Whichever train you choose to travel on, your Journey Beyond rail journey, will endeavour to meet and exceed your expectations with all-inclusive sumptuous cuisine, fine wines, warm hospitality and a world of romance. To assist you in making the right decision for your holiday, we look at the difference between the Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern rail journeys.
.jpg)
On board the Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern
Gold Service cabins offer a comfortable retreat after a day of Off Train Experiences, to relax and read or just gaze out the window as the vast Australian landscape passes you by. Gold Twin features a private ensuite and upper and lower sleeping berths that convert to a three-seat lounge by day. Gold Single features a bed that converts to a seat by day with shared toilet and shower facilities at the end of each carriage. The upgrade to Platinum Service may make all the difference during your journey beginning with a beautifully appointed double or twin spacious suite, full-size ensuite equipped with shower, vanity and complimentary Australian Appelles Apothecary toiletries. The included Bollinger champagne and Haighs chocolates are an added extra special touch too.
The Queen Adelaide Restaurant is old world ambience blended with an all-inclusive mouth-watering seasonal menu prepared by on board chefs. Savour the hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners, complemented by a selection of included wines and beverages. The Platinum Club is another exclusive addition only available to Platinum Service guests and features a deluxe bar, lounge and fully flexible dining area with furnishings and fittings that embody the train’s Australian heritage. The Club provides a menu that truly showcases the finest regional food coupled with first class service, complemented with a range of all-inclusive wines of the highest standard, beers and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Ghan
The iconic Ghan gives a wonderful and unique exploration of central Australia between Adelaide and Darwin (or vice versa), plus the extended Ghan Expedition experience from Darwin to Adelaide.
Heading out of Adelaide brings you to watching the outback desert come to life at sunrise in Marla. Travelling towards Adelaide sees an extraordinary evening experience in outback Manguri where you will see the Milky Way like you have never seen it before. Either stop is simply breathtaking.
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. The Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk is another enjoyable off train excursion through one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Or explore this fascinating town’s history and attractions on the Alice Explorer.
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. The Katherine Outback Experience makes for a unique and entertaining afternoon, showcasing an interactive display of daily life on an outback cattle station.
Travelling on the Ghan Expedition includes the above Off Train Experiences plus an additional night to allow for a fascinating stop in Coober Pedy, in the South Australian outback, is included with the Ghan Expedition. Known as the ‘underground’ town famous for its opal mining and unique abodes, or ‘dugouts’ as they are called, beneath the surface. Plus, in Alice Springs, your day ends with an authentic Outback BBQ dinner underneath a canopy of bright stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. A true pinch-me experience.
Click here for our holidays featuring the Ghan.
Indian Pacific
Traverse the tracks between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean from Perth to Sydney (or vice versa). During Off Train Excursions you’ll venture further into the Blue Mountains, Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna. Kalgoorlie also features on east bound journeys. Kalgoorlie-Boulder is home to the world’s largest single open cut mining operation and here you can experience Paddy Hannan’s Ounce of Luck tour.
Adelaide presents a wonderful selection of excursions. You can explore the city of churches and its vibrant culture of world-renowned festivals, buzzing food and wine scene and 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 with personal insights and stories. 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.
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 in to bustling Sydney.
Click here for our holidays featuring the Indian Pacific.
Great Southern
The Great Southern Adelaide to Brisbane (or vice versa) journey is embracing an adapted route travelling through South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland and embracing the summer season’s spectacular scenery plus new off train experiences.
Adelaide to Brisbane
View the rugged and must-see Southern Flinders Ranges vista in outback South Australia before crossing the border into outback New South Wales to enjoy an Off Train Experience in the historical town of Menindee, the oldest European settlement of the region, located on the Darling River. Day two sees a scenic arrival into the Australian capital of Canberra, from Yass Junction, where your day begins with a Canberra Icons tour including the famed Parliament House followed by a VIP lunch in the Grand Hall. As the train continues north, day three takes you through the Great Diving Range before arriving in the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Enjoy a relaxing morning here on one of the excursions before continuing on to Brisbane.
Brisbane to Adelaide
Travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide enjoy your first stop in Coffs Harbour with a unique beachside dinner of local produce and fresh seafood matched with fine wines as the sun sets. Day two includes excursion options of meandering the gorgeous Hunter Valley Wine Region and long lunch, discovering the sights of Port Stephens via 4WD or a relaxing cruise with lunch, spotting dolphins in scenic Port Stephens River. As the train approaches the South Australian border, a unique touring experience in the outback New South Wales towns of Silverton and Broken Hill is a must before the journey ends in charming Adelaide.
Click here for our holidays featuring the Great Southern.
Click here for all our rail holidays featuring Journey Beyond or contact Holidays of Australia & the World on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
Image credit: Journey Beyond
