The Ghan capacity boost

JOURNEY Beyond has announced a major expansion of its iconic “The Ghan” rail journey between Adelaide and Darwin, doubling peak season departures to twice weekly and adding more Platinum Service carriages.

The parent company of Great Southern Rail has also introduced new holiday packages connected with the additional trips, which depart Adelaide each Wed and return from Darwin on Sat.

The growth will coincide with the 90th anniversary of the legendary train in 2019, which the company is marking with “90 days of celebration” in the Jun- Aug high season.

With the second weekly departure, travellers will be able to break their journey in Alice Springs and rejoin the train a few days later.

The Darwin-Adelaide Sat departure is being branded as “The Ghan Expedition” with packages including four nights in Darwin, a day at the Litchfield National Park waterfalls plus other local experiences, and then three nights on the train including all meals, beverages and off train excursions in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy.

Six new premium Platinum Service carriages will join the fleet “in response to high market demand”, the company said.

Platinum Service offers large cabins with double beds, in-cabin breakfasts, transfers and access to the Platinum Club.

Guests booked on departures during the celebratory period can “expect a few surprises to make their journey extra special”, while the commemoration will culminate in a special anniversary journey scheduled for 04 Aug.

The additional departures are on sale now - for more details see the cover page of today’s TD.