The Ghan train embarked on a record-breaking journey yesterday when it departed Adelaide as Australia's longest passenger train in over a decade. Taking off with 44 carriages and two locomotives, Sunday's Ghan service bound for Darwin stretched a total length of 1096m – more than 200m longer than a standard Ghan service and a staggering 6.5 times the length of Adelaide Oval.

It is the longest passenger train seen in Australia since the inaugural Adelaide to Darwin Ghan journey in 2004. Great Southern Rail's Director of Sales and Marketing Steve Kernaghan said the record-breaking length of The Ghan reflected increasing demand for rail holidays in Australia. “The Ghan has enjoyed a surge in customer demand over the past 12 months thanks to our all-inclusive fares and new tour options in Alice Springs and Katherine,” he said. “Amazing outback destinations are at the heart of The Ghan experience. We are very proud to be able to welcome thousands of travellers aboard this iconic train to share some incredible Australian experiences.”