Recent experience with the Ghan?
 

My husband and I are planning a trip from Adeliade to Alice in November, and have read very conflicting accounts of the Ghan. Does anyone have experience with gold service sleepers vs. red service sleepers? Is it worth the extra cost for the (gold) bigger space, private bathroom and restaurant car, vs. (red) smaller sleeper, bathroom at end of carriage and diner? What is the food like? Do they provide bedding in Red class sleepers (unclear from what I have read)? Also has anyone done the 4 night 5 day tour package that includes one overnight trip plus Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjata? Any thoughts on the value of that vs. renting a car and doing it ourselves?
Thank you so much

Some friends were looking at making the trip recently and pretty sure they found out that bedding is provided for red sleeper.
Just had a look at the site and as you say it does not seem totally clear but they do say for red recliner seats to take your own pillow and rug [bit mean], but I'd reckon they'd hardly not provide bedding for a sleeper - maybe just an oversight or to gloss up the gold sleeper to encourage purchasing.

Obviously the Gold is going to have you more pampered, a larger cabin etc. and you'll have better meals included with red diner probably more like aircraft meals.

But if it's just the one night, is the price difference worth it?

Is there a 4n/5d rail ticket combo and what's that like do you mean?

If it is one night on the train and then 3n/4d for Uluru etc., seems reasonable time wise but there's quite a few different Alice Springs to Uluru and return trips you can choose from, 2n/3d basic camping ones with basic camping meals included starting from about $300 and you'll probably have about double that for starters to have a more luxury coach transport and resort style or motel accomodation and then meals on top.

Only one organisation running the accommodation at Uluru and so they have you as a more or less captive client when it comes to meals - google Voyagers Uluru Resort for all details and costs - maybe some package specials given economy status.

Driving yourself means a fair bit of driving [400+ km. each way] and whereas a tour out there can take you to Kings Canyon on way or on way back, to do it without extra expense of a 4WD hire will extend your drive distance by about 200+ km. in and out, staying on bitumen.

In round figures without detailed checking of rentals I'd reckon a standard car hire for four days is going to cost you ~ $400 - 600 incl. insurance and fuel for a smaller/medium size car, and perhaps a further $200 - 300 for a 4WD.
Add on another $600 - 900 say for accommodation and meals and you can compare total to tour packages.

bedding is provided in the sleepers.

Thank you for your replies. We have decided to take the Ghan, red sleeper, and book a 3 day tour separately from the one offered by the railway. Gives us a bit more flexibility and makes outbound flights easier to get as we will end up back in Alice. Your suggestions were really helpful, Bushranger. I have read several of your replies to other posts. Thanks again
jfkoznyc

The three day camping out tours are fun for those who do not mind sleeping in a swag or tent, the bonus being night stars like you may never have seen them before - quite breathtaking!

For cheaper companies there's www.mulgas.com.au [ probably about the cheapest and much more a younger age group ], then www.waywardbus.com.au could have more a mixed age group and be slightly more expensive.

A quick google and you'll see there's quite a range - http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=e...oq=Uluru+Tours and something like www.aptouring.com.au gives you basic hotel/lodge type accommodation to do similar to the cheaper camping tours - quite a selection on the apt site you'll see but whatever you do, at least go for a evening outside stroll away from building lights a bit to enjoy the stars.

Thanks so much, Bushranger. Great recommendations.

I have heard from some friends that it is not the best for sleeping in any class. Maybe the new Platinum with the double bed is better. my advice would be to get the best arrangements you can afford.