This ANZAC Day, The Ghan will be embarking on a four day commemoration of the glories and sacrifices of the Australian Armed Forces in the first annual ‘The Ghan’s ANZAC Tribute’.
The Ghan played a vital role in transporting our troops during the Second World War and now almost 70 years on, The Ghan is proud to be celebrating these Australian heroes.
The journey will lead right through the heart ofAustralia, fromAdelaidetoDarwin, raising vital funds and awareness for the Returned Services League of Australia (RSL).
Departing Adelaideon 23 April and arriving into Darwinon 26 April, the trip encompasses a series of special events and features iconic Australian performer, John Williamson.
The first in a series of journey highlights is a ride through the picturesque Flinders Rangers in an original Ghan ‘troop train’. The journey then continues onto Coober Pedy where returned servicemen flocked in search of Opal after the Great War, living underground as they did in the trenches ofEurope.
The highlight of the journey is a traditional Dawn Service on Anzac Hill in Alice Springs where the sun will rise over the magicalMacDonnellRanges. Then, in Katherine, guests will hear why the small town was hit by almost 100 bombs during the Second World War.
At theAdelaideRiverWarCemeteryguests will pay their respects to the fallen, before arriving into the final destination ofDarwin, which bore the brunt of largest attack ever mounted by a foreign power againstAustralia.
“The Ghan’s ANZAC Tribute will be an unforgettable journey,” said Chief Executive of Great Southern Rail, Tony Braxton-Smith.
“The Ghan and the service men and women of the Australian Armed Forces have had a long association. In Second World War, The Ghan played a vital role in the transport of service men and women, and many communities enroute have been shaped by the role played by our Armed Forces.”
“We are really excited to be returning to our roots and working with the Returned Services League of Australia on what is set to become an annual commemoration ofAustralia’s military history,” said Tony.
Chief Executive Officer of the RSL (Queensland Branch), and National Marketing Representative, Chris McHugh, CSC said “This is a commendable initiative by Great Southern Rail, as it offers RSL members and the greater community an ANZAC commemoration to remember for a lifetime. This event has the potential to grow in its popularity.”
Country signer-songwriter John Williamson will be at the Alice Springs Dawn Service. He will be performing at the Alice Springs RSL ‘Gunfire Breakfast’ following the service, which is open to the public. John will also be performing at Katherine Gorge at 11am on Tuesday 26 of April, which the public are welcome to attend.
Great Southern Rail is fortunate to have Dr Tom Lewis OAM, Director of the Darwin Military Museum, Author, and Naval Officer, as a special guest Historian aboard the journey.
