Australian train journeys
Experience unforgettable moments on Australian train journeys
A train journey through Australia’s spectacular landscapes can be a memorable part of your holiday – it’s like a cruise on dry land, as you get to explore many different regions, each with stunning and unique scenery.
You can choose which part of Australia you want to experience by train: different train journeys can take you from the north coast through the red heartland from Darwin to Adelaide, or from Perth in the west to Sydney on the east coast. If you are interested in exploring the south or south-east of Australia, you can choose between trains from Adelaide to Melbourne or Brisbane. On train journeys, you can relax, enjoy the services of the dining car or meet other passengers.
The north-south route, from Darwin to Adelaide, is provided by The Ghan. The Indian Pacific takes you from Perth to Sydney, while in the south you can travel from Adelaide to Melbourne on The Overland, and from Adelaide to Brisbane on the Great Southern. Each journey offers a range of day trips and activities, varying according to the route and direction of travel.
Let us know when you’d like to leave, and we’ll plan an unforgettable train journey around Australia together. As train journeys are popular and fill up well in advance, it’s best to book your train journey first, then plan other Australian destinations around it.
Cabin options are also available on The Ghan, The Ghan Expedition, Indian Pacific and Great Southern to suit all tastes. Find out more about cabins and other services on Australian rail journeys.
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The Ghan crosses the continent from south to north
One of Australia’s most famous train journeys is The Ghan runs from Adelaide on the south coast, north to Darwin – or vice versa. This journey covers 2 979 kilometres over three days and offers passengers the chance to admire the spectacular scenery of central Australia, including the red sands of Alice Springs, hot desert regions and beautiful sunsets.
You’ll also experience the enchanting nature reserves of the northern tropics, Australia’s oldest wine regions and the rich restaurant culture of South Australia. The Ghan train journey also includes short stops to allow passengers time to take-in the spectacular sunsets and sunrises of the outback – a sight unlike anywhere else in the world.
Indian Pacific showcases Australian nature from east to west
Another major rail route is the Indian Pacific, which connects Australia’s east and west coasts, taking tourists from Sydney to Perth – or vice versa. The train journey offers travellers views of mountains, deserts and fertile countryside. Along the way, you can admire the famous Blue Mountains National Park, the Nullarbor Plain and Australian wildlife in its natural habitat.
The train journey takes four days, giving you a good idea of the scale of Australia. The Indian Pacific route, travelling east to west, includes a stop in the state of South Australia. During the journey, passengers will be able to explore the famous Barossa wine region and also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Adelaide.
Great Southern showcases South East Australia at its best
The Great Southern train journey runs from Adelaide to Brisbane, offering passengers the chance to admire the Australian landscape in a variety of ways. Along the way, you can see vineyards, mountain scenery, coastline and countryside, among other things. The route also includes a number of spectacular natural wonders such as the Grampians National Park and the River Murray.
The length of this train journey depends on the route you choose, as the routes and the daytime destinations differ slightly. On the Great Southern train journey, you’ll enjoy good food and wine and stunning coastal scenery, as well as the charm of Australia’s coastal cities and the capital city of Canberra.
The Overland train journey from Adelaide or Melbourne
The Overland train from Adelaide to Melbourne offers the chance to enjoy the scenery of two different states, South Australia and Victoria. The journey takes in beautiful mountain scenery and rural areas. As the train journey only takes one day, it makes a great day trip from either Adelaide or Melbourne. If you want to take a longer train journey on your holiday, you can also combine different train journeys: for example, you can take The Overland route from Melbourne to Adelaide, and then take The Ghan to Darwin.
