Ghan makes second visit to Inverleigh

THE Ghan arrived in Inverleigh from Darwin last week, the second time in the history of the famous railway it’s journeyed to greater Geelong.

After the passengers had departed the train last Wednesday (August 31), it was readied for the next group of over 200 travellers to make the return trip to the top end.

The journey was an initiative of Geelong Travel’s Stuart Coffield, who faced with the closure of his 30-year old business during the pandemic approached the trains operator Journey Beyond to devise a unique travel experience.

Ordinarily departing from Adelaide, Mr Coffield convinced the company to bring the train to Inverleigh in April where it made the maiden voyage along the route to Darwin, with 230 passengers on board.

“The trips have been wonderful, we’re very thankful to the Geelong community for getting on board,” Mr Coffield said.

Together with Journey Beyond, he’s organised another special charter for next year when the Overland train will depart Geelong for Adelaide in time for a dawn service on Anzac Day there, before passengers then board the Ghan as it heads north.

Mr Coffield said he’s confident of getting the Ghan back to the region, but is yet to confirm dates.

“It’s something we’ll do in the future, we’re just working on it,” he said.