Why Australian Rail Journeys Beat Flying Every Time

These days, we want everything on demand. Food, parcels, TV without ads… instant gratification has become our default setting. But Australian rail trips throw that whole mindset out the window (along with your mobile reception, at times). This isn’t about getting from A to B in record time. It’s about enjoying the ride, the scenery and maybe even a cheeky wine in the lounge car.

While flying gets you there quickly, it also skips everything worth seeing in between. Train travel lets you watch the country unfold — coastlines, canyons, vineyards, the lot. Australian rail journeys like The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern replace tray tables and tight seating with restaurant-quality dining, private cabins and views you can’t stream or scroll. This is the kind of slow travel that proves that the journey can be every bit as exciting as the destination.

The Ghan – Go Big or Go Home

If you’re going to explore Australia’s Red Centre, do it properly. The Ghan is your all-access pass to the red earth, wide skies and huge stories that shape the Outback. Travelling between Darwin and Adelaide, this is part postcard, part nature documentary — except you’re not watching it, you’re in it. Kangaroos bounce past your window while you decide between a cheese plate or panna cotta, and off-train experiences like a river cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge or a visit to the underground town of Coober Pedy keep things just the right amount of wild.

Route Highlights

• Darwin to Adelaide or reverse
• Stops in Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy
• City stays available pre- or post-journey

Handy Tips

• Pack for contrast. Expect everything from humid tropics to cool desert evenings.
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must for off-train excursions. Save the new pair for dinner service back on board.
• Bring something to read, but be warned — you’ll spend most of your time staring out the window instead.

Indian Pacific – Watch Australia Change Outside Your Window

Yes, the idea of going on a transcontinental journey by train might sound like a long ride, but trust us, you won’t even notice the time. On this four-day adventure from the Blue Mountains to the goldfields of Western Australia, the hours slip by as effortlessly as the scenery outside your window. With a front-row seat to Australia’s wild and wonderful side, you’ll find yourself wishing the journey was even longer. Think fine dining, private cabins, and landscapes that change dramatically by the hour. No queues, no turbulence, just great wine and even better views.

Route Highlights

• Sydney to Perth or reverse
• Stops at Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook, and Rawlinna
• Add-on city stays are available at both ends

Handy Tips

• If space is your thing, Platinum Service is the way to go. You’ll enjoy a full-size suite with a lounge during the day and a double bed at night, plus priority check-in, all-inclusive dining and drinks and private transfers in both cities. It feels less like a train cabin and more like your own travelling hotel room.
• While the onboard dining is exceptional, be sure to enjoy the off-train meals too. Local flavours are part of the experience, whether it’s a pub lunch in Broken Hill or canapés served under the stars in Rawlinna.
• Bring a proper camera if you can. The Nullarbor views are vast, dramatic and constantly changing. Your phone will do the job, but a good lens takes it up a notch.

Great Southern – A Summer Road Trip, Without the Driving

Only available in summer, the Great Southern is rail travel’s take on the great Aussie holiday. Running between Adelaide and Brisbane, it swaps rugged Outback terrain for breezy coastlines, rolling vineyards and regional charm. One day you’re sipping wine in the Grampians, the next you’re walking along the beaches of Coffs Harbour or exploring Canberra’s cultural icons. It is the most relaxed of the three signature journeys, but it still brings the same first-class dining, attentive service and off-train adventures, just with a bit more sunscreen and a lot more sea air.

Route Highlights

• Adelaide to Brisbane or reverse
• Stops in The Grampians, Canberra, and Coffs Harbour
• Add-on city stays are available at either end

Handy Tips

• Pack for variety. You’ll go from vineyard tours to coastal walks, so include both casual and smart-casual outfits.
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Off-train excursions often include light walking and uneven terrain.
• Bring your swimsuit. Whether it’s a dip at Coffs Harbour or relaxing by the hotel pool, it’s better to have it than wish you did.
• Sun protection is essential. A hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen will help make sure sunburn doesn’t sneak in and spoil the fun.
• A small daypack will come in handy for carrying essentials like your phone, camera, water bottle and a snack from the lounge car.

Platform to Pillow: Our Top Rail Journey Stays

Mindil Beach Casino Resort, Darwin

Start your Ghan journey the right way with a stay at Mindil Beach Casino Resort. This resort blends coastal calm with tropical energy, offering lagoon-style pools, beachside dining and rooms that overlook either the sparkling ocean or Darwin’s skyline. Treat yourself to handmade pasta at Il Piato, enjoy a cocktail as the sun sinks over Mindil Beach, or unwind with a spa treatment before departure. It’s the kind of place that helps you switch off before you even step aboard.

EOS by SkyCity, Adelaide

EOS by SkyCity feels designed with rail travellers in mind. Step off the train and into a suite where soft lighting, deep stone tubs and local wines in the minibar welcome you back to city life. The rooftop bar looks out over the River Torrens, while the spa menu offers everything from massages to high-end facials. EOS has earned praise for its thoughtful service and sleek interiors, making it the perfect way to finish (or begin) a rail journey in style.

Shangri-La Sydney

Stay at Shangri-La Sydney to bookend your Indian Pacific journey with views as impressive as the train route itself. From your room, take in sweeping vistas of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, or head to Altitude Restaurant to watch the sun dip over Circular Quay. The Horizon Club Lounge adds a little extra privacy and polish, and the spa is perfect for a wind-down after days on the rails. It’s a hotel that makes Sydney feel as relaxing as it is iconic.

COMO The Treasury, Perth

If the Indian Pacific shows you Australia’s scale, COMO The Treasury reminds you of its subtle elegance. Located in a grand 19th-century building in Perth’s historic heart, this boutique property combines heritage detail with modern minimalism. Suites are airy and refined, with freestanding tubs and high ceilings. Dining at Wildflower is a highlight, with menus that celebrate local produce and First Nations ingredients. For a thoughtful, quiet retreat after a big journey, COMO The Treasury offers the perfect pace.

Emporium Hotel South Bank, Brisbane

Once the Great Southern arrives in Brisbane, there’s still time to squeeze in a little more adventure. AUNZ Holidays will pair you with the perfect city stay, whether you want riverside luxury or something boutique near the buzz of South Bank. Add in a Moreton Bay island cruise, sunset drinks on a rooftop or a private wildlife encounter to wrap things up. A good rail journey deserves an equally memorable finale.

A bold mix of style and substance, Emporium Hotel South Bank is anything but ordinary. The 23-metre infinity pool and rooftop bar serve up skyline views with a side of Queensland sunshine, while the hotel’s location puts you within strolling distance of Brisbane’s galleries, theatres and riverfront walks. Inside, suites are smartly dressed with marble bathrooms, wine fridges, mood lighting and tech that responds to your touch. Recognised among the top hotels in the South Pacific, it’s a standout choice for rail travellers looking to end their journey on a high.

Why Book Your Rail Journey with AUNZ Holidays?

Insider Access

We partner directly with Australia’s leading rail operators and accommodation providers, which means you’ll have access to upgrades, exclusive inclusions, and extras you won’t find by booking online.

Tailored Itineraries

Every trip is built around how you like to travel. From hotel stays to off-train excursions and transfers that actually make sense, we handle the details so your journey runs smoothly from the first booking to the final check-out.

Reliable, Personal Service

Our team of Australia and New Zealand experts are here before, during and after your trip. We’re not just sending you off with a ticket — we’re available to answer questions, offer suggestions and support you every step of the way.

Ready to Ride the Rails?

Forget the fast lane. The best way to see Australia is at train speed. Windows down (metaphorically), camera ready, snack in hand. With Australian rail trips, the journey becomes part of the destination. Let your AUNZ Holidays Expert take care of the planning so all you need to do is sit back, look out and enjoy the ride, with no flight delays or luggage carousels in sight. Email or call us today for more information!