Australia by rail The Ghan Indian Pacific The Overland The Sunlander Tilt Train The Inlander The Westlander The Spirit of the Outback Countrylink 2008
WELCOME THE GHAN & INDIAN PACIFIC Contents The Ghan 3 Indian Pacific 3 Levels of Service 4 The Overland 5 Great Southern Rail Holidays 6 The Sunlander 8 Tilt Train 8 The Inlander 9 The Westlander 9 The Spirit of the Outback 9 Countrylink 10 Rail Passes 11 Terms & Conditions 12 WELCOME More than simply a mode of transport, a train journey becomes an unforgettable holiday experience. 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. Whether you re relaxing in your private cabin or taking it easy in a comfortable seat, you can take the short stroll to the bar and settle into easy conversation with a fellow traveller, immerse yourself in a good book or enjoy an unhurried meal with new friends. After all, it s all about making your journey into a holiday. Hunter Valley, NSW THE GHAN & INDIAN PACIFIC Imagine waking up to see the sun rising over the Red Centre or watching the majestic Blue Mountains slide past the panoramic windows as you cross a land you ll never get over. Travel onboard The Ghan between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin and you are embarking on one of the great train journeys of the world. The Ghan will take you from one edge of this continent to the other, through the very centre of Australia over three remarkable days. Marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes from fertile countryside surrounding Adelaide to the rusty hues of the Red Centre, onto the tropical splendour of the Top End. The Indian Pacific takes guests from the Pacific Ocean and the heart of Sydney to Perth on the coast of the Indian Ocean in the West. The transcontinental journey travels 4,352 km s over three days, the mighty Indian Pacific offers guests the chance to relax, unwind and enjoy incredible contrasting landscapes, as its travels across Australia. From the spectacular Blue Mountains to the treeless plains of The Nullarbor desert, where the train travels the world s longest straight stretch of railway track (478 kilometres), see unique landscapes unfold and spot a fascinating array of wildlife from the comfort of the lounge or your cabin. Red Service Diner The Ghan over The Ferguson River Uluru, Northern Territory Perth, WA Whistle stop sightseeing tours are a great way to make the most out of your journey at a modest additional cost. Tours are offered in Alice Springs and Katherine for guests onboard The Ghan and in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Kalgoorlie and Perth for guests onboard the Indian Pacific. Gold Service on The Ghan The Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, NSW 2 CONTENTS THE GHAN & INDIAN PACIFIC 3
levels of service THE OVERLAND Gold Service lounge LEVELS OF SERVICE Travelling on either The Ghan or the mighty Indian Pacific, your holiday begins the moment you step aboard a choice of service levels offering travellers the opportunity to experience this remarkable land in a style that suits their taste and budget. Gold Service offers all the comfort, hospitality and facilities you need to make your train holiday a truly special and memorable experience. Gold Service guests will enjoy comfortable twin sleeper cabins with private ensuite or single sleepers with shared facilities, gourmet meals served in the Gold Service Restaurant Car featuring the freshest local ingredients and access to the exclusive Gold Service Lounge, an ideal place to socialise with your fellow guests, relax, read or enjoy a drink. For travellers seeking the most economical way to travel Australia by train Red Service offers excellent value, and a choice of accommodation options. Red Service Sleepers provide comfortable upper and lower berths with private wash basin and shared facilities while the Day/Nighter Seats are the most economical alternative offering reclining lounge style chairs with ample leg room. The Red Service Diner is fully licensed and offers affordable light meals, snacks and drinks for purchase. Gold Service Sleeper Cabin THE OVERLAND The Overland pioneered inter-capital rail travel over 100 years ago. Today there is no more relaxing way to enjoy the journey between Melbourne and Adelaide. Passing through classic Australian country towns The Overland provides a wonderful opportunity to relax in comfort, mingle with fellow travellers and delight in the ever changing countryside along the way. Guests have the choice of two levels of service. Red Service offers a value for money option with all the comforts you need, while Red Premium offers guests more space and greater room. Both service levels offer guests ample room to move around the train and stretch their legs. The licensed Café Carriage also provides the chance to meet your fellow travellers and socialise in a comfortable, friendly environment. The Overland links Melbourne with two of Australia s great trains; the mighty Indian Pacific which traverses this huge continent between Sydney and Perth, via Adelaide, and The Legendary Ghan, travelling between Adelaide and Darwin. The Overland opens up exciting train travel all over Australia from either Adelaide or Melbourne. The Twelve Apostles, Victoria The Barossa Valley, SA Red Service Day/Nighter Seats Inclusions - Your journey aboard The Ghan or Indian Pacific includes accommodation in your choice of Gold or Red Service Sleeper or Red Service Day/Nighter Seat, meals are included for Gold Service and for Red Service passengers can be purchased in the Red Service Diner. Departures - The Ghan departs from Adelaide on Sundays and Wednesdays and from Darwin on Wednesdays and Saturdays year round. The Indian Pacific departs from Sydney on Saturdays and Wednesdays and from Perth on Wednesdays and Sundays year round. Gold Service Cuisine Inclusions - Your journey aboard The Overland includes comfortable seating in either Red Premium Service or Red Service. Meals and beverages can be purchased onboard. Departures - The Overland is a daylight service operating three times a week between Adelaide and Melbourne in both directions. The Overland Red Service 4 LEVELS OF SERVICE THE OVERLAND 5
RAIL TOURS RAIL TOURS The Olgas, NT GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL HOLIDAYS There s no better way to travel than by train and with the following rail holidays you can combine your journey onboard The Ghan or Indian Pacific with all the best attractions on route for a truly memorable trip. xxxxxxxxx Splendours of Central Australia 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. Enjoy lunch onboard The Ghan as you head north from Adelaide. Wake to a desert sunrise before your arrival in Alice Springs. From Aboriginal art displays to the spectacular natural wonders of Kings Canyon, this region has something for everyone. Enjoy a sunset champagne tour to Kata Tjuta (Olgas) before retiring to the Ayers Rock Resort. Come morning, walk around the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) before relaxing at the base of this majestic monolith with your picnic breakfast. Package departs from Adelaide on Sundays or Darwin on Wednesdays year round. Kakadu National Park, NT 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 Ghan. This fantastic tour starts in the heart of The Red Centre where you will visit Kings Canyon, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the awe inspiring Kata Tjuta (Olgas). Continue north in the comfort of a Gold Service cabin aboard The Ghan to Katherine before arriving in Darwin, gateway to the many natural wonders of The Top End including the waterfalls and Aboriginal rock art of Litchfield National Park and the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Package departs from Alice Springs on Mondays year round. Kangaroo Island and 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. After a night in Adelaide take a flight over to Kangaroo Island. Experience an abundance of wildlife up close including koalas, wallabies, sea lions and a colony of 20,000 fur seals. Return to Adelaide with free time to explore before settling down in a Gold Service cabin aboard The Ghan bound for Alice Springs. Undoubtedly the feature attraction here is the sunrise walk around Uluru (Ayers Rock) however there is time to explore many more wonders including Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta (Olgas). Continue north on The Ghan with a short stop in Katherine before going on to Darwin s only 5 star beach side resort for your final night. Package departs from Adelaide on Thursdays year round. 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 fields. Enjoy Gold Service as you leave Darwin aboard The Ghan. Wake the next morning in Alice Springs with three days to discover the cultural sites, art galleries and spectacular natural wonders of Palm Valley, Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and Kings Canyon. Enjoy a sunset and sunrise at the majestic Uluru (Ayers Rock) before continuing on The Ghan to Coober Pedy. Visit a genuine opal mine and search for opals, tour the underground homes and experience the Outback Mail Run delivering mail to remote outposts. Your final night is back in the elegant city of Adelaide. Package departs from Darwin on Tuesdays year round. Splendours of the West and South Australia 10 days / 9 nights You won t believe how diverse the landscapes and attractions of Australia can be until you ve travelled across it on this great rail journey. Begin with a tour of Perth and the Port of Fremantle plus a Swan River cruise. Board the Indian Pacific and relax in your Gold Service cabin as you head east stopping in Kalgoorlie and Cook, one of the world s most isolated outposts. Enjoy a half day city tour of Adelaide before flying to Kangaroo Island, a true natural wonderland where you will see koalas, wallabies, sea lions and fur seals. Return to Adelaide and head off to the Barossa Valley to tour a selection of the region s famous wineries. Tour departs from Perth on Fridays and Mondays or from Adelaide on Tuesdays and Saturdays year round. Inclusions - Your rail holiday includes Gold Service aboard The Ghan and/or Indian Pacific, quality hotel accommodation, selected meals, city tours and sightseeing excursions and selected transfers. Departures - Tours depart a minimum of once weekly year round. Kakadu National Park, NT Kakadu National Park, NT Florence Falls, Lichfield National Park, NT 6 GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL HOLIDAYS GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL HOLIDAYS 7
QUEENSLAND RAIL QUEENSLAND RAIL The Sunlander QUEENSLAND RAIL The Sunlander Brisbane Cairns 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. 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 coachstyle 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. Hardy Reef, Great Barrier Reef Tilt Train Brisbane Cairns and Brisbane Rockhampton Discover Queensland s coastal delights in modern comfort aboard Australia s innovative Tilt Train services. Visit the tropical wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy whale watching off Hervey Bay or visit the spectacular lakes and rainforests of Fraser Island. The Tilt Train offers a choice of economy and business seating. Wherever you re heading, you ll arrive in better shape on the Tilt Train. Spirit of the Outback Brisbane - Longreach For a true Aussie adventure, jump aboard the Spirit of the Outback, a fascinating 1325km journey. A unique insight into the history and culture of early Australia, combined with interesting commentary and a friendly social atmosphere, make this the perfect start to any Outback holiday. The Westlander Brisbane - Charleville Discover the pioneering spirit of Australia s Outback with a journey aboard the Westlander. This scenic journey travels across the Great Dividing Range through the rich farmlands of the Darling Downs before arriving in Charleville, the largest town in south-west Queensland and gateway to a host of fabulous Outback experiences. Whale watching, Hervey Island Fraser Island, QSD Inclusions - Your journey aboard The Sunlander includes travel in your choice of sleeping compartment or seat. Queenslander Class on The Sunlander offers guests a personalised Maitre D service, private lounge car, fine dining, two-berth sleeping compartment and entertainment and commentary during your journey. Departures - The Sunlander departs from Brisbane on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and from Cairns on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday year round. Queenslander class not available from Brisbane on Tuesdays and from Cairns on Thursdays. The Inlander Townsville Mount Isa An 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. Tilt Train Inclusions - Your Queensland Rail journey includes comfortable seating in a choice of economy or business class seating, dependant on your itinerary. Meals and drinks are available for purchase enroute. Departures - Queensland Rail services depart daily or several times per week in each direction. The Sunlander 8 QUEENSLAND RAIL QUEENSLAND RAIL 9
COUNTRYLINK RAIL PASSES Sydney, NSW COUNTRYLINK Looking for a comfortable, leisurely and safe way to see some of the best New South Wales has to offer? CountryLink s train and coach network covers thousands of kilometres all over this diverse state, and beyond, taking you from the outback to the beach, from tropical rainforests to the snow. The XPT (express passenger train) travels between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Dubbo, Grafton and Casino. XPT services offer both daytime and overnight travel options. Travelling to some of the most scenic areas of regional New South Wales, the Countrylink XPLORER travels on daylight journeys linking Sydney with Armidale, Moree, Griffith, Broken Hill and the national capital, Canberra. You are ensured a comfortable trip in either first or economy class thanks to reclining seats, foldaway arms, footrests and drop-down tables. On selected services twin share sleepers are available. Complimentary breakfast is available for sleeper passengers and share toilet and shower facilities are located between compartments. Inclusions - Your journey aboard Countrylink includes comfortable seating in either economy or first class or a sleeper for overnight journeys. Meals and beverages can be purchased onboard. Departures - Countrylink services operate regularly across the entire network with many services operating daily. Great Train Journeys of the World relax, unwind, explore Europe Asia North & South America Africa India Australia 2008 Rail Plus, also your International Rail Experts. Visit Rail Plus for all your worldwide rail travel needs Europe, UK, Japan, the Americas as well as the best selection of Great Railway Journeys of the World. Pick up one of our brochures or visit us at www.railplus.co.nz YOUR WORLD ON TRACK 2008 Europe Eurostar UK & Ireland Japan Canada USA Australia RAIL PASSES Travelling by rail provides a real opportunity to travel and experience Australia in comfort. A rail pass gives you maximum flexibility and value for money. Austrail Flexipass The Austrail Flexi Pass is the ideal way to experience Australia within a designated time frame. With all three major Australian rail networks covered, you are able to travel all over the country from the north to the south, coast to the outback and east to west this pass covers it all. Validity: Flexipass - 15 or 22 flexible days travel within 6 months. Backtracker Rail Pass The Backtracker rail pass provides a comfortable and economical means to discover Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane as well as the best of country New South Wales. The pass is valid for unlimited consecutive travel on all Countrylink train services and connecting Countrylink coaches as well as selected Sydney CityRail services. Validity: Consecutive Pass - 14 days, 1, 3 or 6 months consecutive travel. East Coast Discovery Pass This grand journey spans eastern Australia s breathtaking coastline from Melbourne all the way to tropical north Queensland. The pass is valid for travel on Mainline CountryLink, Queensland Rail, East Coast Rail and Integrated Coach services in one direction. Travel either north to south or south to north, with as many stopovers as you like! Validity: Consecutive Pass - 6 months consecutive travel. Rail Explorer Pass See so much more of Australia by train. The Rail Explorer Pass for international visitors entitles you six consecutive months of unlimited travel aboard The legendary Ghan, the mighty Indian Pacific and The Overland. Discover Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin, Melbourne and all stops in between. Validity: Consecutive Pass - 6 months consecutive travel. Outback Scene, WA 10 COUNTRYLINK RAIL PASSES 11
Terms and Conditions Timetables Timetables are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. Please check with the operating railway 24 hours before scheduled departure time. Train Fares All fares are quoted inclusive of GST effective 01 April 2008 31 March 2009 and are subject to change without prior notice. Return fares are generally double the one way fare unless specified. Concessions Child: aged 4-15 years inclusive. A child fare is payable if a child under the age of 4 years occupies a seat or berth. Ticketing and Payment For travel more than 60 days from date of booking, full payment is required within 30 days of booking. For travel less than 60 days but greater than 7 days from date of booking, payment deadline is calculated by halving the number of days from date of booking to date of travel. For travel less than 7 days from date of booking, full payment is required within 24 hours. Rail Saver fares and fares less than $120.00 per person are payable at time of booking. Cancellations and Amendments Detailed conditions for each product offered by Rail Plus are detailed in the accompanying documentation at time of tickets being issued. A copy of such conditions many also be found on the Rail Plus website. It is the responsibility of the passenger to read all documentation prior to the commencement of travel. The following schedule of fees (per person and/or per vehicle) will be levied in respect of cancellation of normal fares: xxxxxxx GSR Rail (The Ghan, The Indian Pacific and The Overland) More than 30 days before the train departure: 40% of total fare. 7-29 days before departure: 50% of total fare. Less than 7 days before departure: 75% of total fare. After departure date/time: no refund. CountryLink (XPT and Xplorer) and Queensland Rail (Tilt Train, Sunlander, Inlander, Westlander and Spirit of the Outback) Before ticketing: no cancellation fees apply, amendment fees apply for changes made. After ticketing: 25% of total fare. After departure date/time: no refund. Rail Passes Passes must be presented for refund unused and not validated. Partially used/validated passes are non-refundable. A $100 fee ($200 for Rail Explorer Pass) per pass cancellation fee applies. Rail Explorer Pass only: if passholder books a sector and does not travel without cancelling first, a $50.00 fee will apply and needs to be paid prior to travelling on the next sector. Holiday Packages More than 45 days before train departure: loss of any deposit. 15-45 days before departure: 50% of total package price. 7-14 days before departure: 75% of total package price. Less than 7 days before departure: no refund. Amendments of confirmed bookings may result in a fee of $100.00 in addition to costs charged by operators. Modifications of a confirmed booking can not be made less than 7 days prior to the travel date. Refunds Claims for refunds will be subject to a minimum processing fee of $100.00. For bookings made more than 45 days prior to travel on a Holiday Package, a nonrefundable deposit of $300.00 per person is required within 7 days of confirmation or the booking will be automatically cancelled. Full payment is required 45 days prior to travel. For all bookings made 45 days or less prior to departure, full payment is required within 2 days of confirmation. Bookings cannot be made less than 7 days prior to the date of travel. Travel Insurance We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance (including cancellation insurance) to cover any unforeseen occurrences. Your travel agent will be able to help you decide on the best policy for your needs. Luggage 40kgs of luggage may be conveyed free of charge in the luggage car. This allows 2 items not exceeding 20kgs each and not exceeding 180 linear centimetres. Excess luggage prices are available on application. Due to space constraints guests should only take on board hand luggage required for their journey. Checked in luggage cannot be accessed during the journey. Luggage should be checked in up to 30 minutes before departure. General Conditions Payments must be made strictly in accordance with the requirements stipulated for each product at the time of booking. All prices and product information indicated in the brochure are effective from 1 April 2008 and subject to change without notice. All prices are inclusive of any GST. Rail Plus offers all tickets at recommended market prices, however makes no undertaking that the prices paid for these tickets are the best applicable for the services provided. International sales conditions and distribution costs, fluctuating exchange rates, availability restrictions or other factors may reflect variance to domestic prices available in the country of travel or elsewhere quoted by or on behalf of the operating railway company. Rail Plus will not accept any claim in respect of such price variance. For avoidance of doubt, Rail Plus make no representation or warranty as regarding to the accuracy or correctness of any of the information contained in the brochure, or as given by its employees, staff, servants or agents from time to time, whether orally or in writing. Rail Plus shall not be liable for any loss, damage or claim whatsoever arising out of, or in connection with, any reliance on such information. All bookings are accepted subject to the conditions, tariffs and regulations as detailed in the passenger documentation and/or subsequently imposed by the rail companies, firms or persons concerned. Travellers are responsible for ensuring that they have all necessary visas and appropriate travel documentation prior to their departure from New Zealand. Fares quoted in NZD are subject to change without prior notice. Additional local processing and amendment fees may apply to any change, cancellation or refund. For further information and bookings: Level 1, 149-155 Parnell Road Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand t: (09) 375 9023 f: (09) 374 1950 0800 801 060 outside AKL e: info@ozrail.co.nz