Postcards from
The Ghan
With Keith Conlon
The linking by railway line of the South Australian capital Adelaide, with the Northern Territory capital, Darwin, was the dream of many people for many years. The chance of that dream becoming reality had been abandoned by most people but, fortunately, not everybody!
Today, the original idea seems more logical than ever, and the question is, "why didn't it happen much sooner?"
The fact is, it has become a reality and one to savour by holidaymakers and, in particular, railway enthusiasts who can travel the lenght of the continent on Australia's legendary train, The Ghan.
This excellent and extended episode of the popular South Australian television series, Postcards, might be billed as "The ultimate train journey - Adelaide to Darwin aboard The Legendary Ghan," but there is considerably more for viewers to enjoy.
Not so much a train jouney, as a series of captivating lessons in geography, ecology, history and culture. We are constantly told that Australia is the driest continent, but it's difficult to believe after some of the spectacular scenes featured.
Hosted by 'Mr South Australia', media personality Keith Conlon, and featuring stunning images across the continent, from the cities at each end of the line, the arid desert, tropical north, the towns in-between, and the incredible range of natural wonders that Australia's centre and northern regions possess, this is a top-class production - in content and presentation.
Extra features include a few words from the people who keep The Ghan operating, and a most interesting segment on another historic and monumental achievement, the construction in the 1870s of the Overland Telegraph line linking Adelaide to Darwin and therefore the major population centres of Australia with the rest of the world.
Review by Trevor Hennigan
|
