Agneta Didrikson is the correspondent for Sweden´s Dagens Industri and president of the FCA. She was one of the journalists aboard the maiden voyage of The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide.

I know of no other country than Australia, where the time changes as you move from north to south. When the new Ghan train crossed the border between Northern Territory and South Australia at breakfast on the second day, we were asked to move our clocks one hour forward.

Strange country, this! But so beautiful and exciting -- The tropical humidity South of Darwin, the semi-arid desert around Alice Springsand the greener pastures closer to Adelaide. Crossing it by train from Darwinto Adelaide gave us the opportunity to see everything this continent has to offer, except the high mountains.

The Ghan is an odd name, but to Australians it is a legendary name or so we were told. It is named after the Afghan cameleers that were the only mode of transport to cross the Red Centre, carrying both goods and passengers. The train journey treads along the historic route.

Today´s travellers demand much more comfort and aboard the Ghan, comfort is aplenty. Its Gold Kangaroo class offers the absolute luxury experience. The cabins otherwise are very relaxing and so are the lounge cars, neatly furnished and easy to socialise with fellow travellers.

The trip takes 47 hours, but eight of these you spend outside the train. First stop while going south is Katherine, where you can utilise the four hours to go up the famous Gorges. We waded our way through the road, flooded with waters from the overflowing Katherine River.

As night fell, we dressed for dinner. But as this is Australia that means you change your old jeans and T-shirt for clean jeans and a collared shirt!  There are no diamonds to be seen in deep cleavages. As a matter of fact, there were no cleavages at all in our dining car.  But you could find jewels on the Menu and in the Wine List.

The other big stop is Alice Springs. Here, one can go into town or get on the bus to the Desert Wildlife Parkand explore the flora and fauna of the Red Center. In the town you can visit both Flying Doctor and School of the Air within the four-hour stopover.