Australia’s Top 7 most memorable Train Journeys

Train journeys throughout Australia is a joy ride filled with scenic marvels, rich flora and fauna, and colonial history with a multi-ethnic present. From stunning coasts to the rustic wastelands; from the sea suburbs to the sporting stadia- Australia is a land to be explored by train.

In this blog, we picked the top 8 train trips out of several different train journeys covering many regions of Australia. So, get ready to explore luscious landscapes of Australia with these most beautiful railway lines.

1. The Ghan

Experience the heart of Australia- the Red center with The Ghan that connects picturesque Adelaide with legendary Darwin with some memorable off-train excursions on a 2,980km journey.

Day 1- Adelaide

Step aboard and enjoy the luxury of your comfortable private cabin with impeccable services. From Adelaide, the journey will begin from the lush pastoral fields of mid-north. Enjoy your drinks with some memorable conversations with fellow passengers. The dinner with include multi-course culinary delights of the regionally inspired menu with fine wines and beverages.

Day 2-Marla and Alice Springs

Enjoy the site through the MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Alice Springs where you can enjoy an off-train experience to explore this outback center.

DAY 3- Katherine and Darwin

In the tropical north, the wilderness of Katherine is mesmerizing. The choice of off train experience includes the jaw dropping Nitmiluk Gorge or explore an old warm charm on a cattle station. By evening you will reach Darwin, completing your epic Central Australia journey.

Image Source: https://www.australian-trains.com/

2. The Indian Pacific

The Indian Pacific takes you to the iconic trail covering Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney, a transcontinental marvel between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Enjoy the scenic serenity of mountains to arid deserts, from goldfields to rocky valley on a spectacular 4352km journey.

A four-day/three-night journey offers you a choice of several off-train excursions.

Day 1 Sydney

The journey starts from Sydney covering lush vineyards, goldmines, mountains, cities and ghost towns.? Enjoy this memorable experience with sumptuous dining options with fine wines and beverages.

DAY 2 BROKEN HILL, BAROSSA VALLEY AND ADELAIDE SURROUNDS

This day you will arrive at Broken Hill here you can take Off Train Excursions to discover mining history and artistic culture. After lunch arrive in the city of Adelaide and take a tour of the city.

DAY 3?NULLARBOR PLAIN

On this evening enjoy the tranquility of desert stars in the beautiful Rawlinna

DAY 4 PERTH

Enjoy the scenic beauty of? Avon Valley on your way to Perth and arrive post lunch.

Image source:https://freedomdestinations.co.uk/

3. Ballarat Vintage Tramway

If you are in Melbourne, then you can't miss the hourly V/Line 90-minute service to the historic gold-mining town of Ballarat. This vintage tram covers 1.3km of original line passing the serene Botanical Gardens by the western side of tranquil Lake Wendouree.

One of Australia's most popular outdoor museums, it recreates the Goldrush Special allowing four-and-a-half hours attraction besides covering major historic sights.

It operates trams on the western side of Lake Wendouree along within the Botanic Gardens area, operating on weekends and public holidays between 11.30 am and 4 pm.

You can choose to book at Ballarat Tramway Museum directly and enjoy the 80-year-old trams which was Ballarat's important transportation service until 1971.

Image Source: https://showbus.com/

4. Puffing Billy Railway

The Puffing Billy Railway is a time traveling machine giving you an experience of the heritage and legacy of the Australian Subcontinent. This preserved steam rail gauge lines is a traveler?s delight giving you the most picturesque view of the Dandenong Ranges. Built in the 1900s to improvise the connectivity to remoter regions, today the Puffing Billy takes you away from the hustle of the town into the tranquility of nature. A delight for the naturalist in you, the over-head greens are sure to mesmerize your thoughts and uplift your mood.

The rail facility is available throughout the year, apart from Christmas, and takes you from the suburb of Belgrave to the town of Gembrook in Victoria. Book the train as a part of the Melbourne Day tour or indulge into a stand-alone experience with your loved ones over a cozy evening dinner with their ?Steam and Cuisine After Dark? luxury dining facility.

Image Source: https://puffingbilly.com.au/

5. Australind, Perth-Bunbury

Need a break from your routine? Explore the route from Perth and enjoy this quaint experience till Bunbury. The train surely is old school, however nothing more relaxing than two hours of nostalgia, giving mesmeric reminiscences of childhood. Available on weekdays between 9:30 AM and 17:55 PM, the Australind serves a hot buffet with a delicious menu to choose from. You can see families; couples and children hop onto the train for its sheer experience or to reach Bunbury for an engaging aquatic experience. Best known as the City of three waters, the peninsular city gives you many exotic ranges to explore such as the Big Swamp Reserve, Mangrove Cove or a range of historic establishments such as King Cottage Museum and St. Marks?s Church.

Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/

6. Spirit of the Outback

Often referred to as the epitome of luxury, the Spirit of the Outback is a day long journey taking you through an array of scenic views ranging from rugged terrains to gorgeous fields and farms. The voyage is exotic and travels through a range of mountains and plains, stretches across 1325 kilometers from Brisbane to the town of Longreach. This journey introduces you to the history and culture of the Australian continent as you rest in the comfort of their sleeper or seats. Equipped with a dining area, the train is sure to take care of your hunger on the long route, as well as gives you the luxury of a lounge where you can relax or socialize while sipping onto your glass of wine.

The train departs Brisbane on Tuesday evenings at 6:10pm and on Saturday evenings at 1:55pm. The return from Longreach is scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00 PM. Watch out for historic towns of Blackwater and Emerald as you approach Longreach.

Image Source: https://www.abc.net.au/

7. The Tilt Train

Often called as one of the most innovative trains journeys, the Tilt is a modern-day train equipped with the most contemporary, state-of the art interiors and facilities. With an option to choose from, you can go light on budget with their Economy class, or splurge into luxury with the fancy business segment. You would often see a smiling face come to you with a trolley of light refreshments and confectioneries. You can quench your thirst with the fountain drinks machine you will find in most or the carriages. It does not stop here, you can binge on quality takeaway meals, piping hot snacks and a full-fledged bar at the Galley Car facility.

You can catch the train from Brisbane on all weekdays and Sundays?at 4.55 PM, and book your returns from Bundaberg on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 5:15 AM for an early option or hop onto a daily at 10:05 AM.

Image Source: https://www.flightcentre.com.au/