That’s the Spirit

It was the movement some thought would never happen. Train number 2AL8, better known as Great Southern Rail’s ‘The Southern Spirit’, pulled out of Adelaide Parklands Terminal shortly after 8:30AM this morning bound for Alice Springs. At its head was locomotive NR85, the first NR locomotive painted into the striking green and white livery, known by railfans around Australia as the ‘Spearmint’ livery.

NR85, formerly an unnamed locomotive, has been christened ‘Southern Spirit’, its divine right in hauling the first train which is due to pick up guests in Alice Springs on Wednesday for the epic 2 week journey to Brisbane, along the way taking in sights such as South Australia’s unique Kangaroo Island, and Ned Kelly’s own bushranger territory in Victoria.

In a rare move, the transfer consist included a Pacific National FAM crew car, also given the polish treatment, as well as 5 Platinum Service BRG cars and a single Gold Service ARM car – with deluxe cabin and manager’s office on board.

On board, guests will be treated to the finest luxuries on the rails in Australia. The 5 star Platinum Service accommodation will be complimented with fine gourmet foods in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, a luxurious lounge and bar carriage and round-the-clock room service to patrons paying up to nearly $14k for a ride on Australia’s most exclusive train. The tour is the first of its kind in Australia, boasting inclusions such as Uluru, a Coober Pedy opal experience and even breakfast in bed for passengers wishing to have a more leisurely start to the morning.

The Southern Spirit will next grace Adelaide’s tracks when it returns carrying guests bound for Kangaroo Island early Thursday morning.