The caravans that once plied these routes were not those of today’s ‘grey nomads’ but rather camel trains driven by Afghans. The hot sandy terrain didn’t suit bullock or horse teams so camels played an important role bringing goods to the railway for transportation. In the 1920s motor vehicles meant they were no longer required and they were left to wander the desert and go wild. Despite culling they can still be seen today.
The railway is known as the Ghan in honour of the camel drivers that helped open up this inhospitable land.
Only Australia could honour Afghan cameleers by calling a train the Ghan!
ReplyDeleteOn my trip through the Kimberleys, grey nomads were referred to as 'aluminium road blocks'.
The brochure for my journey up to Cape York is now out. I think I will go in the middle of may for 12 days. Trying to get my early-bird savings high enough to equal my single supplement slug.
Great pic of an old fellow Joan.
ReplyDeleteHa ha Julie, grey nomads are called many things ... hadn't heard that one :D