It's easy to forget just how huge Australia is. Spanning over 7 million km across eight states, there's an overwhelming amount of things to do in Australia. If you're currently planning a trip to Australia, or just curious about it, you might have come across Australia's famous train journeys. If you're looking for a relaxed yet awe-inspiring way to experience Australia, a train journey is the perfect choice for memorable train trips in australia and slow, scenic train travel in australia. These scenic cruises take you on a guided tour of Australia, providing you with access to some of Australia's most beautifully remote areas, whilst sitting comfortably in your cabin sipping wine. Journeys like the famous Ghan, that take you from Darwin to Adelaide, cross Australia from top to bottom through stunning red deserts, wine regions, and incredible lakes. There's just nothing like it. These train journeys will give you a whole new appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the Australian landscape, and if you haven't experienced one yet, I hope this blog convinces you to add a train journey to your next Australia holiday!
So let's dive into Australia's best train journeys, showcasing what you can expect, where it goes, and some travel tips along the way.
Sydney to Perth - The Indian Pacific
Ever wondered what it's like to cross an entire continent by train? The Indian Pacific sees you gliding between Sydney on the east coast to Perth on the west coast (or vice versa) in just 4 days. You can also stop along the journey in Adelaide, or start in Adelaide and head in either direction. If you're short on time, the sydney to adelaide train sector is a popular way to sample the route without committing to the full crossing. It's a long journey, but trust me, it's worth every minute. Considered one of the great rail journeys of the world, this transcontinental adventure sees you passing through the Blue Mountains, the vast Nullarbor Plain, and even stops at the quirky outback town of Kalgoorlie. You'll experience some of the best vistas from the comfort of the luxurious cabins.
The Indian Pacific is one of Australia's, and the world's, longest train journeys, rivalling that of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Canadian. A one way trip on the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth (or vice versa) takes around 4 days to complete, with shorter trips such as Adelaide to Sydney or Perth to Adelaide taking between 2-3 days. It's the perfect way to cross coast to coast in Australia. Sure, you could fly from Perth to Sydney, but you'd miss everything in between. Why not focus on the journey instead of the destination?
Indian Pacific Tours:
The Indian Pacific: Coast to Coast, Sydney to Perth
The Indian pacific, The Mighty Nullarbor
The Indian Pacific, Harbour to Vineyards, Sydney to Adelaide
The Indian Pacific, Under the Milkyway, Adelaide to Perth
The Indian Pacific Train Route
The Indian Pacific isn't just any train - it's one of the world's most luxurious rail journeys. From stylish cabins to gourmet dining experiences, it delivers far more than scenic travel. Along the route, passengers can also join optional guided tours at key stops, giving you the chance to explore wineries, historic towns, and unique outback landscapes.
Wine tasting experience in the McLaren Vale, South Australia.
The Indian Pacific and the other train journeys in this blog are incredibly popular and often sell out months in advance. Peak season tends to be between December and February, but many travellers actually prefer spring or autumn when the weather is milder and crowds are smaller. The train runs weekly, which helps with availability if your travel dates are flexible. If you want to see how a rail journey could fit into a wider itinerary, check out our The Indian Pacific Rail, Coast & Vines Tour.
Brisbane to Adelaide - The Great Southern
The Great Southern is Australia's newest experiential tourism train. Rather than crossing the continent, this journey follows a scenic coastal route between Brisbane and Adelaide, with the option to start or stop in Melbourne. While this isn't a standard brisbane to melbourne train, its seasonal route can include Melbourne; if you're planning a train from brisbane to melbourne, you can pair Great Southern segments with connecting services for a seamless experience.
The Great Southern launched in 2019 and operates exclusively during the summer months from December to February. Because of this limited season, it's important to book well in advance. Our Aussie Travel Specialists recommend securing your seat around 3-6 months before departure. February tends to be a great time to travel due to fewer school holiday crowds and slightly cooler temperatures.
Great Southern Tours:
The Great Southern, East Coast Adventure, Adelaide to Brisbane
The Great Southern, Coastlines & Capital, Brisbane to Adelaide
The Great Southern Train Route
The Brisbane to Adelaide journey includes stops in Coffs Harbour, the Hunter Valley wine region, the Grampians National Park, and Melbourne. This itinerary takes around four days, allowing plenty of time to relax onboard and explore along the way.
If travelling from Adelaide to Brisbane, the journey is slightly shorter at three days and includes stops in the Grampians, Canberra, and Coffs Harbour before arriving in Queensland.
An outdoor dining experience on the Great Southern Train Tour
The train itself features modern cabins, excellent onboard dining, and curated off-train experiences. Guests can visit vineyards, explore national parks, and enjoy regional food experiences during stops along the route.
Adelaide to Darwin - The Ghan
Finally, we come to The Ghan - one of Australia's most legendary train journeys. Running between Darwin and Adelaide, this route cuts directly through the heart of Australia's Red Centre.
Named after the Afghan cameleers who helped explore the interior of Australia in the 19th century, The Ghan has a long history dating back to the early days of outback exploration. Today it offers a luxurious way to experience the vast landscapes of the Northern Territory and South Australia.
The Ghan tours:
The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide
The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin, 2026
The Ghan, Adelaide to Alice Springs 2026
Journey Beyond: Red Centre Spectacular
The Ghan Train Route Map
A full journey from Darwin to Adelaide typically takes around four days depending on the itinerary. Shorter journeys such as Adelaide to Alice Springs can take around two days.
For travellers wanting the full experience, the Ghan Expedition (Darwin to Adelaide) runs between April and October and includes excursions to places like Alice Springs, Katherine Gorge, and Coober Pedy. These departures are extremely popular and often sell out well in advance.
Onboard, passengers enjoy private cabins, fine dining, and curated off-train excursions led by knowledgeable guides. It's an experience that combines luxury travel with unforgettable scenery.
Why Train Travel?
Train travel is all about the journey, not just the destination. It's a slower, more immersive way to see Australia, allowing you to experience landscapes and remote regions that most travellers never reach. For many, train travel in australia offers the perfect balance of comfort and adventure across vast distances.
From gourmet dining and comfortable cabins to guided tours and panoramic views, these journeys provide a unique way to explore the country.
If you're looking for a memorable way to see Australia, these three train journeys are train trips in australia you simply can't miss. For more inspiration, explore our range of Train Journeys & Tours and start building your next Aussie holiday itinerary.
Q&A
Question: What are the routes and key highlights of each train journey?
Answer:
- The Indian Pacific: Crosses Australia coast-to-coast between Sydney and Perth (with optional stop/start in Adelaide). Highlights include the Blue Mountains, the vast Nullarbor Plain, and the outback town of Kalgoorlie, plus optional guided tours to wineries and historic towns.
- The Great Southern: Follows a seasonal coastal route between Brisbane and Adelaide (with the option to start/stop in Melbourne). Highlights include Coffs Harbour, the Hunter Valley wine region, the Grampians National Park, Melbourne (eastbound), and Canberra (westbound).
- The Ghan: Runs between Darwin and Adelaide through Australia’s Red Centre. Highlights and excursions include Alice Springs, Katherine Gorge, and Coober Pedy (on the Ghan Expedition).
Question: How long does each journey take?
Answer:
- The Indian Pacific: About 4 days for the full Sydney–Perth crossing; shorter legs such as Adelaide–Sydney or Perth–Adelaide take roughly 2–3 days.
- The Great Southern: Brisbane–Adelaide is around 4 days; Adelaide–Brisbane is about 3 days.
- The Ghan: A full Darwin–Adelaide journey typically takes around 4 days; shorter trips like Adelaide–Alice Springs are about 2 days.
Question: When do these trains operate, and what’s the best time to travel?
Answer:
- The Indian Pacific runs weekly and is popular year-round. Peak season is December–February, though many travellers prefer spring or autumn for milder weather and fewer crowds.
- The Great Southern operates only in summer (December–February). February is often ideal thanks to fewer school-holiday crowds and slightly cooler temperatures.
- The Ghan Expedition (Darwin to Adelaide) runs April-October and is extremely popular.
- All three sell out months in advance; for the Great Southern specifically, aim to book 3–6 months ahead. Flexibility with dates helps with availability.
Question: Can I take shorter segments or pair routes with other services?
Answer: Yes. On the Indian Pacific, popular shorter sectors include Sydney–Adelaide and Perth–Adelaide. The Great Southern can be combined with connecting services if you’re planning a Brisbane to Melbourne trip. On The Ghan, shorter options like Adelaide to Alice Springs provide a taste of the Red Centre without the full journey.
Question: What is the onboard experience like, and what activities are included off the train?
Answer: Expect private or modern cabins, gourmet/fine dining, and a relaxed, scenic pace. Each journey offers curated off-train experiences - think vineyard visits and tastings (e.g., McLaren Vale, Hunter Valley), exploring national parks (like the Grampians), and guided tours in outback and regional locations. These excursions are designed to showcase Australia’s remote landscapes and regional culture while you travel in comfort.