AUSTRALIA by rail. The mighty Indian Pacifi c The Legendary Ghan Queenslander Class on The Sunlander

Transcription

1 The mighty Indian Pacifi c The Legendary Ghan Queenslander Class on The Sunlander by rail The innovative Tilt Train Brisbane to Cairns CountryLink XPT & XPLORER New South Wales Australian Rail Tours

2 WELCOME Do you dream about experiencing the real Australia? Of witnessing its vast and diverse landscapes; delving into its rich culture and heritage; meeting its characters; and sharing your adventures with fellow travellers? A rail holiday will help you experience more of Australia than you ever thought possible. Every minute spent aboard one of Australia s numerous trains is a revelation. Lose yourself in the view as you pass through an ever-changing landscape - from the verdant green of dense tropical rainforest to the rich reds of rugged Outback plains. INDIAN PACIFIC As the name implies, the Indian Pacific gives you two oceans on one of the world s longest and greatest train journeys. But most of your cruising will be across the vast continent of Australia. From the spectacular Blue Mountains to the treeless plains of The Nullarbor, you will see unique landscapes unfold and spot a fascinating array of wildlife from the comfort of the lounge or your cabin. The Indian Pacific, or IP as it is affectionately known to train buffs, has travelled more than 30 million kilometres and carried around 2.9 million guests since its inaugural transcontinental journey on 23 February The journey from Sydney to Perth covers 4352kms and in either direction you ll have three nights aboard the great train. There are many things to see along the way as you cross this vast continent. And you can get up close and personal and see many of them when you enjoy one of the optional whistle stop sightseeing tours. The great train offers these tours during scheduled stops at Broken Hill, Adelaide and gold rich Kalgoorlie. A remote outpost on the Nullarbor Plain called Cook, population 4, presents a further opportunity to stretch your legs. All along the Indian Pacific route, keep your eyes peeled for a sighting of the magnificent Australian wedge tailed eagle, the symbol of this great train. Its wingspan of up to two metres will make it easy to spot in a clear desert sky. 2 INDIAN PACIFIC

3 DARWIN N W E S Broome NORTHERN TERRITORY Normanton Croydon Kuranda CAIRNS Great Barrier Reef Mt. Isa Townsville Indian PERTH WESTERN Kalgoorlie Nullarbor Plain Kings Canyon Ayers Rock / Olgas SOUTH LONGEST STRAIGHT STRETCH OF TRACK IN THE WORLD Cook ALICE SPRINGS Tarcoola Port Augusta Longreach QUEENSLAND Charleville NEW SOUTH Casino Moree Armidale WALES Tamworth Broken Hill Dubbo Rockhampton BRISBANE Byron Bay Great Australian Bight ADELAIDE SYDNEY SOUTHERN OCEAN Kangaroo Island MELBOURNE CANBERRA Pacific THE GHAN Named after the Afghan camel drivers, The Ghan is an odd name for a train, but in Australian history it is a living legend. That legend has soared to new heights with the extension of The Ghan journey to Darwin. When The Ghan first departed Adelaide for Alice Springs on 4 August 1929, it was always intended that it would one day travel through to Darwin. More than 70 years on in 2004, that dream became a reality. Boarding The Ghan in Adelaide for Darwin, with connections to the Indian Pacific and The Overland for guests travelling to or from Sydney and Melbourne, you ll experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. You ll have 2 nights aboard this great train to marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes; from the rusty reds of the MacDonnell Ranges surrounding a town called Alice, gateway to Ayers Rock and the Red Centre, then north to Tennant Creek, Katherine and the tropical splendour of Darwin. Whistle stop touring opportunities at Alice Springs and Katherine (extra cost payable en route) provide the chance to explore the landscapes and encounter some of the unique desert flora and fauna. Guests are able to break their journey in Alice Springs and then rejoin The Ghan to travel on to Darwin or Adelaide and pay only the regular Adelaide to Darwin fare (conditions apply). THE GHAN 3

4 INDIAN PACIFIC / THE GHAN SUMMARY OF ONBOARD SERVICES Your choice of the services available on the Indian Pacific and The Ghan. The great trains cater for every taste and budget. Gold Kangaroo Service Well appointed day and overnight sleeper accommodation. Private Ensuite facilities in all Twin Rooms. Stylish Restaurant Car dining is included in your fare. Freshly prepared, nutritious meals with waiter service. Hot canapés served in the Lounge to all Moonlight dinner guests & delicious petitfours served to Sunset dinner guests. Lounge and Bar Car for relaxation, refreshment and video entertainment. Newspapers and board games available too. Gold Kangaroo Service Reception complimentary glass of champagne or orange juice. Dedicated cabin steward service. Complimentary welcome kit in cabin. Music channels and detailed journey commentary selected from your own sound system. Complimentary toiletries kit. Daily On-Track newsletters delivered to your cabin. Commemorative train certificate upon disembarking. Complimentary on-board magazine & pin. Complimentary tea and coffee available 24 hours a day. One double size Deluxe Cabin featuring Double and Single bed, lounge and own bar / video is also available at a surcharge. Single cabins are fitted with wash basins, shower and toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage. Red Kangaroo Sleeper Cabin Comfortable twin share day cabin converting to sleeping berths at night. Seating comprises two facing lounge chairs. Private washing facilities in your cabin. Access to the Red Kangaroo Diner offering tasty light meals and snacks for purchase. Access to the Red Kangaroo Lounge offering relaxation and video entertainment. Alcoholic beverages and soft-drinks for purchase. Toilets and shower facilities (share). Complimentary on-board magazine. Red Kangaroo Daynighter Seat Comfortable recliner lounge chairs with generous leg room and individual reading light. Access to the Red Kangaroo Diner offering light meals, snacks and drinks for purchase. Access to the Red Kangaroo Lounge (dress codes apply). Video entertainment. Shower and toilet facilities (share). Please note that pillows and blankets are not supplied. THE OVERLAND The Overland pioneered inter-capital rail travel between two of Australia s most cosmopolitan cities. Melbourne and Adelaide, over 100 years ago. The century old name was derived from the affectionate term Overlander, an adventurer who had travelled across the country. Today, this historic train continues to provide a convenient and comfortable way to travel between these two cities. The Overland offers a daylight service between Adelaide, the gateway to many 4 THE OVERLAND wine producing regions and Melbourne the home to many sporting events and outstanding shopping. Two levels of service are offered to guests being; Red Premium Service and Red Service. Red Premium Service offers more leg room & access to comfort items such as pillows and blankets, with meals and beverages purchased from the trolley service. Red Service offers all guests access to the Cafe Carriage for meals and beverage purchase. Should guests wish to watch movies; DVD players can be hired. The Overland provides connections* in Adelaide with the Indian Pacifi c, allowing a trans-continental journey from Perth to Melbourne and vice versa, and also with The Ghan, extending the journey through the heart of Australia to Alice Springs/ Darwin. *(Connections in Adelaide require a minimum of 1 night stopover - additional cost.

5 N RAIL TOURS Discover Australia with an Independent Rail Tour. Our carefully constructed itineraries ensure you visit all the must see locations. Tours incude hotel accommodation, selected meals, guided tours and depending on your choice of tour, travel on the Indian Pacifi c, The Ghan, The Sunlander and the Tilt Train. SPLENDOURS OF THE WEST AND SOUTH * 10 days / 9 nights Experience Western Australia including a morning tour around Perth, the Port of Fremantle and a Swan River Cruise. Journey on the Indian Pacifi c in Gold Kangaroo Service to South Australia and be stunned by the beauty of Kangaroo Island. SPLENDOURS OF CENTRAL * 5 days / 4 nights If you d like to see the very best of The Red Centre in a short space of time, this sensational rail journey package is the perfect choice. KANGAROO ISLAND & THE TOP END* 10 days / 9 nights Experience the best of both worlds with a Kangaroo Island wildlife adventure plus an amazing train journey through the Top End. THE GHAN OUTBACK OPAL SAFARI* 10 days / 9 nights This sensational tour is full of hidden treasures, from the natural wonders of the outback to the gemstones of Australia s world famous opal fi elds. *All tours are small groups, maximum of 15 guests. Organised transfers throughout the itineraries. Accommodation is in superior hotels. For further information on these & other tour options please ask your Australian rail consultant for our dedicated Rail Tours brochure. THE GREAT AUSSIE OUTBACK DISCOVERY* 9 days / 8 nights There s no other holiday like it anywhere in the world when you discover Australia s most iconic outback attractions on The Legendary Ghan. For full details and other tour options Longreach Rockhampton Fraser?Island CountryLink XPT & XPLORER Moree Armidale Broken?Hill Tamworth Dubbo Casino Grafton Coffs?Harbour Griffith CountryLink?XPT CountryLink?XPLORER Pacific CountryLink XPT The CountryLink XPT operates passenger services between Sydney and Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, Sydney and Grafton and Sydney and Dubbo. On-board facilities include a buffet car with a seasonal menu of hot and cold meals and light refreshments. CountryLink XPLORER Servicing some of the most scenic areas of regional New South Wales, the CountryLink XPLORER travels on daylight journeys between Sydney and Canberra, Sydney and Tamworth, Sydney and Armidale, Sydney and Moree, Sydney and Griffi th and Sydney and Broken Hill, in the unique New South Wales outback. Seasonal fares apply. SO MANY WAYS TO GO 5

6 THE SUNLANDER Step aboard Queenslander Class on The Sunlander and be treated to an unforgettable experience along Queensland s stunning coastline. Comfort, flexibility and a great social atmosphere have made The Sunlander one of Australia s great journeys and a firm favourite with travellers between Brisbane and Cairns. This scenic journey, which snakes its way along north-eastern Australia s coastline several times a week, offers travel options to suit every traveller from the most discerning to the budget conscious. If you crave the creature comforts, Queenslander Class is the only way to travel. Your experience begins before the train even leaves the station with a warm welcome from the Queenslander Class staff who will cater to your every need throughout your journey. Once onboard, you ll find your compartment offers all the comforts of home as well as a host of special extras to delight even the most discerning traveller. This premium, all-inclusive style of travel features twin berth accommodation, fine dining in an exclusive restaurant car, entertainment and local commentary, personalised service, and a host of special touches to make your journey a memorable one. If you prefer a simpler style of travel, The Sunlander offers single, twin and triple berth sleeping compartments and coach-style seating, all providing access to tasty meals and refreshing drinks. Whichever way you choose to travel, you re guaranteed the same wonderful view and Sunlander-style of hospitality. Queenslander Class discover this classic rail experience which delivers: Personalised Maitre D service Sociable, relaxed atmosphere in the lounge car Dining experience featuring fine Australian cuisine Two-berth sleeping compartment including vanity with washbasin, wardrobe and mirror and bedside reading lights plus a host of special extras. Entertainment and commentary during your journey. SPIRIT OF THE OUTBACK Discover a land of contrasts where razor sharp ridges meet dusty sun burnt plains. This fascinating 24-hour journey between Brisbane and Longreach offers a unique insight into the history and culture of early Australia, combined with interesting commentary, a social atmosphere and an authentic dining experience. From the comfort of your sleeper or seat, you ll wonder at the ever-changing landscape as the train moves from the coast into the heart of the Outback with its rugged mountains, wide-open plains and historic towns. Onboard dining is an experience in itself with the restaurant car serving hearty Aussie meals, while the club and lounge cars are ideal for a relaxed drink and chinwag with fellow passengers. So jump aboard the Spirit of the Outback and discover the real Australia. 6 BY RAIL

7 TILT TRAIN Discover Queensland s coastal delights in modern comfort aboard Australia s innovative Tilt Train services. Accessing the tropical wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns is a breeze with the Tilt Train s North Queensland services. Travelling between Brisbane and Cairns in each direction, the Tilt Train features wide, reclining business seats and personal entertainment systems offering 12 channels of late release movies, lifestyle television and audio programming. Heron Island, and turtle hatching near Bundaberg. Travelling between Brisbane and Rockhampton, the state-of-the-art Tilt Train offers a choice of economy and business seating. Wherever you re heading, you ll arrive in better shape on the Tilt Train. Jump aboard a Tilt Train service to Bundaberg or Rockhampton and in as little as three hours you could be enjoying some of Queensland s best holiday experiences, including whale watching off Hervey Bay, the spectacular lakes and rainforests of Fraser Island, the Great Barrier Reef off THE WESTLANDER THE INLANDER Where golden sunsets melt away to reveal an endless galaxy of stars. Discover the pioneering spirit of Australia. This scenic journey from Brisbane, across the Great Dividing Range and through the rich farmlands of the Darling Downs & on to Charleville, the largest town in southwest Queensland. Enjoy a comfortable journey in a choice of sleeper or seat, with a welcoming club car offering appetising meals and te chance to meet fellow travellers. A historic journey from the tropical city of Townsville to the mining centre of Mount Isa. The Inlander offers the opportunity to experience the heritage and natural treasures of North Queensland s rugged, yet beautiful inland. Enjoy air-conditioned comfort, whilst travelling through Charters Towers, across the Great Divind Range and through the mining towns of Hughenden and Julia Creek before being delivered into the heart of Australia. There is plenty to do once you reach your destination. Ask your Australian Rail Consultant for touring opportunities. SO MANY WAYS TO GO 7

8 N PASSES The Australian rail network is vast and extensive, and provides a real opportunity to travel and experience Australia in comfort and safety. The quickest way to check prices*, fares and schedules is to visit our website *Prices are subject to change due to currency fl uctuations. BACKTRACKER RAIL PASS The Backtracker pass allows you to see a vibrant cross section of Australia from the dynamic cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to quaint country towns, this pass covers the best of the city and country. This pass is valid for unlimited travel between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and all of New South Wales on all CountryLink services and connecting CountryLink coaches. This pass is also valid for selected Sydney CityRail services. Validity Consecutive Pass 14 days, 1,3 or 6 months. RAIL EXPLORER PASS formerly Great Southern Railway Pass This pass offers a fl exible inexpensive way to experience the vast continent of Australia, including two of the all time great train journeys The Ghan and the Indian Pacifi c. Experience the ever-changing, distinctive Australian landscape, from the magnifi cent Ayers Rock to the wilderness wetlands of Kakadu National Park, to the barren treeless plains of the Nullarbor you can see it all. This pass gives you unlimited travel throughout the Great Southern Railway Network with as many stopovers as you wish! Validity Consecutive Pass 6 months EAST COAST DISCOVERY PASS This grand journey spans Eastern Australia s breathtaking coastline covering the cosmopolitan centres of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to the tropical splendour of Queensland s far north. This pass is valid for travel on Mainline CountryLink, Queensland Rail, East Coast Rail and Integrated Coach services in one direction only, either North to South or South to North, with as many stopovers as you like! Validity Consecutive Pass 6 months AUSTRAIL FLEXIPASS This pass is perfect for those wanting to see as much of Australia as possible at an unhurried pace. Combining the Backtracker, the East Coast Discovery & the Rail Explorer Pass, this pass does it all. With the three major rail networks of Australia, this pass offers the possibility of travelling all over the country. From the far north to the outback, to Sydney, Perth, Darwin, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, experience legendary trains like The Sunlander, The Indian Pacifi c and The Ghan Validity Flexipass- 15 or 22 days within 6 months Indian PERTH Kalgoorlie Broome WESTERN Nullarbor Plain SOUTHERN DARWIN NORTHERN TERRITORY Kings Canyon Ayers Rock / Olgas SOUTH LONGEST STRAIGHT STRETCH OF TRACK IN THE WORLD Cook Great Australian Bight OCEAN ALICE SPRINGS Tarcoola Port Augusta Kangaroo Island Normanton Croydon Mt. Isa Longreach QUEENSLAND ADELAIDE Kuranda Townsville Charleville MELBOURNE W CAIRNS Great Barrier Reef NEW SOUTH Casino Moree Armidale WALES Tamworth Broken Hill Dubbo CANBERRA N S Rockhampton SYDNEY E BRISBANE Pacific Byron Bay For further information and bookings Level 1, Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand t (09) f (09) outside AKL e info@ozrail.co.nz BY RAIL