It has often been said that Australia is the last inhabited continent yet to be fully explored. Due to the sheer size of this land, there are indeed many locations that are rarely experienced by humans. However, modern technology is beginning to challenge this assumption.
Trains are dissecting the country into various sections and some of the associated journeys are truly breath-taking. One stellar example can be seen in the majestic route known as The Ghan. What makes this journey widely regarded as one of the most incredible train journeys in the world? And what are some of the sights that you can expect to experience along the way?
An Interesting History
The actual route of The Ghan can be traced back for more than 150 years. Originally dubbed the Afghan Express, the path was named for those intrepid pioneers who initially set out to explore the forbidden and yet-unknown outback. The majority rode atop camels and there is no doubt that their journey was fraught with dangers along the way. This is the reason why The Ghan uses a camel as its logo; in order to pay tribute to voyagers who blazed the way for modern Australia.
More Than Sheer Distance Alone
The Ghan begins at Adelaide in Alice Springs and terminates at Darwin; a distance of 2,979 kilometres. To put this into perspective, the entire journey takes just over 54 hours to complete. While the length of your train ride is certainly impressive, the real beauty of this journey involves the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. It should also be mentioned that you can always depart the train at one of the many stops found throughout the itinerary. This is one of the best ways to personally experience the countryside and whether you prefer hiking with a group of companions or even riding on the back of a camel through towering gorges, a sense of adventure always awaits. This is a particularly interesting way to explore the Northern Territory, as there are few other options to reach such desolate locations.
Source: The most interesting train journeys in the world
The Lap of Luxury
Australia has always been known for its rugged outback. However, this does not mean that you will be forced to endure hardships during your train journey. The Ghan has been equipped with all of the modern amenities that you have come to expect from a top-class train service. From an amazing selection of foods to sparkling wines and large panoramic viewing windows, even those with the most demanding of tastes will not be disappointed. Let’s also not fail to mention that you can enjoy a private sleeping car in order to decompress during your journey. The staff are extremely friendly and their ultimate goal is to provide you with a seamless experience.
All About Natural Beauty
The Ghan is known for its ability to pass by what can only be called some of the greatest natural wonders known to man. Examples include the red-hued rocks of the MacDonnell Range, the verdant greens associated with the South Australian plains and the lush forests found just outside of Darwin. The route runs during the spring and the autumn in order to avoid the rainy season and it is always to possible tickets in advance if you hope to enjoy amenable prices.
The Ghan is one of the best-kept secrets within Australia and it should never be missed if you have been looking for a truly unique way to view this amazing continent. You might even make a few friends during your journey; a great way to enjoy the experience of a lifetime!
Beauty and Lace is an online magazine for women. We hope you enjoyed this article!