Over Sixty Winter 2022 Digital

39 Travelling solo onboardThe Ghan TIANA TEMPLEMAN INSPIRE T ravelling on The Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia, on a journey that is widely regarded as one of the world’s great train trips, one that has been takenwith joy for 93 years. Whilemany people travel onTheGhan as a couple, having the freedomto please yourself during such a remarkable travel experiences is one of the great joys of doing this trip solo. An overnight train journey like The Ghan is the ideal holiday for singles, with the perfect mis of socialising and quiet contemplation, plus there is no need to dine alone. The Ghan also helps single travellers say goodbye (and good riddance) to the dreaded ‘single supplement’ with single Gold Class sleeper cabins. This compact accommodation features a bed that converts to a seat by day and modern shower/toilet facilities at the end of each carriage with excellent water pressure and brand name toiletries. If you don’t like ‘going backwards’ on trains, request a cabin facing the direction of travel when you book. Single cabins on The Ghan are cosy so it is more comfortable if you check your suitcase and bring a small carry on for the journey. If you are staying at a central hotel in either Darwin or Adelaide, you can request a complimentary pick up from your accommodation. Checked luggage is tagged and made available for collection at your final destination. One of the great joys of this trip is socialising with other travellers in the lounge (bar) car. The atmosphere is chatty and convivial rather than boozy, the chairs are comfy and the scenery is superb. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the fare, so there is no need to worry about blowing your holiday budget if you fancy a coffee or a glass of wine. Passengers on The Ghan tend to be well- travelled and excellent company, with plenty of interesting tales to tell. Even if you don’t fancy a drink, the lounge car is a lovely spot to read, relax and watch the scenery roll by or chat with like-minded fellow travellers before dinner. As there isn’t enough room for everyone to eat in the restaurant at the same time, your cabin attendant will tell you what time your lunch and dinner bookings are each day. These can be early or quite late, such as 2.15pm for lunch, so if you have a preference, make sure you get in early with your request. Breakfast is free seating anytime before 10am. Excursions are included in the cost of the fare and include everything frombus tours to nature hikes and a cruise up Nitmiluk Gorge at Katherine. Some truly amazing excursions are also available at an additional cost, such as camel riding in Alice Springs and a helicopter trip over the gorge at Katherine. These are booked onboard so if you are thinking of upgrading to the helicopter tour, for example, you can check the weather before you reach for your wallet. When you book your journey on The Ghan, allow a couple of days to explore Adelaide andDarwin, the two destinations at the beginning and the end of the trip. Darwin offers the chance to go on a sunset sailing trip, explore the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre of visit Litchfield National Park on a day tour with AAT Kings. In Adelaide, you can enjoy a day or overnight trip to one of South Australia’s wine regions or explore Adelaide’s many galleries. Just one more reason to do this epic rail journey which draws travellers from around the globe. To secure your cabin onboard this iconic piece of Australian history, visit www. journeybeyondrail.com.au Photo: The Ghan INSPIRE A cosy cabin to yourself, please yourself for meal times – solo train trips are ideal for singles