When you think of travelling across Australia, your mind might jump straight to dusty road trips, coastal drives, or quick domestic flights between capital cities. But hidden in plain sight is one of the country’s greatest travel experiences — one that doesn’t get half the attention it deserves.
Welcome to the world of Australian rail journeys: the unsung heroes of travel Down Under.
Travelling by train across Australia isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s about the rhythm of the rails, the ever-changing scenery rolling past your window, and the stories that unfold as you glide through the heart of this vast, ancient land. If you’ve never considered a rail adventure before, here’s why it might just be the most memorable holiday you ever take.
You See the Real Australia
Flying over Australia might save you time, but it robs you of the details — the red dirt plains, the shimmering salt lakes, the ghost gums twisting in the sun. On a rail journey, you experience the landscape unfolding mile by mesmerising mile. One moment you’re crossing lush farmland, the next you’re entering a sunburnt desert that stretches to the horizon.
Take The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin: over three days, you’ll witness the green vineyards of South Australia give way to the ochre heart of the Northern Territory, before finishing in the tropical Top End. It’s like seeing the pages of an epic novel turn before your very eyes.
Comfort Meets Adventure
Gone are the days of uncomfortable, clattering trains. Modern Australian rail experiences are designed for travellers who want both adventure and comfort. Think spacious cabins, gourmet meals paired with regional wines, attentive service, and even hot showers as you cross the Outback.
Journeys like the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) and the Great Southern (Adelaide to Brisbane) offer a hotel-on-wheels experience. By day, you relax with a drink as vast landscapes drift by. By night, you sleep in crisp linen, rocked gently by the motion of the train. It’s adventure, without sacrificing a single creature comfort.
Every Stop Is an Experience
Unlike road trips where you often rush from stop to stop, rail journeys are curated to include special off-train experiences that reveal the soul of Australia.
Picture this:
- Watching the sun rise over the rusty, ethereal domes of Kata Tjuta.
- Walking through the heritage streets of Broken Hill, Australia's original mining town.
- Feasting on fresh seafood during a beachside dinner in Coffs Harbour.
These carefully designed excursions mean you don’t just travel through Australia — you touch, taste, and truly experience it.
It’s A Great Way to Make New Friends
Rail travel offers a rare balance: you can enjoy the privacy of your own cabin or mingle with fellow travellers in the lounge and dining carriages. And it’s not your usual rushed, distracted socialising — it’s relaxed, authentic, and fuelled by the shared sense of wonder that long-distance train journeys seem to inspire.
You’ll meet people from all walks of life: seasoned adventurers, honeymooners, retirees on the trip of a lifetime. By the end of the journey, don’t be surprised if you’ve swapped a few life stories and maybe even exchanged addresses.
Slow Travel Is the New Luxury
In a world obsessed with speed, there’s something undeniably luxurious about slowing down. Rail journeys give you permission to breathe, be present, and appreciate the journey — not just the destination. For those chasing the romance of rail travel, Vintage Rail Journeys through New South Wales offer a beautifully unhurried way to explore the state’s diverse regions. From the sun-drenched Riverina to the lush North Coast and the Golden West, these scenic routes reveal the quieter, soulful side of Australia — where history lingers in old stations and time slows with every passing mile.
The charm lies in the trains themselves — lovingly restored heritage locomotives and carriages that echo a bygone era. Among them is the Southern Aurora, a beautifully refurbished 1960s sleeper train once running between Sydney and Melbourne, now revived for special cruises through the region. With the sway of vintage carriages and sea breezes drifting through open windows, this is slow travel at its finest — where every click of the tracks reconnects you with the romance of Australia’s golden age of rail.
Australia Was Made for Rail Adventures
Australia’s vastness can feel overwhelming — but by rail, it becomes an invitation. An invitation to connect, to reflect, and to experience the staggering beauty of a country that can’t be rushed.
So next time you’re planning a holiday, think beyond the usual flights and highways. Step aboard The Ghan, the Indian Pacific, or the Great Southern. Settle into your seat, let the landscape come to you, and discover why Australia’s rail journeys are the country’s best-kept secret — and its greatest untold adventure.
Because sometimes, the best way to cross a continent is simply to sit back, relax, and let the rails lead the way.
Ready for a Rail adventure? Click here to view our top packages, or get in touch with one of our travel experts!
1300 854 897 | holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
