Australia By Rail

Day 1 - Port Douglas

Arrive in Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, spend the rest of the day at leisure

Day 2 - The Great Barrier Reef

Enjoy a full day Quicksilver Cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef

Day 3 - Port Douglas

Spend a day at leisure in Port Douglas, wander around the boutique shops on Macrossan Street, relax on the beach and enjoy local produce from some of the many independent cafes

Day 4 - Daintree Rainforest

Enjoy a full day tour to the Daintree Rainforest, highlights include Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and Alexandra Lookout

Day 5 - Sydney

Transfer back to Cairns for the domestic flight to Sydney

Day 6 - Sydney

Take a lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour, to get the best views of the famous Opera House and Bridge.

Day 7 - Sydney

A day of leisure in Sydney, perhaps go to Bondi beach, or the northern suburb of Manly, or maybe wander around Darling Harbour and the Rocks.

Day 8 - The Blue Mountains

Take a full day tour to the nearby Blue Mountains, spotting wildlife on the way.

Day 9 - Melbourne

Transfer to the train station for the first class XPT journey from Sydney to Cairns.

Day 10 - Melbourne

A day at leisure to explore Melbourne.

Day 11 - Philip Island

Take a full day tour to nearby French and Philip Island and see the Penguin Parade.

Day 12 - The Overland Train

Ride the Overland Train, a wonderful day train experience connecting Melbourne and Adelaide

Day 13 - Adelaide

Take a day tour to the Barossa valley to sample some of the wines from one of Australia's most loved wine region

Day 14 - The Ghan Train

Board The Ghan in Adelaide and settle in for a remarkable showcase of inland Australia. As the train eases out of the city and towards the Flinders Ranges, the landscape transforms from fertile pastoral land to the striking, arid beauty of the outback – each scene more captivating than the last.

Lunch on board marks the beginning of your culinary journey, the first of many gourmet meals prepared by onboard chefs and inspired by seasonal produce from across the country. The afternoon is yours to relax into the rhythm of rail life, whether that’s unwinding in your cabin or mingling with fellow travellers in the lounge. As evening arrives, sit down to another exceptional meal, paired with Australian wines, craft beers, or a selection of non-alcoholic choices, as the desert skies darken outside your window. (L,D)

* Please note in 2027 The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin will be 4 days / 3 nights and have an extra stop at Flinders Ranges. Speak to our experts for more details. 

Day 15 - The Ghan

After your first night of fine dining and relaxed comfort aboard The Ghan, wake to a spectacular outback sunrise at Marla, a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border and gateway to the legendary Oodnadatta Track. With red dirt beneath your feet and a bonfire casting warmth into the cool morning air, pause to take in the stillness of this extraordinary place. 

Back on board, enjoy a leisurely brunch as the desert landscape unfolds on the journey north to Alice Springs. Here, a variety of Off Train Experiences awaits. Choose an off-road e-bike adventure across ochre-coloured earth, explore the town’s key landmarks on the A Town Called Alice tour, or embrace a cultural experience at Standley Chasm. Nature lovers can meet the wildlife at the Desert Park or marvel at the striking beauty of Simpsons Gap. For a bird’s-eye view, upgrade to a scenic helicopter flight and witness the sheer scale of this remarkable region. 

Return to the train in the late afternoon, with time to refresh before dinner is served and another unforgettable evening begins. (B,L,D) 

Day 16 - The Ghan to Darwin

Your final day begins in the tropical north, where the landscape gives way to rocky escarpments and fast-flowing canyon streams. Here, you’ll experience one of the Top End’s greatest natural wonders on a cruise through the majestic Nitmiluk Gorge. As you glide along the water, your guide will share the cultural significance of this place to the Jawoyn people, weaving in stories that highlight their deep spiritual connection to the land. 

Alternatively, step into the lives of those who call the outback home at the Katherine Outback Experience, or venture underground to explore the limestone chambers of the Cutta Cutta Caves, rich in native wildlife, Indigenous culture and European history. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and witness the scale and grandeur of Nitmiluk from above. 

After your day’s adventures, return to the train and journey onwards to Darwin, where your unforgettable journey of exploring Australia by train draws to a close. (B,L) 

Day 17 - Darwin

Spend a day reflecting on your epic journey before transfering to the airport for your homeward flight.