Crossing the Flinders Ranges on the Ghan. Photo / Dave Atherton
Nannette Holliday follows in the footsteps of Afghan cameleers, on a journey through the Red Heart of Australia
Looming larger than life against the almost cloudless Top End sky, The Ghan’s two vermillion engines hum on the tracks, its shiny silver tail snaking nearly a kilometre behind, anxious to start its 2979km journey south to Adelaide. Even the blazing Darwin sun doesn’t deter guests from eagerly congregating around it for their selfies or group photographic evidence of their momentous holiday.
There’s nothing salubrious about Darwin’s train station. It’s as rugged as the surrounding countryside. But there is notoriety about the train patiently waiting trackside. The Ghan is one of the world’s epic train journeys, taking its passengers through the heart of Australia.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, The Ghan travels from Darwin, Australia’s most northern capital, through central Australia to Adelaide, South Australia’s capital. Or in reverse over a three, or four-day journey.
