Thinking of a new thing to do in Australia when a travel companion has just cancelled at the last minute and you have already signed up for cheap travel insurance and filed for a week of paid office leave? It shouldn't be hard, think of The Ghan.

Taking the The Ghan across the outback and through the heart of the Land Down Under is truly one of the greatest train journeys in the world. The railway ride takes you from one edge of the continent through the outback, and to the other end. Spend three days one-way and enjoy how the landscape changes from mesmerizing subtropic environment into mystifying deserts, and vice versa.

Construction of the original Ghan, then known as the Port Augusta to Government Gums Railway, was started in 1878 and was completed in 1929. The new one we now know today was completed in the early 1980s and is situated approximately 160 kilometres west of the old line. This track was constructed to prevent washout due to rain and to shorten the travel time.

The Ghan, which now runs twice weekly back and forth Adelaide and Darwin, is the shortened version of the nickname The Afghan Express. The moniker was said to have been given to the express passenger service of the Commonwealth Railways in 1923 by one of its crews. The name is a nod to the Afghan camel drivers who came to the continent in the late 19th century to assist in finding new paths into the country's unexplored interior.

The present Ghan is currently being managed by Great Southern Railway Ltd, a part of the Serco Group. It offers three classes: the Red Kangaroo, the Gold Kangaroo, and the Platinum class. Some Australia travel insurance companies offer discounts on the last two packages.

The Platinum section offers view from both sides of the train. It has a spacious double or twin cabin with full size shower. The Gold service, just below Platinum, is a twin cabin with an en suite or single cabin and provides maximum comfort and privacy. Both packages come with all-inclusive meals in the elegant dining car. Morning and afternoon tea, optional in-cabin breakfast, welcome drinks and nibblies, and nightcaps are also available in the first option. The other provides shared amenities, and main meals that include 24 hours tea and coffee.

The Red Service is offered in sleeper cabin or daynighter seat and covers shared amenities and all meals.

When taking The Ghan, be sure to pack lightly. Carry-ons are limited, just like with any airline. The cafeteria is also open 24/7 so you don't have to worry about food at the middle of the might.

Take the whistle stop options as these contribute to the allure of the railway travel. There is an on-board activity desk that offers tours. Ask how you can take a helicopter ride over the Simpson Gap, canoe down the Katherine River. If you want, you hop on and off at different points between Adelaide and Alice, or Katherine or Darwin.

Before you buy tickets to The Ghan, make sure to contact your Australia travel insurance agent. They'd be more than glad to offer a cheap travel insurance package that suits this iconic journey.

Lucia travels with an Australia travel insurance agent although he doesn't help his buddy in selling cheap travel insurance.