Just booked The Ghan!

[PJOZ]

Having bad cruise planning withdrawal and saw a (relatively) good deal on The Ghan so have booked it! Very excited.

 

We have always talked about doing it so thought no time like the present (well next March anyway) we will do our bit to support the domestic tourism industry etc. The price certainly reinforces what good value cruising is but I am really looking forward to it, it does sound amazing. We have never been to central Australia.  Any tips re the off train excursions from anyone who has done it?

 

I do have a short cruise on the Pacific Princess booked for January (Sydney to Auckland) but I am not convinced that will go ahead. Is anyone else looking at alternatives while we can't cruise? 

[getting older slowly]

Have great time PJOZ     ( like a cruise but on wheels )

 

We have done the Indian Pacific many year ago   it was unreal......

 

Had a look at train prices  ... but they are a bit of dear side......

so will do our own thing by car......

 

Cheers Don

Edited July 6, 2020 by getting older slowly

[NSWP]

The Ghan and Indian Pacific are good experiences, albeit expensive, we did them both in 2003.   The food was very good and scenery well, good, but to me sometimesa little boring.  Staff were excellent as were the stops and tours along the way. Above all enjoy.

[OzKiwiJJ]

We did it in 2003 as well. Back then drinks and excursions weren't included in the fare but I think that's changed now.

[By The Bay]

7 minutes ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

We did it in 2003 as well. Back then drinks and excursions weren't included in the fare but I think that's changed now.

You are right with your thinking. They were included when we did the Indian Pacific 3 years ago.We really enjoyed the experience.

Edited July 6, 2020 by By The Bay

[SinbadThePorter]

1 hour ago, PJOZ said:

Is anyone else looking at alternatives while we can't cruise?

 

I've lined up a quick four day trip to Cairns next month to make up for a couple of canceled cruises. I don't even have to leave the state. 😁

 

If this trip works out and virus willing, I'm thinking of a week in Darwin or maybe Broome later this year. Next year who knows, maybe NZ or Fiji for a week or two. Even though I hate flying and don't fancy the idea of wearing a mask the entire flight, it's still better than staying home.

 

It's also better than waiting for ships that may (seemingly) never arrive.

Edited July 6, 2020 by SinbadThePorter

[NSWP]

9 minutes ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

We did it in 2003 as well. Back then drinks and excursions weren't included in the fare but I think that's changed now.

Correct, drinks were not included back then, nor most tours., but I recollect a tour to the Alice Springs Wild Life park and lunch was.    Katherine was that hot, we just went to the Rissole for the a/c and cool drinks.  The club bus took us back to the train.

[ozziepost]

 GSR have a 14 night trip called the Territory Complete on the Ghan next year its quite expensive but by golly I'm looking at it as we had two cancelled cruises this year. I'm going to wait and see what happens with Covid and will wait until Dec/Jan when I hope to book the trip, might even catch the Overlander from Geelong to Adelaide and have a couple of nights there before boarding the Ghan and fly home from Darwin. I'm not really into train travel but this trip looks like one of those unforgettable experiences that should be done if we are able to..

Edited July 6, 2020 by ozziepost

[OzKiwiJJ]

That Territory Complete package looks quite interesting. But, I agree, I don't think I want to book anything for a while, things are too uncertain. If we go anywhere anytime soon it will be by car.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

17 hours ago, ozziepost said:

  I'm not really into train travel but this trip looks like one of those unforgettable experiences that should be done if we are able to..

It’s well worth every penny . The memories of such a trip will last a lifetime .

[Sama11]

We did the Ghan in 2016 on a trip  including cruising back to Brisbane from Darwin. I loved it but husband wasn't so impressed(I am quite happy looking out of train windows, he isn't  so keen).   The food was very good, we met lots of very nice people and the choice of excursions good.  We did the Animal Park excursion in Alice Springs as it seemed the easiest option at our age (70s) and it was very good but very hot (October).   We did the Katherine Gorge boat trip in Katherine and I don't  think you can go wrong with that one.  I am sure you will enjoy it.

Anne

[erewhon]

Several years ago, we flew to Darwin, travelled on the Ghan to Adelaide, then the Indian Pacific to Sydney, and flew back to Christchurch.

We really enjoyed the train journeys, good food, and excursions.

Good memories.

[Elorac123]

Had finally talked my other half into the train from Perth to Sydney after the Northern Explorer on Sun in March can’t see it happening now.

Cheers Carole

[Fletch1]

Never done a train trip like these. Food for thought, but maybe wait and see what happens.

 

At this stage, us Victorians may never be allowed out of the state again! 

[NSWP]

17 hours ago, Fletch1 said:

Never done a train trip like these. Food for thought, but maybe wait and see what happens.

 

At this stage, us Victorians may never be allowed out of the state again! 

You had better get used to the taste of Carlton Draught and Crown Lager then.   No NSW Tooheys or Qld Fourex Gold for you mob.

 

Stay safe.

[Fletch1]

22 minutes ago, NSWP said:

You had better get used to the taste of Carlton Draught and Crown Lager then.   No NSW Tooheys or Qld Fourex Gold for you mob.

 

Stay safe.

 

Not a fan of Carlton Draught, but don't mind Crown Lager at all......a much better beer in my eyes (or should that be taste buds?!)

[getting older slowly]

21 hours ago, Fletch1 said:

Never done a train trip like these. Food for thought, but maybe wait and see what happens.

 

At this stage, us Victorians may never be allowed out of the state again! 

 

Personally i think the Indian Pacific is a better deal.... look at both... they are great trips

 

I am still waiting and wondering about the red and white ship to Tassie.......

( closest thing to a cruise for quite a while i fear )

 

I wonder if we will have to get a special passport to get out of the "State of Lockdown"

 

Cheers Don

 

Almost dinner time and a glass of shiraz

 

[NSWP]

On 7/11/2020 at 3:15 PM, Fletch1 said:

 

Not a fan of Carlton Draught, but don't mind Crown Lager at all......a much better beer in my eyes (or should that be taste buds?!)

Yep the old Crownies always popular, have been for years.  Actually a few hotels in Melbourne had Crown Lager on top as well, that was about 10 years ago, probably not these days.

Edited July 14, 2020 by NSWP

[icat2000]

I loved to do the Ghan. But it soooo expensive. 

[By The Bay]

I was sent this today. I cannot name the TA.

From $2292

Package Includes

Ghan Train Adelaide to Alice Springs (Gold Class)

All Airfares (e.g. home to Adelaide & Alice to home)

4 Nights Alice Springs Hotel (superior 4 Star)

1 Night Ghan private Gold Class cabin

All meals onboard Ghan, FREE beverages throughout your journey, FREE toiletries kit, Cabin Steward service , in-cabin music and commentary, use of "Outback Explorer Lounge"

All Ghan Off-Train Excursions & Activities (eg Marla, Manguri)

Alice Springs Luxury Coach Tour

West Macdonnells Luxury Coach Tour

Meet and Greet Personalised Return Transfers (Train Station, Hotel and Airport)

FREE DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Bonus Voucher Book ($500 Value discounts and bonuses in Northern Territory)

[NSWP]

14 minutes ago, icat2000 said:

I loved to do the Ghan. But it soooo expensive. 

Certainly is, about $2000 just from Darwin to Adelaide, 2 nights.  No more Red Kangaroo economy anymore, all Gold Class and Platinum, all inclusive, drinks, tours, meals etc.  It was an experience when we did did it years ago, but I would not do it again.

[By The Bay]

I also received this offer. Should be easy to find.

7 nights

Departing Apr 21 - Nov 21

All flights and taxes. Price based on 25 Oct 2021 departure. Prices from

Outside $2,999 pp

Inside $2,499 pp

Stateroom $3,699 pp

Package Includes

All flights, taxes & transfers

13 meals included

River Cruise

3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing

Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse

Take a guided nature walk at Salt Bush Flat

Taste Riverland food and wine

Dragon-fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour

Hotel Stays

3 night four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast

1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast and lunch

Fully Escorted Tours

Full day Barossa Valley and Hahndorf tour with lunch and wine tastings

2 Day Kangaroo Island Tour including;

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery  

Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk

In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park 

Lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm

Wine tasting at Dudley Wines Clifftop Cellar Door

Edited July 14, 2020 by By The Bay

[NSWP]

No tipping on the Murray Princess?  No formal nights, no jacket and tie, shorts, t shirt and thongs. 🤐

Edited July 14, 2020 by NSWP

[Rassa]

We were going to the Hawksbury on a ferry for lunch etc.   Was to be early September staying at towns along the way but I don't think Gladys is going to let us in - Victorians are on the nose at the moment.

 

There is a ferry (free to seniors Saturday and Sunday) from the Peninsula to Cowes and apparently there are whales in the area this time of year.  Shame it is not running at the moment.

[By The Bay]

16 minutes ago, Rassa said:

There is a ferry (free to seniors Saturday and Sunday) from the Peninsula to Cowes and apparently there are whales in the area this time of year.  Shame it is not running at the moment.

That would be a great trip. My thoughts are with you all in VIC.