelaide to Darwin then you will only have limited time in Alice Springs so you get to choose an off-train excursion of your choice (included with your fare). However, if you are visiting independently, then most things in Alice Springs can be done on your own - many in the city centre are within walking distance, although some you'll need a car or taxi to reach. There are also lots of sights within the region that are worth seeing, such as the West MacDonnell Ranges - you can either book a day tour or hire a car and drive yourself. That said, my understanding is that car rentals are harder to get at the moment because so many Australians are travelling domestically.
@@FromtheWindowSeat thank you very much for the kind and prompt reply. our preference is fly to Alice Springs then get a car to drive around. most of the guided tours (packages) are booked out until Feb 2022, which is crazy. Guess I need to try to book the rental car long before hand. The West MacDonnell Ranges is certainly stunning! I really appreciate it and enjoy your channel. keep it going!
@@aussietechie6625 Not a problem. Yes, there's plenty to see in the region with a car. But if you're planning to visit Uluru, keep in mind it's quite a long distance - the drive takes almost five hours. So you'll want to stay there a day or two. :)
Honestly, I didn't feel trapped at all. We got off enough times and because I broke the trip up into two parts (Adelaide to Alice Springs; then Alice Springs to Darwin), it was absolutely fine. :)
Thanks for this Great video!!! I am trying to do the Discovery tour Ghan Adelaide to Alice Sp x 1 yr now, but always sold out x single ....n very high penalty almost 2wice as expensive!
