It isn't difficult to imagine yourself as a guest in a distinctive hotel. As the train gets underway, you soon realise that no hotel on earth can present you with the kaleidoscope of colours and scenery which flash continuously past your panoramic cabin window.

The Trains - Overview

As the name implies, the Indian Pacific gives you two oceans on one of the world's longest and greatest train journeys. But most of your cruising will be across the vast continent of Australia. From the spectacular Blue Mountains to the treeless plains of The Nullarbor, where the train travels the world's longest straight stretch of railway track (478 kilometres), you will see unique landscapes unfold and spot a fascinating array of wildlife from the comfort of the lounge or your cabin.

The journey from Sydney to Perth covers 4352kms and in either direction you'll have three nights aboard the great train. There are many things to see along the way as you cross this vast continent. And you can get up close and see many of them when you enjoy an optional off-train sightseeing tour. The great train offers these tours during scheduled stops at Broken Hill, Adelaide and gold rich Kalgoorlie. A remote outpost on the Nullarbor Plain called Cook, population 2, presents a further opportunity to stretch your legs.

All along the Indian Pacific route, keep your eyes peeled for a sighting of the magnificent Australian wedge tailed eagle, the symbol of this great train. It's massive wingspan of up to two metres will make it easy to spot in a clear desert sky.

The Ghan. It is an odd name for a train but in Australian history it is a living legend. For it is the ultimate journey through the heart of the continent. The legend has soared to new heights with the extension of The Ghan journey to Darwin. When The Ghan first departed Adelaide for Alice Springs, it was always intended that it would one day travel through to Darwin. More than 70 years on, that dream has become reality.

Boarding The Ghan in Adelaide, with great connections available on the Indian Pacific and The Overland for guests travelling to or from Sydney and Melbourne, experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. Enjoy 2 nights aboard this great train and marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes; from the rusty reds of the Red Centre, then north to Katherine and the tropical splendour of Darwin, or south to the countryside and rolling hills surrounding Adelaide.

In late 2011, follow the path less traveled in Platinum or Gold Service as The Southern Spirit explores the sights and delights of Australia's southeast. Join The Southern Spirit in Adelaide, Australia's wine capital and gateway to the Outback or the sophisticated southern city of Melbourne for a leisurely journey of up to 5 nights and 6 days to the final destination in sub-tropical Brisbane. Naturally if you'd prefer, the return route from Brisbane to Melbourne or Adelaide is equally impressive.

There truly is something special about rail travel. It has its own unique grandeur and an unhurried luxury that perfectly complements experiencing the grand scale of Australia. From the breathtaking and ever changing scenery leisurely rolling by your window through to the new friends you'll make en route, rail travel truly has no equal.

With limited journeys available in 2011 and 2012, places onboard this exclusive rail adventure will be highly sought after.

N. B. The Overland links Melbourne to two of Australia’s great trains; the mighty Indian Pacific which traverses this huge continent between Sydney and Perth, via Adelaide, and The Legendary Ghan, traveling between Adelaide and Darwin. It means The Overland opens up exciting train travel all over Australia from Melbourne. With The Overland’s new levels of comfort and refurbished facilities, traveling between Adelaide and Melbourne is now more comfortable and relaxing than ever.

This historic train pioneered inter-capital rail travel way back in 1887, its name inspired by the historic ‘Overlanders’ who traveled the route on horseback. A century on and a $4 million refurbishment later, today’s train-traveling ‘Overlanders’ enjoy the journey in relaxing comfort arriving at their destination in the early evening. The daylight journey (in both directions, three times a week) gives guests plenty of time to discover classic Australian country towns and picturesque landscapes along the way while mingling with fellow travellers.

Guests also have the opportunity to disembark from the train to explore the many regions and towns The Overland passes through along its route. These guests simply re-join The Overland on a scheduled service that suits their holiday timetable.

The Overland offers two levels of service; Red Service and Red Premium Service. Red Service is the value for money option with all the comforts you need, while Red Premium features more services and more personal space. All guests can move around the train and stretch their legs or visit the licensed Café Carriage to meet fellow travelers and socialise.

Special Carriages
The Chairman's Carriage

For the ultimate great train experience, we recommend you take your own private carriage. Organise a party of friends, family or colleagues to travel in this luxurious, self contained carriage. The Chairman's Carriage is the price of Great Southern Railway's fleet. When arranging your own private Car, freedom is the key word. Freedom to travel just about anywhere as The Chairman's Car can be added to any one of Australia's great trains; The Ghan, Indian Pacific or The Overland. Freedom to join in with other guests and dine in the fabulous Gold Kangaroo Restaurant or do your own thing. Boasting a generous lounge area complete with CD player, DVD and video entertainment, private dining room and kitchen facilities, this carriage offers every amenity for the ultimate travelling experience. The Chairman's Carriage accommodates up to eight in comfort. It has two spacious deluxe cabins featuring double beds and sharing a two-way bathroom. There are also two private twin cabins each featuring a three seater lounge converting to upper and lower sleeping berths, with adjacent bathroom facilities.

Private charters can be arranged from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide Darwin or Alice Springs.

Guests have the choice of dining in the Gold Kangaroo Restaurant at no extra cost or in the Chairman's Car Dining Room with meals prepared by your own private chef for an additional cost.

Sir John Forrest Carriage

The Sir John Forrest Carriage is named after the famous explorer whose first major expedition was the first crossing of Western Australia east to west by land in 1870. He achieved great feats of discovery, crossing the Great Australian Bight and exploring many parts of central and southern Australia. Perhaps you and your intrepid band might like to follow his footsteps across the treeless Nullarbor Plain. Your group will enjoy air-conditioned comfort and a lounge bar perfect for small meetings and entertaining corporate guests. The Sir John Forrest Carriage can be added to any one of the great trains; The Ghan, Indian Pacific or The Overland. It boasts large picture windows, a generous lounge area and a spacious meeting room, complete with boardroom table (seats twelve), bar, leather lounges, big screen television, video/DVD and power point screening facilities. The Sir John Forrest Carriage accommodates up to six guests, offering one double bedroom and two twin cabins each featuring a three seater lounge which converts to upper and lower sleeping berths, all with ensuite bathroom facilities. Dining is in the elegant Gold Kangaroo Restaurant at no extra cost. Private charters can be arranged from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide Darwin or Alice Springs. Prince of Wales Carriage The historic Prince of Wales Carriage was originally built in 1919 to accommodate a royal visit from Edward, Prince of Wales. This beautifully crafted timber carriage was recently refurbished and maintains many original features, including high ceilings of Wunderlich pressed metal and cathedral glass doors. • Accommodates up to 10 guests • 4 Twin Cabins and 2 large single cabins which comprise to form the Mountbatten Suite • Lounge featuring ornate wood carvings • Full size main bathroom • Guests dine in the Gold Kangaroo Restaurant at no extra cost • Private charters can be arranged between Adelaide and Darwin

Governor's Lounge
This private carriage was constructed in 1917 in Port Augusta for Governor-General Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson and the official opening of the Trans-Australian Railway. It has recently been added to the fleet and is the sister carriage to The Prince of Wales carriage.

This delightful addition can comfortably cater for 30 guests for a cocktail celebration or for 20 guests in a theatre style setup for a more formal occasion. The Governor’s Lounge carriage features large picture windows, incorporates generous lounge areas, and comfortable armchairs. Two mini bar fridges and tea and coffee facilities are available and for entertainment you will find a television and piano.

Trainways Holiday Packages
Trainways provides great holidays built around the great train journeys of Australia. Whether it is Adelaide, Ayers Rock, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane or Darwin you are keen to explore, we have got a holiday package which offers you something extra special.

Trainways are the experts in train travel so we know how to make a great train journey an enriching and memorable part of your holiday experience. So whether it is a short break or relaxing holiday you are after, we have got just the ticket for you.

The Ghan Rail Packages
Ultimate Rail Adventure - 17 Days - travel on both the Indian Pacific and The Ghan
Nature's Finest - 13 Days - Darwin, Bamurru Plains, Tiwi Islands, Adelaide, Southern Ocean Lodge
Country and Coast Opulence - 16 Days - Broome, Orion Expedition Cruising, Darwin
Rock and Rail - 5 Days - The Ghan, Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Outback
Taste of the Top End - 6 Days - Alice Springs, Katherine, Darwin, Jumping Crocodiles Cruise
Kakadu Splendour - 6 Days - Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Alice Springs
Darwin and The Rock - 7 Days - Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta
Darwin, Uluru and Kings Canyon - 8 Days - Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, Uluru, Kings Canyon
The Territory Complete - 14 Days - Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Katherine, Darwin, Kakadu
Outback Gem - 6 Days - Coober Pedy, Desert Cave, Painted Desert and Opals

Indian Pacific Rail Packages
Ultimate Rail Adventure - 17 Days - Australia's best train holiday
Sydney Escape - 5 Days - Sydney highlights, Bondi and Harbour Coffee Cruise
Three Cities, Three Trains - 12 Days - Melbourne, The XPT, Sydney
Island Tracks - 6 Days - Adelaide, Kangaroo Island
River and Rail - 8 Days - Adelaide, The Murray River
Flinders Outback Escape - 6 Days - Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Brachina, Bunyeroo Gorges
A Taste of South Australia - 5 Days - McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley Wine Regions
The West Coaster - 7 Days - Adelaide, The Nullarbor, Perth, Fremantle
Spectacular South West Wonders - 13 Days - Margaret River, Kalgoorlie, Wave Rock, Fremantle
Perth and Margaret River - 8 Days - Perth, Fremantle, Margaret River Wine Tour
Perth, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef - 10 Days - Shark Bay, Pinnacles Desert
Broome and the Nullarbor - 10 Days - Cable Beach, Perth, Fremantle, Margaret River

The Southern Spirit Holiday Packages
Adelaide/Melbourne to Brisbane - 6 Days - Adelaide, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay and Brisbane
Brisbane to Melbourne/Adelaide - 6 Days - Byron Bay, Hunter Valley, Dubbo, The Grampians

The Overland Holiday Packages
Marvellous Melbourne - 4 Days - Melbourne’s City Sights and Yarra River
A Taste of Melbourne - 4 Days - The ‘Foodies’ Tour, Tramcar Dining, Puffing Billy
Highlights of Victoria - 7 Days - Melbourne, Dandenong Ranges, Sovereign Hill and Ballarat

Celebration Packages
Great Southern Rail's Celebration Packages have been designed in conjunction with an Australian Great Train Journey to ensure you celebrate that special occasion with class and style.

Included in your Celebration Package is:
• Rail travel in Platinum or Gold Service aboard The Ghan and Indian Pacific
• Red Service travel aboard The Overland
• Sparkling wine, chocolates and fresh strawberries in your cabin
• Tea and biscuit basket in your cabin
• Three nights accommodation at your chosen destination
• Sparkling wine and fruit platter in your hotel room on arrival
• Buffet breakfast daily
• Dinner for two on one evening
• Exclusive gift as a reminder of sharing your special occasion with Great Southern Rail.

Intercontinental Sydney - 7 Days - Perth - Sydney or vv
Crowne Plaza Adelaide - 6 Days - Perth to Adelaide or vv
Crowne Plaza Perth - 6 Days - Sydney to Perth or vv
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs - 5 Days - Adelaide to Alice Springs or vv
Crown Plaza Darwin - 6 Days - Adelaide to Darwin or vv
InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto - 4 Days - Adelaide to Melbourne or vv

Whistle Stop Optional Touring
Perth, Kalgoorlie and Surrounds Optional Touring
Broome, Kununurra and Kimberley Optional Touring
Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine and Surrounds Optional Touring
Alice Springs and Surrounds Optional Touring
Uluru, Kings Canyon and Surrounds Optional Touring
Adelaide and Surrounds Optional Touring
Coober Pedy and Surrounds Optional Touring
Broken Hill Optional Touring
Sydney and Surrounds Optional Touring
Melbourne and Surrounds Optional Touring