On track through the Australian outback

The train gently rolls from one edge of the continent, through the vast and deserted outback and finishes in subtropics at the other end in an amazing three-day trip.

Looking out the window at all these differing landscapes is mesmerizing. No wonder the Ghan is on the bucket list of many an Australian.

At some point, you have to take your eyes off the window and check out the train.

My travelling companion and I were one of the lucky ones who were staying in the platinum section. Our private cabin had plush carpet and was tastefully lined with Tasmanian Oak panelling and matching ottoman.

You get a view from both sides of the train from platinum seats and a Great Southern Rail attendant is available all the time.

The attendant brings you refreshments such as a glass of Australian sparkling wine to welcome you aboard. She also turns down your bed and sets out chocolates and liqueurs.

The level of cabin below platinum is called gold service. These cabins aren't as roomy but still private and comfortable with twin berths. Platinum- and gold-service passengers receive all-inclusive meals in an elegant dining car.

The a-la-carte choices included local fare such as saltwater barramundi, grilled kangaroo steaks and quandong flan, all prepared by on-board chefs. (Quandong is a fruit found in the outback.)

There was rarely a quiet moment in the lounge during the evening as some Australian passengers entertained with lighthearted humour and little-known facts about exactly what we were seeing out the train.

"The termite mounds always face north and south," said Peter, a sheep farmer from a huge acreage near Perth.

He was right. This type of termite always build their mounds pointing north to provide cooling during the summer as there's always a side out of the sun.

The cheap seats on the Ghan are called red service. The red cars - at the far end of the train - are reminiscent of tour buses, except the seats have a bit more floor space and are better reclining. Passengers share showers and washrooms. Meals are available for purchase in a cafeteria. The red seats are where you will find the backpackers.

The Ghan, pronounced by Aussies as rhyming with can, has a history going back to 1929 when it was the unreliable supply route from Adelaide to Alice Springs, the centre of the arid outback.

The Ghan gets its name from Afghan cameleers who took up the slack by bringing supplies along stretches of the route before the rail line was completely built. The old rail line was made of narrow-gauge track with wood rails and situated near water sources because a steam engine needs water. But the old rail line was prone to flooding out and rot by termites.

Australian Outback Solar Eclipse Tour with ... - Adventure.Travel

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Join us for the trip of a lifetime as we view the longest total solar eclipse until 2016 from one of the most remarkable bioregions of the world, the northeastern coast of Queensland, Australia. Bringing together nature, culture, and the cosmic, this unique travel adventure offers a culturally and ecologically sensitive experience of this ancient land and its people while providing opportunities to give back to both in a sustainable way.

There are few opportunities in life that match the wonder, mystery, and beauty of experiencing a total eclipse of the sun. For thousands of years people have been awestruck by the feeling of standing in the moon’s shadow, even if for a few brief minutes. For many, it is truly a magical experience, and one many remember vividly for the rest of their lives.

As with all Elevate Destinations travel experiences, our journey combines the highest standard in sustainable travel with opportunities for authentic contact and interaction with local environments and cultures. For us, travel is more than responsible tourism – it is a transformative journey that benefits both travelers and the destinations that host them.

Trip leader, Stephan Martin, is an astronomer, educator, and author who has participated in scientific expeditions around the world to observe and study solar eclipses. Currently Assistant Professor of Astronomy at Bristol Community College in southeastern Massachusetts, he frequently lectures and gives presentations on astronomy and the wonders of the night sky at educational centers, planetariums, and other popular venues around the country. He is an avid traveler with an interest in the environment and the rich diversity of nature and culture around the globe. His 2010 book Cosmic Conversations explores interdisciplinary perspectives on the universe through interviews with scientists, spiritual leaders, indigenous elders, and cultural creatives.

On the outskirts of Kuranda, in the heart of the Tablelands, Amaroo offers one of the best locations for eclipse viewers. The pristine 50-acre property, at the top of a ridge, has unobstructed 360° views and almost no man-made structures nor lights in view. Backing onto World Heritage Rainforest, there is a spectacular sunrise over the Barron River. The property is located within a few miles of the center line of the zone of totality at Latitude 16 degrees, 48 minutes, 4.2588 seconds. Near to the easternmost point of the eclipse, viewers at this location will see the eclipse for its maximum time period — in excess of 2 minutes (weather permitting).

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