Tracking information

GETTING THERE:

From LAX, Qantas has connecting service (change of plane) to Adelaide. Restricted round-trip fares begin $1,952.

Qantas has direct flights (stop, no change of planes) into Ayers Rock airport from Perth, Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne and Alice Springs, and connecting flights from Darwin and Brisbane through Alice Springs.

AAT Kings, (800) 353-4525, vwww.aatkings.com, operates comfortable buses between Alice Springs, Ayers Rock and Kings Canyon.

TELEPHONES:

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 61 (country code for Australia) and the local number.

BOOKING THE GHAN:

Great Southern Railway, 422 King William St., Adelaide; 8-8213-4592 or 8-8213-4444, www.trainways.com.au, operates the Ghan, which departs twice a week from Darwin and Adelaide, stopping at Alice Springs. Three classes of service are available: Gold Kangaroo, Red Kangaroo and Daynighter. Fare from Adelaide to Darwin is $1,513 per person in Gold, $903 in Red and $437 in a Daynighter seat. Meals are included only in Gold.

Northern Gateway Holidays, 22 Cavenagh St., Darwin; 8-8941-1394, vwww.northaustraliaholidays.com, arranged my trip on the Ghan.

TO LEARN MORE:

Australian Tourist Commission, (800) 333-0262, vwww.australia.com.

— Beverly Beyette