I like trains. I'm not obsessed like Sheldon Cooper in the Big Bang Theory or anything but they are sort of cool. I don't mean trains that carry commuters to and from work, those are hideous and quite boring. I mean those trains that haul massive loads across our country; The huge locomotives that carrying freight and passengers over the vast open and often inhospitable expanse of Australia. They carry anything from coal and iron ore to sand, gravel, cars, container-freight, mining equipment, livestock passengers and just about anything you can think of. Coal train image source and Main image source
One such train is the Ghan as pictured to the left and below. The Ghan travels between Adelaide, South Australia and Darwin, Northern Territory and heads directly through the Red Centre of Australia. The three day journey highlights the vastness of Australia, it's brutal interior and harsh conditions and yet passengers are treated to a spectacularly cultured and comfortable environment. On board there are a few different restaurants offering the best locally sourced food and wine. At the Queen Adelaide Restaurant for instance the menu offers fine regional foods; NT barramundi, local beef and lamb, Margaret River cheeses and small-goods from the South Australian Barossa Valley. Of course native Australian foods including kangaroo, saltbush and wild rosella flower are also available. Meals are complemented by a range of specially selected wines, beers or non-alcoholic beverages. Image source
The 2,979 kilometre rail journey (1851 miles) is a spectacular way to see parts of Australia that many will not. The drive between these two cities is long and arduous with many many kilometres of nothing and no one in between.
Above is a map of Australia showing the route the Ghan takes from Adelaide to Darwin together with the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) and the Overland (Adelaide to Melbourne)
Image source
Australia's vast size (it's just a little smaller than the United States), and its lack of population (Currently only 24 million people) makes much of it very difficult to reach. It can be a daunting task to plan and execute a self-guided trip into the outback and one that only the most experienced and equiped of travellers should do. It's rewarding but can be dangerous. The Ghan and the Indian Pacific offer travellers the opportunity to experience the outback and Australia's ancient natural history in a great deal of comfort. Sure, you'll still step from the train into baking hot 50 degree (122F) temperatures but you'll know a cool beverage and air conditioning is only a step or two away back on the train. What better way to traverse the land, share a romantic sleeper-cabin with your loved one and dine on gourmet foods than on the Ghan or Indian Pacific?
For more details on the Ghan or the other two great rail journey's of Australia (the Overland and the Indian Pacific) follow the link to Great Southern Rail.
Below are a few images from Darwin that I took when we were there in August 2017 and a couple others from around the place.
[- Design and create your ideal life, don’t live it by default - @galenkp -]
Ayres Rock, NT Source
Katherine Gorge, NT (My image)
Fogg Dam wetlands, NT (my image)
Edith Falls, NT (My image)
Darwin sunset, Mindil Beach, NT (My image)
The Olgas, NT Source
Someone else that likes trains! lol I dont know alot about the specifics and details of the trains. But i am in awe of them. I have a different opinion on the commuter trains though... think of the bullet train in Japan and tell me thats not impressive, or the trains in Europe.
My wife and I travelled across Europe via train, the most impressive was certainly Frances TGV travelling first class across rural France was something else. It does depress me how far behind Australia's rail network is, and how much more of the country could be utilised with a high speed rail network, Living rural and working in the cities would become feasible and housing much more affordable for a larger majority.
I've always wanted a model train set... :P
Train geeks! :)
I've travelled Europe by train as well. Yes, TVG in France is pretty cool. I loved the old stations, modernized, but still showing their history. We travelled in a sleeper from Salzburg to Paris overnight one time. So cool! I felt like James Bond or something. Pretty cool.
I have't been to Japan but am sure the trains there are cool. I guess all trains are ok, commuter trains just seem to bring thoughts of going to work and that sucks! :)
Thanks for commenting. @lowf1ux
Australia is such a beautiful country omg. I normally watch cricket matches live from Australia and in the very start they would show some scenery in Australia around the Stadium and is fascinating to see such beautiful places. Would love to visit Australia someday.
Get blogging on steemit and saving those SBD's and you may make it here. You are right it's a beautiful country full of amazing things to do and see and awesome people.
love it ❤️❤️
I love trains too! I live in Vancouver and VIA rails are too expensive though.
Thank you for sharing something wonderful about Australia.
I just posted about a poem called "Youth" by Samuel Ullman and expressed how I felt in photography! If you are interested, please come check it out ^^
https://steemit.com/dsound/@soria.lee/connecting-with-literature-youth-by-samuel-ullman-soria-lee
Thanks, yes trains are cool.
Love the perspective and color!
These images are stunning. I thought an Australian train ride would consist of red dirt and gum trees however there's a lot more to be explored. Looking forward to doing a train trip around the country some day!
There’ll be some red dirt and gum trees for sure. No doubt about it. :)
That must be a really spectacular train journey. Your pictures are breathtaking. I don't think I will ever be able to go on that journey but to read about it is also a treat! Thanks.
You’re welcome. Never say never. :)