Questions about the Ghan
Apr 11th, 2006, 07:25 AM
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Questions about the Ghan
I am thinking about taking the Ghan from Adelaid to Darwin. On their booking site, there is a selection for "pensioners". Would that only be Australian "pensioners" -- or would US "pensioners" qualify?? 
Any tips on taking the Ghan? I love trains, so don't say, "it's a long, boring ride!" Thanks, Jane
Any tips on taking the Ghan? I love trains, so don't say, "it's a long, boring ride!" Thanks, Jane
Apr 11th, 2006, 08:04 AM
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We just took the Indian Pacific in November which is owned by the same company. My advice is to email them directly about the pensioner rate. Our train had many older folk from all over the world on it so maybe it does apply to everyone. Book the Gold Kangaroo class if you can swing it! We had a great time!
Apr 11th, 2006, 08:11 AM
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Just checked their website (www.gsr.com.au)for you and found the answer....
Q: As an Overseas visitor to Australia, do I qualify for the Pension concession fare if I am a pensioner/ senior citizen back home?
A: Great Southern Railway is a private commercial business that receives a rebate each year from the Australian Federal Government as compensation for offering the concession fares for Australian Pensioners. As part of our agreement with the Australian Government, we must secure an eligible Australian Pension Concession Card number at the time of booking.
This agreement with the Australian Federal Government does not extend to Pensioners from overseas countries – it is strictly limited to Australian Pensioners who are residents of Australia.
Q: As an Overseas visitor to Australia, do I qualify for the Pension concession fare if I am a pensioner/ senior citizen back home?
A: Great Southern Railway is a private commercial business that receives a rebate each year from the Australian Federal Government as compensation for offering the concession fares for Australian Pensioners. As part of our agreement with the Australian Government, we must secure an eligible Australian Pension Concession Card number at the time of booking.
This agreement with the Australian Federal Government does not extend to Pensioners from overseas countries – it is strictly limited to Australian Pensioners who are residents of Australia.
Apr 11th, 2006, 10:25 AM
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Gold Kangaroo was really nice. We had a twin berth sleeper cabin. while our friend had a single berth cabin. If you're traveling alone, you'll have to use a common bath but if you have a companion, then you have a larger cabin with a bathroom/shower. You have a welcome reception upon boarding and then all of your meals are provided, including wake-up coffee/biscuits in your cabin each morning. You also have a separate lounge car to hang out in.
Which were you considering--Red Kangaroo? I can't really comment on anything other than Gold Kangaroo since they kept us pretty much isolated from everyone else.
Which were you considering--Red Kangaroo? I can't really comment on anything other than Gold Kangaroo since they kept us pretty much isolated from everyone else.
Apr 11th, 2006, 03:37 PM
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If you look at their website, it actually tells you the specific differences between the two classes, which is mostly regarding the meals (included or for purchase) and some other perks. We decided that the difference in price wasn't really that much when you figure in the cost of meals. The Gold Kangaroo class had excellent 3 course meals. I think we booked online sometime in May for a November trip. We did this mostly so we could begin to plan the rest of our itinerary. I will tell you that when you book online, they do charge your credit card for the entire amount although you can get a refund minus 10% until 30 days beforehand.
