Rail Journeys with Journey Beyond

Rail journeys with Journey Beyond are exactly that, a holiday beyond the everyday. They are an authentic encounter crossing through the country’s cities, country towns and diverse, vast landscapes via an iconic and marvellous locomotive. They are slow travel at its finest. Offering both Gold and Platinum Service levels you can be sure that whichever level of service you choose to travel in, it will endeavour to meet and exceed your expectations with all-inclusive sumptuous cuisine, fine wines, warm hospitality, immersive experiences and a world of romance. Here we look at the experiences with the Ghan, Ghan Expedition, Indian Pacific and Great Southern.

The Ghan

The Ghan, one of the most popular rail journeys in the world, makes for a relaxing voyage between Adelaide and Darwin or vice versa. Those on board will feel the never-ending beauty of the iconic Australian outback as they travel towards the heart of our glorious country – the Red Centre in the Northern Territory.

Heading out of Adelaide watching the remote desert come to life at sunrise, freshly brewed coffee in hand, is a truly a one of a kind experience to be had in Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. For those heading towards Adelaide, dinner on the train is followed by an extraordinary evening experience in outback Manguri where you will see the Milky Way like you have never seen it before. Simply breathtaking.

Your time in Alice Springs, the ‘capital out of the outback’, offers numerous opportunities to explore its historic legacy and unique environment. One of the included excursions is the Alice Springs Desert Park - an inspiring portrayal of Australia’s desert environment that effortlessly blends the plants, animals and people of the arid regions. The Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk, just out of Alice Springs, is an enjoyable 4 kilometre walk through one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Featuring the towering cliffs of Simpsons Range, a permanent waterhole, and a magical location where important elements of flora, fauna and Indigenous culture all come together. Explore this fascinating town’s history on the Alice Explorer with visits to the School of the Air, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base, the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame and a short trek up to ANZAC Hill for panoramic views over Alice and beyond to the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Stopping in Katherine provides you with the opportunity to experience the iconic Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise, in one of the Northern Territory’s most monumental natural wonders. Relax and breathe in the serenity as you cruise along the Katherine River with the impressive sandstone cliffs tower from either side encompassing the stories of the traditional Indigenous owners, the Jawoyn people. The Katherine Outback Experience makes for a unique afternoon, run by Tom Curtain, it showcases Top End cattle station life via a fun and interactive show. 

The Ghan Expedition

This is the ultimate Ghan experience, with even more spectacular off train experiences and an additional night to enjoy on this immersive, all-inclusive journey, operating March to October travelling from Darwin to Adelaide.

Enjoy time in Katherine, as above, and on to Alice Springs, as above, in addition to an authentic Outback BBQ dinner underneath a canopy of bright stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. A true pinch-me experience.

Coober Pedy, in the South Australian outback, is known as the ‘underground’ town famous for its opal mining and unique abodes, or ‘dugouts’ as they are called, beneath the surface. Here you’ll be whisked away to explore this sun-scorched opal capital of the world. A friendly guide will show you around the tunnels and places of interest followed by a spectacular golf club lunch at the only golf course with reciprocal playing rights to St Andrews in Scotland. To top it off, stop for a breathtaking view and photo opportunity of The Breakaways, like no other landscape you have seen before. Or there is also the option for a half day Opal Experience for a more immersive gemstone exploration or a guided walking and interactive tour of the majestic Breakaways and Umoona Opal Mine and Museum.

Indian Pacific

The train tracks running between the Indian Ocean coastline and Pacific Ocean coastline of Australia have many a story to tell, ones you might not get to experience without the help of the incredible Indian Pacific journey. 

The journey between Perth and Sydney (or vice versa) begins with a once in a lifetime outback experience in Rawlinna on the Nullarbor Plain. During the cooler months Platinum and Gold Service guests are invited out for drinks and canapes surrounded by a warming bonfire under the stars.

Next stop is Adelaide with a spoilt for choice selection of excursions. You can explore the city of churches and its vibrant culture of world-renowned festivals, buzzing food and wine scene and laid back cosmopolitan living on a city tour or enjoy an exclusive crafted tour of the South Australian Museum. The famous Adelaide Oval tour is high on many people’s list as the stadium tour uncovers the colourful history of cricket and football and the personal insights and stories make it all totally worthwhile.  For the foodies, the Central Market Progressive Breakfast is a must as you taste some of the best local produce and meet the stall owners before a refreshing coffee and light market breakfast. Venture further out of the city for an iconic winery experience to the renowned McLaren Vale, known worldwide for its premium Shiraz production, including lunch and wine tastings or head for the hills to the picturesque ‘village’ of Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement.

The mining town of Broken Hill reveals its most fabulous side with a Drag Queen performance, thanks to the cult classic movie ‘The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. Or a visit to the oldest regional art gallery in New South Wales for an extensive display of Australian colonial works including James Coutts Michie and James Ashton along with several important Victorian painters such as Arthur Hacker RA. You will be delighted by Broken Hill’s much-loved attraction, the ‘Big Picture’, the world’s largest acrylic painting by a single artist housed in the Silver City Mint and Art Centre.

The World Heritage-Listed landscape of the Blue Mountains allows another tick off the bucket list as you are immersed into the beauty of this must-see part of Australia via the scenic walkways through the eucalypt forests or panoramic views from the cable car. A fitting recharge before arriving into bustling Sydney.

Great Southern

A stunning journey between Brisbane and Adelaide (or vice versa), passing by rugged coastlines, inland scenery and historical outback locations together with quintessential and unique Australian excursions along the way.

Leaving Adelaide behind, you can relax, unwind and enjoy world-class service as the spectacular landscapes glide by. Lap up the wild and spectacular scenery passing by your window, from the rolling Southern Flinders Ranges to the wildlife oasis of the Menindee Lakes. Delve into the art, history and culinary culture of Canberra, and discover the nation’s capital. Feel the sand between your toes in the picturesque coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Then enjoy stunning views of northern New South Wales as you roll into the final destination of Brisbane.

Or departing Brisbane, you’ll travel south into the rolling hills of New South Wales before indulging in an incredible beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour. Meander through the historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley or explore beautiful Port Stephens by land or sea. Enjoy an afternoon of unique touring experiences in the outback towns of Silverton or Broken Hill before arriving into the final destination of Adelaide the following day.

Click here for our range of holidays with Journey Beyond Rail or contact our Holidays of Australia team on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au for more.

Image credit: Journey Beyond Rail, MJK Creative