Train route (photo)

The last of the great transcontinental train routes has been completed. The new Australasia Railway (better known as The Ghan) bisects the continent, running on a north/south axis from Adelaide in the south and Darwin in the north'”smack through the middle of Australia's 'red centre.' Completion of this rail link fulfills a century-long dream to tie north and south together. For decades, trains have run half the distance to Alice Springs in the center of the continent, gateway to the tourist haven of Ayer's Rock. Completion of the line from Alice to Darwin has taken place over the last two years with the last rails being laid in Darwin in September 2003. Katherine, Australia. Jan, 2005.