seniors train travel melbourne to sydney

Online bookings require JavaScript to be enabled. To enable JavaScript, please refer to your browsers help function. Alternatively, you can call NSW TrainLink on 13 22 32 for fare enquiries or bookings.

Travel & transport

Tips for seniors for reducing the cost of travel

On this page:

Free travel vouchers, metropolitan travel, travel in regional victoria, other ways to cut your travel costs, travelling outside of victoria, other money-saving travel tips.

• Find out about the transport benefits you receive as a Seniors Card holder, such as free travel vouchers and free weekend travel between two adjacent zones.
• Cut your travel costs within and outside Victoria with the various hints and tips given below.

Your Victorian Seniors Card means you can enjoy discounted travel in Victoria and Australia-wide.

• Every Seniors Card holder receives free off-peak travel vouchers to use on public transport in Victoria.
• Register for your free vouchers at the PTV website www.ptv.vic.gov.au/vouchers External Link
• Each voucher can be exchanged for either: a V/Line off-peak daily ticket (going out and back on the same day); two V/Line off-peak single tickets (going out on one day and back on another); a 1 Day Travel Pass for travel in Zones 1 and 2.

From 1 November 2022, the Department of Transport is introducing more booking options to make it easier to redeem your free travel and visiting a station during opening hours to redeem your voucher for a ticket is no longer the only option.

• From 1 November 2022 Vouchers will be held electronically so you can choose to redeem vouchers at a staffed station or V/Line agent, or over the phone via the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) call centre.
• You can choose to collect your ticket from a station or agent prior to travel or call 10 business days in advance and have your ticket posted to you.
• And in 2023, you will also be able to redeem your vouchers online.
• Phone 1800 800 007 or visit the PTV website www.ptv.vic.gov.au External Link for more information or to make V/Line reservations. V/Line tickets are subject to availability at off-peak times.
• With a seniors myki you travel free on the weekend within one or two consecutive zones on all metropolitan trains, trams and buses – this includes to outlying metropolitan areas as far as Sunbury and Melton.
• During the week, you can still access discounted rates at all times on all routes with your seniors myki.
• If you take a trip in non-consecutive zones, or a trip of more than two zones, a fare for the whole trip will be charged.

Consider travelling by public transport in off-peak periods. It's less crowded and you still get a great discount with your Seniors Card.

• Travel free on the weekends on V/Line commuter rail services when using myki for trips of one or two consecutive zones (for example, Woodend to Gisborne).
• At other times, V/Line offers concession rates for Seniors Card holders through regional Victoria.
• Take advantage of off-peak rates during quieter times.
• Phone 1800 800 007 for more information or to pre-book tickets.
• The V/Line website lists all its fares and routes www.vline.com.au External Link .
• You can also travel free on regional town bus networks over the weekend in major regional cities such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura and Warrnambool. On regional town buses where myki is not operating, show your Victorian Seniors Card to travel free on weekends.

Myki works like an electronic purse for public transport. You have to top up the card’s balance whenever it runs low on funds.

The seniors myki offers discounted rates at all times on all routes. You pay no more than the seniors daily cap (zones 1 & 2) when you travel on weekdays.

How do I get a seniors myki?

New Seniors Card program applicants receive a seniors myki for free with their Seniors Card posted with a Welcome pack.

Seniors Business Discount Card holders are not eligible to receive a free Seniors myki card upon joining the program.

Once you have your seniors myki, you should register it. There are many benefits to registering your myki, including free card replacement card if it's lost or stolen. For more information on how to register, visit the Public Transport Victoria website External Link

And you can top it up at:

• Hundreds of shops including all 7-Eleven stores.
• Premium Stations as listed on the PTV website External Link .
• From myki machines at selected train stations and stops.
• Mobile myki app using your Android smartphone. For more information visit the PTV website. External Link
• Online at PTV website External Link .
• By calling PTV on 1800 800 007.

Remember - it's a condition that you carry your Seniors Card at all times when travelling on public transport as proof of your concession entitlement.

Replacement myki

Like many other cards, myki cards do expire, so keep track of your card’s expiry date. If your myki is registered and you have an online account – find your card expiry date online. If your myki is not registered, check the expiry date at a myki machine, myki check, or by calling 1800 800 007.

Even if you're travelling for free on the weekend, on myki-enabled services you must touch on and off as normal - you won't be charged.

Support for people with a disability or health issues

• All metropolitan trains are wheelchair accessible and low-floor trams and buses are available on some routes. Most V/Line trains and coaches can be accessed by wheelchairs. More information on accessible transport is available from PTV on 1800 800 007 or www.ptv.vic.gov.au External Link .
• Travellers Aid Australia provides simple, practical travel-related support and aid that helps people travel independently and confidently. This support includes buggy and personal guidance services at Southern Cross Station, help getting to medical appointments in central Melbourne and mobility equipment hire. Centres are available at Flinders Street station (9610 2030) and Southern Cross station (9670 2072) or visit www.travellersaid.org.au External Link .
• Most V/Line trains and coaches can be accessed by wheelchair. Reservations are required for wheelchairs on V/Line coach services. Phone 1800 800 007 at least 24 hours before you travel to reserve a place.
• Victorians with severe and permanent disabilities who cannot access public transport independently may be eligible to join the Multi Purpose Taxi Program – a Victorian Government program that offers its members a 50 per cent subsidy on taxi fares of up to $60 per trip. Contact the Taxi Services Commission on 1800 638 802, or visit www.taxi.vic.gov.au External Link for more information.
• Car pool with a neighbour or friend when driving to the shops or running errands.
• The free City Circle tram service in the CBD takes in major tourist attractions, and links with other tram, train and bus routes in and around Melbourne. Trams run in both directions every 12 minutes between 10am and 6pm Sunday to Wednesday and extended hours, 10am to 9pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday (excludes Christmas Day and Good Friday). Contact Yarra Trams 1800 800 007 or visit www.yarratrams.com.au External Link to find out more.
• Cars can be expensive to maintain and keep on the road. If you’ve got easy access to public transport, why not sell your car?
• Many councils offer free or heavily discounted travel services (such as bus or shuttle services) to older residents. Contact your local council to find out what you are entitled to access.

Car not running well? Ask your local servo what discounts they offer before you purchase. Or visit Seniors Online to find discount auto services in your area. Visit the Discount Directory and scroll down to the 'Automotive Care' category.

You can even get a Seniors Card discount when washing your car. - Bill

• Take advantage of discounts from interstate Seniors Card participating businesses when you travel.
• Commonwealth offers to state and territory governments to provide reciprocal transport concessions for state seniors card holders will be withdrawn. While Victoria government at this stage will be continuing to provide interstate seniors with Victorian transport concessions, it is not clear whether other states will continue to do so. Please contact Seniors Card programs in each state and territory for information in this regard.
• You can use your Victorian Seniors Card with New Zealand retailers and traders. Visit the New Zealand SuperGold website at www.supergold.govt.nz External Link or call 0800 25 45 65 when in New Zealand.
• Take your Seniors Card when you travel overseas. Some overseas businesses will provide you with goodwill discounts if you ask.
• Check out the www.smartraveller.gov.au External Link website for useful travel information and advice.

We have used out Seniors Card when travelling at motels and other accommodation. We have always received a great discount. - Bill

• Check if your travel company offers discounts to Seniors Card holders.
• Travelling outside school holidays is always cheaper and travelling late at night or taking a longer route can be cheaper too – especially with flights. Consider going during the week instead of on the weekend or taking flights with stopovers.
• ‘Shoulder season’ – the time just before or after the peak holiday season – is a cheaper time to travel. The weather is still generally good in destination cities and there are fewer tourists.
• On most budget airlines you can avoid a baggage fee by only travelling with carry-on luggage.
• Cruise and tour companies often offer discounted rates close to the departure date. Try searching online for ‘cruises’ and ‘last-minute’ or ‘discount’.

Take a low-cost holiday with family or friends in regional Victoria or Melbourne by using your free travel vouchers and staying somewhere that offers a Seniors Card Discount. If you're on Seniors Online, choose the 'Accommodation' category in the Discount Directory .

Reviewed 01 March 2023

Transport hints, savings and discounts

• Savvy Savings
• Public transport benefits
• Other program benefits
• Seniors Card

Share this page

• Twitter , opens a new window
• Facebook , opens a new window
• LinkedIn , opens a new window
• Email , opens a new window

Trip to Sydney

Find the perfect accommodation!

Great location and deals for every budget.

Share this page

Trains from Melbourne to Sydney

🚆 Embark on a scenic journey from Melbourne to Sydney by train, departing from Southern Cross station and arriving at Sydney Central Railway Station. Services operate twice daily, offering a convenient way to travel between these two vibrant cities in approximately 11 hours and 17 minutes. 🛤️ Covering a distance of 946 km, the train ride from Melbourne to Sydney offers a relaxing way to experience the diverse landscapes of Australia. Prices for this route can range from $50 to $160, making it an affordable option for travelers looking to explore the country by rail. 🌆 Arrive in Sydney ready to explore all that this iconic city has to offer, from its stunning harbor views to world-renowned landmarks. The NSW TrainLink XPT service ensures a comfortable and efficient journey, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the Australian countryside along the way.

Where to stay in Sydney

There are over 2356 hotels to stay in Sydney. Prices range from $12 per night.

What companies provide train routes from Melbourne to Sydney?

What is the fastest train between melbourne and sydney, what are the departure stations for trains leaving for sydney from melbourne, how many trains are there between melbourne and sydney, where does the melbourne to sydney train arrive, when are the first and last trains of the day to travel from melbourne to sydney, how many direct train trips are there each day between melbourne and sydney, is there a direct train between melbourne and sydney, how much does a train from melbourne to sydney cost, will you be returning to melbourne by train.

If you are looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Sydney to Melbourne

Sydney to Melbourne Train

Explore the most current information on trains from Sydney to Melbourne

Sydney to Melbourne Railway Route

Travel time

Trains per day

Reverse route

• Trains: NSW TrainLink regional express trains.
• Ticket price: from 111 USD
• Seat reservation: after booking a ticket, you will be assigned to one of the seats.
• Ticket delivery: you can download the PDF of the tickets to print them or show on your electronic device when boarding a train.

Book Train Tickets from Sydney to Melbourne

Sydney to melbourne train details, departing from.

Sydney Central Railway Station

Railway Colonnade Dr, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia

Arriving at

Address: Spencer Street, Melbourne, Victoria Australia, Australia

FAQ: What to Know About Sydney - Melbourne Train

ARE TRAINS RUNNING BETWEEN SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE?

There are two Sydney to Melbourne trains daily, a day train and an overnight one.

​HOW LONG IS THE TRAIN JOURNEY FROM SYDNEY TO MELBOURNE?

The NSW TrainLink regional express train will get you to your destination in less than 12 hours. The night train provides 11-hour connection.

HOW FAR IS SYDNEY FROM MELBOURNE?

There are 866 kilometers (538 miles) between Sydney and Melbourne..

Discover More Destinations in Australia

Melbourne to sydney train, newcastle to sydney train, sydney to brisbane train.

January 15th 2024 by Kerry Whitfield

"I dreamt of doing the Sydney to Melbourne train journey for years. But after chatting with seasoned travelers, their unanimous 'way too long!' dampened my enthusiasm a bit."

Here's a solution.

Oct 1, 2019 by Kerry Whitfield

The regular price by train from Sydney to Melbourne is $65 for seniors cardholders holders. With a couple of changes along the way, accompanied by the new regional fares in Victoria, we've found a way to bring the price down to just $9.60.

Aug 21, 2020 by Kerry Whitfield

Travel using your Gold Opal card to Dungog and change there for an XPT and coach to Tweed Heads. Then bus/light rail and train to Brisbane using a QLD Go Card.

Travel by Opal card to Dungog and change there for an XPT to destinations on the North Coast, all for a mere $5.

Oct 4, 2018 by Kerry Whitfield

Starts with a ferry to Manly, bus to Palm beach, ferry to Ettalong, bus to Woy Woy and train back to Central

Jun 9, 2018 by Kerry Whitfield

It costs the same if you're using a Seniors Opal card or just a few dollars on a regular Opal card.

Breaking the Sydney-Melbourne Train Journey: Why Albury Is a Perfect Pit Stop

Sydney to Griffith, Hay or Mildura for $5

Train to Woy Woy for fish’n’chips at Fishermen’s Wharf

Train to Woy Woy and ferry to Davistown for lunch

Sydney to Echuca via Lockhart, Yarrawonga and Deniliquin for $5

Around Port Phillip Bay by ferry, train and bus

Seniors Card Travel: Tweed Heads or Byron Bay to Geelong for $14.40

Sydney to Junee, Narrandera, Leeton or Griffith for $7.50.

Sydney to Tweed Heads/Byron Bay for $5.

Sydney to Katoomba by ferry and train

Sydney to Millthorpe by train for lunch

Sydney to Wollongong, across to Moss Vale and back to Sydney

Summer holiday in Wilcannia

Sydney to Lightning Ridge for $7.50

Rental car and camper van relocation

Tweed Heads/Byron Bay to Sydney for $5

Around Australia by public transport

Sydney Day Trip

Visit Catherine Hill Bay from Sydney by train and local bus

Seniors Card Travel: Sydney to Forster/Tuncurry for $5

Seniors Card Travel

Taree/Forster to Sydney for $5

Visit Bellingen from Sydney by train and local bus

Seniors Card Travel: Sydney to Broken Hill for $5

Sydney to the N.S.W. North West, including Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes and Moree for $7.50

Visiting Sydney? Don’t leave home without your GOLD Senior/Pensioner Opal Card

Day Trip to Ettalong via Manly, Palm Beach and Woy Woy

Bundanoon railway station by night

Need a change of scenery, thanks to the nsw trainlink country pensioner excursion (cpe) ticket senior card holders can travel the state of nsw for $2.50. here's the map showing where you can travel..

Sydney to Eden for $5

Sydney to Canberra for $5

Sydney to Tweed Hds. for $7.50

Eden to Sydney for $5

Canberra to Sydney for $5

Tweed Hds. to Sydney for $7.50

Broken Hill to Sydney

Here's a Facebook page dedicated to Seniors Travel.

Broken Hill to Sydney via Wilcannia for $7.50

The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in australia.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
• Privacy & cookies
•   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, travelling by train in australia.

Australia is a huge country.  And the best way to appreciate its vastness is to cross it at ground level by train, in comfort.  The famous Indian Pacific links Sydney, Adelaide & Perth in 3 days, crossing the great Nullarbor Plain in the process.  Don't miss out on a visit to the 'red centre' of Australia around Alice Springs, and there's no better way to reach Alice Springs or Darwin than by the equally famous Ghan from Adelaide.  In the East, comfortable XPT trains link Sydney with Melbourne & Brisbane at affordable prices, and Queensland Railways links Brisbane with Townsville & Cairns.  On this page you'll find train times, fares, how to buy tickets, and advice on what the train & the journey are like for all the main Australian train routes.

Train route map

Interactive map: Click a route for information

Useful country information

Sydney - adelaide - perth, across australia on the indian pacific.

Australia's biggest train journey, in every sense of the word.  This is a fabulous train ride right across Australia from Sydney or Adelaide to Perth, giving you a real sense of Australia's vastness which flying simply cannot deliver.  With a cosy bed at night in your own room, a restaurant for your meals and a lounge in which to relax during the day, it's a rolling hotel.  Now run by a private company called Journey Beyond Rail ( journeybeyondrail.com.au , known as Great Southern Rail until 2019), the Indian Pacific links Sydney, Adelaide & Perth once a week all year round.  The Indian Pacific has only existed since the 1970s, when a standard gauge line was finally completed across the continent from Sydney to Perth, some 4,343km or 2,698 miles.  Today, both the Indian Pacific and its sister train the Ghan use the original stainless-steel coaches built by the American Budd company for the first Indian Pacific trains when they started running in 1973.  Suitably modernised, of course.  This train is well worth including in your grand Australian tour! 

What's it like on board the Indian Pacific?     What's the journey like?

Check times & departure dates at journeybeyondrail.com.au .   Passengers can take their cars between Adelaide & Perth on the Indian Pacific, see journeybeyondrail.com.au .  The station in Adelaide is Adelaide Parklands, formerly known as Adelaide Keswick.

Children under 4 go free, under 16s reduced rate.  Return fares are twice the one-way fare.

Gold & Platinum fares include all meals and soft drinks, beer & wine.

Note that the Pensioner fares shown on the GSR website are for Australian senior citizens only.

How to buy tickets

You can check fares & book a journey on the Indian Pacific online at journeybeyondrail.com.au .

Or you can use the contact & booking form of reliable Australian-based train ticketing specialist www.internationalrail.com.au who can arrange Indian Pacific tickets for you, wherever you live in the world. You'll normally get a quote within 24 hours.  International Rail can also sort tickets for other Australian train services, such as NSW TrainLink from Sydney to Melbourne or Brisbane. 

To buy Australian train tickets in the UK by phone, call International Rail on 0844 248 248 3 , lines open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday.

Railpass options

The Rail Explorer Pass was discontinued in August 2015.  You need to buy regular tickets to use the IP or Ghan.

Vacations & tours by rail

Railbookers are train travel specialists with offices in the UK, Australia & United States.  They offer customisable tour packages around Australia with travel on some or all of Australia's great trains, with train tickets, stopovers, hotels, transfers and (if necessary) flights sorted for you.

What's a journey on the Indian Pacific like ?

The 'IP' leaves Sydney Central Station in downtown Sydney in late afternoon and threads its way through Sydney's suburban commuterland.  As night falls it climbs up through the scenic Blue Mountains passing through Katoomba, and next morning you'll wake up in arid outback country around Broken Hill.  Look out for kangaroo and emu over breakfast in the train's restaurant car!  The train arrives in Adelaide in the afternoon, with time for a city tour even if you're not stopping off, and leaves again for Perth in the early evening.  The day after leaving Adelaide the Indian Pacific crosses the hot, dusty emptiness of the famous Nullarbor Plain on the longest stretch of straight railway line in the world, 478 km or 297 miles, 'nullarbor' being Latin for 'no trees'.  The train stops long enough for you to visit the tiny community of Cook.  If you've ever wondered what the Middle of Nowhere looks like, this is it!  Once off the Nullarbor you can play 'spot the koala' over dinner as the beautiful evening sun plays over the leafy eucalyptus trees.  After dinner that evening the train used to stop at the gold rush town of Kalgoorlie for 3½ hours, long enough for a walkabout, but is passes through at 3am in its latest timetable.  Next day the train rolls into the pleasant and modern city of Perth, capital of Western Australia.  Congratulations, you've just crossed a continent!

What's it like on the Indian Pacific & Ghan ?

The Indian Pacific & the Ghan use similar equipment.  They both have two classes of accommodation, Gold Service sleepers & Platinum Service sleepers.  Both classes offer proper beds in private rooms with meals included in the restaurant car.  Platinum Service gets you a bigger room with (if you want one) a double bed, with an exclusive Platinum Service restaurant car with small lounge area.  Unfortunately, Red Service sleepers were discontinued in 2015 and Red Service reclining seats the year after, there is now no budget option.  What was originally a mode of transport with aspirations to cruise service at the top end is now an all-cruise train with prices to match.

Gold Service (formerly first class)

Gold Service passengers travel in private sleepers, either 2-berth twinettes for passengers travelling in twos or single-berth roomettes for passengers travelling alone, see the photos below.  The price per person is the same.  There's a restaurant car and a lounge car.

Queen Adelaide restaurant

The fare includes excellent 3-course meals served in the Queen Adelaide restaurant car.  Beer and standard wines are complimentary in Gold service.  Photos courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com .

Outback Explorer lounge car

During the day Gold Service passengers can use the Outback Explorer lounge (sometimes two of them) with bar & armchairs, complimentary tea & coffee always available.  The bar in the Outback Explorer lounge serves cocktails, beer & wine.  Since 2013, beer and standard wines are complimentary in Gold service.  Photos courtesy of Oliver Mann & DiscoverByRail.com

Twinette sleepers

If there's two of you, you'll get a relatively spacious 2-berth sleeper called a Twinette.  The twinette sleeping-cars have a conventional layout with a corridor along one side of the car, with compartments opening off it.  Each twinette compartment has an upper & lower bed which fold away to reveal a sofa for daytime use.  Twinettes have a tiny private bathroom with hot shower, toilet & washbasin.  Your twinette comes with comfortable freshly made-up beds, towels and a complimentary toiletries pack with soap, shampoo, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste.  The photos pretty accurately show the size of the room, with the compact shower & toilet opening off the wall to the left of shot.  Photos courtesy of James Chuang & Oliver Mann.

If you're travelling alone in Gold Service, you'll get a cosy private roomette.  Roomette sleeping-cars have a corridor snaking through the centre of the car in a series of gentle 's' curves with doors to the roomettes opening off both sides of it (the curves in the corridor maximise the space in each roomette, by making it wider at the head end).  Each roomette is only about 7 feet long by 4 feet wide, big enough for a comfy armchair, a table, and a drop-down sink in one corner, though the drop-down flush toilet originally fitted underneath each sink is now boarded up out of use.  At night, the bed folds down from behind the seat and takes up most of the room.  There's an excellent hot shower & toilets at the end of the corridor.  Roomettes come with a comfortable freshly made-up beds, towels and a complimentary toiletries pack with soap, shampoo, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste.

Platinum Service

The Ghan and Indian Pacific now feature an ultra-luxurious (and expensive!) Platinum Service, with a choice of double-bed or twin-bed sleeper compartments with private shower and toilet and extra space even compared to Gold Service.  As with Gold Service, meals are included in the fare, served in a Platinum Service restaurant car, which has a lounge area at one end.

Back to top

Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin

The ghan, to australia's red centre.

The lenendary Ghan is undoubtedly the best way to reach Australia's fabulous Red centre and the iconic Uluru (Ayer's Rock).  Australia's second most famous train, the Ghan links Adelaide, Alice Springs & (since 2004) Darwin, once a week all year round, twice a week from April to October.  By using the train you get a real feel for the scale of the Australian outback, which you simply don't on a plane.  Like the Indian Pacific, the Ghan is now run by Journeys Beyond Rail (formerly Great Southern Rail ), and has the same classes of accommodation & facilities:  Gold class sleepers, lounge & restaurant, see the section above .  Most departures of the Ghan now have an additional class of accommodation, the new super-deluxe Platinum Class complete with double (or twin lower) beds.

The Ghan gets its name from the (supposedly) Afghan camels and camel drivers who used to carry supplies up to Alice Springs before the railway came.  The first railway was narrow gauge, and the old Ghan was notoriously slow, taking 48 hours from Adelaide to Alice.  Only in the early 1980s was this new standard-gauge line opened taking a more direct route.  The journey time has been cut to an afternoon and a night, and the service doubled to twice weekly for much of the year.  Connections are available to/from Sydney and Melbourne using the Indian Pacific or Overland , see the Indian Pacific and Overland sections below.  The railway onwards to Darwin was completed in January 2004, and in February that year the Ghan was extended to Darwin once a week, doubled to twice-weekly in 2006.  Book early, as there has been huge interest in the service to Darwin and bookings have exceeded even the operator's own expectations.

The Ghan Timetable

IMPORTANT:  The Ghan does not run from mid-Dec to mid-Jan.

Off-train excursions happen at the longer stops.

Passengers can take their cars between Adelaide & Darwin on the Ghan, see journeybeyondrail.com.au .      What's it like on board The Ghan?

Children under 4 go free, under 16s reduced rate.  Return fares are twice the one-way fare. 

See journeybeyondrail.com.au for full details of fares.

Apex 6m+ = discounted advance purchase fare, bought at least 6 months in advance.

Gold & Platinum fares include all meals and (from April 2013), soft drinks, beer & wine.  Meals are extra in Red Service.

You can check fares & book a journey on the Indian Pacific online at journeybeyondrail.com.au . 

Or you can use the contact & booking form of Australian-based train ticketing specialist www.internationalrail.com.au who can arrange tickets for the Ghan for you wherever you live in the world.  You'll normally get a quote within 24 hours.  International Rail can also sort tickets for other Australian train services, such as NSW TrainLink from Sydney to Melbourne or Brisbane. 

To buy Australian train tickets by phone in the UK, call International Rail on 0844 248 248 3 , lines open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday.

The Rail Explorer Pass was discontinued in August 2015.  You need to buy regular tickets to use the Indian Pacific or Ghan.

What's it like on board the Ghan?

The train has similar classes, sleepers, lounges and restaurants as the Indian Pacific , see the accommodation guide above .

A trip on the Ghan from Adelaide to Australia's Red Centre

Alice springs.

The Alice, as it's usually known, still has a frontier feel to it.  Originally called Stuart and only officially renamed Alice Springs in 1933, it grew up around a telegraph station on the overland telegraph linking southern Australia with London.  The site for the telegraph station was chosen because there was water, a spring  which was named after the wife of Charles Todd, superintendent of telegraphs in Adelaide.  You can still see the telegraph station, now a museum, at the North end of the town.  Next to it (pictured above, at the base of the white rock) is the very birthplace of the town - the original, dried up 'Alice spring'.  Telegraph station museum website .  Northern Territories official visitor website .

Ayer's Rock (Uluru)

You'll want to explore the outback whilst in Alice Springs, including Uluru, the world's largest sandstone monolith.  It's some 275 miles southwest of Alice - the outback is a big place!  It's a fabulous area with lots to see besides Uluru, including the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) & King's Canyon.  You can see Uluru & Kata Tjuta as a 17 hour day trip from Alice (which includes a 5 hour drive each way), but it's far better to book a 2, 3 or 4-day 4-wheel drive camping safari to see more in less of a hurry.  Try www.wayoutback.com.au .  You're no longer allowed to climb Uluru as from October 2019 - it used to be a steep scramble along the tourist track up the least perpendicular part of its sandstone sides.  The website for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru .

Melbourne - Adelaide

The most civilised and pleasant way to travel between central Melbourne and central Adelaide is aboard the twice-a-week Overland , no need to use domestic flights.  It's the third of the 3 trains run by journeybeyondrail.com.au .

No service on 25 or 26 December.

The cheaper fare = advance purchase, limited availability.  The most expensive fare = full-flex rate.

Option 2, buy tickets at 12go.com .

12go is a reliable agency, the process is easy, overseas phone credit cards & phone numbers no problem.  Your ticket will be confirmed within 24h and sent by email.

What's it like on the Overland?

Sydney to melbourne, canberra & brisbane.

Comfortable air-conditioned trains link Sydney with Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra, city centre to city centre, with no need to fly!  These trains are run by NSW TrainLink, formerly CountryLink, formerly the State Rail Authority of New South Wales.  NSW TrainLink runs two comfortable XPT trains every day from Sydney to Melbourne, one by day and the other a time-effective overnight train with sleeping-car.  A similar daytime and overnight XPT service links Sydney to Brisbane, although as trains alternate between Brisbane and Casino, a bus connection is needed to Brisbane on one of the two.  Equally comfortable XPLORER trains link Sydney with Canberra several times a day.  More info & online booking at  transportnsw.info/regional .

Option 1, buy tickets at transportnsw.info/regional . 

Tickets bought online are sent by e-mail.

12go.com is a reliable booking agency, the process is easy, overseas phone numbers accepted.  Your ticket will be confirmed within 24h and sent by email.

Sleepers cannot be booked online , so for sleeper berths either call NSW TrainLink on +61 2 3814 0210 or use the contact & booking form of Melbourne-based agency www.internationalrail.com.au who can arrange sleeper tickets for you wherever you live in the world - you'll normally get a reply with a quote within 24 hours.

On board an XPT train

XPT trains might look familiar.  That's because they're based on the UK's InterCity 125, but re-geared to 100mph and with (you'll be pleased to learn) beefed-up air-conditioning.  XPTs have first and economy class reclining seats.  First and economy class seating is virtually identical - if you look really closely and get your tape measure out, you'll find there's 2" more legroom in first and the 1st class seats recline to 40 degrees rather than 28.  But that's the only difference, elbow room and the seats themselves are exactly the same.  So there is little point in paying for first class unless economy is full - or you want that extra recline on the overnight run.  XPTs have a buffet car selling food and drink, including wine.  XPLORERs have similar seating to XPTs and a buffet-bar.

XPT sleeping-cars

The overnight Sydney-Melbourne & Sydney-Brisbane XPT trains have one sleeping-car with 2-berth compartments.  A sofa converts to a lower berth and an upper berth folds out from the wall, with mattress and all necessary bedding.  There's a hot shower & toilet shared between each pair of adjacent compartments, just outside your compartment door.  Book early, as there's only one sleeping-car per train and it gets booked up fast. 

Unfortunately sleepers cannot be booked online, so you need to book at the station or by phone - from outside Australia call NSW TrainLink on +61 2 4907 7501.

Brisbane - Townsville - Cairns

Queensland Railways (QR) operates excellent passenger trains linking Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns, branded Traveltrain.  The trains operate on narrow gauge 3' 6" tracks, which explains why you need to change at Brisbane onto NSW TrainLink's standard gauge (4' 8½") trains to and from Sydney .  For more info & online tickets see www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au .

The SPIRIT OF QUEENSLAND is a new 100mph tilt train with Railbed Class flat-bed seats, Premium Economy Class seats and a lounge car.  Introduced in October 2013, this is a brand-new 100mph tilting train, see the photos below .  For more info see www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au .

The old Sunlander was discontinued in December 2014, replaced by the Spirit of Queensland 100mph tilt train.

BRISBANE-ROCKHAMPTON:   There are additional trains between Brisbane and Rockhampton, including a 100mph tilting daytime train.

BRISBANE-LONGREACH:   A train called the SPIRIT OF THE OUTBACK runs twice a week Brisbane - Rockhampton - Longreach, with 1st & economy sleepers, economy seats, and restaurant car.  1st class fares now include meals.  See www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au for details.

CAIRNS-FORSAYTH:   A little 1963-tainless-steel railcar works the Savannahlander train from Cairns to Forsayth at 06:30 every Wednesday with an overnight hotel stop in Almaden, arriving in Forsayth on Thursday evening.  It returns from Forsayth at 08:30 on Fridays, also with an overnight hotel stop in Almaden, arriving Cairns 18:40 on Saturdays.  A 4-day outback rail experience!  It runs March until December, no service in late Dec, Jan or Feb or first few days of March.  See www.savannahlander.com.au for timetable, fares & booking.

Children 15 years and under pay half the adult fare, children 3 years and under go free.

A-Choice fare = fully flexible, refundable.  U-Save fare = advance-purchase limited availability, no refunds.  B-Quick = another advance-purchase fare.

Option 1, buy at www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au

You can check train times & fares and book online at www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au .  This can book economy and railbed class. 

12go.com is a reliable booking agency, the process is easy, overseas credit cards no problem.  12go can book economy seats but may not be able to book railbed class.  Your ticket will be confirmed within 24h and sent by email.

The Spirit of Queensland tilt train

The train has two classes, Railbed class &  Premium Economy class.  All seats have power sockets and airline-style seat-back TV entertainment systems.  All passengers can use the lounge-cafe car, in Railbed class meals are served at your seat.

The Spirit of the Outback

Kalgoorlie - perth, transwa's prospector.

Transwa (formerly known as Westrail) introduced new express diesel trains on the Perth to Kalgoorlie Prospector services in September 2003, running at up to 100mph.  Within a few years, track will be upgraded to 125mph (200km/h), making these trains the fastest in Australia.  For more info, visit www.transwa.wa.gov.au .

Things to see & do

Sydney is a fantastic city.  Take a tour of the opera house ( www.sydneyoperahouse.com ).  Wander through the botanic gardens .  Visit the observation deck of the Centrepoint Tower ( www.sydneytowereye.com.au ).  Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Watson's Bay for fish and chips at Doyle's famous refreshment rooms ( www.doyles.com.au , look for 'Doyles on the beach', for Sydney ferry information see transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/ferry ).  For general city tourist information see www.sydney.com .

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Why not do the incredible Sydney Harbour Bridge climb ? From A$344, you are briefed and equipped for a walk up the girders of Sydney Harbour Bridge, for some fantastic views across the city, from the Pacific Ocean in the East to the Blue Mountains in the West.  The bridge climb tour has been operating since October 1998.  Book your climb online here or visit www.bridgeclimb.com for more information.

The Blue Mountains

Don't forget to visit the museum in Melbourne's old gaol , www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au .  Ned Kelly, Australia's most infamous outlaw, was imprisoned and hanged in Melbourne gaol, and his unique armour was originally displayed there.

Great Ocean Road

Named after the wife of King William IV, Adelaide is a much smaller city than Sydney or Melbourne, and much more relaxed.  Admirably well laid-out by its founder, Colonel William Light, the city centre is surrounded by parkland.  On Montefiore Hill to the north of the centre, you can see 'Light's vision', where Colonel Light stood to map out his plan for the city.  For city visit information see www.cityofadelaide.com.au .

Barossa Valley wine region

Great ocean road by train+bus, every monday, wednesday, friday for just au$ 10.

The Great Ocean Road along the coast from Melbourne is one of the great scenic drives of Australia.  You can hire a car and drive it, or there are various 1-day bus tours from Melbourne.  But rather than endure a bus for the whole day, just AU$ 10 gets you a 1-day tour on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays run by V/Line, the regional train & bus operator, using comfortable trains from Melbourne's Southern Cross station, as follows:

You take the daily 09:10 V/Line train from Melbourne's main Southern Cross railway station to Geelong, arriving 10:07.  The train is comfortable and air-conditioned.  Economy seats only, no reservation required.

At Geelong, the train connects with a daily air-conditioned V/Line coach leaving from outside Geelong railway station at 10:20 and running via Anglesea and Lorne to Apollo Bay arriving 12:53.  No reservation required.

At Apollo Bay, you switch buses and join a V/Line Great Ocean Road air-conditioned sightseeing coach.  This runs on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays leaving Apollo Bay at 13:25 and running all along the Great Ocean Road via the Twelve Apostles (30 minute stop), Loch-Ard Gorge (15 minute stop), London Bridge (10 minute stop) and Bay of Islands (10 min stop) to Warrnambool railway station, arriving 16:55.  No reservation is required for this bus.

At Warrnambool, the bus connects with the 17:36 V/Line train back to Melbourne Southern Cross, arriving Melbourne at 21:15.  This comfortable air-conditioned train has first class as well as economy seats, refreshments are available on board.  However, on this train a seat reservation is required.

How much does it cost?

Since 2023, a return ticket from Melbourne to Warrnambool, out via the Great Ocean Road sightseeing bus and back on the direct train now costs an amazingly cheap Aus$ 10 (£5 or US$6), after an election pledge to cap transport fares across Victoria (it used to cost around Aus$87, about £50 or US$62). Children 0-3 (inclusive) go free, children aged 4 to 16 go at the concession rate, Aus$5.

You can easily book this trip online at www.vline.com.au .  Simply click Plan trip/buy tickets and use the journey planner to book a return ticket from Melbourne Southern Cross to Warrnambool Station, making sure it's on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday.  Make sure you select the 09:10 departure from Melbourne to Warrnambool by train+coach+coach via Geelong & Apollo Bay on the outward leg, and the 17:36 direct train from Warrnambool to Melbourne on the return leg.  You pay by Visa or MasterCard and collect your tickets at any V/Line sales outlet, including at Melbourne Southern Cross station.  If you have any issues booking this, call V/Line on +61 3 9662 2505.

For general tourist information about the Great Ocean Road, see www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au .

Buy at Amazon.co.uk (UK) or Amazon.com (US)

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Australia by Rail from Trailblazer Guides

Accommodation in australia, tripadvisor hotel reviews.

www.tripadvisor.com is a good place to find independent travellers' reviews of the main hotels.  It also has the low-down on all the sights & attractions too.

Backpacker hostels in Australia: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in many places in Australia, at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to Australia

1)  check flight prices at opodo, www.opodo.com, 2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines....

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think!  See www.loungepass.com

Travel to Australia without flying

For information on how to travel from Europe to Australia without flying, either overland by Trans-Siberian Railway to the Far East then by freighter, or by sea all the way, see the Australia overland page .

H olidays by train in Australia

Alternatively, companies such as Travelbag can arrange independent travel, with flights and trains as required.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

Back to home page

How can we help you today?

Popular searches.

• Contactless payments
• Routes and timetables
• Concessions
• School student travel
• Opal Travel app
• Tickets and Opal
• Ticket eligibility

Check eligibility

Find out if you're eligible for concession travel as a pensioner

Get a Gold Opal card

Apply for a Gold Opal card on Opal website

about Pensioner Concession Card

If you have a Pensioner Concession Card issued by any Australian state or territory, you are entitled to concession fares on public transport in NSW.

Eligibility

The Pensioner Concession Card is your proof of entitlement to concession fares on public transport in NSW.

If you are receiving an eligible Centrelink payment, you will automatically receive a Pensioner Concession Card from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans' Affairs. You do not need to apply for a Pensioner Concession Card.

Once you have your Pensioner Concession Card, you will need it to apply for a Gold Opal card for trips in Sydney and surrounding areas, or when booking a trip on Regional trains and coaches.

Validity and replacement cards

When your card expires, it will automatically be reissued by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs if you continue to be eligible.

For a replacement Pensioner Concession Card, contact Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for free card replacement.

booking Ticket options

You must hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card at the time of booking on Regional services or applying for a Gold Senior/ Pensioner Opal card. You must also carry your Pensioner Concession Card when you travel as proof of entitlement or you may be fined. Transport entitlements do not extend to dependants listed on the reverse of the Pensioner Concession Card.

Concessions are generally not available on private ferries, event shuttles buses, chartered bus services and Great Southern Rail services.

opal Sydney and surrounding areas

In the Opal network , eligible pensioners are entitled to concession fares with a Gold Senior/ Pensioner Opal card.

Only the cardholder is eligible for this concession.

If you do not have your proof of entitlement card, you are required to pay for and travel with an Adult fare, or you may be fined for travelling on an invalid ticket .

How to get your Gold Opal card

To apply, you'll need your Pensioner Concession Card details handy.

Apply for a Gold Opal card online

Once your eligibility is confirmed, your Gold Opal card will be mailed to you within 5 to 7 working days.

You'll then need to activate your Opal card before you travel.

For a replacement Gold Opal card, call 13 67 25 (13 OPAL). A replacement fee may apply.

Sydney Airport train station access fee

Eligible pensioners pay the Concession Sydney Airport station access fee when travelling with a Gold Opal card to or from the airport train stations.

regional-train coach Regional trains and coaches

Nsw trainlink.

Eligible pensioners are entitled to concession fares on:

• privately-operated regular route local bus services in regional NSW
• all NSW TrainLink Regional services

This includes:

• $2.50 all day travel with the Regional Excursion Daily ticket on local buses
• $2.50 all day travel with the Country Pensioner Excursion ticket for booked NSW TrainLink Regional services
• Concession fares when you travel on interstate train service
• 4 single or 2 return free or discounted trips within NSW annually with Pensioner Travel Vouchers on NSW TrainLink Regional services. Booking fees apply for First Class travel.

No further concessions apply when booking sleeping berths.

Pensioner Concession Card and Seniors Card holders are no longer required to register their card details before booking a Country Pensioner Excursion fare online.

However you must be in possession of a valid concession card when travelling and are required to produce it to an authorised person upon request, otherwise the applicable fare will be charged.

Find out more about NSW TrainLink ticket fare rules for pensioners .

nsw-map Private-owned services

Other privately owned and operated services in regional NSW may offer a range of different concession fares.

However, certain free travel entitlements will also be provided under an arrangement with the Victorian and Queensland governments.

Not all concession fares and entitlements are available to non-NSW cardholders. Check with local transport operators for ticketing and fare information before you travel.

Find what you needed?

Help us improve your experience by taking a quick survey.

Take our survey