Australia is absurdly huge, and its landscapes shift dramatically from one region to the next, from coastline to outback, rainforest to desert. While flying might be efficient, it can rob you of the in-between — the remote towns, rolling desert, glittering coastline, and the exploding night skies that make the journey just as memorable as the destination. That’s where train travel comes in. Many of Australia’s most iconic rail routes were built purely to showcase the country at its best and reach landscapes that can otherwise feel unreachable. And in some cases, the carriages are also part of the spectacle, with interiors just as lovely as the views outside. In winter, these landscapes take on an entirely new character, and you can watch the scenery unfold, all while staying cosy inside a train. Here are five of Australia’s most spectacular train rides to add to your bucket list.
1. Indian Pacific
A true Aussie epic, the Indian Pacific makes a 4-day pilgrimage between Sydney and Perth (and vice versa), traversing an extraordinary sweep of landscapes — from the majestic Blue Mountains to the Instagram-worthy pink lakes of South Australia, through the vast emptiness of the legendary Nullarbor Plain and into the heart of Western Australia. Nothing is off-limits in this incredible once-in-a-lifetime journey.
📍 Where: Sydney to Perth via Adelaide (route also operates in reverse).
🌟 Highlights: Blue Mountains, crossing the Nullarbor, outback dining experience in Rawlinna (seasonal), gourmet meals onboard
📏 Distance: 4,352 kilometres
⏳ Duration: 4 days and 3 nights
🎯 Best for: An incredible cross-country experience and vast, rugged landscapes
2. The Ghan
There are plenty of stunning train rides in Australia, but The Ghan arguably sets the bar. Carving through the heart of the country, the Adelaide to Darwin (and vice versa) route is a trip to remember. The dizzying views of the wide-open outback are perfectly complemented by the stylish interiors and luxe experiences on board. The Ghan isn’t just an Aussie icon, it’s rightly considered one of the greatest rail journeys in the world.
📍 Where: Runs between Darwin and Adelaide, with shorter options to or from Alice Springs (also available in reverse).
🌟 Highlights: Lush tropics of the Top End, the deep ochres of the Red Centre, and the rolling hills of South Australia, with off-train adventures in Katherine and Alice Springs.
📏 Distance: 2,979 kilometres
⏳ Duration: 3-4 days, 2-3 nights
🎯 Best for: Outback explorers and anyone chasing a classic heart-of-Australia experience
3. The Great Southern
Spanning four states in just a few days, the Great Southern offers a front-row seat to some of Australia’s most varied landscapes. From the lush rolling hills of South Australia to the dramatic peaks of the Grampians, along the glittering beaches of the NSW coast and into Queensland’s capital. The high-end touches on board this incredibly scenic trip are all part of the fun.
📍 Where: Adelaide to Brisbane via the Grampians, Canberra, and the NSW coast (route also operates in reverse)
🌟 Highlights: Beachside dining in northern NSW, rugged mountain views in the Grampians, and curated off-train experiences
📏 Distance: 2,885 kilometres
⏳ Duration: 3 days, 2 nights (northbound) or 4 days, 3 nights (southbound)
🎯 Best for: Coastal and country landscapes, and excellent food and wine experiences
4. Spirit of the Outback
The clue is in the name — the Spirit of the Outback is a 26-hour rail journey into the heart of western Queensland. Swapping the coast for cattle country, it’s a classic outback experience, complete with Australiana-themed dining cars, delicious local produce from Queensland, and the kind of slow travel that encourages you to sit back and take it all in.
📍 Where: Brisbane to Longreach (also runs in reverse)
🌟 Highlights: The Queensland outback, desert landscapes and quaint regional towns.
📏 Distance: 1325 kms
⏳ Duration: 26 hours (overnight)
🎯 Best for: An unforgettable bush adventure
5. The Overland
Short but mighty, the Overland is a full-day ride between Melbourne and Adelaide that delivers old-school charm without the luxury price tag. It’s the ideal pick for travellers who want to experience the nostalgia of train travel, without the long-haul commitment. Passing through quaint towns and rolling vineyards, this humble ride has been delighting passengers for more than 135 years.
📍 Where: Melbourne to Adelaide (also operates in reverse)
🌟 Highlights: Fields of green and gold, regional towns, and scenic views
📏 Distance: 828 kilometres
⏳ Duration: 10.5 hours (daytime service)
🎯 Best for: History lovers and budget-conscious travellers
Book tickets and find more information about Australia’s best train rides here. Bon voyage!