Anyone been on the Ghan train in Australia?

Question

Am thinking of doing Alice Springs to xdarwin by Ghan? Anyone done this or recommend it? What would be see or stop at on route?
Want to see Kings Canyon...would that be on route?

classic why the insult? i don;t know you so why am I a tramp for asking about a train journey abroad??? Grow up!

Thanks Mick184

Answer 1

Kings Canyon is near Alice Springs and you should take a day trip from there. It is not on the rail route. I have done the section from Adelaide to Alice Springs three times but not the new section. I know people who have and they recommend it. You go from the central desert areas through the tropical savannahs to the lush tropics round Darwin. It is a great trip.

The train stops at many small towns on the way. If you want to get off and spend some time, do that at Katherine and take a trip up the Katherine Gorge.

The train is clean and comfortable with good food. This is provided you have a sleeper. Don't even consider going cattle class and sitting up for the journey.

Answer 2

I've not been on the Ghan, but I did do the Indian Pacific from Perth to Adelaide coach class, and its an extremely long time to be sitting.

I took the oz experience from alice springs to darwin (3 days) and that takes in loads of good stops along the way, places that you wouldn't see by train. I also spent that little extra for 2 days around uluru and kings canyon.

I would definately recommend an organised bus tour, you'll meet likeminded people, make friends and have everything organised for you, food, accomodation etc. Prices aren't that bad, and would be cheaper than the sleeper class on the train.

Answer 3

I made the trip from Darwin to Adelaide on the Ghan. Excellent experience. Not enough time on the schedule to work in Kings Canyon. Do the side trips at Katherine, and Alice, though. Enjoy!
I have also done the Indian Pacific, and on the whole, I liked it more.

Answer 4

Do you like Aboriginal Culture, If so then go to visit Ulhuru (Ayers Rock), you can walk on it but the Aboriginal's prefer if you dont because it is considered sacred to them.
Listen to Aboriginal Music, with a didgeridoo, and find out how they hunted with a boomerang.

Perth is also meant to be very nice, but as I say, I am very interested in Aboriginal culture, and if I ever get back to Australia, I would like to visit places with large Aboriginal Heritage, such as Murgon in South Queensland, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and also maybe some of the Islands in the Torres Straight off of the Queensland Coast.

Torres Straight Islanders Identify them selves as a seperate group from Indigenous Australians.

I included this link for you.
http://www.aboriginalheritage.org/