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And Now, an Even More Expensive Way to See the Desert

Taking The Ghan right down through the center of Australia is a journey already reserved for those with a fair bit of time and cash, but it's one of those once-in-a-lifetime train trips that are really worth doing. The Ghan's just come up with an option that makes it even more likely you'll only do it once: The new Platinum version costs a whole lot more than the original.

Traveling by rail from Adelaide to Darwin takes two nights and three days, and starting on September 10, 2008, passengers on the Ghan will have the option of booking Platinum Service in one of 24 refurbished cabins. We're talking ultra-luxury for a train here, plus 24-hour in-cabin steward service to satisfy your every whim.

It all sounds wonderful, but it comes at a price--A$2,975 (almost $2,800) for a twin share for the two nights. Not cheap when you consider you could fly that route for a few hundred bucks and just a few hours. Either way, all you'll see in between is vast, empty desert. We'd still probably be game to try it.

Related Stories:
· The Ghan [Official Site]
· Ghan Takes Rail Travel to Platinum Class [The Australian]
· Train Snobs Flaunt Self-Proclaimed Good Taste [Jaunted]

[Photo: leekelleher]