Wet season floods in the Northern Territory stops the Ghan

Heavy rain in the Northern Territory has forced the suspension of the iconic outback train The Ghan due to floods north of Alice Springs. The train was forced to turn back to Darwin where its passengers disembarked to either fly on to their destinations or await the re-opening of the line.

The Ghan is one of several iconic rail trips available in Australia. Originally built just between Adelaide and Alice Springs, it was extended all the way through to Darwin in 2003. The trip between Adelaide and Darwin (via Alice Springs and Katherine) takes 2 nights and there are several classes of travel possible. A stop at Alice Springs allows the possiblility of a side trip (by road) to Ulhuru or Ayers Rock.

The "Wet Season" in Australia's north runs from about December to March and is characterised by humidity, rainfall and occasional typhoons of the coast. Travel to this region can be rewarding at this time provided travellers bear the weather in mind.