Australia by train

Australia is a big country and we know of no better way to see and enjoy the experience of Australia than by traveling on one of the great rail journeys available. Australia has an extensive rail network that provides you with a comfortable option to travel overland and see the real Australia.

Australia's trains are clean, comfortable, and safe, and has a rail network linking Perth to Adelaide, that continues on to Melbourne and then north to Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, and right up the coast to Cairns... There's also a line from Adelaide to Alice Springs and Darwin. Trains generally cost more than buses but are still reasonably priced including the two trains promoted as"experiences" rather than mere transport - the Indian Pacific and the Ghan.

Most long distance trains have sleepers with big windows, air-conditioning, electric outlets, wardrobes, hand basins, and fresh sheets and blankets. First class sleepers have en-suite (attached private) bathrooms, and fares often include meals. Second class sleepers use shared shower facilities, and meals are not included. Some second class sleepers are private cabins; on other trains you share with strangers. Single cabins are small but surprisingly comfy, with their own toilet and basin... Smoking is not allowed, or allowed only in the club cars or special "smoking rooms."... Reservations for seats and sleeping berths are essential on all long distance trains and are accepted up to six months in advance.

If you're looking for a way to access Australia's best holiday destinations, while seeing more of the countryside, then a rail pass is for you. Rail passes allow you to hop between destinations over a period of time on one or more of Australia's great rail journeys. National passes are generally only available to international visitors or travellers in Australia holding an international passport... For more information go to our section Rail passes

Great Southern Railway... See our Rail map

A private company offering three unique train journeys extending across several Australian states.

• The Indian Pacific travels 4350km (2704 miles) twice weekly on standard 1435mm (56.5 inch) gauge from Sydney on the east coast to Perth on the west coast, via Adelaide. The journey takes three days and three nights, crossing the Nullarbar Plain on the famous 478km (297 mile) stretch of straight track, the longest in the world.



• The Ghan travels 2979 km (1891 miles) between Adelaide and Darwin, via Alice Springs. The service runs weekly in each direction and takes two nights. Both trains are fully air-conditioned and soundproofed, with first and second-class sleeping cars, a loungecar, bars and good restaurant facilities.



• The Overland provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel the 862 km (546 miles) between the cosmopolitan cities of Adelaide and Melbourne.

Traveltrain Holidays... See our Rail map

The dedicated tourism arm of QR (Queensland Rail), Traveltrain Holidays offers the largest and most comprehensive network of long distance and tourist trains in Australia.

Queensland Rail's Traveltrain operates two trains on the Brisbane-Cairns route: The Sunlander runs twice a week from Brisbane to Cairns, offering a choice of the premium, all- inclusive Queenslander class; single, double, or triple berth sleepers; or economy seats. Two services also run as far as Townsville on this route without Queenslander class.

The high speed Tilt train operates three weekly trips on the same route in less time - by about 8 hours - with business class style seating. Tilt train also serve Rockhampton daily from Brisbane. Traveltrain also operates trains to Outback towns. All Traveltrain and most Countrylink long distance trains stop at most towns en route, so they're useful for exploring the eastern states.

• The Sunlander and its associated Queenslander class link Brisbane with Cairns (31 hours)
• The Spirit of the Outback runs Brisbane to Longreach via Rockhampton
• The Westlander runs Brisbane to Charleville
• The Inlander runs Townsville to Mt Isa
• There are also a number of scenic rail journeys available, including Kuranda Scenic Railway that links Cairns with kuranda via a 34 km (14 mile) climb through tropical rainforest.
• The Great South Pacific Express service along the east coast from Sydney to Cairns via Brisbane has been temporarily suspended.

Countrylink... See our Rail map

A division of New South Wales State Rail and provides long distance passenger rail and coach services. Their fleet of XPT and XPLORER trains and road coaches provide services to 334 destinations throughout New South Wales and to interstate destinations including Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne... Countrylink passengers in air-conditioned comfort un economy and first class seats, with sleeper facilities on overnight routes.

• The Canberra Monaro Express links Canberra with Sydney in four or five hours
• The XPT Express runs from Melbourne to Brisbane via Canberra and Sydney