My two night / three day journey commenced at the recently refurbished Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal with a seamless check in, however, its important to note that the train's strict luggage restrictions of two checked bags (max 20 kgs each) per person, plus on board hand luggage sufficient for a one or two night stay on board. Once on board, the train we were escorted by our cabin steward to our cabin and welcomed with a short introduction to the cabin facilities, together with a drink and a light appetizer.
I found the cabins themselves to be very comfortable, they can be used as your own private lounge during the day allowing time to relax in private whilst enjoying the unique journey. By night, the cabin converts into a very comfortable sleeping space, offering a double or twin configuration. All Platinum cabins are complete with ensuite bathroom, comprising of full size shower, vanity with limited cupboard space, mirror and toilet facilities. The attention to detain in the design of these new cabins is apparent, in addition to a writing desk, there is a moveable table, two small ottomans and a cabin safe; the panoramic windows allow excellent views of the ever-changing Australian landscapes. Selected cabins also enjoy an aligning internal window allowing views from both sides of the carriage. Extra little touches includes 24 hour cabin steward service - including a morning beverage service delivered to your cabin, morning and afternoon tea served in your cabin and even a pillow menu.
Soon after departing Adelaide for our 2,979 km journey to Darwin, we were invited to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car for a light lunch.
Dining on board The Ghan is a relaxed affair with many of the freshly prepared meals bearing an 'Australian flair'. Whilst not in any way 'fine dining', the meals are of a good standard and can be complemented (at additional cost) by a selection of Australian wines. During our journey, Platinum Service guests enjoyed sole use of the dining car. However there are future plans to have Platinum Service guests join Gold Kangaroo guests for meals, allowing broader social contact during the journey, with priority seating being offered to Platinum Travellers.
After lunch we were invited to an informal welcome reception in the Desert Explorer Lounge Car. This was our opportunity to learn something of the history of The Ghan, details of the journey ahead and a general question and answer session on this unique experience.
By early evening, guests make their way back to the Lounge Car, a great environment for socializing with fellow travellers from across Australia and around the world, enjoying a pre-dinner drink and gazing at the spectacular sunset before moving on to the Restaurant Car for dinner.
Dress on board The Ghan is casual, with comfortable clothing being the order of the day. Smart casual is more appropriate for dinner, although jeans are also acceptable. I personally found the air-conditioning very cool, particularly in the cabin, so would strongly recommend carrying a warm sweater.
After dinner I met with some fellow guests in the Desert Explorer Lounge Car before retiring to our cabins for the first night aboard The Ghan. During dinner, our cabins had been transformed into very comfortable sleeping spaces, with the added touch of a complimentary nightcap.
Day two commences with either a continental breakfast which can be served in your cabin, or a full cooked breakfast in the Restaurant Car. I spent the remainder of the morning with my head in a book - complete bliss - often glancing up to watch the transformation of the landscape outside changing to the striking red earth of the Australian Outback.
By early afternoon we had arrived in Alice Springs for a four hour stop. Alice Springs, bordered by the MacDonnell Ranges is known as the capital of the 'red centre' and is the perfect base from which to explore Australia's heart. Considered by many to be the most romantic country town in the world, Alice Springs has evolved into a modern outback town with all the comforts of a capital city.
A range of pre-bookable excursions are available, including various town tours, helicopter flights, camel rides or visits to aboriginal sacred sites. I opted for a quad-bike adventure, great fun exploring one of Australia's oldest working cattle stations with plenty of wonderful scenery. For all tours, loose clothing and sensible walking shoes are recommended, as is a hat sunscreen and water to drink. I strongly recommend pre-booking the tours as they greatly enhance your off-board experience and places are limited. Platinum guests enjoy priority booking.
Back on board The Ghan, there was time for a quick shower and freshen up before dinner and another leisurely night traveling through Australia's unique landscapes.
Our third and final day included a four hour morning stop at Katherine, a remote destination and home to the beautiful Katherine Gorge made up of thirteen gorges connected by twelve kilometres of rapids and rocky terrain. Again, a range of pre-bookable excursions re available, including the very popular gorge boat cruises, a Katherine town tour and canoeing trips. I opted for a Katherine Gorge helicopter trip - an excellent way to gain a bird's eye view of this unique wilderness park which is still owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people.
Back on board The Ghan it was time for lunch and a final afternoon of relaxation watching the increasingly tropical scenery roll by before an early evening arrival into Darwin.
The well planned itinerary makes the most of daylight hours and the introduction of The Ghan's new Platinum Service opens up one of Australia's (if not the world's !) great train journeys to the luxury traveller. Offering just 24 Platinum Service cabins per journey, the experience is one of comfort, space and style. This is an authentic Australian experience, a transcontinental journey of nearly 3000 kilometres of spectacular and diverse landscapes, from the rolling plains of the South, through the stark beauty of Alice Springs and the Red Centre, to Katherine and the tropical capital of Darwin. Platinum Service has elevated The Ghan experience to international standards of luxury.