Hi
We were planning to travel from Adelaide to Alice Springs in August on the Ghan. Our travel agent just gave us a quote of $700 Canadian each. Now I'm beginning to wonder if it's worth it. Some folks on older posts have dubbed the Ghan a boring experience. I don't want to be bored and fleeced at the same time.
Any thoughts?

I didn't find it boring - but then I'm a sucker for trains and believe the journey is part of the fun.

BUT I didn't pay $900!! I don't think I would - no - not unless money is of no object.

I assume you are going Gold Kangaroo class (top whack). If you are young or young at heart, and up for it, you can do the journey for under $200 in reclining seat class.

Obviously not lux, and more expensive than the bus. But better than the bus, and then at that price definitely worth it.

Long train journeys - the departing, the arriving, have a certain nostalgic cachet about them.

But, yeh, that's a lot of money.

No, my days as a young and supple traveller are over.

Unless you just love trains, I would not recommend taking the Ghan. There is absolutely nothing to see unless you lile bleak desert landscape. The dinner is nice, and that's about it, as the rooms are tiny and sleeping is problematic. You can probably fly to Alice Springs, eat a nice dinner, and stay at a reasonable hotel all for less than you'd pay to take the Ghan.

I guess I'm a train buff. I took the Ghan in "gold kangaroo" class (lol) and enjoyed it. I was traveling solo, but met some very nice people at the dinner table. The scenery wasn't much, but I'd travel on the Ghan again. BTW, I've also done the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth. Another solo trip; the peace and quiet was fantastic!

I've done a First class in those 'tiny' compartments, really felt wird, the twin First class was large and I felt hard done by cramped into that tiny almost box ( this is if the Ghan uses those same type of rail cars ).
That was the only downer, what I did find 'amazing' was simply going to the rail station, getting onboard, sitting down, wow, compare that with airport these days!
Same at the other end, certainnly to relax and for 'stress free/hassle free' it made me wish rail travel was better and more prominent elsewhere.
If 2 of you I think you will get overall much better accommodation than the First class singles which really are so small it's..... ( unless they have better accommodation now, this was a few years back )

hacoah,

hello again!

Ok, the skinny about the Ghan -- everyone who posted was very accurate. I'd describe this as an experience for a "train lover". If you're not, you will find it dead boring.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist