So, this is it. Day 1 of an epic 3 night 4 day expedition train journey from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Adelaide, South Australia. Much to my surprise, transport has been laid on to Darwin Station, saving a substantial taxi fare. This is the first train of the season, so the Ghan representative tells me, and is full….so, no upgrades then! It is with sadness that I leave Darwin after merely a one night stopover. The bus made a couple of further hotel stops; twenty or so minutes later, we were there! 10.00hrs, we are off; the journey begins! And, I discover, reading my on board tour details, Uluru is going to set me back $1,249….and, I have just made my reservation.
My private compartment on the train is tiny, and very difficult to photograph. The bed, when made up, will, like that on the Spirit of Queensland, line up with the window. The passengers, well dressed retirees, and so far, uninspiring. But it’s early days. The train is astonishing, comprising 36 vehicles hauled by the two locomotives pictured. More on this as the journey progresses. The train length, 902 metres, approx, weight, 1768 tonnes, on board crew, 49/50. Originally, the line from Adelaide (1929) terminated at Alice Springs. Construction commenced in 2001, of the extension to Darwin, 1420 kilometres distant. This is more than a train ride, it’s a rare opportunity to see vastly remote and difficult places to get to. It’s Wednesday today; the journey ends on Saturday!
David's Cruise 