train journeys western australia

Perth to Adelaide 2024

Departures per week.

The Indian Pacific departs weekly all year round.

Day of departure

The Indian Pacific departs Perth on Sundays at 10.00 am (until the end of 2024)

Depart Perth, Sunday at 10.00am, arrive in Adelaide on Tuesday at 7.20am

• All meals and beverages onboard
• Excursion at Kalgoorlie
• Afternoon experience at Cook

Perth, Avon Valley and Kalgoorlie

A leisurely mid-morning departure from Perth is soon followed by a regionally inspired, gourmet lunch with views of the beautiful patchwork hills of the Avon Valley. The soft, green rolling hills slowly give way to the flatter, drier and harsher, but every bit as beautiful, desert plains. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and socialising with fellow guests in anticipation of your late-night arrival into the landmark township of Kalgoorlie. After a fascinating Off Train Excursion return to your cabin for a restful night’s sleep.

Nullarbor Plain

Arrive refreshed and eager for a superb sunrise on the Nullarbor. Back on the train enjoy regionally inspired modern Australian cuisine for brunch, before alighting at the once vibrant but now deserted ghost town of Cook. Watch the passing parade of ever-changing landscape before dinner and share stories with friends in the lounge.

After another comfortable night’s sleep, the beautiful but unforgiving scenery is now replaced by softer and more graceful contours as you make your way to Adelaide for a morning arrival.

Pricing (per person)

High season.

September, October, November 2023

• Flexible Fare $ 5,195
• Everyday Fare $ 4,745
• Flexible Fare $ 3,185
• Everyday Fare $ 2,895 Advance Purchase $2,595
• Gold Single  
• Flexible Fare $ 2,745
• Everyday Fare $ 2,495 ‍

Advance Purchase $2,250

Shoulder Season

February, March April, May, August, December 2023

• Flexible Fare $ 4,755
• Everyday Fare $ 4,325
• Gold Twin  
• Everyday Fare $ 2,495 Advance Purchase $ 2,250
• Flexible Fare $ 2,255
• Everyday Fare $ 2,055 Advance Purchase $1,845

June, July 2023

• Flexible Fare $ 3,895
• Everyday Fare $ 3,555
• Flexible Fare $ 2,395
• Everyday Fare $ 2,195 Advance Purchase $ 1,975
• Gold Single
• Flexible Fare $ 1,855
• Everyday Fare $1,685 Advance Purchase $ 1,525

September, October, November 2024

• Flexible Fare $ 5,650
• Everyday Fare $ 5,135
• Flexible Fare $ 3,345
• Everyday Fare $ 3,040 Advance Purchase $ 2,730
• Flexible Fare $ 2,880
•  Everyday Fare $ 2,620 Advance Purchase $ 2,360

January, February, March, April, May, August, December 2024

• Flexible Fare $ 5,145
• Everyday Fare $ 4,675
• Everyday Fare  $ 2,620 Advance Purchase $ 2,360 ‍
• Flexible Fare $ 2,375
• Everyday Fare $ 2,160 Advance Purchase $ 1,945

June, July 2024

• Flexible Fare $ 4,235
• Everyday Fare $ 3,850
• Flexible Fare $ 2,535
• Everyday Fare $ 2,305 Advance Purchase $ 2,075
• Flexible Fare $ 1,945
• Everyday Fare $ 1,770 Advance Purchase $ 1,595

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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.

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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.

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8 best train journeys in Australia

From historic railway day trips to trans-continental tracks, we reveal the best train journeys in australia.

F orget flying, train travel is absolutely the best way to explore Australia without having to drive yourself around. A moving window taking in the country’s incredible, diverse landscapes — from historic rail day trips to transcontinental crossings — railways offer the opportunity to journey between cities without missing the hundreds of miles of wonderful wilderness in between.

Main photo: the Great Southern at Coffs Harbour

1. The Indian Pacific, Sydney to Perth

Stretching the width of the continent, from Sydney on the east coast to Perth in Western Australia, the Indian Pacific is Australia’s longest train journey and one of its most epic. Over the course of 70 hours you’ll cover 2,704 miles, including the longest unswerving length of railway in the world: 297 miles of dead-straight track.

Although the line was completed in 1917, the Indian Pacific didn’t become a passenger service until 1970, and today it provides a luxurious travel experience in both its gold service and platinum service quarters, with en suite shower rooms, comfy beds in wood-clad cabins, and fine wines and delicious dishes served in the dining car.

The Indian Pacific runs across the country in both directions, but setting out from Sydney you’ll first pass the Unesco world heritage-listed Blue Mountains — just an hour outside of the city — famed for their inky hues caused by short-wave rays of blue light being scattered by the droplets of eucalyptus oil that waft up from the forest below.

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After stopping in Broken Hill — Australia’s longest-running mining town, known as Silver City — the Indian Pacific snakes into South Australia’s capital, Adelaide, where you’ll alight for a range of day tours, that centre around the region’s fantastic food and wine, especially the vineyards of McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley.

Then it’s off into the wilderness, taking in the Nullarbor Plain — 77,000 square miles of immaculate isolation and the world’s largest expanse of exposed limestone bedrock — ghost towns, desolate cattle stations, red desert, salt flats, and iconic wildlife, on the way to Australia’s sunniest city: Perth.

2. Kuranda Scenic Railway, Cairns to Kuranda

Snaking through the Unesco world heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland, the serpentine Cairns to Kuranda line passes gorgeous gorges and majestic mountains, runs right beneath waterfalls, winds across 37 bridges, and slips through 15 tunnels in this wild and wonderful train trip in the far north of Queensland.

Running 23 miles from Cairns — gateway to the Great Barrier Reef — and over the Great Dividing Ranges to the rainforest village of Kuranda, this beautiful train trip takes just under two hours to make the one-way journey. That includes a ten-minute break at Barron Falls Station, which bring spectacular, unobstructed view of Barron Falls — little more than a trickle during the dry season, but a staggering sight in the wet.

3. Puffing Billy, Belgrave to Gembrook

If you long for the golden age of rail travel then you’ll definitely want to make time to take a ride on the legendary Puffing Billy Railway. Dating back to 1899, this narrow-gauge, coal-powered steam locomotive route is among the world’s most popular steam heritage railways and it runs through the southern foothills of Victoria’s striking Dandenong Ranges on the outskirts of Melbourne.

Unlike some of Australia’s continent-spanning sleeper trains, Puffing Billy Railway is primarily run by enthusiasts and volunteers. You can choose from a variety of scenic day-trips, which vary in length and cost, but typically range from 30 minutes to two hours for a one-way trip.

Whether you travel from Belgrave to Menzies Creek, Emerald, Lakeside or on to Gembrook, routes usually cross the historic, timber-framed, Monbulk Creek trestle bridge and offer verdurous views of Sherbrooke Forest, under the canopies of mountain ash — the world’s largest flowering plant.

Take a short trip and tuck into an onboard picnic, or book into a first-class carriage and enjoy a white-tablecloth gourmet lunch experience as you ride these iconic rails.

4. The Great Southern, Adelaide to Brisbane

A relative newcomer to Australia’s suite of luxury, experiential train journeys, The Great Southern route only launched in December 2019. It takes passengers on a three-day northbound trip or a four-day southbound itinerary.

Linking Adelaide to the wonderful — woefully overlooked — sizzling city of Brisbane , this service explores the outlandish landscapes and extraordinary experiences across Australia’s diverse southeastern corner, and — just like its sister routes, the Ghan and the Indian Pacific — your ticket to ride includes luxurious sleeping quarters (bunk beds in Gold accommodation and double beds in Platinum), dining, drinking and off-train excursions.

Running exclusively during the (Antipodean) summer, the route makes stops in Victoria’s stunning Grampians Ranges: a fantastic area for hiking, riddled with a network of sylvan trails that often end in breathtaking cragged escarpments, overlooking the Victoria Valley. Such treks also reward rock climbers and casual walkers with ancient Aboriginal rock art sites dating back to when this place was known only as Gariwerd.

At Australia’s capital city, Canberra, you’ll stop to take in the lesser-visited, modern heart of the nation, and get a glimpse of Australia’s recent history at the humbling, National War Memorial. For the shape of things to come, visit Parliament House.

The final stop before arriving in glitzy, outdoorsy, surprisingly artsy Brisbane is the laid-back, beach town of Coffs Harbour, a great place to top up your tan on the sand, in the sea or simply while browsing the eclectic Harbourside markets.

5. Spirit of the Outback, Brisbane to Longreach

Heading west for over 820 miles, the Spirit of the Outback is a government-run sleeper train service that departs from the glossy metropolis of Brisbane and spends 26 hours travelling through rugged Queensland outback to the remote settlement of Longreach.

Accommodation classes onboard range from standard economy fares, which cover reclining seats and footrests (but no bedding), right through to the private cabins of the first-class carriages, which contain bunk beds, bedding, wardrobes, power points, and hand basins, as well as shower facilities at the end of each carriage. First-class fares also include all onboard meals, which ranges from Australian fine dining in The Tuckerbox Restaurant to snacks and drinks in the Captain Starlight Lounge and the Stockman’s Bar.

The train passes through the quirky, heritage mining towns of Blackwater, Emerald, and Barcaldine before arriving in Longreach, and upon arrival you can enjoy tours of the town, take a sunset cruise on the Thomson River, and visit the Qantas Founders Museum, historic home of the world’s third-oldest airline.

Longreach’s best-known attraction, however, is the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, which was opened by the Queen in 1988, and pays tribute to cattle ranchers, pioneers, explorers, and settlers of the Australian outback.

6. The Overland, Melbourne to Adelaide

With a history dating back to 1887, The Overland — originally known as the Intercolonial Express — connects the states of South Australia and Victoria. Travelling between their capitals, the route was soon dubbed the Melbourne Express when headed eastbound from Adelaide, and the Adelaide Express when heading west from Melbourne .

Spanning a distance of 515 miles, the daytime-only journey takes around 10-11 hours each way, and takes in quaint Victorian towns; crosses Australia’s longest river, the Murray River; and glides through the bucolic Adelaide Hills.

Despite its 130-plus years of history, the privately operated Overland remains in service due to the support of government subsidies and – with the ever-present threat of funding withdrawal looming in recent years — its best to make this trip while you’re still sure you can.

7. The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin

The Ghan — pronounced so it rhymes with “can”, and named after the Afghan cameleers who once plied this route via dromedary — might just be the most memorable way to cross Australia.

Travelling from Adelaide in the south of the continent to Darwin in the Northern Territory, or vice-versa, The Ghan cuts straight through the Red Centre: Australia’s most famous patch of outback.

Run by the same company as The Indian Pacific, the standard of train travel is an identical, five-star experience, with the same carriages and quarters found on that east-west route. While the onboard experience is familiar, however, the views and the stops along the way are from another planet.

Departing Adelaide, its wine country, and rural South Australia’s sprawling swathes of golden savannah, you’ll first pass the dramatic Flinders Rangers, and then Cooper Pedy. This is an isolated opal-mining community where locals live in incredible, troglodytic cave dwellings to escape the fierce heat of the sun.

Moving on, you’ll visit the city of Alice Springs, which serves as a rough and ready outback outpost worthy of Crocodile Dundee and the gateway for an unforgettable flight, or road trip, to Watarrka National Park. Here you can hike up Heartbreak Hill to experience the vertiginous Rim Walk at Kings Canyon, where antediluvian marine fossils are inscribed into 330-million-year-old sandstone; and marvel at the 36 sandstone domes of Kata Tjuta, overlooked by the 3,500ft Mount Olga.

Let’s not beat about the Bush though: the Red Centre’s undoubted highlight is Uluru. Deeply sacred to the indigenous Anangu people, Uluru is much more than a big, red rock. Visit at dawn or dusk, when its colours deepen through day-glow orange, to dusky plum and on to colours without name and you’re sure to find it magical too.

At Nitmiluk Gorge, there are scheduled stops to explore the Katherine River by boat, canoe, or on foot (or even by swimming outside of crocodile season). Here you can inspect the ancient aboriginal rock art that adorns bluffs of billion-year-old sandstone.

Finally, your trip ends in tropical Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory, and a hub for trips to Kakadu National Park, the Tiwi Islands, and more outback adventures. All aboard!

8. Victorian Goldfields Railway, Maldon to Castlemaine

Offering not just the opportunity to ride on a historic train, but also to actually drive a classic steam locomotive, the Victorian Goldfields Railway plies an 11-mile route between the 19th-century gold rush boomtowns of Castlemaine and Maldon in Victoria.

Originally opened in 1884, but today running purely as a tourist attraction, the railway’s locomotives and rolling stock date from the early to mid-20th century, and the line is primarily serviced by steam engines, operating two return trips on Wednesdays, Sundays and on public holidays.

Outside of these times, the railway offers anyone over the age of 18 the chance to try a full-day train driving experience, taking charge of a train for a whole return journey. Come the fire-danger months between December and March, the steam locomotives can be swapped for diesel trains, so if you have your heart set on getting sooty, avoid visiting during Australia’s summer.

Discover more great Australian experiences

Best time to visit Australia

The world’s most luxurious train journeys

Best Australia itineraries

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Inspired to visit travel by rail but yet to book your trip? Here are the best getaways from Byway Travel and Newmarket Holidays . Or try a wine-themed cycle and rail tour here . And if you’re still unsure of where you want to go or what type of holiday to book, get in touch here and one of the Designer Travel experts will be in contact to help you arrange your perfect tailor-made break

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Australia's top 10 epic train journeys

Taylah Darnell

Editorial Assistant

23 February 2023

From vintage sleepers to steam locomotives, see more of Australia by train with these epic rail adventures.

Forget packed flights where you don’t see anything between points A and B. Don’t even consider the drawn-out car journeys with too much traffic and not enough detours. Long gone are the days of long security lines and not enough room in the boot.

The best way to see Australia is by train, with a jam-packed itinerary and everything you need taken care of. Spread across carriages that traverse Australia’s most diverse landscapes, guests can wine and dine, rest and relax and discover somewhere new. Find 10 of the best (in no particular order) below.

1. The Ghan

Known as one of the most legendary rail journeys Australia has to offer, The Ghan traverses some of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Those choosing to travel on the tracks can pick between Darwin to Adelaide , Adelaide to Alice Springs and Darwin to Alice Springs, each trip being reversible. Both on- and off-train experiences are designed to heighten your experience, from your spacious cabin and onboard restaurant and lounge to the stops you make along the way.

The Ghan is one of the best railway journeys on offer in Australia. (Image: Tourism NT/Steve Strike)

2. Indian Pacific

Go coast to coast on this transformative, transcontinental journey from Sydney to Perth via Adelaide or vice versa. Named after the two oceans it connects, the Indian Pacific charts 4352 kilometres across 65 hours. Enjoy a range of luxe experiences both onboard and off , from Barossa Valley wineries and The Nullabor to Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.

Witness some of Australia’s most jaw-dropping landscapes onboard the Indian Pacific. (Image: Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions)

3. Great Southern

The Great Southern takes guests from one underrated capital city to another in sleek style and comfort. Travel from Brisbane to Adelaide and uncover some of Australia’s best-kept secrets along the way; the Grampians, Hunter Valley and Coffs Harbour . Along the way, indulge in fine dining, premium wines and cosy accommodation onboard as you travel through Australia’s diverse landscape.

Uncover some of Australia’s best-kept secrets on the Great Southern.

4. The Overland

If you’re down for a shorter trip, The Overland is perfect for you. This daylight service travels between two very vibrant but very different cities, Adelaide and Melbourne. Throughout the trip, enjoy visits to small yet mighty Aussie towns like Murray Bridge, Horsham and Geelong . Guests will still enjoy a range of dining options, with semi-reclining seats for your comfort along the way.

The Overland is a daytime service perfect for families. (Image: Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions)

5. Spirit of Queensland

Take in Queensland’s distinctive landscape on the Spirit of Queensland railway journey, running between Brisbane and Cairns. Enjoy seat service, in-transit entertainment, a galley car, showers and convertible chairs into beds, you’ll arrive at your destination relaxed and refreshed. Along the way, discover the delights of the Whitsundays , Townsville , Bundaberg , and the Fraser and Sunshine Coasts.

The Spirit of Queensland traverses the landscape between Brisbane and Cairns.

6. Vintage Rail Journeys

Vintage Rail Journeys’ three rail tours showcase the diversity of Australia in vintage style. Get comfy on a restored 1960s Aurora Australis sleeping train to explore everywhere from Orange to the Blue Mountains in the Golden West; the Riverina , where you’ll get a taste of Australia’s food bowl; and the North Coast , which serves up a mix of coastal and inland beauty from Port Macquarie to the Northern Rivers.

Take in the verdant views of the Blue Mountains onboard with Vintage Railway Journeys. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Scott Mcgregor’s Railway Adventures

Join Aussie presenter, producer and writer Scott McGregor and his experienced guides on fully escorted train tours across the continent . Head down to Tassie for an 11-night circumnavigation of the island state, relive the golden age of rail and river transport in Victoria on Puffing Billy or ride the Savannahlander and other historic railways in outback Queensland.

Travel onboard the legendary steam train Puffing Billy with Scott McGregor’s Railway Adventures.

8. Kuranda Scenic Railway

Immerse yourself in the heritage-listed rainforest of Tropical North Queensland’s Wet Tropics , beginning at sea level in Cairns and winding up to the pretty mountain village of Kuranda , at 328 metres. Enjoy locally sourced refreshments as you zoom through one of the world’s oldest rainforests and past waterfalls plunging into deep ravines.

Journey over the scenic Robbs Monument at the Kuranda railway. (Image: Journey Beyond)

9. Puffing Billy

With four epic adventures to choose from, Puffing Billy is the perfect option for families. Whether you pick Belgrave to Lakeside, Belgrave to Menzies Creek, Lakeside to Gembrook or Belgrave to Gembrook, you’re in for a treat. Puffing Billy, known as Australia’s favourite steam train, was built in 1900 and is based in the stunning Dandenong Ranges.

Puffing Billy is known as Australia’s favourite steam train.

10. Spirit of the Outback

The Spirit of the Outback traverses the heartland of Queensland’s outback from Brisbane to Longreach. Delve into the history and culture of the state via towns like Bundaberg and Emerald. All customers onboard can enjoy a variety of amenities. Single- and twin-cabin guests have access to the Shearers Rest lounge.

Delve into the history and culture of Queensland.

Taylah has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of a book or attempting to write her own. When she's not immersed in the world of words, she enjoys spending time amongst nature, hunting for second-hand treasures and watching/playing a good game of soccer.

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Comments (3)

I would love to go on anyone of these rail trips.

Very informative. Please let us know more about sightseeing of Australia’s nature.

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Western Australia Indian Pacific Packages

Indian Pacific to Perth Short Break

Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth with 2 nights in Perth, all flights and personalised transfers. All off-train activities included, like touring in Broken Hill, Barossa, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna. Your own private Gold Class cabin (with en suite) and delicious meals included.  Experience one of the world's most epic and unforgettable trans-continental train journeys in this 6 day package to Perth. Cross the Nullarbor aboard the Indian Pacific and enjoy 2 days in Perth to explore the city at your own pace. Full Details

• Full Inclusions
• Indian Pacific

Indian Pacific to Perth Discover

Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth with 4 nights, Perth & Fremantle touring, a Rottnest Island day, Swan River & Rottnest cruise, all flights and personalised transfers. All off-train activities included, like touring in Broken Hill, Barossa, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna. Cross the Nullarbor in your luxurious private Gold Service Cabin onboard the Indian Pacific on your incredible journey to Perth. Enjoy a Perth city and Fremantle tour and take in spectacular views of the city skyline from Kings Park. Cruise the Swan River to Fremantle and then Rottnest Island to meet the famous quokkas, take in the history, spectacular beaches and landscapes on WA’s island paradise. See the magnificent Swan River, Indian Ocean, Fremantle harbour, the WACA, Watertown Discount Shopping Centre, the Bell Tower, the Perth Mint and much more. Full Details

Indian Pacific to Perth All-Inclusive

Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth with 6 days luxury coach touring in Perth, featuring Margaret River, Pinnacles Desert, Perth, Fremantle & Swan River Lunch Cruise. Combine the adventure of crossing the Nullarbor aboard the Indian Pacific with unforgettable luxury coach touring in extraordinary Western Australia. Visit Margaret River, famous for its wineries, beaches, breweries, seasonal wildflowers, and local produce. Discover the amazing moonscape of the Pinnacles Desert and enjoy a lunch cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle. Full Details

Indian Pacific to Perth All-Inclusive with Wildflower Discovery

Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth with 7 days luxury coach touring in Perth, featuring our special wildflower discovery day.  Spring is undoubtedly the best time to visit WA with thousands of amazing wildflowers colouring the landscape.  Departures available between September and November with frequent stops on a dedicated wildflower day tour, plus discover the amazing moonscape of the Pinnacles Desert, the world famous Margaret River region, Busselton Jetty, the bohemian port town of Fremantle and enjoy a special lunch cruise down the iconic Swan River. Full Details

Indian Pacific with Perth and Margaret River Overnight Touring

Combine the Indian Pacific journey from Sydney to Perth with our incredible Perth & Margaret River overnight touring, including gourmet food and wines, flights and transfers. Immerse yourself in Margaret River’s dramatic scenery and experience the best wineries, galleries, breweries, gourmet produce, forests, caves and lighthouses with our passionate local guide. Discover the rapidly developing Perth and bohemian port city of Fremantle. Everything is included train, all flights, tours, hotels, and personalised transfers.  Full Details

Indian Pacific to Perth All-Inclusive with Margaret River Stay

Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth with 7 days touring in Perth featuring 3 days of immersive gourmet small-group touring through the Margaret River region along with coach tours of Pinnacles Desert, Perth, Fremantle and a Swan River Lunch Cruise. Really discover one of Australia’s most famous wine regions in this package that encapsulates the Indian Pacific and overnight Margaret River touring.  Enjoy a sunset kangaroo safari (seasonal) and a special brewery lunch with the opportunity to buy wine direct from the maker. Experience a personalized wine tour, chocolate and cheese tasting and feast your senses on what the Margaret River region has to offer. Full Details

Indian Pacific with Perth, Margaret River & South Self-Drive

Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth with a self-drive tour through Margaret River, Albany and Pemberton with seasonal wildflowers (Sept-Nov) and 3 nights in Perth. Experience crossing the Nullarbor aboard the Indian Pacific before enjoying a Perth welcome tour and an unforgettable 5 day self-drive tour around spectacular South Western Australia. Visit the National ANZAC Centre, Cape Leeuwin, the most westerly point in Australia as well Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Full Details

Indian Pacific to Perth Wildflower Discovery

Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth with a specialised wildflower tour, a Perth & Fremantle Tour and a Swan River Cruise.  Spring is undoubtedly the best time to visit WA with thousands of amazing wildflowers colouring the landscape. Departures available between September and November with frequent stops on a dedicated wildflower day tour.  Enjoy 4 nights in Perth, a Perth & Fremantle tour, Swan River cruise, flights and transfers. Your on-board botany expert will show you many of WA's 15,000 species of remarkable wildflowers.  Take in Perth’s surrounds as you identify some of the rarest and most famous wildflowers of Western Australia on your immersive wildflower tour. Enjoy a tour of Perth and the bohemian port town Fremantle as well a cruise along the Swan River back to Perth. Experience included off-train excursions and activities in Broken Hill and Adelaide whilst on the Indian Pacific.  Full Details

Indian Pacific to Perth All-Inclusive with Rottnest Island

Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth, featuring a day on famous Rottnest Island plus all-inclusive Perth touring to Margaret River, Pinnacles Desert, Swan River and Fremantle.  Meet the famous quokkas on Rottnest Island, take in the history, spectacular beaches and landscapes on WA’s island paradise. This 10 day train and touring package includes all off-train excursions and activities while on the Indian Pacific. In Perth enjoy Special Lunches, a magnificent cruise and more. All flights, Western Australia luxury touring, accommodation, many meals and your personalised transfers are included. This is the perfect getaway to Western Australia and Rottnest Island. Full Details

Indian Pacific with Perth & Broome Discover

Experience the legendary Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth along with a stay in tropical Broome. Enjoy time in Perth with Perth & Fremantle touring, a Rottnest Island day and Swan River & Rottnest cruises before flying to amazing Broome for a relaxing stay with a town tour, pearl farm tour & cruise and a famous Cable Beach sunset camel ride. This all-inclusive package features Indian Pacific, all flights, hotels, tours, cruises and transfers. Discover two of Australia’s most remarkable destinations in this 12 day package to the West. Explore Perth and Broome at your own pace.   Full Details

Indian Pacific with Perth & Broome All-Inclusive

Combine a magical Indian Pacific rail journey with all-inclusive touring in both Perth and Broome, featuring Margaret River, Pinnacles Desert, Swan River, Cable Beach sunset camel ride, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, spectacular Dampier Peninsula plus more. This fully-inclusive package has all flights, Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth along with 5 nights in Perth with luxury coach touring, accommodation and meals, before flying to Broome for 6 nights with luxury coach touring, meals and accommodation. Combine the experience of crossing the Nullarbor on the Indian Pacific with luxury coach touring in Perth and Broome. Explore Perth, Margaret River, the Pinnacles Desert, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, the Dampier Peninsula and Broome as well as taking a world famous sunset camel ride along Cable Beach.  Full Details

Indian Pacific to Perth with Rottnest Island

Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth with an amazing Rottnest Island experience and Perth & Fremantle touring.  Cruise to Rottnest Island to meet the famous quokkas, take in the history, spectacular beaches and landscapes on WA’s island paradise.  Includes all off train experiences, private Gold Class cabin, luxury coach touring, flights, hotel, transfers and more in this 8 day train and touring package.  Discover Rottnest Island, Perth and the bohemian seaside town of Fremantle. This is an amazing getaway to extraordinary Western Australia. Full Details

Indian Pacific with Adelaide & Perth Discover

Experience the Indian Pacific along with stays and tours in both Adelaide and Perth. Journey on the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Adelaide, enjoy 7 nights in Adelaide with an Adelaide city tour, a Hahndorf, Mt Lofty Ranges & Adelaide Hills Tour, river cruise, then Indian Pacific on to Perth and 4 nights in Perth with Perth & Fremantle touring, a Rottnest Island day, Swan River & Rottnest cruise. Combine a stay in two of Australia's most fascinating cities along with the famous trans-continental journey across Australia aboard the Indian Pacific. Enjoy coach tours in both, Adelaide and Perth as well as free time to explore each city.  Full Details

Indian Pacific with Perth, Margaret River & South Luxury Touring

Combine the Indian Pacific with luxury overnight touring through extraordinary Margaret River, Albany & Pemberton plus a day on Rottnest Island and touring of Perth & Fremantle.  Combine the excitement of travelling on the Indian Pacific with the experience of discovering Western Australia.  Enjoy 5 days touring based in Perth plus a 4 day overnight luxury coach tour. Explore Margaret River, the South West, Rottnest Island and Perth on your 12 day escape to the West. See the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere in Busselton and Australia’s largest mainland lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin. Meet Quokkas on Rottnest Island and enjoy a cruise down the Swan River. Full Details

Indian Pacific with Adelaide & Perth All-Inclusive

Combine the Indian Pacific with all-inclusive touring in both Adelaide and Perth - featuring Barossa, Murray River paddlesteamer, Victor Harbor, McLaren Vale, Margaret River, Pinnacles Desert, Swan River cruise plus more. Journey on the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Adelaide, 7 nights in Adelaide with extensive South Australia luxury coach touring, Indian Pacific from Adelaide to Perth and 5 nights in Perth with extensive West Coast luxury coach touring. Enjoy the epic journey from Sydney to Perth with luxury coach touring in Adelaide along the way. Discover the Barossa Valley, Victor Harbor, McLaren Vale and a special Murray River cruise before continuing your journey to Perth and touring the Margaret River region, the Pinnacles Desert and cruising down the Swan River to Fremantle. Full Details

Indian Pacific with Perth, Monkey Mia & Kalbarri Premium Coach Touring

Combine the luxurious Indian Pacific with premium overnight coach touring up the extraordinary West Coast. Experience premium touring at it's best visiting Monkey Mia to see the friendly dolphins that call the area home, experience Kalbarri National Park, explore Geraldton and see the moving HMAS Sydney Memorial on your 6 day premium tour. Everything is included: flights, most meals, personalised transfers and more. Enjoy all off-train excursions and shorts stop while on board the Indian Pacific as well as all meals on board the train.  Full Details

Ghan & Indian Pacific with Darwin & Perth Discover

Combine two mighty trains, the Ghan and Indian Pacific. Enjoy the Ghan to Darwin, 1 night in Adelaide, 3 nights in Darwin, 2 nights in Perth and the Indian Pacific from Perth to Sydney. Experience the grandeur of the Ghan and the Indian Pacific on this train journey as well as coach tours in both Darwin and Perth and free time to explore the towns at your own pace. Full Details

Ghan & Indian Pacific with Darwin, Broome & Perth Discover

Combine two iconic trains - The Ghan and Indian Pacific - with stays in Adelaide, Darwin, Broome and Perth. Everything is included - all flights, hotels, tours and personalised transfers. Experience The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin, then 4 nights in Darwin, Broome and Perth with two tours in each location before embarking on the trans-continental Indian Pacific from Perth to Sydney. Enjoy both The Ghan and the Indian Pacific in this 19 day package with plenty of time to explore Darwin, Broome and Perth at your own pace before boarding the Indian Pacific for your epic journey across Australia from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific.  Full Details

Ghan & Indian Pacific with Darwin & Perth All-Inclusive

Combine the mighty Ghan and Indian Pacific trains with all-inclusive touring in Darwin and Perth, featuring Kakadu, Litchfield, Jumping Crocs, Margaret River, Pinnacles and Swan River lunch cruise.  Ghan to Darwin with a night in Adelaide, 6 days luxury coach touring in Darwin, flights to Perth and 8 days luxury coach touring in Perth before taking the Indian Pacific back to Sydney. Discover the Top and Western Australia in this 18 day train and luxury coach touring package. Experience Kakadu, Litchfield, Katherine, Margaret River and the Pinnacles Desert along with cruises in Darwin Harbour, the Yellow Water Billabong and the Adelaide river in Darwin, as well as the Swan River in Perth. Full Details

Ghan & Indian Pacific with Darwin, Kimberley, West Coast & Perth Luxury Touring

Combine the Ghan and Indian Pacific with 20 days of luxury West Coast & Kimberley touring between Perth and Darwin.  Ghan to Darwin with 20 day luxury coach touring from Darwin to Perth and the Indian Pacific back to Sydney. Experience two of Australia’s great train journeys, the Ghan and the Indian Pacific, along with luxury coach touring between Darwin and Perth via Katherine, Kununurra, El Questro, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Broome, Exmouth, Monkey Mia, Karijini, Kalbarri, Geraldton and Carnarvon. Full Details

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Domestic border restrictions have ended for nearly all States, meaning you:

• don’t need to apply for a border pass
• won’t need a Covid test
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Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime luxury Australian train journey and experience the breathtaking beauty of the country’s landscape from the comfort of your world-class cabin aboard The Ghan . Our train holidays in Australia offer a thrilling and splendid way to explore iconic locations while enjoying delicious meals with both new and old friends. So, embark on an adventure and choose your destination today to begin your unforgettable luxury Australian train holiday.

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ADELAIDE · ALICE SPRINGS · DARWIN · VICE VERSA

Ride the rails of history aboard The Ghan, as you take the unforgettable luxury Australian train journey through the outback heartland. Whether you travel up to the tropical Top End of Darwin, or south to the wine capital of Adelaide, your time experiencing one of the world’s great rail journeys will deliver a unique holiday beyond expectations.

SYDNEY · ADELAIDE · PERTH · VICE VERSA

The expanse of a continent is yours to discover on this unique coast-to-coast transcontinental Australian train journey. Whether you’re travelling from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific or the other way round, this epic journey across the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world, traversing mountain ranges, deserts and goldfields, through rocky valleys and subtropical savannah is a luxury holiday experience of a lifetime.

ADELAIDE · BRISBANE · VICE VERSA

Lazy laidback days and balmy starlit nights – Australians know their summer is something truly special. Returning for its second season with all-new adventures, the Great Southern Australian train journey takes you via outback and ocean embracing everything you love about summer this December and January.

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Great Southern

Brisbane to adelaide.

Australians know their unique summer deserves to be celebrated – and that’s just what a Great Southern journey is all about. Departing Brisbane, you’ll travel south into the rolling hills of New South Wales before indulging in an incredible beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour. Meander through the historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley or explore beautiful Port Stephens by land or sea, before heading towards regional Victoria and Melbourne. Enjoy a mixture of relaxing time on train and immersive Off Train Experiences, as you journey toward your final destination of Adelaide.

Adelaide to Brisbane

Leaving Adelaide behind, you can relax, unwind and enjoy world-class service as the stunning landscapes glide by. On your three day journey, enjoy a mixture of time on train and the opportunity to immerse yourself in Off Train Experiences as you journey towards Brisbane. Lap up the spectacular scenery passing by your window, beginning in the magical Adelaide Hills and onto the ancient Grampians region in Victoria. Delve into the art, history and culinary culture of Canberra, and discover the nation’s capital. Feel the sand between your toes in the picturesque coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Then enjoy stunning views of northern New South Wales as you roll into the final destination of Brisbane.

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Beautiful train journeys in Australia you NEED to take

Posted: December 6, 2023 | Last updated: December 6, 2023

Track magic

From traversing the heart of the country to clattering along some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, Australia's rail journeys are as diverse as the country itself. With luxury sleeper trains, heritage railways and fine-dining experiences on the rails, we take a look at some of Australia's most stunning scenic train journeys.

Victoria Goldfields Railway

Journey back into the gold rush era aboard Victoria Goldfields Railway's steam heritage train that chugs between the historic towns of Castlemaine and Maldon in central Victoria. Opt for the excursion class or go for first class to ride in style in spacious Edwardian-era compartments that grant access to an open observation deck at the front.

The 10.5 mile (17km) trip takes about 50 minutes each way with the train from Castlemaine spending two-and-a-half hours at Maldon, plenty of time for exploring its heritage sites. For serious train lovers, this attraction offers a chance to ride alongside the driver or even to drive a heritage steam or diesel locomotives while in charge of a goods train themselves.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway

From transporting copper to top Tassie attraction, The West Coast Wilderness Railway runs 22 miles (35km) between the old mining town of Queenstown and the port of Strahan on the island’s wild west coast. It’s a short but spectacular trip aboard restored heritage trains, running through tracts of dense ancient rainforest and up some seriously steep slopes. At present it’s not possible to travel the length of the railway in both directions, as the full-day service is suspended until further notice.

Half-day itineraries see passengers board at either Queenstown or Strahan and track along to Dubbil Barril before returning to their departure station. The train makes stops at remote train stations along the way for walks into the rainforest and panning for gold. Highlights include seeing the train being turned on the turntable at Dubbil Barril, climbing one of the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest tracks, crossing the Iron Bridge and traversing the deep chasm of the King River Gorge. 

The Q Train

All aboard, foodies: Victoria’s Q Train is quite the hot culinary ticket. Travelling along the 10 mile (16km) Bellarine Railway from the historic Drysdale station, this railway journey is all about drinking in the views as you savor wines and produce from the bucolic Bellarine Peninsula. Over a luxurious three-hour trip between Drysdale and Queenscliff, passengers feast on a six-course degustation menu while seated in refurbished rail dining cars.

One of the world's most famous train journeys, t he Ghan is a truly epic ride. Linking Adelaide in the south with Darwin in the north (or vice versa), the Ghan crosses the length of Australia on a three-day journey, spanning 1,851 miles (2,979km). Striking through the red heart of Australia, passengers have the option to add an extra day to their journey to go underground at an opal mine at Coober Pedy, stop at fascinating outback center Alice Springs, or go on a boat tour through the Katherine Gorge. 

Indian Pacific

Traversing the entire width of Australia, the Indian Pacific journeys from Sydney on the east coast to Perth on the west coast (and vice versa) with a stop-off in Adelaide along the way. Spanning four days, three nights, three time zones and a distance of 2,704 miles (4,352km), the train passes through some diverse landscapes. The scenic Blue Mountains (pictured), outback country around Broken Hill, the vast, parched Nullarbor Plain and goldfields of Western Australia are among them.

Spirit of the Outback

Travellers aboard Spirit of the Outback embark on a 26-hour trip that follows the Queensland coastline from Brisbane to Rockhampton until it turns west into the outback to pass through a string of quaint rural towns before terminating in Longreach. Covering 823 miles (1,325km) in total, the train rattles through ever-changing scenery and increasingly rugged terrain.

Passengers can choose between an economy seat or a first-class sleeper cabin, with the latter enjoying meals in the dining carriage, the Tuckerbox Restaurant. Economy passengers can purchase meals and refreshments for the trip in the galley. The train leaves Brisbane on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Longreach on Mondays and Thursdays.

Scenic train journey options are fairly limited in Western Australia, but the narrow-gauge railway service between Perth and Bunbury in the south is a fun adventure. The Australind, as it's known, covers 112 miles (181km) over the course of two-and-a-half hours and runs south from Perth, passing through a fragrant fruit-growing area that's also renowned for its abundance of wild flowers. There is a dining car on board, should hunger strike. 

The Overland

Running for more than 130 years, The Overland has long been a popular mode of transport for passengers travelling between the cities of Adelaide and Melbourne. The inter-state journey takes a leisurely 11 hours to complete and the train passes through an enthralling range of landscapes, from rugged shrublands to lush green fields and by the lower reaches of mighty Murray River. 

Kuranda Scenic Railway

The two-hour journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway runs from Cairns to Kuranda up in the Atherton Tableland and takes visitors through one of the world's oldest rainforests. The tropical scenery takes in waterfalls, mountains and ravines as well as one of Queensland's most popular national parks, Barron Gorge. In the village of Kuranda, visitors can tour the historic train station, which is more than 100 years old, plus visit a butterfly sanctuary, the Koala Gardens and local markets.

On what is a popular day trip from Cairns Railway Station or Freshwater Railway Station, many passengers combine a one-way ride on the railway with a trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. It's a wonderful way to experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland from different angles.

Spirit of Queensland

Replacing the much-loved Sunlander in 2014, the Spirit of Queensland travels 1,044 miles (1,681km) over 25 hours, connecting Brisbane and Cairns. The long-distance rail service passes through gorgeous tropical landscapes and connects passengers with coastal Queensland's spectacular destinations including hop-off points to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays. 

Modern and efficient, the Spirit of Queensland can travel at speeds of up to 99 miles per hour (160km/h) and promises those aboard a smooth ride. It offers passengers an airline-style experience with a choice of either premium economy seats or a RailBed (seats that convert into a lie-flat bed at night) with different dining options.

Puffing Billy Railway

Often named Australia's finest heritage railway, this is one for serious train fans and history buffs. Harking back to a by-gone era when steam locomotives ruled the rails, Puffing Billy is a relic of the 1920s that still races through the Dandenong Ranges on a one-and-a-half-hour journey. The only survivor of a failed attempt at introducing a series of narrow-gauge lines by the then-named Victorian Railways, Puffing Billy is a piece of living history. The journey goes from Belgrave into Sherbrooke Forest, to the intermediate station of Emerald and onto the historic township of Gembrook.

It's also a hugely popular family outing too. The Puffing Billy is famed for its open-side carriages where people can sit on the carriage sills and dangle their legs, all while taking in the views of the hills, forests, lush gullies and the railway's soaring timber trestle bridges. Trains run daily with one train offering a lunch service. Dinner service is available on Fridays and Saturdays – it's advised to book well in advance. The railway also has doggy specials known as the Puffing Billy Dog Express.

Pichi Richi Railway

Located in the southern part of the spectacular Flinders Ranges in South Australia, Pichi Richi is a tourist heritage railway that gives passengers a glimpse of what it would have been like to travel along the original Ghan route. The train runs between the small outback town of Quorn to Port Augusta at the head of Spencer Gulf via the Pichi Richi Pass.

As well as taking in the epic landscapes and picturesque country towns of the Flinders, it's a brilliant insight into the country's rail heritage. All Pichi Richi Railway trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages, some of which are more than 130 years old.

Great Southern

Australia's newest luxury long-distance train journey, Great Southern takes its passengers on a magnificent trip to explore the east and southern coasts of mainland Australia. Running between Brisbane and Adelaide, the luxurious bright orange train travels past rugged coastlines, sun-kissed beaches and forested peaks over a course of three days and two nights. 

If the scenery is too enticing, a variety of off-train activities can be arranged for passengers aboard this slick service to explore Victoria's Grampians, Canberra and the Hunter Valley and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. These include outdoor dining experiences, guided nature walks, vineyard tours and visits to cultural and historic sights in the nation's capital. 

Now discover the world's most luxurious train journeys

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A journey through central Australia by rail

Before I even stepped foot on The Ghan, I knew it was no ordinary train.

Renowned for being one the world’s greatest rail journeys, I’ve had countless people recommend I do the legendary train trip, which travels between Adelaide in South Australia and Darwin in the Northern Territory.

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Train drivers across rail companies to stage fresh strikes in May, Aslef announces

The uk has seen almost two years of industrial action on its railways, with hundreds of millions of journeys cancelled, article bookmarked.

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Fresh travel disruption will impact rail passengers in May as train drivers at rail companies across England will stage a new series of strikes in a bitter, long-running dispute.

Members of the Aslef union will walk out on 7–9 May over pay, and ban overtime for six days from 6 May – the early May bank holiday Monday.

Drivers at c2c, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway will strike on 7 May.

On 8 May there will be strikes affecting Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Most operators will not run any trains on strike days.

Although the strikes affect train companies in England, cross-border services to Wales and Scotland are likely to see some knock-on effects.

The union said that after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks. Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

General secretary Mick Whelan said: “It is now a year since we sat in a room with the train companies and a year since we rejected the risible offer they made and which they admitted, privately, was designed to be rejected.

“We first balloted for industrial action in June 2022, after three years without a pay rise. It took eight one-day strikes to persuade the train operating companies [Tocs] to come to the table and talk. Our negotiating team met the Rail Delivery Group [RDG] on eight occasions – the last being on Wednesday April 26 last year.

“That was followed by the Tocs’ ‘land grab’ for all our terms and conditions on Thursday April 27 – which was immediately rejected. Since then train drivers have voted, again and again, to take action to get a pay rise.

“That’s why Mark Harper, the transport secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members. Drivers would not vote to strike if they thought an offer was acceptable.”

Mr Whelan said the year-old offer of a 4 per cent pay rise followed by a second 4 per cent increase was “dead in the water”.

The Independent has contacted the Department for Transport for comment.

A spokesperson for the RDG, which represents the train operators, said: “This wholly unnecessary strike action called by the Aself leadership will sadly disrupt customers and businesses once again, while further damaging the railway at a time when taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running.

“We continue to seek a fair agreement with the Aslef leadership which both rewards our people, gives our customers more reliable services and makes sure the railway isn’t taking more than its fair share from taxpayers.”

The latest industrial action comes after thousands of trains were halted during a string of rolling strikes in early April .

Before that, an overtime ban and rolling regional walk-outs hit for nine days from 29 January to 6 February .

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Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

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Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes