The Ghan Update: 9th March 2010

The Ghan due to depart from Alice Springs, Monday 8th March 2010 at 6.00pm was delayed, due to track damage caused by flooding. The Ghan will now depart from Alice Springs, Tuesday 9th March at 3.00pm. Guests are advised to check in at the station 1hr prior to departure. It is anticipated that this service will arrive into Darwin at 9.00am Wednesday 10th March 2010.

The Ghan service departing Darwin, Wednesday 10th March 2010, will depart as normal from the Darwin Terminal at 10.00am. Guests are advised to be at the station 1 hr prior for check in and all complimentary Gold and Platinum Service pickups from hotels will be at the normal time.

Great Southern Rail apologises for any inconvenience caused and advise's guests and friends of travellers, to contact Great Southern Rail on 13 21 47 for more information.

The Ghan Update: 2nd March 2010

Recent flooding in the Northern Territory has resulted in major washaway of the track at Illoquara north of Alice Springs, resulting in disruption to The Ghan departing Darwin 3rd March 2010.

Great Southern Rail therefore regrets to advise that The Ghan will not be departing from Darwin on 03 March 2010.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and advise guests who are booked on this service, to contact Great Southern Rail on 13 21 47.

The Ghan Update: 14 January 2010

Reduced service on The Ghan - Sunday 17 January

Recent flooding in the Northern Territory has caused disruption for The Ghan, which has been running at a reduced service due to a damaged section of railway line.

While the track is expected to be repaired later this week, the train scheduled to leave Adelaide for Darwin on Sunday 17 January will unfortunately be running at a reduced service. This is due to a number of carriages required for this service unable to return from Darwin due to the flooding.

We regret that number of guests scheduled to begin their journey on The Ghan on 17 January will no longer able to travel on this service. Great Southern Rail are contacting guests to arrange alternative travel arrangements or a refund.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and ask that any questions be directed to Great Southern Rail’s Sales Centre on 13 21 47.

____________________

The Southern Spirit - Maiden Voyage

12th January 2010

The Southern Spirit, Australia's first 'rail cruise', commenced it's maiden voyage on 12 January 2010 beginning the rail adventure of a lifetime for the 45 guests on board.

The Southern Spirit brings a new standard in exclusive rail journeys - 14 days of luxury on board what can be described as an 'epic rail adventure'.

Great Southern Rail's Marketing Manager, Mr David Smith, said "The Southern Spirit is for those who are looking for something new and unique. Those who view travel not as a destination, but as a journey to be savoured".

With just two exclusive rail cruises operating in the inaugural year, it is a lucky few who will experience The Southern Spirit journey.

The first itinerary, 'The Grand Tour', began on 9 January with guests enjoying a three day tour of the Red Centre before boarding The Southern Sprit for their next destination. Those on board will visit some of the most scenic areas of Central Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales with the journey concluding in Brisbane on 22 January.

On board the train guests will be accommodated in either a premium Platinum Service cabin or a contemporary Gold Service cabin, experiencing personalised attention, fine dining and all of the creature comforts you would expect from an exclusive chartered journey.

Like all cruise experiences, travellers will head 'ashore' for excursions and tours - such as a two-day excursion to Kangaroo Island in South Australia and a visit to Glenrowan, the home of Ned Kelly, in country Victoria. Several nights are also spent on land in five-star hotels such as the lavish Crown Towers on the Yarra River in Melbourne.

The Southern Spirit's second journey for 2010, 'The Coastal Epic', begins in Brisbane on 24 January and concludes in Alice Springs on 4 February.

The Coastal Epic includes all of the experiences of 'The Grand Tour' in reverse, with the added highlight of an Australia Day celebration on the 36th level of the famous Shangri-La hotel, providing a perfect viewpoint of the Sydney Harbour fireworks.

"The Southern Spirit is something new and quite unique in Australia. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the breathtaking Australian outback while on a luxurious and epic rail journey," said Mr Smith.

While The Southern Spirit is fully booked for 2010, those interested in experiencing this unique journey can register their interest to travel in January 2011: click here

____________________

NEW RELEASE: Australia's Great Train Holidays brochure for 2010-2011*

Great Southern Rail introduces our new holidays brochure for 2010 -2011. Filled with a fantastic assortment of our great australian train holidays already packaged for your convenience. Or offering an assortment of our rail, accommodation and touring options to create your own tailored holiday experience.

Pt 1: Introduction pdf 5Mb
Pt 2: The Ghan pdf 6Mb
Pt 3: Indian Pacific pdf 6Mb
Pt 4: Holiday Package agreement, terms & conditions pdf 1Mb

Call Great Southern Rail on 13 21 47 to book your Great Australian Train Holiday.

*Valid from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011.

____________________

The Indian Pacific brings Christmas to the Outback

The Indian Pacific's annual 'Outback Christmas' spread the spirit of the season across Australia last week, with two special guests on board.

Music icon Shannon Noll teamed up with Santa to bring Christmas cheer to the towns of Sydney, Bathurst, Broken Hill, Adelaide, Watson, Rawlinna, Kalgoorlie and Perth.

Railway stations were transformed to concert arenas for a very popular Shannon Noll and an even more popular Santa, who brought gifts and mementos for the crowds.

Concert goers joined Shannon in singing hits such as ‘What about me’, ‘Big red car’, ‘Shine’ and of course, some Christmas carols.

Marketing Manager of Great Southern Rail, David Smith, said that he was once again amazed by the reception the train received as it travelled across Australia.

“The Indian Pacific Outback Christmas journey has been celebrated for almost ten years now. The trip is about thanking the communities along the Indian Pacific route for their support each year.”

“It is particularly special to see the enjoyment the Outback Christmas journey brings to the smaller communities along the route, such as the remote Aboriginal community of Watson, with residents travelling for hours to meet the train each year,” said David.

Each year the Christmas train also raises money for charity, with the 2009 train generating significant funds for the Royal Flying Doctors Service.

“The Indian Pacific Outback Christmas celebration will of course, be back next year, which will be the 10th year for the journey – an extra special Christmas for us,” said David.

____________________