Australia is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary rail tours in Australia, traversing vast outback wilderness, coastal wine country, and ancient gorge landscapes in effortless style. Whether you’re drawn to the Ghan train journey, the continent-crossing Indian Pacific train journey, or the coastal splendour of the Great Southern train journey, rail tours in Australia deliver unforgettable scenery from the comfort of a luxury cabin.
In this guide, we count down the best 5 rail tours in Australia, each handpicked for its scenery, onboard experience, and off-train adventures.
1. 7-Day Ghan Train Journey: Darwin to Adelaide
Why The Ghan Train Journey is One of the Best Rail Tours in Australia
Few rail tours in Australia match the drama of the Ghan train journey. Departing Darwin, this iconic train rolls southward through the heart of the continent. It passes tropical waterfalls, red desert plains, and underground opal towns. The journey ends in the elegant city of Adelaide.
Guests travel in a Gold Twin Cabin with all-inclusive gourmet dining. Fine Australian wines are served in the Outback Explorer Lounge. The Off Train Experiences are where this journey truly shines. In Katherine, a river cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge is unforgettable. Alice Springs offers an e-bike adventure and a visit to the historic Telegraph Station. A starlit dinner on the desert red earth is a highlight. Further south, Coober Pedy is one of Australia’s most surreal stops. Here, residents actually live underground to escape the desert heat.
Duration: 7 days | Route: Darwin to Adelaide | Cabin: Gold Twin | From: NZ$9,704 per person (twin share)
→ Book the 7-Day Ghan Train Journey
2. 8-Day Great Southern Train Journey: Brisbane to Adelaide
The Great Southern Train Journey: Coastal Rail Travel in Australia at Its Finest
The Great Southern train journey is Australia’s premier coastal rail experience. It sweeps from Brisbane through Sydney and Melbourne. The journey finishes in South Australia’s celebrated wine country. This 8-day tour pairs train nights with city stopovers and vineyard experiences.
Onboard dining features regionally-inspired menus matched to passing landscapes. It is a moving feast that changes with every kilometre. Off-train highlights include cultural free time in Melbourne. An immersive wine experience near the South Australian border is included. The remarkable Coonawarra wine region is another standout stop. For luxury train travel in Australia blended with city culture, this tour delivers.
Duration: 8 days | Route: Brisbane to Adelaide
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3. 9-Day Indian Pacific Train Journey: Perth to Sydney
The Indian Pacific Train Journey: The Ultimate Cross-Continental Rail Tour in Australia
The Indian Pacific train journey crosses the full width of Australia. It travels from the Indian Ocean in Perth to Sydney Harbour. The route covers over 4,352 kilometres of desert, wheat fields, and mountains. This is one of the most epic rail tours in Australia.
Highlights include a gourmet wine experience in South Australia’s Barossa Valley. A ghostly stop at the abandoned outback town of Cook is unforgettable. An exclusive Sydney Harbour cruise ends the journey in spectacular style. A Gold Service cabin includes all meals, fine wines, and beverages throughout.
Duration: 9 days | Route: Perth to Sydney | Cabin: Gold Service Highlights: Barossa dining, Nullarbor, Sydney Harbour Cruise
→ Book the 9-Day Indian Pacific Train Journey
4. 10-Day Great Southern Rail Journey: South to North Discovery
Luxury Train Travel in Australia: The South to North Great Southern Experience
The 10-Day Great Southern train journey travels from Adelaide to Brisbane. It winds north through Victoria and New South Wales. This extended itinerary reveals a fresh perspective on the eastern seaboard. Extra time is built in at key destinations along the way.
Overnight stays in Australia’s finest regional hotels complement the onboard experience. Additional off-train time makes this one of the most immersive itineraries available. Coastal towns, heritage cities, and wine regions all feature along the route. This journey makes a compelling case for exploring Australia by rail.
Duration: 10 days | Route: Adelaide to Brisbane | Includes: Extended off-train stopovers
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5. 12-Day Indian Pacific Train Journey: Perth to Sydney
The Extended Indian Pacific Train Journey: The Finest Luxury Rail Tour in Australia
The ultimate expression of Australia’s most iconic rail crossing, the 12-Day Indian Pacific train journey expands the classic itinerary with additional pre- and post-rail days in both Perth and Sydney. This extended package is ideal for travellers who want to combine one of the great rail tours in Australia with a genuine exploration of its two most cosmopolitan cities.
Extra days in Perth might include a Swan Valley wine tour or a sunset cruise on the Swan River, while extra Sydney time allows for the Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach, or a guided harbour experience. For anyone wanting comprehensive luxury train travel in Australia that combines world-class train travel with real city discovery, this 12-day itinerary is the definitive choice.
Duration: 12 days | Route: Perth to Sydney | Includes: Extended city stays in Perth & Sydney
→ Book the 12-Day Indian Pacific Train Journey
Ready to Book Your Australian Rail Adventure?
Australia’s legendary train journeys rank among the finest rail experiences on Earth. With these 5 handpicked rail tours in Australia, you’ll discover the continent in extraordinary style, whether crossing the outback aboard the Ghan train journey, spanning the continent on the Indian Pacific train journey, or tracing the eastern coast on the Great Southern train journey.
Browse all our Australia train tours and train tour packages, or contact our team for a tailored itinerary.
FAQs: Rail Tours in Australia
What is the best rail tour in Australia?
The best rail tours in Australia depend on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for outback drama and off-train adventures, the Ghan train journey from Darwin to Adelaide is unmatched. For a continent-crossing experience, the Indian Pacific train journey from Perth to Sydney is the most epic in scale. For coastal scenery and city culture, the Great Southern train journey is the most varied.
How much do Australia rail tours cost?
Rail tours in Australia vary by duration and cabin class. Our 7-Day Ghan Train Journey starts from NZ$9,704 per person (twin share). Contact our team for current pricing on Great Southern and Indian Pacific itineraries.
When is the best time to take a rail tour in Australia?
April to September are the best months for most rail tours in Australia, when outback temperatures are at their most comfortable. The Great Southern train journey operates year-round with consistently pleasant conditions throughout.
Can I combine an Australian rail tour with a New Zealand holiday?
Absolutely. Many travellers pair rail tours in Australia with a New Zealand self-drive or coach tour for a complete South Pacific adventure. Explore our Australia and New Zealand vacation packages for inspiration.