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australia the ghan train rolling through the outback

Australia rail holidays

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Based On 1280 Reviews

4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1280 Reviews

Overview

When it comes to long-distance travel, there are few things more comfortable, relaxing or rewarding than hopping on a slow train to wind across a country. Australia has some of the longest, most legendary rail journeys of them all. Perhaps unsurprising in one of the world’s largest countries.

Weaving through rust-red desert and huge swathes of iconic Outback, including an Australia train trip in a tailor made holiday is sure to be a highlight of your holiday Down Under. Our Travel Specialists can carefully craft your itinerary to incorporate a train journey such the the Ghan or Indian Pacific. These epic routes combine comfort and mesmerising scenery with a true sense of Australia’s pioneering past.

It’s not just about where you go, but how you experience it. I’m here to turn that trip into an adventure you’ll cherish.
Plan Your Trip
  • australia indian pacific train journey flora

    Highlights

    Journey across the world’s longest straight stretch of railway track crossing the Nullarbor on the Indian Pacific

  • australia-the-ghan-crossing-the-outback-gsr

    Highlights

    Experience one of the world’s iconic rail journeys on The Ghan

Rail holidays in Australia

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australia the ghan train 1

The Ghan: Adelaide-Darwin

The Ghan, which turns 100 in 2029, travels 2,979 kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin (and vice versa) on a trans-continental journey through the Red Centre of Australia. Enjoy two nights aboard this legendary train, taking in spectacular scenery from the comfort of your cabin.

With a choice of Standard Gold Service, Gold Premium and a deluxe Platinum Service you can choose the complete journey or one of the shorter sectors between Adelaide and Alice Springs or Alice Springs and Darwin.

Between May and October the service is replaced by the Ghan Expedition 4-day adventure.

australia train indian pacific crossing the nullabor

Indian Pacific: Sydney-Perth

Crossing a continent from ocean to ocean, the Indian Pacific is one of the world’s longest and greatest train journeys – an epic 4,352km. Travelling between Perth and Sydney twice weekly (year-round), the 4-night journey on the Indian Pacific crosses the treeless plains of The Nullarbor, following the world’s longest straight stretch of railway track. Enjoy unique landscapes and spot a fascinating array of wildlife from the lounge or your cabin. Gold Service and Platinum Service cabins are available.

Eastbound, the train departs Perth every Sunday (4 nights), and departs westbound from Sydney every Wednesday (3 nights). Shorter sectors are available between Perth-Adelaide and Adelaide-Sydney.

The Spirit of Queensland: Brisbane-Cairns

Travelling between Brisbane and Cairns five times a week, the Spirit of Queensland redefines the modern rail travel experience with a comfortable and convenient way to access spectacular holiday destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Townsville, Cairns and a multitude of other stops in between. Choose between Premium Economy seating or the more luxurious lie-flat RailBed.

This 24-hour journey departs Brisbane year-round on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The southbound journey departs Cairns on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Short sector fares are available – speak to our  Travel Specialists for details.

australia great southern rail train passing vineyards artist impression

Great Southern

Travel by train in 2019 on the new three-day Great Southern rail holiday from Adelaide to Brisbane (including touring in the Grampians, Canberra and a beachside dining experience on the New South Wales Coast) or opt for the four-day Brisbane-Adelaide route, which features the Hunter Valley wine region and the Twelve Apostles.