Experience Australia by train
Australia’s diversity comes into focus when you travel through it. By rail, shifting landscapes unfold naturally — from coastal stretches and open farmland to remote outback and heritage-rich regions, all experienced at a pace that lets each place leave its mark.
Expert travel consultants
Talk to our expert travel consultants
Contact usTop train journeys through Australia
The Ghan
Travel through the heart of Australia on The Ghan, one of the world's greatest rail journeys. Stretching from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south, this iconic trip offers a unique view of the country's vast deserts, rugged landscapes, and remote outback towns. Along the way, you’ll experience luxury cabins, world-class dining, and off-train excursions to breathtaking destinations like Uluru and Alice Springs. Whether you choose the full 4-day expedition or a shorter journey, The Ghan promises an unforgettable Australian adventure filled with history, beauty, and wonder.
Highlighted tour:
The Ghan and Top End ExperienceRoute Information
Adelaide
Darwin
The Indian Pacific
Spanning from Sydney to Perth, the Indian Pacific covers the width of Australia, offering a transcontinental journey like no other. Traverse mountain ranges, desert expanses, and fertile plains while enjoying top-tier dining and exceptional service. This remarkable rail journey allows you to experience the diversity of Australia's landscapes while visiting key cities and outback destinations along the way.
Route Information
Perth
Sydney
The Great Southern
The Great Southern offers journeys between Brisbane and Adelaide and also a new route from Brisbane to Melbourne, each showcasing unique landscapes. On the Brisbane to Adelaide route, enjoy coastal views, rolling hills, and vineyard visits, with scenic stops in locations like Coffs Harbour and Victoria. Meanwhile, the Brisbane to Melbourne journey includes a beachside dining experience, historic Hunter Valley vineyards, and exclusive Melbourne tours, ending with a memorable lunch at Eureka 89 with panoramic city views. Both routes combine luxury onboard service with immersive off-train experiences.
Highlighted tour:
The Great Southern, Coastlines & Capital, Brisbane to AdelaideRoute Information
Brisbane
Adelaide
Vintage Rail Journeys
Journey Beyond’s Vintage Rail Journeys offer a timeless travel experience, combining classic charm with modern comfort. Aboard beautifully restored 1960s sleeping carriages, you’ll journey through Australia’s most stunning landscapes in style. Explore the scenic countryside of New South Wales aboard the Southern Aurora, passing through picturesque valleys and historic towns. Or take the rail journey between Sydney and Brisbane, where impeccable service and fine dining elevate every moment. These rail journeys celebrate Australia’s heritage and natural beauty, providing a unique and unforgettable way to see the country.
Route Information
Sydney
Sydney
Popular train journeys
Australian Train Journey FAQ's
Australia’s great train journeys aren’t just about crossing distances, they’re about slowing down enough to feel the landscape change around you. Whether you’re stitching together far-flung regions, easing into the Outback, or letting the journey itself become the highlight, rail can shape an itinerary in a really beautiful way.
Choose the corridor that solves your biggest routing problem. If you want a north to south outback spine, start with The Ghan. If you want an east to west bridge between major cities, the Indian Pacific is the classic move. Then build base stays on either side so the train supports the itinerary rather than compressing it.
A buffer night in the boarding city is a strong default, especially if you’re flying in from another state. After arrival, a gentle reset day or at least a multi-night base helps you enjoy the destination rather than immediately switching hotels or starting a long drive.
Rail is usually best when you want the journey itself to be part of the trip and you’d prefer fewer airports or long drive days. Flights can be more time-efficient when you’re jumping between distant regions with tight timeframes. Driving works best for regional loops where flexibility and stops matter.
Pack like you’re staying in a compact hotel room: a small overnight bag for essentials, layers for temperature changes, and comfortable clothing for time onboard. Keep any must-have medication and valuables with you. Confirm luggage rules and onboard facilities for your specific service before you travel.
Yes. Use a train corridor as the bridge, then plan multi-night bases for touring. The Red Centre typically rewards staying put rather than squeezing everything into a single day, and the Top End often works best from a Darwin base with day-trip or short-loop options.
Yes. Regional long-distance trains can be useful connectors between major hubs, and heritage rail experiences can be a high-impact day activity within a regional loop. The key is choosing these as purposeful chapters, not stacking them so tightly that the wider itinerary becomes rushed.
Expert travel consultants
Talk to our expert travel consultants
Dreaming about travelling Australia, but don’t know where to start?
Download our Australia Travel Guide for everything you need to know to make the most of your Australian vacation.
