Australia is vast, sprawling, and diverse. One of the greatest ways to discover this continent is via train. We have put together a list of Australia's greatest train journeys.
Some of these train journeys are longer than others. Some offer luxury first-class experiences. They all offer a unique and stunning Australian experience.
The Ghan
The Ghan takes you right through the guts of Australia. A 3 day/2 night train journey from Darwin to Adelaide (or vice versa).
As you travel through the heart of Australia you're given the opportunity to disembark and explore. Visit Nitmiluk Gorge by cruise or helicopter, Alice Springs and surrounds, and meet some of the Red Centre's wildlife.
Platinum Service offers the height of luxury train travel with sophisticated well-appointed suites, and faultless personal service. Exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage where the Bollinger flows freely.
Your Platinum experience includes hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches, and four-course dinners
The Ghan Expedition
The Ghan Expedition has all the adventures of The Ghan and then some. A 4 day/3 night journey from Darwin to Adelaide. Unlike the regular Ghan journey, this one only runs one way.
This is Journey Beyond's flagship Australian train journey and a once in a lifetime must.
Indian Pacific
The Indian Pacific travels across the bottom of Australia from Perth, Adelaide, and on to Sydney (and vice versa). The train journey takes 4 days/3 nights.
View stunning landscape on your journey. Plus you are given the opportunity to disembark and explore Broken Hill, Adelaide (and surrounds), Cook, and Rawlinna.
Just like The Ghan, Platinum Service is also available on the Indian Pacific.
Great Southern
Travel from Adelaide to Brisbane on The Great Southern. A 3 day/ 2 night train journey between two buzzing cities across the NSW outback.
For those of you that enjoy luxury train travel, Platinum Service is also available on The Great Southern.
The Overland
A daylight train journey between Melbourne and Adelaide. The Overland has been in operation for over 130 years and is an important part of Australia's rail history.
There aren't any cabins as it is a daytime train journey that takes a little over 10 hours. You will be able to view the changing landscape from rugged malle scrub to fields of green and gold.
It has two classes, Red and Red Premium. Red Premium is our pick with comfortable semi-reclining seats, generous legroom, and a range of dining options. Plus an allowance of up to 60kg of luggage.
Spirit of the Outback
A 26 hour rail journey between Brisbane and Longreach. As you travel you will witness an ever-changing landscape, rugged terrain, and historic outback towns.
First-class passengers have sleeper cabins and access to the Shearers Restaurant. Accommodation isn't as flash as The Ghan but does offer comfort to those who love travelling by train.
Spirit of Queensland
The Spirit of Queensland is a 25 hour journey between Brisbane and Cairns. Watch the scenery change as you travel from Brisbane city to the tropical north.
There aren't cabins on offer, but you can book a RailBed. This is the equivalent of booking a business class seat on an airline. You will enjoy all-inclusive dining directly to your seat/lie flatbed. Plus you have an "in-train" personal entertainment unit.
Gulflander
The nostalgic Gulflander is a 5 hour journey from Normanton to Croydon and is also known a the Tin Hare. It is steeped in pioneering history and heritage.
The only piece of railway line in Queensland still measured in miles. Your 5 hour journey will take you through wetlands, grasslands, and arid Savannah territory You will see parts of the Queensland countryside that most people will never see.
For more information and bookings for The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, and The Overland contact Journey Beyond Rail.
For more information and bookings for Spirit of the Outback, Spirit of Queensland, and Gulflander contact Queensland Rail Travel.