Top Australian Train Journeys for Scenic Travel Lovers

Australia is a country made for slow travel. Its landscapes are vast, varied and dramatic, with long stretches of coastline, red desert, tropical rainforest, rolling farmland, mountain ranges and remote outback towns. While flying may be faster, travelling by train gives you something different: time to watch the country change outside your window.

For scenic travel lovers, Australia’s best train journeys are more than transport. They are experiences in their own right. Some cross the continent over several days in comfort and style. Others are heritage railways that wind through rainforest, mountain passes or historic goldfields. Whether you want luxury rail travel, a nostalgic steam train ride or a practical way to see more of the country, these top Australian train journeys are worth adding to your travel list.

Why Choose Train Travel in Australia?

Train travel in Australia is ideal for travellers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Instead of rushing from airport to airport, you can sit back, relax and watch the scenery unfold. Long-distance rail journeys also offer a sense of scale that is hard to appreciate from the air.

Australia’s scenic train journeys suit different travel styles. Luxury travellers can choose all-inclusive rail holidays such as The Ghan, Indian Pacific or Great Southern. Nature lovers can ride through rainforest on the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway. Families can enjoy shorter heritage rides such as Puffing Billy, Zig Zag Railway or Pichi Richi Railway. Road-trippers can also combine train journeys with self-drive holidays for a more varied itinerary.

Best Australian Train Journeys for Scenic Travel Lovers

1. The Ghan: Adelaide to Darwin

The Ghan is one of Australia’s most famous rail journeys, travelling between Adelaide and Darwin through the heart of the country. This is a bucket-list train trip for travellers who want to experience the vastness of the Australian outback without driving thousands of kilometres.

The scenery changes dramatically along the way, from South Australian plains to red desert, rocky ranges and tropical Top End landscapes. Depending on the itinerary and direction, passengers can experience stops and off-train excursions around places such as Alice Springs, Katherine and Coober Pedy.

• Best for: luxury travellers, outback lovers, couples, retirees and bucket-list holidays.
• Scenic highlights: Red Centre landscapes, desert sunrises, remote outback views and Top End scenery.
• Travel tip: Book early, especially for peak-season departures and premium cabins.

2. Indian Pacific: Sydney to Perth

The Indian Pacific is one of the world’s great transcontinental train journeys, linking Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. It is named after the two oceans it connects: the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

This journey is perfect for travellers who want to cross Australia in style. The route includes the Blue Mountains, South Australian landscapes, the vast Nullarbor Plain and the approach into Western Australia. The Nullarbor section is especially memorable because of its wide-open horizons and sense of isolation.

• Best for: travellers who want a coast-to-coast Australian rail adventure.
• Scenic highlights: Blue Mountains, Nullarbor Plain, outback sunsets and changing regional landscapes.
• Travel tip: Choose this journey if you want the classic “crossing Australia by train” experience.

3. Great Southern: Brisbane to Adelaide

The Great Southern is a seasonal rail journey between Brisbane and Adelaide, showcasing a different side of Australia from the desert-focused Ghan and Indian Pacific. It combines coastal scenery, inland regions, food experiences and guided off-train touring.

This journey is a strong choice for travellers who want a luxury rail holiday with a summer feel. Depending on the itinerary, the route may include experiences around places such as Coffs Harbour, the Hunter Valley, regional Victoria, Melbourne or Canberra.

• Best for: couples, food and wine lovers, summer travellers and luxury rail fans.
• Scenic highlights: Coastal New South Wales, regional landscapes, vineyard regions and city stopovers.
• Travel tip: Check the seasonal timetable, as this train does not run year-round.

4. Spirit of Queensland: Brisbane to Cairns

The Spirit of Queensland is one of the best practical train journeys for seeing the Queensland coast. Travelling between Brisbane and Cairns, it links major regional centres and provides access to reef, rainforest and tropical holiday destinations.

This journey is ideal for travellers who want to avoid flying and enjoy the gradual shift from subtropical south-east Queensland to tropical North Queensland. Stops along the route can connect travellers with destinations such as Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, the Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns.

• Best for: Queensland road-trip alternatives, reef holidays, seniors, backpackers and slow travellers.
• Scenic highlights: Coastal Queensland, cane fields, regional towns and the approach into tropical Cairns.
• Travel tip: Consider a RailBed for overnight comfort on the longer sections.

5. Spirit of the Outback: Brisbane to Longreach

The Spirit of the Outback connects Brisbane with Longreach, taking passengers from the state capital into the heart of Outback Queensland. It is one of the best Australian train journeys for travellers who want an inland adventure without a long self-drive route.

The scenery becomes more open and remote as the train heads west. Longreach is a rewarding destination, with attractions such as the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum and Thomson River experiences.

• Best for: outback travellers, history lovers, grey nomads, families and rail enthusiasts.
• Scenic highlights: Western Queensland plains, country towns, big skies and outback sunsets.
• Travel tip: Spend at least two or three nights in Longreach to make the journey worthwhile.

6. Kuranda Scenic Railway: Cairns to Kuranda

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of Australia’s most beautiful short train journeys. It travels from Cairns through the Wet Tropics rainforest to the mountain village of Kuranda, passing waterfalls, steep gorges and lush tropical scenery.

This is a classic Far North Queensland experience and works well as a day trip from Cairns or Palm Cove. Many visitors combine the train in one direction with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in the other direction for two different views of the rainforest.

• Best for: families, cruise passengers, rainforest lovers, photographers and first-time Cairns visitors.
• Scenic highlights: Barron Gorge, waterfalls, rainforest, steep climbs and historic railway engineering.
• Travel tip: Sit on the right-hand side when travelling up from Cairns for some of the best views.

7. The Savannahlander: Cairns to Forsayth

The Savannahlander is a character-filled rail journey that departs from Cairns and travels through the Kuranda Range, the Atherton Tablelands and out into Gulf Savannah country. It is not a polished luxury train; its appeal is personality, landscape and access to remote regions.

Travellers can experience rainforest, open savannah, small towns and classic North Queensland outback scenery. The train uses classic railmotors, adding a nostalgic feel to the journey.

• Best for: rail enthusiasts, adventurous travellers, outback explorers and small-group touring.
• Scenic highlights: Kuranda Range, Tablelands scenery, savannah landscapes and remote Queensland towns.
• Travel tip: This is best planned as a package or multi-day trip rather than a simple point-to-point ride.

8. The Gulflander: Normanton to Croydon

The Gulflander is one of Australia’s most unusual heritage rail experiences. Running between Normanton and Croydon in Queensland’s Gulf Savannah, it is affectionately known as a train that travels “from nowhere to nowhere”.

This journey is remote, historic and full of character. It suits travellers who enjoy quirky experiences, heritage engineering and outback touring. The landscape is wide, dry and distinctly different from Queensland’s coastal regions.

• Best for: outback road-trippers, heritage rail fans and travellers visiting the Gulf Country.
• Scenic highlights: Gulf Savannah landscapes, heritage stations, open plains and remote railway history.
• Travel tip: Combine it with a Gulf Savannah road trip or a Savannahlander package for a fuller experience.

9. West Coast Wilderness Railway: Tasmania

The West Coast Wilderness Railway is one of Australia’s most atmospheric heritage train journeys. Located on Tasmania’s rugged west coast, it travels through cool-temperate rainforest, river valleys and historic mining country between Queenstown and the Strahan region.

This journey is ideal for travellers who love rainforest, history and dramatic landscapes. The railway tells the story of Tasmania’s mining past while offering a slow and scenic ride through remote wilderness.

• Best for: nature lovers, heritage travellers, photographers and Tasmania road-trippers.
• Scenic highlights: Rainforest, river crossings, mountain scenery and historic mining landscapes.
• Travel tip: Stay in Strahan or Queenstown and allow time for other west coast attractions such as Gordon River cruises or local walks.

10. Puffing Billy Railway: Dandenong Ranges, Victoria

Puffing Billy Railway is one of Australia’s best-loved heritage steam train experiences. Located in the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, it travels through forested hills, fern gullies and charming villages.

This is a particularly good choice for families, nostalgic travellers and anyone wanting a scenic day trip from Melbourne. The open-sided carriages and classic steam locomotive atmosphere make it a memorable experience for all ages.

• Best for: families, day-trippers from Melbourne, steam train lovers and international visitors.
• Scenic highlights: Dandenong Ranges forest, timber trestle bridges, fern gullies and village scenery.
• Travel tip: Book ahead during weekends, school holidays and peak visitor periods.

11. Pichi Richi Railway: Quorn and Port Augusta, South Australia

The Pichi Richi Railway is a heritage railway in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges region. It follows part of the original Ghan route and offers a wonderful combination of railway history, dry-country scenery and vintage rolling stock.

Depending on the service, travellers may ride between Quorn and Woolshed Flat or take a longer journey between Port Augusta and Quorn. The scenery includes rocky outcrops, gum-lined creeks, cuttings, bridges and classic Flinders Ranges landscapes.

• Best for: heritage rail lovers, families, Flinders Ranges visitors and photographers.
• Scenic highlights: Pichi Richi Pass, historic bridges, rocky hills and old Ghan railway heritage.
• Travel tip: Check the operating calendar, as heritage services usually run on selected dates rather than daily.

12. Zig Zag Railway: Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Zig Zag Railway is a heritage railway near Lithgow in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales. It offers a nostalgic rail experience through sandstone country, bushland and historic railway engineering.

This is a good option for travellers visiting the Blue Mountains who want something different from the usual lookouts and walking tracks. It is especially appealing for families and train enthusiasts.

• Best for: families, Blue Mountains visitors, heritage railway fans and weekend travellers from Sydney.
• Scenic highlights: Bushland, sandstone landscapes, heritage railway structures and mountain air.
• Travel tip: Pair the train ride with a visit to Lithgow, Katoomba, Blackheath or nearby Blue Mountains lookouts.

13. NSW TrainLink Sydney to Dubbo

The Sydney to Dubbo train is a practical regional journey that also offers excellent scenery. It travels from Sydney through the Blue Mountains and into the Central West of New South Wales, making it a strong choice for travellers who enjoy accessible rail travel without luxury pricing.

The early part of the trip is especially scenic, with the train climbing through mountain towns such as Katoomba and Lithgow before continuing west towards Bathurst, Orange, Wellington and Dubbo.

• Best for: budget-conscious travellers, regional explorers, families and visitors heading to Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
• Scenic highlights: Blue Mountains, Central West towns, open farmland and country landscapes.
• Travel tip: Stay at least one or two nights in Dubbo to visit the zoo and explore the region.

14. The Overland: Melbourne to Adelaide

The Overland connects Melbourne and Adelaide, offering a relaxed daylight rail journey between two of Australia’s most appealing southern cities. While it is not as dramatic as The Ghan or Indian Pacific, it is a pleasant way to travel between Victoria and South Australia without flying.

The scenery includes regional Victoria, open farmland, small towns and the changing landscapes approaching South Australia. It works well as part of a longer rail itinerary, especially for travellers connecting with The Ghan or Indian Pacific in Adelaide.

• Best for: slow travellers, city-to-city trips, seniors and rail holiday connections.
• Scenic highlights: Regional Victoria, farmland, country towns and South Australian approaches.
• Travel tip: Use it as a comfortable link between Melbourne and Adelaide before joining a longer luxury rail journey.

15. Victorian Goldfields Railway: Castlemaine to Maldon

The Victorian Goldfields Railway is a heritage railway between Castlemaine and Maldon in central Victoria. It offers a slower, nostalgic way to explore goldfields country, with historic towns, dry forests and rural scenery along the route.

This journey suits travellers who enjoy heritage towns, country pubs, antique shops and old railway atmosphere. Maldon and Castlemaine are both worth exploring before or after the ride.

• Best for: heritage travellers, Melbourne weekenders, families and country-town explorers.
• Scenic highlights: Goldfields scenery, historic stations, dry bushland and preserved railway atmosphere.
• Travel tip: Combine the train with a weekend stay in Castlemaine, Maldon or nearby Bendigo.

Best Australian Train Journeys by Travel Style

Best for Luxury Travel

• The Ghan
• Indian Pacific
• Great Southern

Best for Rainforest Scenery

• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• West Coast Wilderness Railway
• Savannahlander, especially the Kuranda Range section

Best for Outback Landscapes

• The Ghan
• Spirit of the Outback
• Savannahlander
• Gulflander
• Pichi Richi Railway

Best for Families

• Puffing Billy Railway
• Zig Zag Railway
• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Pichi Richi Railway
• NSW TrainLink Sydney to Dubbo

Best for Short Scenic Trips

• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Puffing Billy Railway
• Zig Zag Railway
• Victorian Goldfields Railway
• Pichi Richi Explorer

Best for First-Time Visitors to Australia

• Indian Pacific for a coast-to-coast experience.
• The Ghan for the Red Centre and outback.
• Kuranda Scenic Railway for rainforest scenery near Cairns.
• Puffing Billy for an easy heritage day trip from Melbourne.

Suggested Train Travel Itinerary Ideas

3-Day Melbourne Heritage Rail Escape

• Day 1: Explore Melbourne and the Yarra River precinct.
• Day 2: Take a day trip to Puffing Billy Railway in the Dandenong Ranges.
• Day 3: Travel to Castlemaine and ride the Victorian Goldfields Railway to Maldon.

5-Day Cairns Rainforest and Rail Trip

• Day 1: Arrive in Cairns and explore the Esplanade.
• Day 2: Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway and return by Skyrail if desired.
• Day 3: Visit the Great Barrier Reef or Fitzroy Island.
• Day 4: Explore the Atherton Tablelands or join a Savannahlander section if timing allows.
• Day 5: Relax in Palm Cove or Cairns before departure.

7-Day Queensland Rail Adventure

• Day 1: Depart Brisbane on the Spirit of Queensland or Spirit of the Outback.
• Days 2-3: Break the journey in a regional destination such as Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns or Longreach.
• Days 4-5: Add a local experience such as reef touring, island hopping or outback sightseeing.
• Days 6-7: Return by rail or continue the trip with a flight or road journey.

10-Day Luxury Australian Rail Holiday

• Days 1-2: Start in Adelaide and explore the city or nearby wine regions.
• Days 3-6: Travel on The Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin.
• Days 7-8: Explore Darwin and the Top End.
• Days 9-10: Add a short nature or cultural tour before flying home.

14-Day Coast-to-Coast Rail Journey

• Days 1-2: Begin in Sydney and visit the harbour, beaches and Blue Mountains.
• Days 3-6: Travel on the Indian Pacific towards Perth.
• Days 7-10: Explore Perth, Fremantle and Rottnest Island.
• Days 11-14: Add Margaret River, the Swan Valley or a Western Australia coastal extension.

Tips for Planning Scenic Train Travel in Australia

• Book early for famous journeys: The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern can sell out, especially during popular travel periods.
• Check seasonal operation: Some heritage and luxury trains run only on selected dates or during certain months.
• Allow extra time: Long-distance train travel is about the experience, not speed. Avoid tight same-day connections.
• Pack for changing conditions: Australia’s climate varies widely between regions, from tropical humidity to desert nights and cool mountain air.
• Choose your comfort level: Some trains offer luxury cabins, while others have economy seats, shared facilities or heritage-style carriages.
• Confirm luggage limits: Rail operators may have different rules from airlines, especially on heritage services.
• Plan stopovers: Many train journeys are better when combined with a few nights in key destinations.
• Check service updates: Timetables and operating conditions can change due to weather, maintenance, trackwork or seasonal scheduling.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s best train journeys offer a slower and more memorable way to see the country. From the luxury of The Ghan and Indian Pacific to the rainforest drama of Kuranda Scenic Railway and the heritage charm of Puffing Billy, each route reveals a different side of Australia.

For scenic travel lovers, the appeal is simple: the journey becomes part of the holiday. You can watch landscapes shift from city to coast, rainforest to outback, farmland to desert and mountains to sea. Whether you choose a short steam train ride or a multi-day rail adventure across the continent, travelling by train in Australia is a wonderful way to slow down and see more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most scenic train journey in Australia?

The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Kuranda Scenic Railway are often considered among Australia’s most scenic train journeys. The best choice depends on your preferred scenery. Choose The Ghan for outback landscapes, Indian Pacific for a coast-to-coast crossing, and Kuranda Scenic Railway for rainforest and waterfalls.

What is the best luxury train journey in Australia?

The Ghan and Indian Pacific are two of Australia’s best-known luxury rail journeys. Both offer all-inclusive rail holiday options, onboard dining and off-train experiences. The Great Southern is another luxury option, especially for travellers interested in eastern and southern Australia.

Are Australian train journeys expensive?

Prices vary widely. Luxury rail journeys such as The Ghan and Indian Pacific can be expensive, especially in premium cabins. Regional services and heritage railways are usually more affordable. Short scenic rides such as Puffing Billy, Kuranda Scenic Railway or Zig Zag Railway can be good options for travellers on a smaller budget.

Can you travel around Australia by train?

You can travel between many major cities and regions by train, but Australia’s rail network is not as extensive as some countries. Many travellers combine trains with flights, buses, self-drive routes or tours to reach more remote destinations.

Which Australian train journey is best for families?

Puffing Billy Railway, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Zig Zag Railway and Pichi Richi Railway are excellent choices for families because they offer shorter, scenic experiences. The Sydney to Dubbo train can also work well for families visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

What is the best train journey for seeing the outback?

The Ghan is the most famous outback rail journey, travelling through the centre of Australia. The Spirit of the Outback, Savannahlander, Gulflander and Pichi Richi Railway also offer memorable outback or dry-country rail experiences.

Is the Indian Pacific worth it?

The Indian Pacific is worth considering if you want a true coast-to-coast Australian rail journey. It is not just a way to get from Sydney to Perth; it is a multi-day experience that showcases the scale and diversity of the country.

Is The Ghan better than the Indian Pacific?

The Ghan is better if you want Red Centre and outback scenery between Adelaide and Darwin. The Indian Pacific is better if you want to cross the continent between Sydney and Perth. Both are iconic, but they offer different landscapes and travel experiences.

What is the best short scenic train ride in Australia?

Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of the best short scenic train rides in Australia because of its rainforest, waterfalls and gorge views. Puffing Billy Railway is another excellent short journey, especially for visitors staying in Melbourne.

Do Australian scenic trains run all year?

Some trains run year-round, while others operate seasonally or on selected dates. Always check the latest timetable before planning your trip, especially for heritage trains and long-distance luxury services.

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Top Australian Train Journeys for Scenic Travel Lovers

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Discover the top Australian train journeys for scenic travel lovers, from The Ghan and Indian Pacific to Kuranda Scenic Railway, Puffing Billy, Spirit of Queensland, West Coast Wilderness Railway and more.