The Ghan, Australia’s historic locomotive, is introducing the superior Platinum Service later this year.
Tony Braxton-Smith, CEO of the Great Southern Rail (GSR), which operates the iconic journey, says: “Platinum cabins will be approximately twice the size of our standard Gold Twin cabins with each room offering deluxe accommodation, including double beds, spacious ensuite and 24-hour room service. They will have all the modern comforts in a classical style with a distinctly Australian character.
“This new service level is in addition to our existing Red and Gold Services, which will continue to operate on The Ghan. This means the train will now cater to all budgets from Red Service, the most economical way to travel through to Gold Service for those holidaymakers who want to travel in comfort and now the deluxe offering of the new Platinum Service.”
Details of The Ghan’s latest innovation are still under wraps as the luxury boat builder commissioned to interpret the new floor design completes the project.
The first journey with the Platinum Service is expected to commence later this year.
The Ghan, which derives its name from the Afghans who led the camel trains, started operating from Adelaide to Alice Springs in 1927 when the Alice Springs rail extension was completed. It would take at least three quarters of a century before tracks were laid all the way to Darwin. That happened in 2004 when The Ghan went on its first 2,979-kilometre journey from Adelaide to Darwin in about 48 hours.
To coincide with the launch, GSR has conceived the Platinum VIP Club where membership is free and perks include priority access to purchase tickets before they go on public sale. Members will also receive a regular newsletter. To join, one must fill in a simple form available at www.gsr.com.au/platinum
