Australia’s famous long distance trains The Ghan and the Indian Pacific will feature on Australia Post’s new stamps entitled ‘Great Australian Railway Journeys’.

The 55 cent stamps will be available this month at participating outlets.

Great Southern Rail commercial director, Russell Westmoreland, said the move marked a special way to recognise the nation’s great train journeys.

“The Ghan and the Indian Pacific are both an integral part of Australia’s history.

“Last year, The Ghan celebrated 80 years and this year the Indian Pacific marks its 40th Anniversary,” he said.

“Both journeys represent incredible engineering feats, a vital means of transport in times gone by and an integral part of Australia’s tourism industry today.

“Featuring these mighty trains on postage stamps not only showcases the journeys to Australians and to people around the world, but also creates a special collectors item and souvenir for train lovers,” he added.

The legendary Ghan was originally the Afghan Express, the name ‘The Ghan’ was inspired by the pioneering Afghan cameleers who, along with their hardy animals, played a vital role in central Australia over 150 years ago.

Operating from the lush, tropical north, through the deep red centre to the spectacular South Australian outback, The Ghan is one of the most fascinating train journeys in the world.

The Indian Pacific is renowned for providing the final link since Australia’s Federation of what were the eastern and western colonies.

Travelling through the magnificent Blue Mountains in New South Wales through fertile farming land and across the longest stretch of straight rail track in the world, The Indian Pacific is an epic journey that spans the continent.

Details: www.gsr.com.au

by Shamoli Dutt - Austguide Travel News Editor