TR : The Ghan DRW-ADL 04-06/10/08 Gold Class
Posted: 10 Oct 2008, 04:51The OH decided to book this trip for my 40th, despite the fact the idea of spending two days on a train was quite abhorrent to him.
We flew up to DRW on the 2nd, day after my birthday with JQ and it was a typical JQ flight.
Went out to Litchfield National Park on teh friday and saw the jumping crocs, magnetic termite mounds, swam under waterfalls - no crocs or snakes to be seen!
The train leaves DRW at 0900 and arrives into ADL 2 days later at 1310 and makes two stops for around 4 hours each in Katherine and Alice Springs.
As we were travelling Gold Class we were collected from our hotel (Platinum Class too) at 0715 (for a 0900) departure. It should be noted the station is a 20 minute drive from downtown DRW and is out by the port. On arrival at the station the coach was met by staff who weighed and tagged all the luggage to be checked in. Individuals only required to be present to identify their luggage. They were very strict on the 20kg weight restriction making those who exceeded repack and put excess into bags provided. Much to the disgust of some (not from our coach) - although it clearly states this will happen on the tickets.
After all this had been done we were then driven to the train and dropped off at the requisite carriage door. The train is long 25 cars and DRW is humid - so a nice touch.
We were welcomed by our carriage attendant and made our way to our cabin. Bijou and compact. All the facilities one needs with no space wasted. A short while later we were introduced to the facilities by the attendant - inlcuding how to operate the toilet. If you have travelled on either this or the Indian Pacific you'll know what I mean. If not use your imagination.
As the Gold section was full two meals sittings were required and the gold manager came through and gave out sittings we got our request of late sittings. Brekkie at 0830, lunch at 1200 (although only had lunch on day 1) and dinner at 2000. It is worth noting that the ripe old age of 40 is young in comparison to the majority of the clientele hence no problem in getting the late sittings.
After all this had happened we made our way to the lounge car, cabins are for sleeping and washing in, and made ourselves comfortable. Soon the bar opened and we booked a helicopter trip of the Katerine Gorge - good to get their early and avoid satnding in a queue and also ensures you get the trip desired as some did sell out. Specially the ones involving not much physical activity. The temperature in Katherine was a pleasant 39 degsC.
Shortly after lunch we arrived in Katherine, well at the station, which is near Katherine. Off we went to our transfer and were deposited at the helicopter pad. The waiting area was shaded but otherwise open to the elements - I'm politely trying to say there was no aircon. We were last out of 4 groups to go - but I have to say it was worth the wait. Spectacular views of the whole 13 gorges making up the system.
Back to the train and on to Alice. The next 17ish hours would be on the train. However all was well. Bar was open and drinks were not overpriced and a good selection. One thing that really peeved me was the majority of the 'walking dead'[}:)] didn't change for dinner. I changed into jeans, a shirt and shoes. And I feel shorts and thongs (flip flops)[:0] are not appropriate in Gold Class - the dress code said smart casual and the train was fully airconditioned. It must be a British thing v and Aussie thing.
When we came out of dinner at 2130 the lounge car was empty and on chatting to the staff found this is not unusual. Apparently the wd need their sleep.
In Alice we did another helicopter trip this time to Simpsons Gap - again superb. Maybe be even better as this helicopter had the windows removed so could take photos more clearly.
All the meals were very good and plentiful and the on baord staff were very frindly, efficient and always helpful and made you feel at home.
When we got home the OH decreed travelling by train was now acceptable and wouldn't mind trying the Indian Pacific.
If anyone has any specific questions about the trip pm me.
We flew up to DRW on the 2nd, day after my birthday with JQ and it was a typical JQ flight.
Went out to Litchfield National Park on teh friday and saw the jumping crocs, magnetic termite mounds, swam under waterfalls - no crocs or snakes to be seen!
The train leaves DRW at 0900 and arrives into ADL 2 days later at 1310 and makes two stops for around 4 hours each in Katherine and Alice Springs.
As we were travelling Gold Class we were collected from our hotel (Platinum Class too) at 0715 (for a 0900) departure. It should be noted the station is a 20 minute drive from downtown DRW and is out by the port. On arrival at the station the coach was met by staff who weighed and tagged all the luggage to be checked in. Individuals only required to be present to identify their luggage. They were very strict on the 20kg weight restriction making those who exceeded repack and put excess into bags provided. Much to the disgust of some (not from our coach) - although it clearly states this will happen on the tickets.
After all this had been done we were then driven to the train and dropped off at the requisite carriage door. The train is long 25 cars and DRW is humid - so a nice touch.
We were welcomed by our carriage attendant and made our way to our cabin. Bijou and compact. All the facilities one needs with no space wasted. A short while later we were introduced to the facilities by the attendant - inlcuding how to operate the toilet. If you have travelled on either this or the Indian Pacific you'll know what I mean. If not use your imagination.
As the Gold section was full two meals sittings were required and the gold manager came through and gave out sittings we got our request of late sittings. Brekkie at 0830, lunch at 1200 (although only had lunch on day 1) and dinner at 2000. It is worth noting that the ripe old age of 40 is young in comparison to the majority of the clientele hence no problem in getting the late sittings.
After all this had happened we made our way to the lounge car, cabins are for sleeping and washing in, and made ourselves comfortable. Soon the bar opened and we booked a helicopter trip of the Katerine Gorge - good to get their early and avoid satnding in a queue and also ensures you get the trip desired as some did sell out. Specially the ones involving not much physical activity. The temperature in Katherine was a pleasant 39 degsC.
Shortly after lunch we arrived in Katherine, well at the station, which is near Katherine. Off we went to our transfer and were deposited at the helicopter pad. The waiting area was shaded but otherwise open to the elements - I'm politely trying to say there was no aircon. We were last out of 4 groups to go - but I have to say it was worth the wait. Spectacular views of the whole 13 gorges making up the system.
Back to the train and on to Alice. The next 17ish hours would be on the train. However all was well. Bar was open and drinks were not overpriced and a good selection. One thing that really peeved me was the majority of the 'walking dead'[}:)] didn't change for dinner. I changed into jeans, a shirt and shoes. And I feel shorts and thongs (flip flops)[:0] are not appropriate in Gold Class - the dress code said smart casual and the train was fully airconditioned. It must be a British thing v and Aussie thing.
When we came out of dinner at 2130 the lounge car was empty and on chatting to the staff found this is not unusual. Apparently the wd need their sleep.
In Alice we did another helicopter trip this time to Simpsons Gap - again superb. Maybe be even better as this helicopter had the windows removed so could take photos more clearly.
All the meals were very good and plentiful and the on baord staff were very frindly, efficient and always helpful and made you feel at home.
When we got home the OH decreed travelling by train was now acceptable and wouldn't mind trying the Indian Pacific.
If anyone has any specific questions about the trip pm me.