Hahndorf

This morning we are driving to another historical township Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. We've been there a few times before but always love it. I particularly look forward having dinner there tonight in the german Pub. Bratwurst and Sauerkraut og course.

The German Pub where we have dinner tonight.

Burra

Today we drive to the historic township of Burra in South Australia. Diane has a college friend there, Val, who we briefly saw on our Lake Eyre trip. We promised her we would return so today we'll meet Val again.

Val and Diane during our last visit to Burra in South Australia

Tp End Eco Cruise

I guess I'll let them talk me into joining the group on this Eco Tour thoday. We'll see.

Top End Eco Cruise

Afghan Express heritage Train

I have been a train buff all my life and the Afghan Express has always been on my 'Bucket List', ever since we saw the train when we visited Lake Eyre. So now we are doing it. The Afghan Express service turns the clock back to the 1930s when the famous old Ghan travelled through the Pichi Richi Pass.  Wherever possible, the Afghan Express uses distinctive timber-bodied carriages built in the late 1920s for the narrow gauge old Ghan train service, and restored old Ghan steam locomotive NM25.

Original Ghan steam locomotive NM25 with the Afghan Express in the scenic Pichi Richi Pass.

The Afghan Express is the name railwaymen gave to the passenger train that ran from Terowie to Oodnadatta, through Quorn, in 1923. This was the first time a sleeping carriage was included on the train, and when an Afghan passenger alighted at Quorn to recite his evening prayers, the train was dubbed the Afghan Express by railwaymen. In time, this was abbreviated to The Ghan and eventually used by CR officials.

Port Augusta

We are now a 6-people group, having met Ann and George in Adelaide. Most of the Birthday Bear Group which you may know from Diane's blogs. So in a people mover, we're driving north to Port Augusta.

Port Augusta

Up Up and Away with the flying Kangaroo

Today, we leave Westarn Australia and we fly to Adelaide in South Australia, a 2 1/2 hour flight.

We are booked into the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel.

Adelaide Mercure-Grosvenor Hotel

Back to Perth for the Final Time

We are heading to Perth again today where our APT Tour ends.

Perth where our APT Tour ends