Tickets have gone on sale for scheduled services on the A$1.3bn, 1,420km Alice Springs to Darwin extension of the Great Southern Railway’s (GSR) line between Adelaide and Alice.
Services between Adelaide and Darwin – the subject of a publicity campaign featuring Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin – will commence on 8 February 2004.
Off-train excursions will be available on the 47-hour, 2,979km trip, with certain ticket-types featuring an inclusive lunch and guided tour of the Alice Springs Desert Park during the train’s layover in Alice Springs.
In Katherine, an optional tour of the Katherine Gorge will be available, by either boat or helicopter.
The Ghan will operate one weekly return service between Adelaide and Darwin and two weekly return services between Adelaide and Alice Springs. A Motorail facility will also be provided.
Travel is available in either Gold – premium – or Red Kangaroo Service, with the former including complimentary hotel transfers in Darwin. Details: www.trainways.com.au
