First Passenger Train Alice Springs - Darwin

February 2nd, 2004

Yesterday, 'The Ghan' train started its first journey of 2979 km on Australian transcontinental rail route, which is the longest south/north in the world. There were two locomotives and 43 cars, making a length of over 1 km, and the longest passenger train in Australia. After travelling through the desert interior, it will reach the tropical city of Darwin tomorrow, after 43 hours. There will be one Ghan service each way a week, and already it is heavily booked as one of the country main tourist attractions. These pics are taken at North Adelaide station as the train rolled by. Huge crowds came out all along the way to witness the historic event. / Kelvin

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