Darwin – Katherine Day 1

Wednesday 7^th May 2025

Darwin Berrimah Rail Terminal was our first glimpse of the Big Red Engine, The Ghan.

We breakfasted in style on the platform – lots of champagne, before boarding and settling into our cabins and more champagne. The train departed and we were off to Katherine.  We enjoyed a ‘long lunch’ in the dining car before joining our off-train experience, a tour of Katherine Gorge. Originally, we were meant to tour the Cutta Cutta Caves, unfortunately they were not accessible due to the wet season. The Gorge included a boat trip and then a cultural experience with a local guide where we discovered some rock art.

Back on board we continued on our way south. Enjoying a fabulous 4 course meal with matching wines. Upon returning to our cabin, we found our beds had been made up and turned down with chocolates on the pillow and a brandy each on the side table served in a gorgeous brandy balloon. We were rocked to sleep, sometimes gently and sometimes not. Often there were long periods where the train was stationary. We found out later this was to allow another train to pass during the night.