DianneH68

Hi all,
Just wondered if anyone has ever used the trains included in this pass (the Ghan, Indian pacific, Overland). This would allow me to travel from Perth to Alice Springs and up to Darwin and only costs $450 (with a backpacker card).
First of all I was wondering how long these journeys take, is it very comfortable if you don't have a sleeper cabin, is it a good way to see the country etc etc.
Basically, would anyone recommend it or is it better to fly?
Thanks,
Dianne

worzel

Not sure about the rail pass but we did Adelaide to Alice on the Ghan with a 5 year old without a cabin. The seats are huge and we got about 6 hours sleep on the 16 hour overnight journey. Much cheaper than getting a cabin. Perth to Darwin via Adelaide is a long way round and sounds like about 4 days to me (coast to coast is 3 days). Top tip if you do use the Ghan - there were a lot of aboriginals on the train who looked used to the trip. We laughed at them in Adelaide as they walked around with duvets and pillows but we weren't laughing later on.

DianneH68

Thanks for that. Very helpful.
Can you get off the train en rote and stay overnight in any of the towns or would that mean you'd be stranded for several days until the next train came along?

worzel

The only time it stopped between Adelaide and Alice was in Coober Pedy for a driver change. There was time to get off and go for a walk but I don't know if it was a scheduled stop or not. I seem to remember there were only 2/3 trains a week so you would end up with a few days there but they have opened the extension to Darwin since then and timetables may have changed.

Try their website:

http://www.gsr.com.au/