I just got a copy of the June issue of TRAINS Magazine, and on page 18 it has a short article and two color pics of the new line between Alice Springs and Darwin. By the looks of the pics, that's some rugged territory- kinda reminds me of western Colorado and eastern (well, most of) Utah. The apparent lack of people in the Northern Territory (only 200,000?) makes for some open-space running. Any news there in Australia on how this railway is running, and has anybody gotten brave enough yet to try to railfan this line? Anyway, hats off to you folks- the closest we in North America could come to this in size & scope would be to finally build a railroad from, say, Fort Nelson, BC to a spot along the Alaska Railroad.
Sadly its priced for the rich few. it works out that its MILES cheaper to drive than the rail link.. It wont last. Give it 2 yrs tops for the gloss to wear off. Adelaide - Darwin/ Katherine or v.v* ONE WAY PER Adult Gold class $1740 Sleeper $1390 Normal seat! $440 Kids Gold 1183 Sleeper 834 Seat 198 http://www.gsr.com.au/fares/ghan.htm http://www.abc.net.au/nt/stories/s1037788.htm
In regards to railfanning there are currently several reasons why you wouldn't Firstly distance, I've been to the south west of the USA and there is nothing quite like the nothern territory quite simply there is nothing for pretty much the entire 1400 odd kilometres between Alice Springs and Darwin except for a couple of "ranches" the size of London. It's a kind of place where when packing the car (take the cars weight in petrol and water). Secondly at the present moment there are only 2-3 freight trains a week between Alice Springs and Darwin although I do believe that this will change in the future. The Pass service while expensive at the moment will come down once the wowness has worn off, currently the trains are selling out. The Indian Pacific out of Sydney on Saturdays has been as lond as 26 coaches due to its connection with the Ghan. Hope that gives you some info Alex
