The “Delayed Honeymoon” Big Rail Tour

[Greynomad]

It is possible to take photos then grab a drink and sit down.

[jon_d]

Ahh, thankyou.

Enjoy the day. Im a bit envious.... not of sitting down, but the train trip.

[Newcastle George]

No drink either.

George

[Dot]

Not wanting to be too snoopy but what are the beds like?.

[Greynomad]

Dottie,
Twin bunks in Gold Premium class. Quite comfortable.
Didn’t ‘test drive’ them for springyness…
The 3-seater lounge in each cabin folds down to form the bottom bed, and the top bed folds out of the wall above it.
Access to the top bunk is via a folding ladder, stowed under the bottom bunk.
The en suite is well thought out and packs all the necessaries into an area the size of a normal home toilet.
I think Journey Beyond is gradually upgrading all cabin en suites from fixed shower heads to hand-held versions — a good move, IMO.
The conversion from couch to bunks is done by staff while occupants are enjoying dinner, then reverted while we’re having breakfast. Very efficient!

Platinum class travellers get a double bed with en suite — for just short of double the Gold Premium fare…

[Greynomad]

Because we were out of mobile phone range most of the trip from Darwin, here’s a few pictures of the Ghan trip:

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On the flight Perth-Darwin.
I always follow instructions!

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The Darwin hotel. It’s a hard life…

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Katherine Outback Experience: horse being trained to accept that drovers sometimes have to carry a tired dog or calf.

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Dinner under the Stars at the Old Telegraph Station, Alice Springs.

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Early life underground at Coober Pedy.
(Can’t find a way to remove the next picture.)

[Greynomad]

Overnight in Adelaide again (this time in a hotel, not the train!).
Up before sparrow-fart tomorrow to board the Overland for the final leg of the trip: a daylight run to Melbourne.
Overnight with Son-&-Heir (plus family), then we drive home.

[Dot]

Looking good Ray, Is the food better now your on the train?

[Greynomad]

Train kitchen staff were the caterers, so no drop in quality for the outdoor dinners.
Tomorrow may be a different story… although it is also part of the Journey Beyond fleet. We hope there is no difference.
Top quality all the way with Journey Beyond… keeping up the standard experienced on our first Ghan trip 7y ago.

[Greynomad]

On board the Overland for the last leg of the trip.
Melbourne arrival scheduled for 1845.
It’s a daylight run, but the seats are really comfortable, and meals will be served to our seats.
Looking good so far!

ps. Not much of a view through the Adelaide Hills: heavy fog!