When you think of Australia’s great rail journeys, it’s easy to picture the rolling landscapes, gourmet dining, and luxury of life on board. But the real magic of The Ghan, the Indian Pacific and the Great Southern often happens off the train. These curated excursions let you step straight into the heart of Australia’s landscapes, history, and culture.
For travellers who prefer more than just a journey, these experiences transform a rail holiday into something truly unforgettable.
The Ghan Off-Train Experiences: Red Centre Wonders
Running between Adelaide and Darwin, The Ghan is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure - and its off-train experiences are just as iconic.
- Katherine Gorge: Glide through towering sandstone cliffs as you learn about the rich culture of the Jawoyn people. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles basking on the banks.
- Alice Springs: Visit the historic Telegraph Station or marvel at the sweeping desert landscapes from Anzac Hill. For something different, take a camel ride across the ochre sands - a nod to the Afghan cameleers who inspired the train’s name.
- Coober Pedy: Step into the underground world of this opal mining town, famous for its subterranean homes and churches. A guided tour reveals how locals escape the desert heat, and you can even try your luck fossicking for opals.
Indian Pacific Excursions: Coast-to-Coast Adventure
Crossing from Sydney to Perth (or vice versa), the Indian Pacific offers one of the world’s greatest rail experiences. Its excursions showcase the contrasts of this vast continent.
- Broken Hill: Known as the “Silver City”, explore its proud mining heritage, visit art galleries inspired by the outback, be delighted by a drag show or enjoy a classic pub experience in one of Australia’s most famous mining towns.
- Adelaide & Barossa Valley: Choose between a city highlights tour, or journey into the Barossa to sample world-class wines and meet the winemakers themselves.
- Cook & the Nullarbor: Step out into the tiny ghost town of Cook. Surrounded by the endless horizon of the Nullarbor Plain, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
- Kalgoorlie: Discover the story of the gold rush at the Super Pit, one of the largest open-cut mines in the Southern Hemisphere. History, grit and pioneering spirit come alive here.
Great Southern Rail Journey: Summer Journeys of Discovery
Operating seasonally between Adelaide and Brisbane, the Great Southern is all about sun, coastline and culture. Its off-train adventures highlight the best of summer in southern and eastern Australia.
- Coffs Harbour: Step off the train for a beachside dining experience with your toes in the sand - a relaxed yet indulgent moment unique to the Australian coastline.
- Hunter Valley & Newcastle: Sample award-winning wines among rolling vineyards in the Hunter, or explore the vibrant coastal city of Newcastle with its heritage buildings, surf beaches and relaxed charm.
- Canberra: Discover Australia’s capital through guided tours of Parliament House, the National Gallery or the Australian War Memorial. This stop combines culture, history and a sense of national pride.
- Melbourne Experiences: Immerse yourself in Victoria’s lively capital - from its laneways filled with street art and cafés to the world-class galleries and cultural landmarks that make it a city like no other.
Why Off-Train Excursions Matter
For many, these off-train excursions are the highlight of the journey. They allow you to:
- See more of Australia without the hassle of planning tours.
- Enjoy guided experiences tailored to your interests and mobility.
- Meet local experts, storytellers and winemakers.
- Balance the indulgence of life on board with immersive adventures on land.
Each excursion is carefully designed, so whether you’re sipping wine in the Barossa, cruising through Katherine Gorge, or stepping into Coober Pedy’s underground world, you’ll leave with memories as rich as the journey itself.
Ready to Step Off the Train and Into Adventure?
Australia’s great rail journeys are more than just A-to-B travel - they’re moving experiences where every stop is a new story. Whether you choose The Ghan, the Indian Pacific or the Great Southern, the off-train adventures are what make these holidays truly unforgettable. Start planning your journey today, and discover why the best part of rail travel often begins the moment you step off the train.
