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. Upon arrival in Sydney transferring to your hotel spending the remainder of your day to explore 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. Speak to our Australian Experts if you wish to add one of our Melbourne experiences. 

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 - Melbourne to Adelaide

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

Day 13 - The Ghan Train

Your journey begins in Adelaide with a welcome experience before you step aboard The Ghan and settle into the rhythm of life on the rails. Watch the countryside roll past from the comforts of your cabin, or mingle with fellow travellers in the lounge carriage as the train makes its way north.

By early evening, arrive at Long Plains before continuing by coach into the rolling vineyards of the Clare Valley, one of South Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. Here, a signature dinner awaits in a reimagined Woolshed, set amongst the picturesque surrounds. With a menu of seasonal produce grown and curated exclusively for guests of The Ghan, every dish is drawn from the farm and paired with the Clare Valley’s celebrated Rieslings and reds under the guidance of Executive Chef Nicola Palmer. As the sun sets over the vines, raise a glass to the days of discovery ahead. (D)

Day 14 - The Ghan - Flinder Ranges

This morning, wake to the changing countryside as The Ghan arrives into Port Augusta, South Australia’s gateway to the outback. After a hearty breakfast, step off the train and prepare for a full day discovering one of the nation’s most remarkable regions: the Flinders Ranges.

Your Off Train Experience takes you deep into one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, where 600 million years of geological history has folded the land into dramatic gorges and red rock outcrops. Stand amid ancient rock formations and take in a landscape millions of years in the making.

From here, head to the historic town of Quorn, once a vital crossroads on the Trans-Australian Railway and home to the heritage Pichi Richi line. Settle in for a delicious lunch paired with the botanicals of Flinders Gin, then visit the ruins of Kanyaka Station to hear stories of the broken dreams of colonial farmers in this harsh and unrelenting landscape.  Rejoin the train for a relaxed dinner on board recalling the day’s adventures. (B, L, D)

Day 15 - The Ghan - Marla and Alice Springs

After a night of fine dining and 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 journey continues north and the desert landscape unfolds. Arriving in Alice Springs, choose from a range of Off Train Experiences that reveal the history, culture and character of this remarkable outback town. Take a guided town tour and gain a deeper sense of place, from its pioneering history to the people and stories that have shaped Alice Springs, or venture into the West MacDonnell Ranges for a guided experience at Simpsons Gap or Standley Chasm, where towering red rock walls and ancient landscapes hold deep spiritual significance for the Arrernte people. At Alice Springs Desert Park, encounter native wildlife and the unique ecosystems of Central Australia, while those seeking a different perspective can upgrade to a scenic helicopter flight over the surrounding ranges, taking in their scale and rugged beauty from above.

By late afternoon, return to the train with time to freshen up for dinner and another unforgettable evening on board. (B, L, D)

Day 17 - The Ghan - Katherine and Darwin

Your final day begins in the tropical north, where the landscape gives way to rocky escarpments and fast-flowing canyon streams. Enjoy breakfast on board as The Ghan makes its way south towards Katherine.

Here, the choice is yours as to how to explore this remarkable region. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge, uncovering its deep beauty and cultural significance. Step into the Katherine Outback Experience for an authentic glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home. Or venture underground to the Cutta Cutta Caves, where fascinating limestone formations, native wildlife, and stories of Indigenous culture are waiting to be shared. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight and take in the scale of Nitmiluk’s 13 gorges 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 18 - Darwin

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