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's 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.

There’s no more relaxing way to travel between Melbourne and Adelaide than on the newly refurbished Overland. Now more comfortable than ever, it’s also a great way to ease into a memorable holiday in either city or their surrounding regions.

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

Trainways Holiday Packages
Trainways provides great holidays built around the great train journeys of Australia. Whether it's Adelaide, Ayers Rock, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth or Darwin you're keen to explore, we've 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's a short break or relaxing holiday you're after, we've got just the ticket for you.

Western Australia The West Coaster - 7 days Perth and Margaret River - 8 days Perth, Shark Bay and Monkey Mia - 10 days Perth, Kalgoorlie and Surrounds Optional Touring Broome, Kununurra and Kimberley Optional Touring Northern Territory Rock and Rail - 5 days Taste of the Top End - 6 days Kakadu Splendour - 6 Days Darwin and The Rock - 7 days Darwin, Uluru and Kings Canyon - 8 days Ultimate Rail Adventure - 17 days Island to Island - 8 days The Territory Complete - 14 days Darwin, Kakadu and Surrounds Optional Touring Alice Springs and Surrounds Optional Touring Uluru and Surrounds Optional Touring South Australia A Taste of South Australia - 5 days Flinders Outback Escape - 6 days South Australian Trifecta - 9 days Adelaide and Surrounds Optional Touring Coober Pedy Whistle Optional Touring New South Wales Broken Hill Optional Touring Sydney Optional Touring