Rail Australia

Journey Beyond with Australia’s Great Train Journeys

Journey Beyond with Australia’s Great Train Journeys

Welcome to Rail Australia – the international brand for Great Southern Rail. Great Southern Rail has owned and operated The Ghan and Indian Pacific since 1997 when it became the first transcontinental rail business to be privatised in Australia.

There are few experiences quite like a rail journey throughout the vast and rugged continent of Australia.
Imagine looking out your window as kangaroos hop across the vast Red Centre or as the morning light breaks over the peaks of the majestic Blue Mountains.

More than simply a mode of transport, The Ghan and Indian Pacific are unforgettable holiday experiences that allow you to explore some of Australia’s most beautiful and intriguing destinations. While other travellers rush from point-to-point at 35,000 feet above the ground, these journeys offer an intimate perspective of the incredible scope of the country you are crossing.
While the interior of the continent stretches before you, you are invited to share the spirit of expedition with your fellow travellers over a glass of wine, regional cuisine and time spent in amazing stops along the route.
Whether you seek adventure or relaxation as an independent traveller, as a couple or as part of a group, The Ghan and Indian Pacific are just the ticket for a journey beyond the ordinary.

The Ghan

Originally dubbed the Afghan Express, The Ghan train was named for the pioneering cameleers who blazed a permanent trail into the Red Centre of Australia more than 150 years ago. Many cameleers were migrants from an area now known as Pakistan. However, according to outback lore in the 1800s, these men were believed to come from the mysterious outpost of Afghanistan and were considered Afghans – 'Ghans

The Journey
Darwin to Adelaide via Alice Springs or vice versa

Duration
Three days/two nights (54 hours)
The Ghan Expedition – Four Days/three nights (76 hours) – Darwin to Adelaide (available August- October 2016)

Distance
2979km or 1851 miles

Departs
Weekly - Wednesday ex Darwin and Sunday ex Adelaide (reduced service December - January)

Off Train Excursions
Alice Springs and Katherine
Coober Pedy (available on The Ghan Expedition)

Outback Experiences
Southbound: Manguri
Northbound: Marla

The Ghan Expedition

Prepare yourself for an incredible, one-of-a-kind experience aboard The Ghan Expedition. Coming into its second season, The Ghan Expedition has established itself as a permanent fixture of Great Southern Rail journey timetables. Departing from Darwin, this epic four day, three night, 2979km tour takes guests to some of the most remote yet captivating parts of Australia in style and luxury.

Depart Darwin and arrive in Katherine ready to experience your first included Off Train Excursion to the magnificent and spiritual Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.

A full day in Alice Springs provides guests with ample opportunity to visit local landmarks, get up close and personal with Australia’s incredible flora and fauna or simply explore at their own pace. Finish the evening under a canopy of stars with an Outback Pioneer Dinner.

You also have the option to complete the Red Centre experience by upgrading to a fly-in visit and tour of Uluru and on-the-ground tour, getting back in time for dinner and to rejoin The Ghan.

Enjoy a day in Coober Pedy, the sun-scorched opal mining capital of the world where many residents live underground. Venture into the tunnels and caves of this underground town, mine for riches and visit the stunning Outback moonscape that is the Breakaways.

Fitness: A good level of fitness with the ability to walk and balance on uneven ground is required.

Indian Pacific

It was 1969 before an uninterrupted rail link from the Indian Ocean in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east existed. The newly-named Indian Pacific train embarked on its inaugural transcontinental journey on 23 February 1970. As the name implies, the Indian Pacific cruises between two oceans on one of the world’s longest and greatest train journeys, taking in goldmines, ghost towns and grapevines along the way. From the spectacular Blue Mountains to the Nullarbor Plain, guests see unique landscapes and a fascinating array of wildlife.

The Journey
Perth to Sydney via Adelaide or vice versa

Duration
Four days/three nights (65 hours)

Distance
4352km or 2704 miles

Departs
Weekly - ex Perth on Sunday and ex Sydney on Wednesday

Off Train Excursions
Eastbound: Kalgoorlie, Adelaide and Broken Hill
Westbound: Broken Hill and Adelaide or the Barossa Valley

Outback Experiences
Eastbound: Cook
Westbound: Rawlinna

Rail Information & Bookings

For further information on Great Southern Rail click here. For holiday packages featuring The Ghan click here. For holiday packages featuring the Indian Pacific click here.

For information on travelling through Queensland by rail and to book please visit Queensland Rail Travel – click here.

For information on travelling through New South Wales by rail and to book please visit NSW Trainlink – click here.

Tourist Information Useful Links:

Tourism Australia, please click here.

South Australia, please click here.

Northern Territory, please click here.

Western Australia, please click here.

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