Australia's most iconic passenger train transformed into moving masterpiece

Australia's most famous passenger train The Ghan has been given a jaw-dropping makeover.

To celebrate the upcoming Parrtjima - A Festival in Light launch this Friday, April 9, the iconic locomotive has been transformed into a moving work of art.

Three carriages of the luxurious sleeper have been wrapped in Aboriginal artist Chantelle Mulladad's incredible design, Crossroads.

The breathtaking reveal of the design, as seen in the clip above, was captured in Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa), a remote Indigenous community 80km south-wast of Alice Springs.

Not only that, but an internal immersive light installation will illuminate one of The Ghan's carriages, giving passengers a taste of what's to come at the 2021 festival as it travels from Darwin to the Red Centre.

Executive General Manager at Tourism NT, Tony Quarmby, said the project was designed to creatively integrate the Parrtjima festival into a unique Northern Territory holiday experiences.

"It has been a really exciting project for us to bring to life; the juxtaposition of Chantelle Mulladad's artwork on the train with the Red Centre's vibrant colours as the backdrop creates a stunning visual as The Ghan travels through the Territory to Alice Springs, while the immersive experience onboard The Ghan gives passengers a taste of what to expect at Parrtjima — A Festival in Light."

Mulladad's work uses stunningly intricate patterns and colours to convey her sense of Country, culture and self.

The moving art becomes even more magical when viewed against an Aussie outback backdrop, with dramatic sunsets, arid desert, bush greenery and crimson dirt complementing and transforming Mulladad's work, seemingly before your eyes.

Crossroads' aesthetic also spills into the carriage in the way of an immersive onboard experience, part of the 2021 Ranges Show, called 'The Language of Country - Angkentye Apmere-kenhe'. It celebrates the beauty, uniqueness and survival of the ancient landscape, according to the media release.

Actor Aaron Pedersen, of Arrernte descent, lends his voice to the project, narrating a script written by Arrernte people and taking passengers on a journey through Country, the kinship system and language.

Anthony Bastic CEO, AGB Events said the collaboration enabled organisers to expand the reach of the Parrtjima program.

"This is a new initiative and particularly significant given the Ghan's importance to Central Australia. There's also a great synergy with the artwork Crossroads by Chantelle Mulladad which we've utilised in this installation and also the Merging Kultcha installation at the Alice Springs Desert Park."

For more on Partjima - A Festival in Light visit parrtjimaaustralia.com.au. For more on The Ghan rail journeys visit journeybeyondrail.com.au.