Australia is the home of the reef, mountains, lush rainforests, and the rugged outback. A rail journey is one of the most relaxing and immersive ways to experience Australia's diverse landscapes and their unique histories. Hop off for wine tastings, beachside dining, helicopter rides over forests, and more. Here are five unmissable rail travel ideas to get better acquainted with some of the continent's most admired places.
1. The Ghan
The Ghan is an iconic train offering trips of eight days from Darwin to Adelaide. Its rail vacation takes you to Katherine Gorge, a deep gorge carved through ancient sandstone and one of Australia's most diverse national parks. Discover the gorge and park on a helicopter ride and learn about its traditional owners, the Jawoyn people. After a breathtaking sunrise and delicious breakfast, explore Alice Springs, the base for exploring Australia's wild outback. Take a helicopter ride of the McDonnell Ranges or get an aerial view of the iconic Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Journey on to Coober Pedy, an underground city of caves and tunnels, before climbing aboard the Ghan and resuming your journey to Adelaide.
2. Indian Pacific
This 13-day Australian train trip from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean commences from Sydney and concludes at Perth. Pass the misty Blue Mountains and endless plains of the Nullarbor. Enjoy panoramic views of deserts, mountains, and lush greenery. Explore Adelaide on the way, visiting historical attractions and wildlife destinations. Pass by Barossa Valley, which is world famous for its Red Shiraz wines and make your way to Kangaroo Island, home to spectacular landmarks, sea lions, koalas, platypus, and 250 species of birds. Board the Indian Pacific and journey on to Perth, witnessing the vastness of the Australian outback from the comfort of your cabin.
3. Great Southern
Embark on a 3-days, 2-nights Australian rail journey from Adelaide to Brisbane. Immerse in the scenic vistas that transform as you travel between Australia's two great cities. Pass by the incredible wilderness of the Grampians regions and the rolling vineyards of New South Wales before arriving at Brisbane. Enjoy off-train excursions, which include wine-tasting in the Barossa Valley, the boardwalk to beach walk at Urunga, and seaside dining in Coffs Habour.
4. Spirit of Queensland
The Spirit of Queensland is a luxury train service starting at Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Pass through picturesque hinterland and arrive at the Whitsundays, where you will be transferred to Hamilton Island, home to impressive beaches, jaw-dropping coral reefs, fascinating flora and fauna, food and wines, and a vast array of activities. Continue south to Hervey Bay and Fraser Island. Take a 4WD Safari to see the island's shipwrecks and famous colored sands. Head to Sydney and tour its iconic attractions.
5. Spirit of the Outback
The Spirit of the Outback is an approximately 26-hour rail journey between Brisbane and Longreach, Queensland. It travels along the east coast, from Brisbane to Rockhampton, passing Blackwater, Emerald, and Barcaldine, to Longreach. The rail journey provides an exploration of the Queensland outback, affording vistas of rugged landscapes and historic outback towns.
Book your rail expeditions through Goway. We offer tailored travel experience so that you can make your rail journey all the more special and memorable.
What do the experts say?
Tasmania is under the radar for many travelers, but it’s great for hikes, natural landscapes and now modern art!
Sydney and Melbourne are a great combination for first-time visitors to Australia, with Brisbane, Adelaide and/or the Outback added in, depending on how much time you have. Returnees should take in Perth, Darwin and the Kakadu National Park area and/or Tasmania if they can, plus spend some time in the cities they loved the first time around
It might sound cliche, but you really can visit year-round. Australia is a big country, so there is always somewhere with amazing weather!
Goway’s trips to Australia are not stock itineraries. We can put together trips of a few weeks or a few months, allowing you to see as much of the land Downunder as you can. And we offer a mix of travel options, from self-drives to train journeys to long stays.
Goway has partnerships with many unique inns and hotels in Australia. Among the most memorable are Qualia on Hamilton Island, Longitude 131 at Uluru and Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.
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