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The best train journeys and holidays in Australia
All aboard for the best rail holidays in Australia! These seven iconic Australian train journeys reveal the diverse beauty of the continent in comfort and style.
From outback odysseys to coastal cruisers, Australia’s great train journeys offer a window into some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. These aren’t just modes of transport: they’re all-inclusive holidays offering immersive experiences and adventures that celebrate the romance of slow travel.
Whether you’re crossing deserts, winding through rainforest or hugging the coastline, these six iconic Australian train journeys reveal the diverse beauty of the continent in comfort and style.
Interested in train travel?
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Seven of Australia's best train journeys
The Ghan (Darwin to Adelaide)
- Duration: 3–4 days
- Distance: 2,979km
- Best for: An iconic outback experience
Named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed the Red Centre, The Ghan is arguably Australia's most legendary train journey. It stretches from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory, cutting a bold line through the red heart of the country.
Travellers are treated to an all-inclusive experience, with themed itineraries make it easy to sample the wonders along the way. Explore the Flinders Ranges, take a wine-tasting tour of the Clare Valley, cruise through the gorges of Nitmiluk National Park, watch the sunset over Uluru, or visit Kakadu to see some of the world’s oldest rock art and admire the crocs.
The train itself is as memorable as the scenery. Picture elegant cabins, panoramic windows, fine dining and outback sunrises from your bed. For a more leisurely option, consider The Ghan Expedition: a four-day version that adds extra excursions and a day in Coober Pedy, the underground opal mining town.
The Ghan travels through Australia's Red Centre between Darwin and Adelaide. Image: Journey Beyond
Kuranda Scenic Railway (Cairns to Kuranda)
- Duration: 2 hours (each way)
- Distance: 37km
- Best for: A heritage rainforest experience
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a short but spectacular heritage journey through the tropical rainforest of Far North Queensland. Built in the late 1800s, this historic railway winds its way from Cairns up to the mountain village of Kuranda via 15 tunnels, 37 bridges and countless waterfalls.
In its journey up to Kuranda Station at 328 metres, the Scenic Railway travels through luscious World Heritage-listed rainforest, traverses deep gorges and winds along the edge of sheer-sided cliffs, with incredible views across the Coral Sea to the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. The restored timber carriages and open windows give it a nostalgic charm, and onboard commentary provides insight into the railway’s pioneering history.
Heritage Class passengers travel aboard the original timber carriages, bringing extra charm and character to the journey. Gold Class passengers get club-style seating in a Victorian inspired lounge car plus a choice of snacks, still and sparkling wines and non-alcoholic beverages.
Kuranda itself is a relaxed village known for its markets, Aboriginal culture and wildlife attractions. Consider pairing the train with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which glides over the treetops for a different perspective.
RACV Members save on tickets to Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway was built in the late 1800s. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth)
- Duration: 4 days
- Distance: 4,352km
- Best for: An epic cross-continental adventure
Spanning Australia from coast to coast, the Indian Pacific is one of the world's longest and most iconic rail journeys. Beginning in Sydney and ending in Perth (or vice versa), it crosses the Blue Mountains, the vast Nullarbor Plain and the wheat fields of South Australia.
This four-day journey offers a seamless blend of luxury and wilderness. You'll dine on locally sourced cuisine as the train glides past kangaroos and emus, and stop for excursions in Broken Hill, Adelaide and Kalgoorlie. A highlight is the stretch across the Nullarbor: 478km of dead-straight track, the longest in the world.
Enthralling as it is, there’s more to this journey than just the train ride. The itinerary allows passengers to enjoy off-train experiences at several points along the way. It might be tasting wines in the Barossa Valley, a trip through the Adelaide Hills with a visit to the storybook village of Hahndorf, dinner under a canopy of stars at Rawlinna in Western Australia, or exploring the mining history and artistic culture of Broken Hill.
Passengers on the Indian Pacific have the same choice of service levels as travellers on The Ghan: the all-inclusive and superbly comfortable Gold Class or the sumptuous service and accommodation of Platinum Class. It's a relaxing, all-inclusive way to experience the sheer scale and diversity of Australia.
The Indian Pacific traverses the stunning Blue Mountains. Image: Journey Beyond
West Coast Wilderness Railway (Queenstown to Strahan)
- Duration: Half-day or full-day tours
- Distance: 35km
- Best for: Heritage charm and wild rainforest scenery
Steeped in history and surrounded by dense temperate rainforest, Tasmania's West Coast Wilderness Railway is one of the most atmospheric train experiences in Australia. This heritage railway retraces a historic route built in the late 1800s to transport copper from the Queenstown mines to the port town of Strahan. Today, the lovingly restored steam trains follow one of three journeys.
The Lynchford Express huffs and puffs along a 20-minute journey from Queenstown to Lynchford, where you'll disembark to take in the surrounds. You can pan for gold or browse the Pioneer's Room museum before boarding for the trip back to Queenstown. Guides aboard will share stories of the pioneers to once called this railway their home.
The Teepookana & The King route is a 2.5-hour experience that chugs between Regatta Point Station in Strahan and Lower Landing Station on the King River. Aboard a heritage Drewry diesel train, listen to guide commentary, gasp as you journey over the Iron Bridge at Teepookana, and disembark at Lower Landing about 50 minutes from Strahan. Here you can enjoy a short nature walk and taste local honey before boarding to go back to Strahan.
The Rinadeena, Rack & Rainforest track is a 3-hour experience that moves from Queenstown to Lynchford and then Rinadeena before returning home. The steam train heads deep into the rainforest, stopping at the gold fever ghost town Lynchford a museum browse or goldpanning experience before moving on to Rinadeena Saddle. The steep ascent uses a unique rack and pinion railway that train enthusiasts will adore. At Rinadeena, have a bite to eat and grab a photo with your steam locomotive before heading back to Queenstown.
On each route, passengers can choose from a Heritage Carriage, with drinks and snacks available for purchase along the way, or the Wilderness Carriage for fully inclusive catering plus a glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine.
You can choose from three experiences aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Image: West Coast Wilderness Railway
The Overland (Melbourne to Adelaide)
- Duration: 10.5 hours
- Distance: 828km
- Best for: Relaxed city-to-city travel
The Overland is ideal for those who want a taste of slow travel without committing to a multi-day journey. It departs Adelaide on Sundays and Thursdays, and departs Melbourne on Mondays and Fridays.
Operating since 1887, The Overland is a scenic and comfortable way to travel between two of Australia's most dynamic cities. It's a smooth, affordable and relaxing day-long rail experience: perfect for travellers who prefer to avoid airports or who are planning a multi-day holiday at either end.
The train winds through regional Victoria and South Australia, passing golden plains, rolling hills and rural towns like Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, Dimboola and Nhill in Victoria, plus Bordertown and Murray Bridge in South Australia.
Travellers can choose between Red Standard or Red Premium class, the latter offering more spacious seats, included meals and a quieter carriage.
The Overland crosses a stunning dry salt lake on its journey. Image: Journey Beyond
The Great Southern Railway (Brisbane to Adelaide)
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Distance: Approx. 2,000km
- Best for: Coastal scenery and food lovers
One of Australia's newest long-distance train holidays, the Great Southern debuted in 2019 and has quickly become a favourite for travellers seeking a more coastal rail experience. While shorter than The Ghan or Indian Pacific, the Great Southern Railway showcases stunning beaches, gourmet dining and charming regional towns.
The Great Southern Railway offers three journey options: four days from Brisbane to Adelaide; three days from Adelaide to Brisbane; or three days from Brisbane to Melbourne.
The southbound journey departs from Brisbane and includes a Coffs Harbour dinner experience, a wine tour around the Hunter Valley region, or a visit to Port Stephens' sun-soaked beaches. At Melbourne, your fare includes a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), a tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), exploring the Old Melbourne Gaol, and a lunch at Eureka 89 in Melbourne Skydeck.
Those continuing on to Adelaide can also partake in a Moorabool Valley tour that includes a sumptuous lunch and cool climate wines with live music on vineyard lawns.
The northbound journey departs Adelaide and winds through Victoria's beloved Grampians region. Guests will disembark the train for a guided coach tour through Halls Gap and nearby Boroka Lookout, a walk to Venus Baths, a tasting session at Pomonal Estate, or a full wine tasting at Fallen Giants Vineyard. The Great Southern Railway then makes its way up to Canberra, where you'll visit Old and New Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, or the National Portrait Gallery. Your last stop before Brisbane will be Coffs Harbour, where you can visit the harbourside markets, meander along a coastal boardwalk at Urunga, or explore Coffs Harbor and the Great Dividing Range by coach.
The Great Southern Railway is one of Australia's newest long-distance trains. Image: Journey Beyond
Spirit of the Outback (Brisbane to Longreach)
- Duration: 26 hours (overnight)
- Distance: 1,325km
- Best for: Outback towns and Queensland heritage
The Spirit of the Outback is one of Queensland's most authentic rail adventures, stretching from the state capital of Brisbane to the historic heart of Longreach in central western Queensland. This 26-hour journey offers travellers a relaxed, all-inclusive way to experience the changing landscapes of the Sunshine State, from coastal plains and farming regions to vast inland savannah.
Departing from Brisbane's Roma Street Station, the train travels through Rockhampton before heading inland to Emerald, Barcaldine, and finally Longreach. The journey is saturated with views of cattle stations, bushland and iconic rural towns as the scenery out the panoramic windows slowly changes from lush tropical greenery to the sun-baked, rust-coloured plains of the outback. Onboard, the train offers sleeper cabins in Economy and First Class, along with a lounge car and dining car, where hearty meals are served with country hospitality.
A highlight of the journey is the arrival in Longreach, home to the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, and working sheep and cattle stations. Travellers often spend a few days here exploring outback heritage before returning.
