DAY AND NIGHT ON THE GHAN

DAY AND NIGHT ON THE GHAN December 7 and 8, 2011 A bright, blue sky hangs  over Darwin's Ghan Station, only open since 2004 when the Ghan had it's inaugural journey to Australia's most northern outpost.  Greeted by friendly Ghan staffers, our Gold Service boarding was swift and easy.  Delighted to find the roomy cabins  with newly renovated in-suite shower and toilet.  The cabins have electrical  units for recharging iPhone and laptop and a safety deposit box for security. For the Whistle Stop tour at Katherine we selected the Gorge Boat Cruise priced at $85AUD. From the Scenic Gorge Flight to a Katherine Town Shuttle, there are eleven other tours for guests to see more of Australia along the way. The train is moving and We're Off on the route the Afghan camel drivers trekked over 150 years ago in Outback Australia.  I'm excited. There's nothing like the magic and the romance of a relaxing ride on the rails with First Class service, gourmet dining and magical scenery.  Exploring the train from Gold Service cabin we found the Queen Adelaide Dining Room nearby where diners select Early or Late meal times.  Eager for lunch as the aroma from the galley is tempting.  Peeking in, the chef is busy at work. The linen set tables exhibit more cutlery than probably needed.  The newly refurbished Lounge Car has plenty of sofas, chairs and tables to enjoy a drink while the picture windows are flooded with the amazing Outback landscape of Eucalyptus, palms, and vast mystical horizon. At Katherine we boarded motor coaches to the Nitmiluk Gorge where we climbed into guided vessel for a float past sandstone cliffs that have been formed for thousands of years. On an occasional sandy bank we spotted crocs 'sleeping in the Sun'.  The second gorge, Katherine, afforded even more ageless rock walls and a variety of fauna used for centuries by the clans for medicine and food.  Back on board for a fresh shower and change for dinner.  Sonja, the Social Hostess, held a champagne reception in the Lounge and talked a bit about the Ghan and Indian Pacific.  Several of the guests had previously travelled on both and I can see why.  It's the magic.  Though The Ghan is gorgeous and comfortable, the Indian Pacific was just rated in the World's Top Ten Luxury Train Rides. Our dinner was the second seating at eight o'clock.  The menu choices looked delicious.  Selecting the Creamy Pumpkin Soup, Grain Fed Fillet of Beef with Truffle White Potatoes, Braised Red Capsicum and French Beans and a bottle of Pepper Jack Cabernet, we settled in for a wonderful five star dining experience with Presentation fitting the service.  Opting out on dessert we selected an Australian Cheese Plate of Jindi Brie and Blue, Maffra Cheddar served with a Glacé Fig and Lavosh.  Lingering over our fine dinner, we left the dinning car after ten in search of the night sky out the windows.   A dome car would be perfect for this ride.  Back at the cabin the comfy bed was fully made and ready for a night rolling through this magical land.  The gentle rocking of The Ghan made sleeping easy and restful.   Didn't want it to be sunrise as the pink started to peek through the window.  I grabbed a complimentary coffee always ready at the end of our Gold Card and headed for the lounge to enjoy more of the incredible views before breakfast and our arrival into Alice Springs.