The Ghan: Tracing Australia’s Rail Legacy from Early Explorers to Modern Marvels

Railways weave through our world like arteries, connecting us to previously untouchable horizons. The story of rail transport traces back to early Neolithic England, where the Sweet Track causeway, a significant early form of rail transport, guided some of the world's first explorers across nearly 1.25 mi (2 km) of wet reed swamp in the Bruce Valley west of Glastonbury, Somerset.

Rail transport continued to evolve until roaring steam-powered locomotives kicked off the dawn of the 19th century. Innovation in electric and diesel-powered locomotives followed, eventually leading to high-speed trains capable of racing across continents in mere hours. The profound and far-reaching impact of the advent of rail travel on the world is detailed in the vast and remote Aussie Outback, told across 1,851 mi (2,979 km) of storied railroad tracks.

The Ghan is an iconic symbol of Australian exploration and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the country's history. Taming Australia's arid and often unforgiving Red Centre, The Ghan offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with this extraordinary corner of the globe, watching everchanging landscapes and culture unfold from the comfort of one of the world's most remarkable rail journeys.

Tales of Early Explorers

It's almost easy to take the ease and accessibility of travel today for granted. Still, only 150 years ago, places like Australia's outback were wild frontiers explorers yearned to discover.

Countless European settlers and newcomers flocked to this extraordinary island continent since James Cook first contacted the Aboriginal people of Australia's eastern coast in April 1770, some navigating their way into the pages of history. Robert O'Hara Burke and William Wills were the first to cross Australia from south to north before tragically dying only days apart in 1861 on the return journey due to a lack of supplies, harsh conditions, and the loss of several other members of their party.

Scottish explorer John McDouall Stuart followed in the footsteps of the Burke and Wills Expedition, leading six expeditions into the outback, including the first successful south-to-north crossing. Stuart's route laid much of the groundwork for what would eventually become The Ghan Railway.

A five-star luxury adventure rail journey from Darwin to Adelaide only became possible with the dedication and contributions of the country's early explorers and the invaluable knowledge of the Aboriginal Peoples, the original stewards of the land.

Afghan Cameleers

21 years before the Burke and Wills expedition, another of Australia's most iconic explorers landed ashore in South Australia. Harry was the only one of his six party members to survive their voyage from northwest Africa to Port Adelaide. He's also the first camel to set foot in Australia.

Harry was brought to Australia by English pastoralist John Ainsworth in 1839. Ainsworth was one of the first European settlers in South Australia's Clare Valley, founding the village of Penwortham a year later. Harry's and Ainsworth's relationship ended quite dramatically in 1846, however, when Harry accidentally set off a rifle, fatally wounding Ainsworth.

Harry's story and the story of The Ghan may seem unrelated, but if it were not for Harry, the pioneering Afghan cameleers integral to the development of The Ghan Railway would be without their most trusted companions.

Beginning in the 1860s, groups of cameleers were shipped to and from Australia to service inland Australia. Better suited to desert climates than horses, camels were used as the primary transporters of goods across the outback for nearly 150 years. These Afghan cameleers played a significant role in developing infrastructure projects across inland Australia, including the Australian Overland Telegraph and the Central Australian Railway, The Ghan's original route.

The Ghan embarked on its inaugural journey in 1929, carrying over 100 passengers on a historic two-day journey from Adelaide to Stuart (Alice Springs). The legacy of the Afghan outback pioneers is integral to The Ghan's history and success—a legacy carried on by both name and hundreds of thousands of camels still roaming the outback today.

Enduring Legacy in War and Peace

The early days of The Ghan were a testament to Aussie resilience, as it powered through extreme conditions, hauling passengers and cargo across the continent. The service, once notorious for delays, faced flash flooding, washouts, and intense desert heat, often forcing the crew and passengers to repair the line. Legend has it, that The Ghan was once stranded for two weeks, leaving the engine driver to shoot wild goats to feed his passengers.

Despite the predictably uncertain service, The Ghan began operating weekly from Adelaide to Alice Springs, bringing more people than ever to the heart of the outback, reaching new levels in response to World War II. Like the millions of Australians who answered the call at home and away, The Ghan became a crucial element in supporting the Allies' war efforts against the Axis Powers.

The Ghan carried almost 200,000 servicemen for training and deployment during the war, putting immense strain on the service. However, countless dedicated Australians rose to the challenge, expanding the service to meet the increased demand. The busiest time in The Ghan's history was 1944, when up to 247 trains ran weekly. The stories of the brave Australian servicemen and the story of The Ghan are forever intertwined, defining the character of a nation in one of the most extraordinarily demanding times in its history.

The Ghan continued to serve as a crucial artery for goods and people travelling through Australia's interior, playing a vital role in developing major industries, including mining, transportation, and agriculture, throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The advent of diesel engines marked a significant transformation for The Ghan, allowing it to modify its route to a less gruelling journey through Taracoola instead. The completion of the Alice Springs to Darwin rail link in 1980 was another milestone, shaping The Ghan into its current form, initially conceptualized back in 1911.

Today, The Ghan stands as a testament to Australia's pioneering spirit of exploration, taking people from around the world on a journey through the country's history and across its storied Red Centre. Each trip aboard The Ghan's iconic red train cars offers an unforgettable opportunity to watch the almost two centuries of history and extraordinary scenery unfold in luxurious comfort.