Forget about flying or driving, one of the great ways to explore Down Under is to take an Australian train journey.
It’s still a relatively uncommon method of transport due to the lack of rail infrastructure and size of the country, but it is growing in popularity as it emerges as a eco-friendlier option. Plus it beats a fiddly bus journey or stress at the airport any day.
The country is vast so some journeys take a few days, but rest assured it will be a memorable adventure.
The longest train ride takes you from the south to the north of the country from
Adelaide to
Darwin, in 56 hours, but in contrast there are also amazing day trips which last just a few hours.
We’ve broken our article into two sections;
Overnight train journeys
Train day trips
Whatever you choose you’ll cross a variety of sublime landscapes, from beaches to forests and outback.
Check out our list of epic adventures and enjoy a holiday that’s suitable for all members of the family.
But first, some top tips.
Top tips for a train journey through Australia
- As with the majority of train travel anywhere in the world, it pays to book ahead online for the best fares. Most tickets are released six months in advance.
- Check for deals and group bookings. Generally children under the age of 4 travel for free but it is not always the case. Under 16s get a reduced rate fare.
- Book long journeys for midweek when the trains are generally quieter and cheaper.
- Check the baggage allowance for your specific train journey.
- Book a seat away from the toilets to avoid any unsavoury smells.
- If you’re going on an overnight journey, book a reclining seat or a sleep carriage. (some sleeper carriages must be booked over the telephone)
- Take an iPad, book, noise-cancelling headphones, colouring books etc – anything to keep yourself and kids entertained.
- Make sure you charge anything electrical you might need in advance. While some trains have plug sockets, that’s certainly not the case with all of them and you don’t want to be caught out. Or failing that take a portable power bank.
- Download the relevant train carrier app so you can keep track of delays or cancellations.
- Wear comfortable clothes with layers so you can adapt to different conditions.
- Pack plenty of snacks and drinks.
- Pack an extra pillow, blanket, eye mask and ear plugs for long journeys.
- Try and stick to a routine by brushing your teeth and taking a shower on board.
- A fan just in case there is no air conditioning (which is the case on some of the older trains).
- Take a toilet roll just in case…
- Keep your belongings safe. Large items are stored on the luggage racks by the doors but keep a bag close to you with all your valuable items.
Our favourite train itineraries
Overnight train journeys
For a real adventure, book a sleeper carriage and your PJs and stay overnight on one of these epic longer journeys.
1. The Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth
Route:
Westbound – Sydney; Broken Hill; Adelaide; Cook; Rawlina; Perth.
Eastbound – Perth; Kalgoorlie, Rawlinna, Cook, Adelaide, Broken Hill; Blue Mountains; Sydney.
Start off your exploration of this vast and amazing country with the second longest Australian train journey – which is three days in total.
The Indian Pacific, which runs weekly or twice-weekly in peak season – takes you from Sydney in the east to Perth in the west, or vice versa, giving you the opportunity to absorb much of this country’s great scenery.
Covering more than 2700 miles and taking around 70 hours in total, you’ll get to see tourist sites along the way such as the UNESCO world heritage site of the Blue Mountains and Australia’s longest-running mining town, Broken Hill. The Indian Pacific also stops in Adelaide, giving you the chance to explore the city for the afternoon, before continuing its journey via the vast Nullarbor Plain and 297 miles of dead-straight
track before arriving in Perth.
You’ll need to book your tickets via the official website, with prices starting from around A$ 2065 (£1170) per person. The train infrastructure is extremely good too, with a choice of Gold or Platinum tickets available. Included in the ticket price are nine meals, wines, en-suite showers, and private cabins too, so you’ll travel in luxury throughout. This train route is great throughout the whole year, so you can fit it into your itinerary with ease.
2. The Great Southern from Adelaide to Brisbane
Route: Adelaide;Grampians; Coffs Harbour; Brisbane.
Another one of the epic Australian train journey that stands out is The Great Southern, which is just shy ofIn fat three days from start to finish. From the southern capital of Adelaide, you’ll take in some great sights during your trip to Brisbane.
Starting with the Grampians Range, which is renowned for its hiking trails, and Victoria Valley, you’ll then head to Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, where you can do a bit of sightseeing before continuing up the coast. Travelling up the rugged east coastline, you’ll make a final stop at Coffs Harbour, where you can relax on the sand or go for a swim, before embarking on the final leg of your journey to Brisbane.
You can get your tickets for The Great Southern online, with tickets costing from A$ 2270 (£1285) per passenger. Operated by the same company as The Indian Pacific, you’ll know that you’re in for a luxurious journey, with the choice of Gold and Platinum fares available.
Included in the ticket are private sleeping quarters, food and drink, as well as off-train excursions. However, unlike its sister route, this train only runs in December and January, so you will need to ensure you book your ticket well in advance.
3. The Ghan – Adelaide to Darwin
Route: Adelaide; Coober Pedy; Manguri; Uluru; Alice Springs; Katherine; Adelaide.
The Ghan is probably the second most famous Australian train journey, traversing from the south of the country, to the Northern Territory; or vice versa in a whopping 56 hours making it the longest train ride in Australia.
Named after the Afghan cameleers who once roamed along this route, you’ll travel for miles on end, until boom, you’ll come to one of the most magical places on earth; the red centre of Australia and home to Uluru, or Ayres Rock as it’s commonly known. It’s much more than a big red rock, believe us. Deeply sacred, you’ll feel a bit excited and perhaps a bit eerie when you witness it up close.
You also stop off in Alice Springs where you can admire the sandstone domes of Kata Tjuta and also hike up Heartbreak Hill. At Katherine you can take a boat ride or try canoeing.
If you travel from Darwin, the tropical capital of the Northern Territory to Adelaide, between April and October, be prepared for the journey to take an extra day and night, an experience which is called The Ghan Expedition.
4. The Spirit of the Outback from Brisbane to Longreach
Route: Brisbane; Blackwater; Emerald; Barcaldine; Longreach.
The final of our epic Australian train journeys is the Spirit of the Outback, which takes you from Brisbane to Longreach. Taking in more than 820 miles of rugged Outback, this sleeper train takes just over 24 hours to complete its journey.
During the train journey, you’ll get to see heritage mining towns such as Blackwater and Emerald, which played an important role in the country’s history. Upon arriving into Longreach, you can check out one of the most visited and important attractions, the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, which recognises the contribution of pioneers and explorers in the Australian Outback.
Running throughout the year, this train route is a great excursion for anyone visiting Brisbane. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the official website, with fares starting from about A$ 427 (£242) per person. There is a range of accommodation classes to pick from, from economy fares that offer reclining seats, to First Class options that provide private cabins and shared shower facilities.
Train day trips
If long train journeys aren’t your thing, or if you are short on time, then you can also enjoy some amazing Australian train journeys that last under a day. From short trips that last as little as 30 minutes to journeys that take several hours, there’s something for everyone.
5. Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns to Kuranda
Route: Cairns; Barron Falls; Kuranda.
If you’re looking for a scenic Australian train journey, then look no further than the aptly named Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Taking in 23 miles of picturesque Australian rainforest, you’ll get to see some world-famous tourist attractions between Cairns and Kuranda. Travelling through the UNESCO world heritage site of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, you’ll get to enjoy a range of great gorges, mighty mountains, and wonderful waterfalls. There are also 37 bridges and 15 tunnels that this train trip takes you through.
Taking around 2 hours in total, you’ll also get to stop at Barron Falls for 10 minutes so you can grab a picture of the famous waterfall. Tickets can be purchased via the official website, with fares starting from about A$ 50 (£28) for adults and A$ 25 (£14) for children. Whilst the train runs throughout the year, it’s worth remembering that the carriages are more than 100 years old, so they don’t have air conditioning and are very hot during the summer months. You can also upgrade to a Gold Class ticket, which offers more comfort and light refreshments, which costs in the region of A$ 99 (£56) for adults and A$ 74 (£42) for children.
6. Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Gembrook
Route: Belgrave – Gembrook
If you’re a steam locomotive fan, then the Puffing Billy is one of the Australian train journeys that you won’t want to miss. In fact it might be our favourite train ride as you relax through the rain forest.
Dating back to 1899, this coal-powered train trip takes you from Belgrave to Gembrook. Journeying through the southern foothills on the outskirts of Melbourne there are a variety of day trips you can take, which take from 30 minutes to two hours. Most routes take in the old timber Monbulk Creek trestle bridge, which offers stunning views of Sherbrooke Forest.
You can buy tickets for the various routes on the website, with fares starting from about A$ 40 (£23). You can also purchase a pre-booked picnic for your journey, or opt for the First Class gourmet lunch experience. Puffing Billy doesn’t operate a service every day of the year as it’s mainly run by volunteers, so it’s important you check the website in advance to find a date that suits your schedule.
We recommend the two hour route. It’s like stepping back in time.
7. The Overland from Melbourne to Adelaide
Route: Melbourne; Geelong; Ararat; Starwell; Horsham; Dimboola; Nhill; Border Town; Murray Bridge; Adelaide.
Last but certainly not least on our Australian train journeys list, and one that should be on everyone’s travel itinerary, is The Overland train route from Melbourne to Adelaide. It’s hugely popular and definitely the best way to travel between Melbourne and Adelaide.
Having operated since 1887, this route is 515 miles and takes approximately 11 hours. Passing by beautiful towns in Victoria, crossing over the Murray River and taking in the awesome Adelaide Hills, this is an iconic journey that encapsulates the romance of train travel.
Departing twice a week throughout the year from Adelaide to Melbourne – on Sundays and Thursdays – and twice a week from Melbourne to Adelaide – on Mondays and Fridays – you can book tickets via the official website. Fares start at around A$ 115 (£65), with a choice between Red Service, which offers seats and a licensed café, or Red Premium, where you get comfier seating and an all-inclusive service.
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