Australia’s collection of stunning rail journeys bisect and traverse the nation, showcasing some of the country’s most striking landscapes and impressive engineering feats aboard sleek modern sleeper trains and heritage rolling stock.
A journey of contrasts unfolds as the Indian-Pacific travels the width of this vast continent, a distance of more than 4300kms over four days. Spot kangaroos bounding over red earth and wedge tailed eagles circling endless blue skies; the buzz of Sydney behind you, the deserted Nullarbor Plains stretching before you; and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean waiting for you in Perth.
Named after the Afghan drivers of the camel ‘trains’ who provided the first supply link to Alice Springs, The Ghan is an Australian legend. Enjoy the splendid isolation and awe inspiring beauty of the Australian Outback as it travels north from the elegant city of Adelaide, through fertile countryside and across the remote Flinders Ranges to the heart of the Red Centre. Continue the journey north through the tropical splendour of the Top End to Darwin, a total of nearly 3000km over 2 spectacular days.
The Overland provides scenic connections with both the Indian Pacific and the Ghan between Adelaide and Melbourne, travelling across vast open plains and gently rolling hills.
Queensland’s Sunlander and Tilt Trains travel the popular east coast from Brisbane to Cairns following an endless string of golden beaches backed by an ever changing hinterland. Whilst the Spirit of the Outback heads inland from Queensland’s capital on a 1300km journey back in time to Longreach – home to the famous Stockman’s Hall of Fame, the Outback Heritage Centre and birthplace of Qantas.
In Queensland’s tropical north, the 125year old Kuranda Railway travels a scenically stunning 90 minute journey through the rainforest from Cairns to Kuranda, crossing a series of switchbacks and tunnels over the Barron River Gorge. The return trip aboard Kuranda’s Skyrail gondola provides unparalleled views over the region and its coastline as well as the opportunity to stop and explore the rainforest canopy.
A trip aboard Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway relives the pace and grace of a bygone era. The 35km journey between Queenstown and Strahan showcases spectacular views across some of the most inhospitable wilderness in the world and provides the opportunity to pan for gold in a historic mining settlement.
Traversing some of the most dramatic mountain country, the Zig Zag switchback railway provided the first rail link from Sydney over the Great Diving Range and continues to reward passengers with striking views over the Blue Mountains.
Australia’s oldest surviving steam train, the Puffing Billy takes visitors on a 25km journey through the thick forests and lush fern filled gullies of the Dandenongs, with opportunities to explore quiet mountain townships and stop for a leisurely afternoon tea.
But you really don’t have to travel far to experience the romance of rail. Book a dinner aboard the Melbourne Tramcar Restaurant for an evening of fine food and the ambience of yesterday as it rolls through the city streets in style.