Discover the romance and adventure of train travel. We are very lucky to have here in Australia two of the world’s iconic rail journeys. The Australian outback is also an Australian icon being a landscape that is hard to grasp with the vast ill-defined area a mystery to Europeans settlers until they started crossing it by camel. Today, it is something of a marvel that we have the luxury of two very comfortable rail journeys through this scenery. The Indian Pacific whisks us across the Nullarbor to Perth while The Ghan travels from Adelaide through the Red Centre and up to Darwin.
Being spirited across Australia’s ancient landscape in luxury is an adventure in itself but what lies beyond the train is very much part of the journey. In this glorious untamed outback you will gain a real sense of the spiritual connection that our Indigenous Australians have for the land. You will also get an insight into what amazing people our early explorers where.
Long distance rail travel in Australia is something you do because you really want to – not because its cheap, convenient or fast. It is a wonderful holiday in itself with many off train excursions and there is a certain long distance ‘romance of the rails’ that is alive and kicking.
The Indian Pacific traverses Australia from coast to coast, between the sparkling waters of the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. This is truly a journey of contrasts from the majestic Blue Mountains to the barren expanses of the Nullarbor Plain, large cities to virtual ghost towns and lush vineyards to vast goldmines. You will experience the world’s longest straightest stretch of railway track on this epic rail journey of 4352 kilometres over four days.
The Ghan is considered to be one the world’s great rail journeys travelling between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin – another coast to coast experience from the Southern Ocean to the Timor Sea. An authentic Australian adventure following in the footsteps and camel tracks of our pioneers. Marvel at the sweeping Adelaide Plains and the majestic Flinders Ranges as you wind your way to Alice Springs and the Red Centre. Visit beautiful Katherine Gorge before arriving at the Top End.
Named after 19th century outback camel drivers who hailed from Afghanistan, The Ghan is a 3,200 kilometre, three day journey and a far cry from their tough desert treks.
Both of these trains are very popular with Australians and international travellers alike, it’s a good idea to book early on an expedition like no other. It is truly an Australian experience unlike anything else in the world. All aboard, don’t miss the train!
