February 2014 will mark a decade since The Ghan completed its extended route all the way from Adelaide to Darwin. Prior to that, it ran from Adelaide as far as Alice Springs. Today The Ghan offers a truly iconic cross continental rail service. To celebrate the Ghanniversary, Great Southern Rail is offering travellers 20% off their most popular packages on bookings made  between the 6 January and 28 February 2014. The offer is valid for travel between the 1 May 2014 and the 31 October 2014.

The Ghanniversary will take place on the 2 February and will be celebrated both on board the train and on the ground. Festivities to mark the occasion will include a range of entertainment from live performances to special events. Coincide your visit with the anniversary or just use it as a great excuse to hop on board.

Discounted fares from Darwin to Alice Springs or vice versa start from £525 (AU$952) per person travelling in Gold Class or from £1052 (1,832 AU$ ) per person travelling from Darwin to Adelaide (and vice versa). The price includes all off train tours, all standard beverages, including soft drinks, beers, standard wines and spirits and meals. Return flights from London Heathrow to Darwin via Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines start from £990* per person.

Visitors travelling on the Ghan will have the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most fascinating towns and landscapes. In just three days and two nights, covering 2,979km, travellers can make their way leisurely from the Northern Territory’s capital of Darwin all the way to Adelaide. On board The Ghan travellers have time to soak up and enjoy the moving landscapes as they change from lush green when leaving Australia’s Top End to dust red as the train makes its way through the heart of the Red Centre and then return to green as it travels through the vineyards surrounding Adelaide.

Visitors wanting to experience The Ghan but who don’t have the time to do the whole journey can choose to travel between Darwin and Alice Springs or Alice Springs and Adelaide.

The name of The Ghan was inspired by the pioneering cameleers (many of them Afghans or Ghans as they were more commonly known), who were the first to establish a permanent trail to the Red Centre over 150 years ago. When the train departed Adelaide on its inaugural journey to Darwin, it was the longest passenger train in Australia’s history, stretching more than 1km with two locomotives and 43 carriages. For further information on the Ghan visit : www.greatsouthernrail.com.au .

*Fares include taxes and surcharges

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For more information, images or to discuss media trip opportunities contact Lara Huberman and Suzanne Holiday on +44 207 839 2140 or tourismntmedia@keenecomms.com.

The Ghan
In World War II, The Ghan played a vital role in transporting troops. Each year, The Ghan pays tribute to veterans with its special Anzac Tribute journey between Adelaide to Darwin.  The 43 carriage on the first journey to Darwin included four 'Special Carriages' - the Chariman's , Sir Hans Heysen, Sir John Forrest and Prince of Wales carriages. 

NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Australia's Northern Territory is a leading nature and culture destination where Australia's Outback meets the tropics and is home to Australia's most dramatic, beautiful and varied scenery including the awe-inspiring red centre icons of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon as well as the Top End adventure and wildlife destinations of Katherine Gorge and Kakadu National Park.
2. Darwin International Airport is an international gateway to Australia offering connections to Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Denpasar.
3. The peak visitor time is during the dry season, from May to September, but the Tropical Summer from October to April brings spectacular lightning shows and lush growth.
4. www.australiasoutback.co.uk is an essential resource for travellers planning a trip to the Northern Territory.
5. Follow the NT on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AustraliasOutbackNorthernTerritoryUK, Twitter @AusOutbackNT_UK and Google +  https://plus.google.com/u/0/117873946318705723372/posts or watch the latest videos on our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/user/Australiasoutback 
6. Download the iOutback app from iTunes or on Android.