Wednesday, September 3, 2008

ABC Wednesdays - G for Ghan

The Ghan is one of Australia's great train journeys; a passenger train that travels between Adelaide and Darwin. Prior to 2004 the train only went as far as Alice Springs.

The original Ghan was a narrow guage railway, and traversed the route originally used by Afghan Camel Trains. The current name is an abbreviation of its nickname, "The Afghan Express".

The Ghan's 2979 kilometre journey takes 48 hours; departing from Adelaide twice a week on Sunday and Wednesday.

The Ghan offers a car transporting service for its passengers. Some people choose to travel one way by train and return or travel on to other places by car.

Accomodation ranges from reclining lounges up to fully self contained cabins with ensuite bathroom facilities. If you want to read out more go to the Great Southern Rail's website.

To find out more about ABC Wednesdays and see other participants' contributions go to the ABC Wednesdays' site or to see direct links to their own sites go here.

19 comments:

Kim from Hiraeth said...

I've never been on a long distance train ride--usually just riding the Metra from the suburbs into the Loop of Chicago. My family comes to see us on the train, though, and they love it! (Anything to avoid Chicago traffic!)

Gemma Wiseman said...

Travelling on the Ghan is definitely on my "must-do-one-day" list! Hey! I live in Australia! Gotta do it!

Love your pics! I have only seen ones from when the Ghan made its maiden trip!

Jane Hards Photography said...

Fascinating as alwasy and ties in with the post below too.

ellen b. said...

Sounds like a great way to travel. Wow, car transport, cool...

Wayne said...

If I get back to Australia it will be mainly for one of the train journeys. My first choice will be the Indian Pacific to Perth.
One of these days I'll go to the station and try to get some shots of the Canadian.

Leslie: said...

What a fantastic way to travel! I'd love to do that. In the fully equipped cabin with ensuite! :D

Rune Eide said...

That must be a very fascinating journey. I have read and heard about it, but alas - it is a bit far away...

photowannabe said...

I would love to see that area by train. It sounds delightful.

Gerald (Ackworth born) said...

I remember there used to be car transporters on some trains between London and Scotland but I don't think they have them now - it was in pre-motorway days.

mrsnesbitt said...

48 hours on a train? Sounds a very picturesque way to travel.

Thanks Gordon, I enjoy learning about Australia every Wednesday. I guess we will never visit, but at least I feel I know bits about it, thanks to you.
Dx

angela said...

This is one of the train journeys I'd love to do...

agent112778 said...

i hope i can go there and try that one. a 48hr train ride is somewhat a joy ride to me :)

thanx for sharing here's my entry
http://agent112778.blogspot.com/2008/09/03-september-2008-g-is-for-guitar-i.html

have a great WEDnesday :)

gaz said...

what a buzz that trip would be. nice post.

Liz Hinds said...

That's a smart train. i like train journeys.

Reader Wil said...

It must be wonderful to travel in this train! Far more comfortable than by train.

Tommy said...

great post. i love the trains

Neva said...

Hi Gordon! I love your choice today....what great shots!
Mine is here.

Bear Naked said...

I love to travel by train and especially take long trips.
If I ever get to Australia I know what I will do.
Travel on the Ghan!!
Great G post for ABC Wednesday.

Bear((( )))

Janet Kincaid said...

Ah, the romance of train travel! I love traveling by train when I can. It's so much more relaxing than driving or flying.

Great picture!