Getting going on the Ghan

Wednesday 4 July

Well here we are, finally_ on the Ghan. We took a taxi right to the station as we had been advised to by the nice man at Central Station. What a good move that turned out to
were dropped off rght at the door of the terminal.  Although it seemed like we were getting there early, it wasn't really and we avoided the rush at the end.
After coffee at the station, Mary and Alan took us to our sleeper.  Campervan expeditions have us well prepared for this. It is a very tiny space, but every bit of space is reallynwell used.  The passage is wiggly liked a snake so that a hand basin is included in each cabin.
Oprah is very excited anda wants the top bunk.  I am going to have the bottom bunk cause it is near the window and I will be able to see out the window when the sun comes up.

The train is really long 27 carriages, 3 car trailers and 2 engines.  Most of the carriages  are gold class.  This surprised Mary, but on checking it out, pensioners (aussies only) get a really good discount in gold.  Ther are a few platinum cabins as well, but you need a bank loan to go in one of those. We are in red class, with a YHA discount whichis quite worth having as well.
The lounge car is really nice and has lots of comfortable chairsnand tables.  The people in cattle class are only allowed in here if they pay extra, and a couple have. Apart from that it is for  the use of the red sleeper passengers. You can order meals in the Matilda dining car and take them back to the longe to eat.

Sometimes the train goes really slowly and even stops for long periods of time to let goods trains past as it is pretty much a single track right up the middle of Oz.  The pace is slow, smooth and restful.

The big people have drunk quite a lot of wine as there is not a lot else to do.