Our Great Southern Railways journeys commenced at 10:10pm on Saturday August 20, when we boarded the Overland to take us to Adelaide for our connection with the Ghan. Spencer Street Station looked like a bombsite! (Have they forgotten about the Commonwealth Games next year?) The carriages were old, tired, and, once under way, noisy! Breakfast was one size fits all! We had bacon, eggs, sausages, and tomatoes with toast and tea or coffee. That was it. No choices! We arrived in Adelaide at 8am. The Ghan was scheduled to depart at 5:15pm but was delayed, as a smoker left the train for a quick fix when visitors were asked to leave. The doors were locked and they then had to work out how to get her back on! (Smoking is certainly a hazard, isn't it?)
The late departure translated into a late arrival in the Alice, 12:15pm instead of 11:55am. It was no big deal really. The service in Gold Kangaroo class and the standard of the carriages was well above that experienced on the Overland. Plastic laminate was replaced with wood panelling and loosely fitting bunks on the Overland were gone. Bunks had secure ladders and locked securely into place to ensure a minimum on rattling. However, if you get a choice, aim for a middle cabin. Those over the bogies get a lot of track noise and more movement.
Meals were superb. There was a choice of entrees, mains, and desserts and sufficient variety to satisfy any taste. The dining car was well appointed and all tables had a vase of fresh flowers. Nice touch!
Gold Kangaroo travellers also received a lapel badge, certificate, and daily newsletter. More important, though, for those travelling direct from Adelaide to Darwin, a lunch visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park was included. We broke our journey for a 2-week tour around the Alice, so we had to get to the Desert Park on our own. Not cheap, but worth the effort!
Transfers from the train to Darwin City were also included. It was very handy, as Red Kangaroo travellers had to either find a taxi or a shuttle bus.
We met up with a couple that made the journey all the way from Adelaide in the day/night seating. No sleep! We had ordinary food at a premium price, and, with a full carriage of sitters, it was quite noisy. They would not recommend it!
We regard a trip such as this a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and as such, we wanted to do it in style. Our advice? Pay the extra for the Gold Kangaroo experience!