The Ghan's ANZAC Tribute
In April 2012, the iconic Ghan will embark on a four day commemorative journey paying tribute to the sacrifices made by the armed forces with its second annual 'The Ghan's ANZAC Tribute'.
The Ghan played a vital role transporting troops in Australia during the Second World War and is proud to celebrate these heroes. This year is also the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin which bore the brunt of the largest attack ever mounted by a foreign power against Australia.
The journey will take passengers through the heart of Australia, from Darwin to Adelaide (24th-27th April), highlights of which will include:
A visit to Adelaide River War Cemetery.
A traditional Dawn Service and free public concert on the bank of Katherine Gorge. ANZAC Day will be celebrated in Katherine, a town hit by almost 100 bombs.
A journey aboard an original 'troop train' along the original Ghan line through the ancient Flinders Ranges - just as Servicemen and women did in the Second World War - from Port Augusta.
Performances by legendary Australian singer/songwriter, Adelaide-born John Schumann, renowned for his anthem for Australian Vietnam Veterans, 'I was only 19'.
Attendance of special guest historian Dr Tom Lewis OAM, Director of the Darwin Military Museum.
This commemorative journey will take four days/ three nights aboard The Ghan. Passengers have the choice of Red, Gold or Platinum sleeper service. Inclusions, in all price brackets, are:
the visit to the Adelaide River War Cemetery
ANZAC Day in Katherine- Dawn Service, RSL breakfast and afternoon tour
travel on the original Ghan (Pichi Richi) from Port Augusta to Quorn and special guest performances.
Optional add-ons include the Whistle Stop tours in Alice Springs can be booked on board.
Fares start from AUD$2,354 (approx £1,603) per person for the Red sleeper service, not including meals; Gold sleeper service for AUD$2,999 (approx £2,042) per person that includes all meals or the Platinum sleeper service for AUD$4,077 (approx £2,775) including the most luxurious cabin on board, all meals, an on call waiter service and in-cabin food menu. All prices are based on twin-share cabin.
For every ticket sold, Great Southern Rail will be donating AUD$100 to the Returned Services League of Australia (RSL) that supports returned and service personnel.
ANZAC stands for "Australia and New Zealand Armed Corps"
Background - The Ghan journey takes two nights/three days and runs from Adelaide through Alice Springs to Darwin, and vice versa, covering 1,846 miles. The original Ghan line followed the route of explorer John MacDouall Stuart and its inaugural journey on 4th August 1929 carried supplies and over 100 passengers to the remote town of Stuart, later called Alice Springs.
Today the journey makes the most of daylight hours as passengers are offered an incomparable way to travel to two jewels of Australia's Northern Territory - the Red Centre and the tropical Top End, passing through the sweeping Adelaide Plains, the majestic Flinders Rangers and the subtropical Top End.
Whistle Stop tours are included in the journey in Alice Springs and the northern town of Katherine for the chance to see the inspiring wonders of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), plus there are plenty of optional tour options at either end of the journey and in Alice Springs.
For more information and to book visit greatsouthernrail.com.au.
