The Ghan: Australia’s greatest train journey

The Ghan is the name of the kilometre long train taking passengers from Adelaide to Darwin in the north, via Alice Springs.

The Ghan was originally known as the Afghan Express and it takes its name from the 19th century Afghan camel drivers who arrived in Australia and helped to explore the countries remote interior.

Even today, there are parts of the interior where a horse will not survive and so camels are still in use in some areas.

Although construction began in 1878, the line wasn’t completed until 1929, three years after development reached Alice Springs in 1926. Following on from his original name, the remaining leg of the journey was made by camel until the line was eventually completed.

Plans were made to extend the railway all the way to Darwin, however the Ghan was not making enough profit and these plans were put on hold. It wasn’t until as late as 2004 that the railway line was finally extended all the way to Darwin.

The earliest versions of the railway often experienced washouts and delays, which meant that the first flatcar behind the tender was always equipped with spare sleepers and tools so that crew and indeed even passengers, could repair the line and allow the train to continue its journey.

Despite the sub-par service, passengers tolerated these issues because it was the only route with enough water available to power steam trains.

The service expanded during World War II however, water supplies were limited and put under great pressure. De-mineralisation towers were built to enable the use of bore water and some of these towers survive to this day.

The need for water diminished as diesel began to replace steam and the line was redirected to a more reliable course between Alice Springs and Tarcoola.

The journey time is 54 hours and covers various scenic places in outback Australia. At certain strategic intervals, passengers are allowed to take excursions into the interior.

Passengers receive periodic commentary from the train staff about various events that have taken place historically in the area through which the train is currently passing.

Some places have had local tribes inhabiting a particular area for as long as 40,000 years.

The story of The Ghan is a reminder, for all aspiring Digital Nomads, that if you stay the course, despite the often irritating and inconvenient obstacles and delays that you may encounter, then you will reach your desired destination.

With Affiliate Marketing the Tracks to Success can often be similarly frustrating at times, but if you stick to your course, you will also experience a long and rewarding trip and experience!

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To your successful digital lifestyle.

Professor T.