We are thinking of taking this train trip, has anyone done it, if so, can you tell us about it please

We took the Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin last month and enjoyed it immensely. We did travel Platinum Class which was very comfortable and the staff were excellent.

We had a private compartment with two comfortable chairs which converted to beds at night. The en-suite was well designed and provided all we needed.

We had all our meals in the special Dining Car but it would have been possible to have them in the compartment. All the meals were extremely good and well presented - especially when you consider the small area the staff have to work in.
We met lots of interesting people of all ages throughout the trip.

The train stops for several hours at Alice Springs and Katherine.

Even though we did travel Platinum Class we heard many people travelling in the lower classes just as happy as we were.

Like the previous poster, my wife and I travelled on The Ghan last month from Darwin to Adelaide but in Gold Class. You can read my experiences and thoughts on a tip and click onto the travelogue "The Ghan for beginners' at http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/224c5d/

I haven't done it.
Some say it is expensive and not value for money.

And some say it is value for money and very much worth it!!

we travelled from Darwin to Adelaide and loved it. Did book just the seats and found it too uncomfortable to sleep 2 nights in seats so upgraded to the next area which was a basic small compartment with bed. One of our party couldn't sleep in it casue it was too claustrophobic. I think the trip is worth it but I would onlt do it once. You see different part of Australia and the stop offs are great

DH and I travelled on the Ghan between Katherine and Alice Springs last year, in Gold Class just because we could per courtesy of my late Dad. It was a short overnight trip but a wonderful experience. Yes, it is expensive but we felt worth it. The dinner and breakfast were beautifully cooked and presented. The crew were very helpful and cheerful, happy to answer any questions, however basic. For a once-only experience if you can budget the trip into your travel plans I would.

My, my, Prue aren't you touchy?

Prue has stated the obvious fact - some people think it it is value for money and a great trip. The trip wouldn't exist otherwise. They run for profit, not community service.

Others, just as obviously, don't think it is value, otherwise there would be more trains and more departures. Der!

It comes down to what sort of holiday YOU like not what WE like (or don't as the case may be). All travel comes down to opportunity cost - how else could you spend that money and what would be the most value for YOU.

Fundamentally the Ghan is a hotel on wheels or a very skinny cruise ship. If you like that sort of holiday it will likely be value for you. We however have, after researching it, decided that there are better ways to spend our money and time to see the outback.

The Gahn will give you a taste of the country. You will see lots, but experience very little. Bear in mind most of the travel will be in the dark.

So, like all travel it boils down to what you like and why.

Do you want to do it just because it is a train trip?
Go for it!

Do you want to do it just because it is "The Ghan"?
Think carefullly.
(bit like calling a modern cruise ship "Titanic". Similar route but without the heritage carriages and quirkiness of the original)

Do you want to see the Outback quickly, easily and in comfort?
Go for it!

Do you want to experience the outback?
There are better ways.

Do you like group type tours where you have little freedom?
Go for it!

Can you afford it? Will you begrudge the money if you don't really love the trip?

Do you think it is value for money and for time?

Would you do a similar train trip elsewhere eg Canada, Russia?

How do you plan to get to and from Adelaide and Darwin?

Do you really want to see these places or will you just be passing through? Is that value for time and money? How much time do you have for the whole trip?

What other places in Australia could you go for the same money?

These are the sort of questions we asked ourselves. We would not do the trip unless we won it in a raffle - even then we would probably give the tickets away.

We have done similar train trips and cruises before, as part of other trips. Whilst enjoyable, they were not the highlights of the trips, but were more a necessary evil to get from A-B. Just not our style of travel.

You only have to please YOU.

The outback is magic no matter how you do it.