The 9 best train journeys in Australia

Easily the most iconic and recognisable overnight train on this list, The Ghan is all about luxury. Named after the first Afghan cameleers that arrived in Australia in the 19th century, it's been hosting unforgettable (and extremely Instagrammable) train journeys for more than 90 years. The Ghan Expedition, a four-day all-inclusive trip running from Darwin to Adelaide, is the train’s signature line. On board, passengers can unwind with a glass of chilled Aussie wine, while tucking into crocodile sausages and taking in the vast landscapes of Australia’s rugged red outback. If you can pull yourself away from the top-quality service, upgrades like scenic helicopter flights and camel rides can be added to your trip. Meanwhile, other experiences, like gorge cruises and cycling tours, are included in your fare.

Where: Darwin to Adelaide

How long: Four days, three nights (from April to October)

Price: From $4,390 one-way, but there are shorter trips to Alice Springs starting from around $1,790 if you’re tight on budget

If you’ve choo choo chugged your way to Tasmania, don’t miss a ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Running 35 kilometres between Queenstown and Strahan on Tassie’s West Coast, this rugged railway journey is a reconstruction of the historic Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company line dating back to 1896. Original steam locomotives still operate the route today, giving passengers an opportunity to see spectacular scenery that is inaccessible any other way. Disembark at Lynchford to try your hand at gold mining and explore the nearby mine shafts, reboard to ascend the Rinadeena Saddle, then hop off again at Rinadeena Station for picturesque rainforest walks. Once back in Queenstown, take time to explore the museum and grab a bite at the Tracks Café.

Where: Queenstown to Rinadeena

How long: Three hours (September to April)

Price: From $95 return

One of the world’s most picturesque train journeys is hiding in Australia’s tropics. In 2025, the heritage-listed Kuranda Scenic Railway was named the third most photogenic on Earth. It’s been chugging along Queensland’s coastal plains from Cairns via Freshwater to Kuranda since 1891, crossing 55 bridges, navigating 98 curves and passing through 15 hand-carved tunnels. From the window of the vintage carriages, passengers can take in the wonders of Stoney Creek Falls – a mighty cascade that flows right beside the railway track – and enjoy a ten-minute stop at Barron Falls Lookout, where an impressive multi-tiered waterfall plunges into the gorge below. Best of all, the charming 37-kilometre trip takes under two hours one way, making it a super achievable weekend adventure. 

Where: Cairns to Kuranda

How long: Two hours

Price: From $58 one-way

If exploring Australia’s coastline is more your speed, the Indian Pacific will deliver you to the doorstep of cities with the best beaches in town. The greatest drawcard here is that the train journey is all-inclusive, meaning that once you’ve put your suitcases away, you can sink straight into holiday mode. As for the journey, the famous transcontinental crossing whisks travellers along the world's longest stretch of straight railway track between Perth and Sydney, with fabled journeys from one to four nights. If you’ve got some cash to splash, opt for the platinum experience with stylish and spacious cabins, full-sized ensuites, panoramic window views, access to an exclusive social lounge, private transfers, world-class food and even a nightcap at turndown.

Where: Perth to Sydney

How long: Five days, four nights

Price: From $3,390 one-way, but there are also shorter trips, like the two-day Sydney to Adelaide trip from $1,090

Despite only launching in 2019, this newer addition to Australia’s sleeper train scene has quickly become a must-do – and for good reason. Cruising between Brisbane and Adelaide, the Great Southern train line is filled with breathtaking views of Australia’s southeast (think sun-kissed beaches, rugged coastlines and buzzing cities). The only challenge you'll face on the journey is picking which off-train experiences to partake in, with all options included in your fare. You could dine under the stars at a local feast in Coffs Harbour, visit cellar doors in Australia’s oldest wine region in the Hunter Valley, and stretch your legs with a leisurely walk to Venus Baths in the Grampians National Park. The all-inclusive rail journey operates throughout the sunny months, with two or three-night routes from Adelaide to Brisbane and Brisbane to Melbourne available too. 

Where: Brisbane to Adelaide

When: Four days, three nights (December to February)

Price: From $3,350 one-way

Step back in time aboard Puffing Billy – a perfectly preserved steam train – as it chugs through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Lakeside, Gembrook and Menzies Creek. It might not be the speediest journey (once a year, you can actually race the train on foot – and win, if you're quick enough), but ol' Billy will take you through the lush forest setting in style. Puffing Billy offers a range of experiences, from a full-day journey to Lakeside or Gembrook, to shorter trips to Menzies Creek, which include entry to the local museum showcasing rare railway artefacts. Don't miss the time-honoured tradition of dangling your arms and legs over the sills of the open carriage on a train ride. No matter how old you are, this is a thrill that's hard to top.

Where: Belgrave to Lakeside, Gembrook and Menzies Creek

How long: Two to six hours

Price: Menzies Creek from $16 return or Gembrook from $31 return

Travel in 1960s style aboard Vintage Rail Journeys' beautifully restored ‘Aurora Australis’ sleeper trains, and explore regional NSW on one of three tours departing from Sydney’s Central Station. Passengers can watch the spectacular scenery roll by the window in their private air-conditioned compartment, fitted with a personal vanity to freshen up before visiting the Lounge Cars for a chef-prepared meal. Vintage Rail Journeys’ original and most popular, four-night Golden West Rail Tour travels only eight times a year and is a real regional treat, chugging along the Great Dividing Range and through the vineyards of the Hunter Valley and Orange. The hosts also run boutique tours to the Riverina region, known as Australia’s ‘food bowl’, and the beautiful North Coast hinterlands.

Where: Starts and ends at Sydney Central Station

How long: Five days, four nights (August to November)

Price: From $4,290 return

Whether you’re chasing the sparkling sands of the Sunshine Coast or travelling to the twinkling lights of Brisbane city, the Spirit of Queensland is a convenient and sustainable way to adventure between Queensland’s best destinations. You can jump onboard regular trips from Brisbane to Cairns each week, with stopovers at some of the state’s dreamiest destinations, including the Whitsundays, Townsville and the Sunshine Coast. Four routes are fitted out with state-of-the-art RailBeds – plush seats that transform into single beds (think business class on a plane). You can kick back in comfort to watch the latest blockbusters through a personalised entertainment device, while you order chef-prepped meals and drinks straight to your seat. Each seat also comes with bed linen and an amenities pack stocked with local, ethical goods. Fares for the RailBeds start from $390, but if you’re on a budget, there are economy carriages with roomy seats (sans the beds) available.

Where: Brisbane to Cairns

How long: 25 hours

Price: From $390 one-way

Think of this train line as the Spirit of Queensland’s richer aunt. Run by the same parent company, it's railway journeys into the heart of Queensland's rugged countryside. Services run between Brisbane and Longreach twice a week, and you can travel the full line ​or stop for a few days in the many classic Aussie towns along the way. Dine aboard the all-inclusive Tuckerbox restaurant, decked out with white tablecloths and serving some of Queensland’s best produce, before retiring to your own private cabin – there are single and twin options available – with bed linen, amenities, a washbasin, mirror and wardrobe. Fares start at $427, but if you want to save some cash, the economy carriages have roomy chairs and a dedicated area for meals, snacks and beverages (plus, you’ll get the same stellar views).

Where: Brisbane to Longreach

How long: 26 hours

Price: From $427 one-way