The Ghan

Tuesday 5 September

An early breakfast and off the train around 9 for our excursion to Katherine Gorge. We had chosen the two gorges trip. It was a half hour drive from Katherine to the Gorge, which is now known as Nitmiluk Gorge, and when we arrived the trees were full of red flying foxes. As we walked to the boat quite a few people were showered with their yellow droppings.
The water looked really inviting as we cruised along the first gorge, then disembarked and walked across a very civilised path to the second gorge and another boat. Here we saw people canoeing and swimming and there was a Johnson River crocodile sunning himself on a rock.
Then it was back the way we had come, stopping briefly to admire some rock art at the end of the first gorge, and onto the bus and then the train. We were some of the last to return and by the time we walked the half kilometre to our carriage the train was nearly ready to pull out.
The scenery was looking familiar with lots of large termite mounds, small trees and pandanus. Another delicious meal, a bit of packing and the last kilometres into Darwin, where we arrived a little after 5. What a wonderful journey we had on this fabulous train.
One of The Ghan buses dropped us at the casino where we caught a taxi to our Air BNB townhouse in Fannie Bay. It is very well set up, opposite a park and shopping centre so we were able to walk across the road and find a nice Italian restaurant for dinner.

The Ghan - Day 2 continued

The Ghan - Day 2

Monday 4 September

What a great day! We got up before dawn at Marla, our first stop. As the sun rose we had a cuppa and a Vegemite scroll, and stretched our legs walking almost the length of the train.
Later on we enjoyed the passing scenery and a substantial brunch.
Around 2 o'clock we pulled in to the Alice and disembarked for our chosen tour - the Desert Park. It was beautifully laid out with a number of regional landscapes, flora and fauna. The highlight was the flight bird show throughout which a willy wagtail tried to steal the show from the birds of prey. We are lucky to be here when the wildflowers are at their best.
Back to the train half an hour ago and thinking about a gin and tonic before dinner.

The Ghan Day 1 continued

The Ghan

Sunday 3 September

Marion kindly drove us to the station where the train, split into two halves because it's too long for the platform, was waiting. They joined it up just before we left. A lovely welcome from the young train staff and much excitement as we boarded and checked our cabins. We are in Carriage A the last passenger carriage of the train. The only thing behind us is the luggage and possibly the staff quarters. We walk, or rather weave, through 4 more carriages to get to the lounge and then dining cars. The train is about a kilometre long.
Rob, Judy and I all squeezed into Rob's cabin until Paige, our carriage attendant, had gone through the housekeeping information. From the moment she saw her cabin Judy was excited about going to bed and she looked forward to it all day.
We had a late lunch in the Queen Adelaide dining car and spent the rest of the afternoon in the lounge car - much more spacious than our cabins, which are tiny!
Scenic highlights were kilometres of beautiful wind turbines along a ridge near Snowtown and the Flinders Ranges. We stopped for a while in Port Augusta and then it was on into the night as we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink followed by a delicious meal.
At last it was time for bed and Judy popped on her PJs and climbed in with a big grin on her face.

Hamilton to Adelaide

Saturday 2 September

After leaving Hamilton we stopped to say hello to the Wannon Falls. Last time I saw them there was hardly a drop of water going over. Today they were impressive.
We had morning coffee in Casterton, where Rob once taught. Then it was on to The South Australian border and lunch in Keith.
As we stopped to change drivers in Coonalpyn we saw the painted silo, with its images of local school children. This tiny town now has everyone stopping to admire the huge artwork. The cafe opposite was doing a roaring trade.
We were welcomed with champagne, a cuppa and cake when we arrived at Marion and Doug's beautiful home. Then out for dinner, and quite a few laughs, to "the best pizza place in the world", famous for its lobster tail pizza. We finished the night with a glass of Baileys at a local wine bar.
A very pleasant day.

Melbourne to Hamilton

Friday 1 September

We had a leisurely start to the day and set off in time for lunch at Rob's favourite cafe in Geelong. The Turkish bread came out piping hot and puffed up with steam. It smelled and tasted great, with a selection of dips.
The drive to Hamilton was lovely, with lots of lambs, bright yellow canola and paddocks dotted with red gums. No doubt that we were in the Western District.
In the evening we had a lovely meal with Marg and Anna.