Best Luxury Train Journeys in Australia

Australia is the land of beaches, wildlife, coastal cities and vast landscapes. Most people stop there. But there’s another way to see the country, and it makes the journey as good as the destination: travelling by luxury train. From the Indian Pacific crossing the Nullarbor Plain to The Ghan passing through the Australian Outback, these journeys offer a comfortable way to experience the country's changing scenery. The Best Luxury Train Journeys in Australia combine cosy cabins, good dining, friendly staff and some great sightseeing stops. Adelaide, Darwin, Perth- you pass through them all at an easy pace. Nobody’s rushing you. Below are a few luxury and premium train journeys worth a look for your Australian holiday.

1. The Indian Pacific – Sydney to Perth

Probably the most famous long train ride in the country. It goes from Sydney to Perth through Adelaide, so you start at the Pacific Ocean and finish at the Indian Ocean. The full journey covers approximately 4,352 kilometres and usually takes four days and three nights.

What makes it special?

• Private cabins with real beds
• Restaurant-style meals using local food
• Off-train sightseeing trips
• Views of the Blue Mountains and the Nullarbor Plain
• Stops at Broken Hill, Adelaide and a few other places

The highlight is crossing the vast Nullarbor Plain, where the landscape stretches far beyond the railway tracks.

Pro Tip: Can you swing a longer itinerary? Do it. You get more off-train experiences along the way.

2. The Ghan – Adelaide to Darwin

The Ghan is another famous one, maybe the most famous. It joins Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north and runs right through the Red Centre. Red dirt, huge sky, not much else for miles. It takes around three to four days depending on your itinerary. You get comfortable cabins, good dining and guided off-train tours.

Major highlights include:

• Alice Springs and its link to the Red Centre
• Katherine, known for Nitmiluk Gorge
• Desert and Outback views that just keep going
• Private cabins and laid-back lounge areas
• Guided sightseeing along the route

Want more time? There’s The Ghan Expedition, the longer version. More stops, more things to see.

Pro Tip: Perfect if you love desert landscapes, Aboriginal culture and Australia’s remote interior.

3. The Great Southern – Adelaide to Brisbane

The Great Southern is a seasonal luxury train running between Adelaide and Brisbane. A different mood from the Outback routes. Less red desert, more coast, countryside and small regional towns. Most trips take three to four days, depending on the itinerary.

What can you experience?

• Views of the Adelaide Hills
• The Grampians region in Victoria
• Coastal scenery along parts of New South Wales
• Regional food and wine
• Guided sightseeing stops

Onboard you get comfortable rooms, restaurant-style dining and organised excursions.

Pro Tip: It only runs in summer. Check departure dates first, before you book anything else for the holiday.

4. Spirit of the Outback – Brisbane to Longreach

Queensland Rail runs the Spirit of the Outback, Brisbane to Longreach in western Queensland. Roughly 1,300 kilometres, around 26 hours. Let’s be honest, it’s not an all-inclusive luxury ride like The Ghan. Still, the sleeper rooms are comfortable and it’s a simple, relaxed way to watch Queensland’s countryside roll by.

Highlights include:

• Comfortable sleeping accommodation
• Dining on board
• Views of grasslands and small remote towns
• Time to explore Longreach
• Attractions like the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum

Pro Tip: Give Longreach one extra day. The museums are worth your time, and you’ll pick up a lot about Australia’s rural history.

5. Vintage Rail Journeys – Regional New South Wales

Vintage Rail Journeys is pure nostalgia. You travel through regional New South Wales in restored heritage carriages, which provide a different atmosphere from modern luxury trains. Railway fans will love it. So will anyone who enjoys wandering around small towns with no real plan.

What makes it interesting?

• Restored heritage-style carriages
• A proper old-school railway feel
• Organised regional sightseeing
• Chances to explore the countryside
• A slower, more relaxed trip

Unlike The Ghan and the Indian Pacific, these trips are about heritage rail travel, not all-inclusive luxury.

Pro Tip: Check the latest seasonal itineraries and dates. Routes and schedules can change.

What to Expect During Luxury Train Travel in Australia?

Luxury train travel isn’t only about getting from A to B. Life on board is a huge part of the holiday. Here’s what you can usually expect on premium long-distance trains:

• Private Cabins: Different categories, all with good beds and a few extras.
• Quality Dining: Fresh meals, local ingredients, Australian drinks.
• Off-Train Experiences: Guided tours, cultural activities and local sightseeing at selected stops.
• Lounge Areas: Places to sit, have a drink and chat with other guests.
• Personalised Service: Higher cabin categories get more comfort and more attention from the staff.

What’s included depends on the train and the fare you choose.

Best Time to Enjoy Australia’s Luxury Train Journeys

The best time depends on the route, the weather and the schedule.

Pro Tip: Book popular departures early, especially in holiday seasons. And check the official railway schedule before you lock in flights and hotels. Seriously, do that first.

Conclusion

Train trips in Australia are about more than getting around. You see remote places, eat well, and land in spots you’d probably skip on a normal road trip. Cross the Nullarbor Plain on the Indian Pacific. Explore the Red Centre on The Ghan. Each one gives you something different. Pick the right route, cabin and dates with Travel Junky, and a luxury train holiday could easily become the best part of your Australian vacation.