The legendary Ghan represents a milestone in rail travel. Over the last twelve months it has increased its service to now cater for markets in Sydney and Melbourne.

The Melbourne to Alice Springs journey takes 36 hours and covers an amazing 2,383 kilometres. The Ghan will leave Spencer Street Station, Melbourne, each Wednesday evening and will accommodate 275 passengers and carry an average of 16 carriages. After boarding the train, guests can unwind with a drink at the bar and relax as the train heads for Adelaide. In the morning, awaken to the beautiful sights of the South Australia and the rolling hills of Adelaide. The three hour stopover in Adelaide allows time for a winery/sightseeing tour offered to first class passengers or time for holiday and coach class passengers to take advantage of the free transfer into Adelaide City for shopping.

The journey from Sydney to Alice Springs (or Alice Springs to Sydney) takes 45 hours in which the train travels an amazing 2,856 kilometres. The Ghan leaves Sydney's Central Station and accommodates 276 passengers. Once aboard the train, guests can unwind with afternoon tea or a drink in the lounge and marvel at the view as the Ghan passes through the scenic Blue Mountains, onwards to the gold fields of Broken Hill and then through the rolling hills of South Australia to Adelaide.

A short stopover in Adelaide allows time for a sightseeing tour.

The train carries an average of 16 first, holiday and coach class carriages including lounge and dining carriages and Motorail - an ideal way of transporting a vehicle for the option of combining rail and a self-drive holiday.

The Ghan will let you experience Australia in a way you never thought possible. The journey offers the comforts of three classes of travel - First Class, includes private sleeper cabins and ensuite; Holiday Class, includes a sleeper, toilet and wash basin or comfortable recliner seats in Coach Class. Dining cars are provided for each Class and lounges are available for First and Holiday Class passengers.

Back on board in Adelaide, The Ghan, passengers can behold outback life while travelling through regional hubs full of history and character. These include Port Augusta - the city on the edge of the outback and a port that once drew the ships of the world to safe moorings and deep water wharves; Tarcoola, an early 1900's goldfield and the place where The Ghan leaves the transcontinental line and turns north towards Central Australia, and just 80 kms east of the railway, Coober Pedy - a town rich in opal mining and where the locals live underground.

Along its picturesque journey, The Ghan crosses only two major watercourses, the Hugh River and the Finke River, believed to be one of the oldest watercourses on earth.

Passengers will discover the true sunburnt country, witness the spectacular outback scenery, the everchanging colours of the land and experience the heart of Central Australia.

The original Ghan, which travelled from Adelaide to Alice Springs, has been recognised as one of the great train journeys of the world. Its comfort, convenience, safety, scenic route and affordability have attracted many international visitors and the new Sydney extension will be an additional drawcard.

The popularity of The Ghan over the last year and its sister train, the Indian Pacific have allowed the owners to set the way for the re-emergence of rail travel in Australia. Since it took over the fleet of three trains (including the Overland, which travels from Adelaide to Melbourne return) from Australian National, Great Southern Railway has enticed the tourism market with refurbished trains, affordable pricing, exciting initiatives and new destinations for The Ghan.

For reservations contact Tel: 13 21 47 or visit the Great Southern Railway website on http://www.gsr.com.au.