Apr 28, 2022
Historically, train journeys have been one of the most under-appreciated ways to travel. These days however, Australian travellers are embracing the comfort and romance (and often the many eco-friendly aspects) of long-distance rail travel, making it more popular than ever. Here are some of the reasons why.
Comfort and freedom
With no distractions or complications, and no worries about turbulence, traffic jams or taking the wrong turn, trains offer a smooth and relaxing journey. Seats and legroom are definitely more spacious than what you’ll find on an airplane or in the back of a rental car, and you’ll often enjoy first-class accommodation and dining. And with somebody else at the wheel, you also have the freedom to move around as much as you like.
Old-school charm
The nostalgic appeal of train travel is enduring. That feeling of stepping into another era comes from all the elements that make up this kind of journey, from the conductors tipping their hat as they walk past your cabin, to a game of cards with new friends in the lounge, or a visit to the food cart for a full-service meal or a quick martini before retiring for the night.
More than just transportation
Unlike plane travel where you often don’t even catch a glimpse of what’s between points A and B, train travel slows everything down and reminds us that the journey is often just as important as, if not more than, the destination. From off-train excursions to sitting back and enjoying magnificent views roll past your window, rail journeys really are exactly that – a journey.
Read on for all the reasons these four iconic Australian sleeper train journeys are revered the world over.
The Ghan
On the bucket list of every train travel enthusiast, The Ghan runs from Adelaide in the south, through Alice Springs and the Red Centre, to tropical Darwin in the north (and vice versa). Named after the Afghan cameleers who travelled the same route in the past, The Ghan delivers the ultimate balance of comfort and adventure, with superb accommodation and restaurant-quality cuisine and expertly-curated side tours in unique locations that only The Ghan gives you access to.
The Indian Pacific
As the name suggests this transcontinental adventure runs between Perth at the Indian Ocean, through Adelaide in the south, ending in Sydney on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. One of the world’s longest and greatest rail adventures (extending 4352 kilometres end to end), here you’ll experience timeless travel as you follow the tracks of fabled bush rangers and gold prospectors across the vast and majestic Nullarbor Plain, and witness unique wildlife and landscapes. Experience an all-inclusive Gold Service sleeper cabin and enjoy sightseeing tours at Broken Hill, Adelaide and Kalgoorlie.
The Great Southern
An exciting new addition to Australia’s epic train journeys, the first-class luxury of the Great Southern winds its way from South Australia’s Adelaide Hills, through the rugged Grampians mountains in Victoria, along the sparkling shores of the north coast of New South Wales, finishing in sunny Brisbane. Stop at some quintessential Aussie townships, and enjoy the bonus of a different itinerary in the reverse direction, just in case you wanted to jump straight back on again!
The Spirit of the Outback
This journey gives you a good taste of the soul of outback western Queensland, travelling for 26 hours between the cityscapes of Brisbane, through lush greenery to the sun-drenched bronze lands on the way to Longreach. Enjoy Australiana-themed dining cars offering local produce as you roll past lands steeped in lore and legend, then finish with a beer and a story with the locals at a Longreach pub.