Win One of the World's Legendary Train Journeys

HOW’S THIS for the romance of travel … three days spent marvelling at the Outback’s vast empty spaces from the comfort of the Chairman’s Carriage on The Ghan, Australia’s contribution to the great trains of the world. The scenery that unfolds is quintessential Australia – the Nullarbor Plain, the Flinders Ranges, the rusty earth and blue skies of the Red Centre giving way to the tropical lushness of the Top End.

One hundred and twenty-five years in the making, the 2979km rail line between Adelaide and Darwin was finished in 2004, finally linking the Southern Ocean and the Timor Sea. Before this, the line had stopped at Oodnadatta before being extended as far as Alice Springs, creeping into the great uncharted interior that previously had been linked only by 11 repeater stations along the Overland Telegraph Line. Many of the cameleers who originally took supplies to the Outback’s isolated settlements came from Afghanistan and were known as The Ghan – a name now carried by the scarlet-liveried engines and air-conditioned carriages that can stretch for more than half a kilometre and travel at 115kph.

The three-day, two-night journey between the two cities is made memorable by the self-contained plushness of the Chairman’s Carriage. Two de luxe cabins have double beds and share a bathroom while two twin cabins with seats that convert to berths have private en suites. The spacious sitting room comes with CD and DVD players and video entertainment. Although there’s a private dining room and kitchen within the carriage, the Australian cuisine served in the train’s Gold Restaurant Car is a tempting option.

At whistle-stops along the way, The Ghan pauses to allow leisurely sightseeing for guests in Alice Springs and Katherine. In Alice Springs, the adventurous could try riding a camel down the Todd river-bed or exploring the countryside by helicopter or quad bike while those with a taste for history might prefer a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service base and historic Telegraph Station, perhaps discover the Desert Park and Museum of Central Australia or the aboriginal rock art at Emily Gap. In the north the Katherine Gorge is spectacular when seen by cruise boat or helicopter and the Katherine River looks its most beautiful from a canoe.

Our prize is for four people but the Chairman’s Carriage accommodates eight so prizewinners are welcome to add extra companions at their own cost.

The prize is valued at more than $21,000
It is for four people and includes:

• Three days and two nights travelling from Adelaide to Darwin (or Darwin to Adelaide) on The Ghan in the private Chairman’s Carriage
• All on-board meals
• Qantas travel vouchers to the value of $4000

Complete the entry form below before 5 May 2008. One entry per person. Multiple entries will be automatically excluded from the prize draw.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PRIZE PARTNER visit www.gsr.com.au

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY The prize is for four people and consists of a three-day, two-night train journey on The Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin in the private Chairman’s Carriage. It includes all on-board meals and $4000 worth of Qantas vouchers but not off-train sightseeing. It is available to New Zealand residents only. It cannot be redeemed for cash, transferred, used on another service or in conjunction with any other offers. Prize is subject to availability and is valid for 12 months from date of the draw. Employees of Fairfax Magazines and their immediate families and agencies are not eligible to enter. By entering this competition you acknowledge that NZ Life & Leisure may contact you in the future regarding special offers. If entering by post, please include the words No Mail on your entry if you do not wish to be contacted.

How to enter the draw