5 Best Australian Train Trips for Scenic Tours

1. The Ghan

The Ghan is an evocative passage, a sensory journey tracing an ancient path from the tropical humidity of Darwin down to the historic elegance of Adelaide. Over three days, the world outside your window shifts dramatically from lush river valleys to the monumental, silent stillness of the Red Centre. It is a luxurious immersion into the Outback, where you dine on gourmet cuisine while the train carves a flawless line through the continent’s heart.

• Desert Drama: Witness the powerful, silent transition from lush terrain to the monumental Red Centre desert.
• Gourmet Rail Dining Experiences: Savor regionally inspired, exquisite cuisine served in elegant dining cars as the scenery glides by.
• Nitmiluk Gorge Private Cruise: Deepen your historic Outback immersion with an exclusive cruise through ancient sandstone cliffs in Katherine.
• Katherine Outback Experience VIP: Enjoy a private look at a working cattle station with horse-breaking and working-dog demonstrations.
• Coober Pedy Underground Private Tour: Access unique seasonal day trips to the shimmering opal mines and subterranean homes of this desert outpost.

The Indian Pacific is a colossal ribbon of rail, connecting the sparkling Pacific waters of Sydney to the pristine Indian Ocean beaches of Perth. This is a 65-hour epic of shifting terrain, where the rugged, eucalyptus-scented air of the majestic Blue Mountains gives way to the flat, hypnotic horizons of the Nullarbor Plain. You are cocooned in comfort as you cross over 2,700 miles, watching the goldmines fade into the vineyards and ghost towns of the Australian interior.

• Ocean to Ocean: Experience the sensory thrill of connecting the Pacific and Indian coasts.
• Indian Pacific Chairman’s Carriage: For the ultimate in exclusivity, charter this private rail car for a bespoke small-group experience.
• Dinner Under the Stars, Nullarbor Plain: Step off the train at Rawlinna for a legendary long-table dinner under a canopy of desert stars.
• Barossa Valley Vintage Tasting Rail Stop: Seamlessly connect to the globally renowned Barossa for private cellar tastings at Seppeltsfield.
• Blue Mountains Rail Stop Excursions: Explore the World Heritage-listed wilderness via the Scenic Skyway or a guided bushwalk before continuing your journey.

The Great Southern from Brisbane to Adelaide is the newest icon of Australian luxury rail. Running during the summer months, this journey focuses on the spectacular coastline and rolling pastoral lands of the Southeast. It is the perfect choice for those seeking slow travel Australia itineraries that prioritize summer sun, beachside glamour, and refined relaxation.

• Coastal Sophistication: Experience a unique beachside dinner at Coffs Harbour, with waves lapping just meters from your table.
• Hunter Valley Heritage: Meander through Australia’s oldest vineyards for private wine-and-dine showcases.
• Melbourne Masterclass: Choose a high-altitude lunch in the city or a gourmet foray into regional Victoria’s Moorabool Valley.
• South Flinders Ranges: Admire the rugged beauty of the ranges as you transition into the historic charm of Adelaide.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a UNESCO heritage engineering marvel that carves through the world’s oldest living rainforest. While it is a shorter journey than the transcontinental giants, the "Gold Class" upgrade transforms it into a refined, nostalgic rail journey. You’ll feel the "gin-and-tonic" luxury atmosphere as you wind past cascading waterfalls and deep ravines on your way to the village in the forest.

• UNESCO Rainforest Canopy: Traverse the Barron Gorge National Park, an area of immense biological diversity and ancient beauty.
• Gold Class Luxury: Relax in handcrafted Victorian-inspired carriages with lounge-style seating and dedicated attendant service.
• Tropical Gourmet: Savor locally sourced appetizers and premium Queensland beverages as the jungle greenery brushes the windows.
• The Edge Lookout: Enjoy a breathtaking photographic stop at Barron Falls from a spectacular, cantilevered viewpoint.

The Spirit of the Outback is pure, gilded nostalgia: a first-class plunge into the vast, authentic heart of Queensland's Outback, running between Brisbane and Longreach. Luxury meets the sublime as you watch the legendary red desert terrain expand for miles in every direction. This adventure is an opportunity to encounter the Australian past in historic towns, all from the comfort of a beautifully appointed cabin.

• Gilded Nostalgia: Indulge in an elevated first-class experience, marrying luxury with rustic Outback authenticity.
• Authentic Red Desert: Witness the monumental, arid beauty of the terrain and its unique indigenous creatures.
• Historic Stories: Journey to towns like Longreach, home to the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame.
• Bush-Tucker Cuisine: Savor locally sourced flavors and meet the friendly residents of remote station communities.

While both offer a premium trans-continental rail holiday, they cater to different seasons and landscapes:

• The Ghan runs North to South, from Darwin to Adelaide, through the arid "Red Centre." It operates year-round, but is most popular in the winter months, from April to October, as this time avoids the tropical heat.
• The Great Southern runs during the Australian summer, from December to February, and focuses on the Southeast coast, from Brisbane to Adelaide. It emphasizes beaches, mountains, and vineyards.

Australia's rail journeys are exceptionally well-suited for seniors who prioritize comfort, accessibility, and a relaxed pace.

• Seamless Logistics: From luggage handling to private transfers, every detail is managed.
• Cabin Comfort: Platinum and Gold Service provide en-suite cabins, meaning you never have to sacrifice privacy.
• Tailored Excursions: Most stops offer tiered activity levels, from a private rail-car charter to low-impact coach tours and gourmet tastings.

While the train tracks don't run over the water, you can seamlessly integrate the two.

• Reef Gateways: The Tilt Train and the Kuranda Scenic Railway serve as the perfect gateways to the reef.
• Best of Both: Our specialists can design a tour that uses the Kuranda Scenic Railway to explore the rainforest one day and a private catamaran to explore the Great Barrier Reef the next, ensuring a smooth transition from the rails to the sea.

The ancient Red Centre, the lush canopy of the tropical rainforest, and the rugged coastlines of the East and West provide the spectacular backdrops for Zicasso’s best scenic train trips across Australia. From the lavish amenities of the Indian Pacific Chairman’s Carriage to the gourmet rail-dining experiences of The Ghan, see the best of the continent at a refined pace.

For more information and inspiration on what you can look forward to in Australia, see our Australia tours and vacations or our Australia travel guide.