The size and diversity of Australia makes for fabulous train journeys. Travel across glorious tropical stretches of Queensland or to the vast heart of the continent. Rail travel is available from budget to luxury.

Touring around Australia by train is easy and affordable. A range of affordable and flexible rail passes give travellers the opportunity to see large regions of Australia first hand. Contact your travel agent for details.

Great train journeys

With The Ghan, the Indian Pacific, and The Sunlander, Australian train journeys are world class.

The Indian Pacific travels the width of the vast Australian continent from Sydney to Perth via Adelaide. One of the world’s longest and greatest train journeys, this epic adventure takes three days and nights. Departing twice weekly, the Indian Pacific crosses some of the most diverse and spectacular country in the world, traveling through rural New South Wales to Adelaide, before crossing the Nullarbor Plain which includes the longest straight stretch of rail track in the world (478 kilometres).

The Ghan departs Adelaide for Darwin once weekly (twice weekly from May-July 2005) and Adelaide for Alice Springs twice weekly, with excellent connections available on the Indian Pacific and The Overland for guests traveling to or from Sydney or Melbourne. Experience this journey through the heart of Australia in style and comfort, passing through amazing scenery of ancient mountain ranges, salt pans and the red-baked earth of Central Australia, before traveling on to the tropical splendor of Darwin and the Top End.

The Sunlander is an icon of rail travel in Queensland, traveling the spectacular 1000-mile coastal stretch between Brisbane and Cairns. Renowned for its social atmosphere, The Sunlander provides travel options for all travelers from the discerning to the budget conscious. Queenslander class is the premium style of travel aboard the train, providing passengers with a stylish and memorable travel experience including superb dining, entertainment, commentary and a host of special extras.

The Tilt Train is Australia's most innovative train, offering business seating and personal entertainment system, provides a great way to holiday hop between Queensland's best destinations.

Other great train journeys include Spirit of the Outback (Brisbane to Longreach), Kuranda Scenic Railway (Cairns-Kuranda-Cairns) and the Savannahlander (Cairns-Forsayth-Cairns).

State rail

Most capital cities have fast and reliable commuter trains. Regional, interstate and key rail journey services also operate from the major cities. Some of the rail services offered by the states include:

New South Wales

CityRail serves the Sydney metropolitan area. CityRail also offers sightseeing trips to destinations in outer Sydney including the Blue Mountains and Central Coast. Sydney’s main station is Central Railway Station on Eddy Avenue.

Countrylink is the long-distance passenger rail operator for New South Wales and has daily services connecting major east coast cities. Countrylink also has popular rail holidays that combine rail travel with accommodation and touring options.

Victoria

Melbourne has two major rail stations. Flinders Street is for local metropolitan lines and Spencer Street for all country and interstate services. Melbourne also has an extensive metropolitan train and tram service.

V/Line is the regional public transport provider for rail and road coach services in Victoria. Train services operate to the major regional centres of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour and Traralgon and many other centres. V/Line coach services connect with the trains to provide a coordinated public transport network within the state.

Queensland

Brisbane’s rail network provides smooth and efficient travel throughout the city and suburbs. The two main stations are Central and Roma Street.

There are also long-distance rail routes that allow extensive travel throughout the state. Queensland Rail provides coastal, scenic and outback services as well as holiday and tour packages.

Western Australia

Transperth serves the Perth area. The major attractions of Perth are all accessible by the metropolitan rail service. An electric tram runs from the city to historic Fremantle. A range of tours incorporating rail and coach travel is available.

South Australia

Adelaide has a comprehensive network of suburban rail services provided by TransAdelaide. There is also a tram that operates from the city to Glenelg on the coast. The regional and interstate rail terminal is located at Keswick.