dizzygizzy 
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(1/24/06 6:11 pm)
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The Ghan
For those who haven't seen, or forgot!!!!
"What a little beauty!" - The Ghan gets a facelift for Darwin
Thursday 25 September 2003
“The Crocodile Hunter”, Steve Irwin christened a newly painted ‘The Ghan’ locomotive bearing his name and image at Sydney Central Station today in readiness for the extension of the legendary train journey to Darwin from 1 February next year.
“What a little beauty!” were the opening words of the famous wildlife crusader upon sighting the bright red and silver locomotive for the first time.
“Mate, it’s going to be awesome seeing this thing travel across the Australian Outback,” Steve Irwin added.
The launch of The Ghan locomotive coincides with the joining of the track ceremony in Darwin today (Thurs, 25 September 2003) to mark the completion of tracklaying for the new 1,420 kilometre, $1.3 billion railway between Alice Springs and Darwin.
The rebranding of The Ghan locomotive is the finishing touch in a $2 million refurbishment of The Ghan undertaken by owners Great Southern Railway in 2003, as it prepares for the introduction of the new 2,979km transcontinental journey from Adelaide to Darwin.
Great Southern Railway Chief Executive Officer Stephen Bradford said, “We are delighted that the locomotive has been named after Steve Irwin – a great Australian! It looks fantastic, and I’ve got no doubt many international visitors to Australia will be returning home with a photograph of themselves next to The Ghan/Steve Irwin locomotive.”
“Bookings for The Ghan to Darwin have already surpassed $6 million, so we are very confident that the extended journey is going to be a great success. The Ghan’s off-train tours in Alice Springs and Katherine are proving to be of great interest to prospective travellers.”
Pacific National provides drivers and locomotives for Great Southern Railway’s trains – The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland. Pacific National General Manager Commercial Robert Jeremy said, “Pacific National recently signed a five year, $50 million deal to haul Great Southern Railway’s trains.
“As Australia’s largest interstate rail operator, we are proud to be associated with Australia’s great train journeys. The Ghan locomotive will certainly make an impressive entry into Darwin next year. It is a great addition to our locomotive fleet.”
Great Southern Railway also announced its new “60 Day Flexi-travel Policy” which provides guests with 60 days from the date they join The Ghan, Indian Pacific or The Overland to complete their holiday. This enables holidaymakers to break their journey enroute for touring or catching up with family or friends and then rejoin the train to travel to their end destination without any additional fare penalty.
Following The Ghan Inaugural Journeys to/from Darwin, regular scheduled services will commence from 8 February 2004. Fares one way per person between Adelaide and Darwin start from $198 for a Red Kangaroo Daynighter Seat (Adult $440), and $1,183 for a Gold Kangaroo Sleeper (Adult $1,740), which includes all meals served in a stylish Restaurant Car. The Indian Pacific and The Overland trains provide convenient connections with The Ghan in Adelaide for guests travelling to or from Sydney and Melbourne.
For further media information contact:
Sophie Dent
Publicity and Events Manager
Phone: (08) 8213 4518
Fax: (08) 8213 4483
Mobile: 0419 848 507
Email: sdent@gsr.com.au
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Photos I've collected!
 
Edited by: dizzygizzy at: 1/24/06 6:11 pm
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