Did you know that you can cross Australia by train? From North to South (Darwin to Adelaide) or vice versa, operates the Ghan and from West to East (Perth to Sydney) you can travel on the Indian Pacific.
The Ghan
Crossing the outback for 90 years in 2019, The Ghan offers more than transit between Adelaide to Darwin and vice versa. Onboard you will sleep in elegant private cabins, indulge in sumptuous cuisine and fine wines and experience excellent service. Guests can choose from a range of included off-train experiences to create their own personal journey through Australia’s outback and beyond.
Day 1: Departing Adelaide, you will journey through the spectacular Red Centre to the tropical north of Australia. Settle into your cabin and watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia from your window, before some of the oldest rock formations in the world, the Flinders Ranges, come into view. As darkness envelops the rugged outback, it’s time to indulge in a regionally-inspired dinner and all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.
Day 2: Start your day with a freshly brewed coffee or juice as the day dawns at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. Here you can watch the desert come to life at sunrise. Enjoy a sumptuous brunch as you make your way through the MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs where your choice of Off Train Excursions awaits. There is plenty to explore – home to doctors who fly, rivers that run dry, and a cast of colourful characters.
Day 3: Explore the pristine wilderness of Katherine today, as you’ll have the chance to explore it from the water or land with your choice of off train experiences. Cruise Nitmiluk Gorge, learn more about its ancient Indigenous rock paintings and gain insight into the culture of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawoyn people, or discover authentic outback life on a cattle station. As evening falls, arrive in Darwin to complete your epic Australian journey.
The 2 nights/3 days journey from Darwin to Adelaide or vice versa costs from £1,150 per person.
The Indian Pacific
Aboard the iconic Indian Pacific you will travel in comfort and style between Perth, Adelaide and Sydney. This train journey is an epic transcontinental crossing between the Indian and Pacific oceans, in an all-inclusive rail holiday.
Day 1: The journey begins in Perth mid-morning. Settle into your comfortable cabin before a modern Australian lunch will be served as you glide through the picturesque rolling hills of the Avon Valley. After a relaxing afternoon onboard, enjoy a three-course dinner prior to your late evening arrival in the wild west township of Kalgoorlie.
Day 2: Awake to the spectacular expanse of the Nullarbor Plain to watch the sunrise. You will see big blue skies and experience the ancient stillness of the desert landscape, broken only by a a few friendly kangaroos. Waiting ahead is the charm of the once-thriving Nullarbor railway community – now ghost town – of Cook. Sit back and relax as the train continues its trek across the longest single stretch of railway in the world.
Day 3: Welcome to Adelaide! On arrival, you have the choice of a walking tour, a behind-the-scenes tour of theAdelaide Oval, or a coach tour of the city sights. This evening you’ll enjoy a stop at Broken Hill, Australia’s silver capital and home to a unique artistic community.
Day 4: Wake up to the sight of the picturesque Blue Mountains. See the majestic Three Sisters at Echo Point and the views at Jamison Valley before completing your journey into Sydney Central Station.
The 3 nights/4 days journey from Perth to Sydney or vice versa costs from £1,090 per person.
Images: Great Southern Rail