On track for adventure

Rail is a unique and memorable way to explore the length and breadth of our unique landscape. Here's five reasons to put a great rail trip on your must-do list.

1. The history

The Ghan and Indian Pacific are icons of Australian travel and history and, along with the new Great Southern that runs between Brisbane and Adelaide, are a breathtaking way to journey across our great country.

It's also an historic way to travel. This year, The Ghan celebrates 90 years of outback adventure in Australia, having played host to pioneers, jackaroos, adventurers and royalty for decades. It's regarded among the world’s greatest rail journeys.

The story of its sister train, the Indian Pacific’s story, is also one of nation building. The train’s arrival in Perth in 1970 heralded a significant moment in Australian history as the first unbroken rail trip to span the country’s eastern and western boundaries – the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Knowing that you're following the tracks of those very first train trips makes it a first-hand way to learn and experience history.

2. Sharing the adventure with like-minded travellers

One of the unexpected rewards of joining a rail journey is the wonderful camaraderie created among those who share the journey with you.

That's made easy, with the on board lounges found on The Ghan, Indian Pacific and the Great Southern, designed perfectly to bring you and your train companions together.

All day and often late into the night, the lounge is the train’s centre of activity where hours can be spent socialising and catching glimpses of passing wildlife through wide picture windows.

3. It’s not about the destination, it’s the journey

While there's plenty of time to sit back and relax, there are also many opportunities for off-train excursions.

On Great Southern Rail's ‘Taste of the Top End’holiday package, you can spend a day touring the spectacular waterfalls and wildlife of Litchfield National Park and have a thrilling close-up encounter with some of the Territory’s snappiest residents – the enormous saltwater crocodiles who leap up for the cameras on the popular Jumping Crocodiles Cruise at Adelaide River.

The package is inclusive of dining, beverages, and more off-train excursions that explore three gems of the Outback - Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy.

The rugged inland regions are a lure for many Australian rail travellers, but if it’s the coast that’s calling, the 12-day/11-night ‘Great Southern Discovery’ holiday linking Perth to Brisbane also has some unforgettable off-train experiences on the epic Nullarbor crossing.

This package includes a guided cellar door tour of the Northern Barossa Valley before you step aboard Australia’s newest luxury train, the Great Southern. Wonder at the untouched wilderness of the Grampians National Park, uncover the secrets of the nation’s capital, and dine beachside on New South Wales’ northern coast before arriving in Brisbane. It's an unforgettable Australian summer adventure.

4. Dining experiences unlike anywhere else

One thing that is definitely an improvement on the train trip experiences of our early pioneers is the food.

Modern conveniences mean today's onboard menus are a connoisseur's delight. Freshness is a focus, along with allowing passengers to see the landscape they're passing through and enjoy its gourmet specialties.

Think Top End barramundi, locally-produced beef and lamb, Margaret River cheeses, Barossa Valley smallgoods and native Australian fare including kangaroo, saltbush, and wild rosella flower. There's also incredible wines from the many wine-producing areas.

You'll dine in sheer elegance. Great Southern Rail's on board Queen Adelaide Restaurant car is one of the world's most exclusive dining experiences with ornate styling reminiscent of old-world rail travel. Along with its classic styling, the restaurants provide an ever-changing view of stunning valleys, deserts, and mountain ranges.

Between the food, the views and elegance of train dining, meal times are a very enjoyable part of the experience.

5. It’s a unique way to connect our land

In a modern world with so many other travel options, a train journey is an incredibly unique - and relaxing - way to travel. Even though the trains cover great distances and many iconic locations, you're free to move around in comfort, enjoy the camaraderie, and soak in the scenery.

With every kilometre you pass, the story of Australia's landscape and how we've lived within it is revealed. You'll learn about the drama, romance, hardships, and most of all, the incredible beauty of Australia as it passes gently by.

Travelling by train, immersed in the history, stories and landscape, is a moving experience for many.

*Images and information courtesy of Great Southern Rail