AN AUSTRALIAN ICON –
THE 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GHAN
Nothing derails The Ghan’s effervescent effervescent Platinum Host, Suzi Cousins. She’s not the least bit fazed by a passenger’s complex dining request or even when stumbling across another in their birthday suit while she is on the early morning coffee rounds.
“Some of our guests are so relaxed in their cabins they forget they’re not at home,” a tactful Cousins, tells Australian Life.
The nation’s legendary Outback train, The Ghan is celebrating its own birthday this August – its 95th anniversary and life on this epic rail journey from Adelaide to Darwin is simply awesome.
Once known as the Afghan Express, The Ghan’s name was inspired by the cameleers who blazed a trail into the Red Centre more than 150 years ago. The original Ghan followed the route of explorer John MacDouall Stuart.
Simpsons Gap, West MacDonnell Ranges NT
However, The Ghan has now evolved from a basic passenger service – to a luxurious all-inclusive multi-day experiential journey, showcasing regional food and wine, while accessing remote parts of Australia.
The classic journey is The Ghan Expedition, which starts in Adelaide, then takes four days and three nights to reach Darwin. It’s a feast for the senses, as passengers choose from complimentary off-train experiences at the stops along the way in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy.
Imagine cruising through the golden rock corridors of Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine, taking in the waterfalls and the indigenous rock art or exploring the jaw dropping Cutta Cutta Caves. In Alice Springs set off on a biking or walking expeditions. The Alice Springs Desert Park awaits . You could go opal mining in Coober Pedy and chance upon the extraordinary church chiselled into the earth. Each experience is graded to different levels of fitness.
There are also many optional extras: a helicopter transfer to Uluru and spend the day exploring the sacred rock and discovering indigenous culture.
Former footwear executive, Suzi Cousins is the perfect host for this evocative journey and ready to share her knowledge of the Outback. She’s also the consummate greeter/concierge/waiter/social director and the life of the Platinum Lounge.
(The Gold Singles carriage is quite another story with its tales of train buffs finding true love against a deep red desert back drop).
However in Platinum, Suzi Cousins is there to ensure that each trip runs as smoothly as the Ghan’s wheels.
“It’s the little extras that make the difference in Platinum,” she explains. “There’s limousine transfers, more spacious cabins and large ensuites, priority choices for the off-train experiences, a premium wine selection and a nightcap with artisan chocolates waiting on bed-time pillows.
Her own day onboard starts at 5.30am and finishes well into the night when she makes her way back to one of the staff carriages at the rear of the train. Luckily there’s plenty of breaks in between.
She rarely has any problems getting to sleep. “I find it very restful thanks to the gentle movement of the train,” she says. “Although the first night’s sleep is never as good as the second one. Everyone finds that.”
When asked about her peak experiences on this international bucket-list journey, Cousins can’t pick out just one but does have a soft spot for the fiery red sunsets at night.
”I’m a real people person,” she explains. “So for me, it’s about spending time in the Platinum Lounge and hearing the guests stories of their off-train adventures when they return at the end of the day.”
a luxurious all-inclusive multi-day experiential journey, showcasing regional food and wine, while accessing remote parts of Australia … it’s a feast for the senses
However, The Ghan has now evolved from a basic passenger service – to a luxurious all-inclusive multi-day experiential journey, showcasing regional food and wine, while accessing remote parts of Australia.
The classic journey is The Ghan Expedition, which starts in Adelaide, then takes four days and three nights to reach Darwin. It’s a feast for the senses, as passengers choose from complimentary off-train experiences at the stops along the way in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy.
Imagine cruising through the golden rock corridors of Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine, taking in the waterfalls and the indigenous rock art or exploring the jaw dropping Cutta Cutta Caves. In Alice Springs set off on a biking or walking expeditions. The Alice Springs Desert Park awaits . You could go opal mining in Coober Pedy and chance upon the extraordinary church chiselled into the earth. Each experience is graded to different levels of fitness.
“I’ve learnt the fine art of juggling and balance,” she laughs. “It’s because I want to keep working on lntu Wellness and I also want to be in the media as a brand ambassador. I love getting out there and not being house bound as I have been throughout the last few months. But then I also love being a mum, so I want to do it all,” she says with a self-deprecating laugh.
Her advice to anyone in a similar position is to just keep going. “You may encounter issues but they’re not forever issues. The important thing is to ask for help whenever you can,” she says. “It’s certainly all worth it, especially for me. I just love having something that’s mine and having a goal to do so much more, especially when we export lntu Wellness.”
Anna Robards may not believe in fairy tales but she’s certainly become the hero in her own.
There are also many optional extras: a helicopter transfer to Uluru and spend the day exploring the sacred rock and discovering indigenous culture.
Former footwear executive, Suzi Cousins is the perfect host for this evocative journey and ready to share her knowledge of the Outback. She’s also the consummate greeter/concierge/waiter/social director and the life of the Platinum Lounge.
(The Gold Singles carriage is quite another story with its tales of train buffs finding true love against a deep red desert back drop).
However in Platinum, Suzi Cousins is there to ensure that each trip runs as smoothly as the Ghan’s wheels.
“It’s the little extras that make the difference in Platinum,” she explains. “There’s limousine transfers, more spacious cabins and large ensuites, priority choices for the off-train experiences, a premium wine selection and a nightcap with artisan chocolates waiting on bed-time pillows.
Her own day onboard starts at 5.30am and finishes well into the night when she makes her way back to one of the staff carriages at the rear of the train. Luckily there’s plenty of breaks in between.
She rarely has any problems getting to sleep. “I find it very restful thanks to the gentle movement of the train,” she says. “Although the first night’s sleep is never as good as the second one. Everyone finds that.”
When asked about her peak experiences on this international bucket-list journey, Cousins can’t pick out just one but does have a soft spot for the fiery red sunsets at night.
”I’m a real people person,” she explains. “So for me, it’s about spending time in the Platinum Lounge and hearing the guests stories of their off-train adventures when they return at the end of the day.”
Dinner under the stars, which brings the brilliant outback sky into sharp focus, at the historic Telegraph Station is another highlight. During a traditional Australian barbecue, guests hear about early settler life and how the Telegraph Station was part of communication networks across the country, connecting Australia to the rest of the world.
Back on the train, the onboard menu changes daily with an emphasis on fresh Australian produce. Many passengers are keen to sample the Buffalo Curry, which very quickly becomes their favourite taste of Australia.
Meanwhile plans are afoot for the 95th Anniversary onboard celebrations but Suzi Cousins will not be drawn on what this may entail.
“The Ghan’s operator, Journey Beyond Rail, is keeping this under wraps,” she explains, “but it will be full of surprises.”
Cousins can absolutely guarantee, however, that none of these will involve birthday suits.
