This was published 3 years ago
The Ghan train resumes its epic Adelaide to Darwin journeys after break
By Jim Darby
The Ghan has resumed its epic journeys from Adelaide to Darwin after a five-month break.
After the longest hiatus in its 90-year history, the iconic red and white locomotive of The Ghan set off with its carriages from Adelaide for Darwin on Sunday.
The train travelled through the Red Centre with its usual range of off-train experiences in Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine, before arriving in Darwin after an epic, 2979-kilometre journey.
The Ghan suspended operations on March 22 due to border closures, resulting in a five-month break.
Among the passengers on Sunday was 90-year-old Adelaide resident, Edward Dowsett, who was born in the same year The Ghan commenced operations.
He travelled on it when he worked as a stockman in Oodnadatta, but, "back then, the train terminated at Alice Springs, so I'm excited to now be able to finish the run to Darwin for the first time," he said.
Journey Beyond chief executive Chris Tallent noted it was the longest stretch for The Ghan to be out of operation. "It usually only pauses for a short summer shutdown, and there was once a two-week break in 1980 to change gauges into Alice Springs.
"The Ghan has survived the Great Depression, a global recession and even operated during World War II as a hospital on wheels, so it's heartening to see her bounce back again."
In response to COVID-19, a "JourneySafe" program has been introduced for The Ghan.
Guests will be allocated set times to access meals and lounge areas, there will be temperature checks in Darwin and Adelaide and all guests will have access to private ensuites.
With border restrictions still in place, all guests are required to complete border crossing entry permits online 72 hours before departure. Northern Territory authorities will also board the train to confirm guest details at the border.
The Ghan's first few trips will on carry passengers from South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, with passengers from other states able to travel as borders open.
The Ghan is all-inclusive of accommodation, premium food and wine, and off train experiences. The train's staff continue to be kitted out in customised RM Williams gear in a nod to its Adelaide birthplace. Earlier this year, RM Williams released a "Journey On the Ghan" collection of clothing for outback adventures.
Journey Beyond's other train trips remain suspended due to current border restrictions. The company hopes to resume the Great Southern train, which travels between Adelaide and Brisbane, in December.
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