The best train trip in Australia

The Ghan is broadly regarded as the best train trip in Australia, thanks to its sweeping three- to four-day traverse between Darwin, Alice Springs and Adelaide, immersive off-train experiences in the Red Centre and Top End, and consistently high onboard service. It blends epic landscapes with comfortable, all-inclusive rail touring in a way no other Australian route quite matches, though several strong alternatives may suit different budgets, seasons, and interests.

Why The Ghan stands above the rest

Several factors push The Ghan to the top of most experts’ and travelers’ lists—from its route and pacing to the way it weaves in culture, nature and cuisine. Here are the core reasons it’s often chosen as Australia’s premier rail journey.

• Iconic route and variety: Nearly 3,000 km through tropical Top End, the MacDonnell Ranges and the ochre deserts of Central Australia, offering constant shifts in scenery.
• Immersive off-train experiences: Included excursions at places like Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, Alice Springs and, on the southbound Expedition, Coober Pedy.
• Flexible length and direction: Adelaide–Darwin takes 3 days/2 nights; the Darwin–Adelaide Ghan Expedition stretches to 4 days/3 nights for a deeper dive.
• Onboard comfort and service: Gold and Platinum cabins with all meals, premium beverages and lounge access; attentive hospitality and regional menus.
• Reliability and rhythm: A long, uninterrupted trans-continental line with a cadence that suits slow travel, stargazing and photography.

Taken together, these elements make The Ghan more than transport: it’s a curated cross-section of the Australian continent that balances comfort with a genuine sense of place.

What the journey feels like, day by day

The Ghan’s experience shifts slightly by direction and season. This outline captures the typical flow for each way, noting key highlights many travelers remember long after arrival.

• Adelaide to Darwin (3 days/2 nights): Roll from South Australia’s plains into the Outback, sunrise at a remote siding such as Marla, explore Alice Springs, then cruise or walk in Nitmiluk Gorge before reaching the Top End.
• Darwin to Adelaide – The Ghan Expedition (4 days/3 nights, generally Apr–Oct): Add time for Katherine’s sandstone country, a day around Alice Springs with optional outback dinners or scenic flights, and a full Coober Pedy program before the final run south.
• Cabin life and dining: Days punctuated by off-train tours and long, scenic stretches from panoramic lounge windows; evenings feature multi-course dinners spotlighting native ingredients and regional wines.

Whether you choose the concise northbound itinerary or the expanded southbound Expedition, the cadence is unhurried and purpose-built for soaking in the scale of Australia.

When to go and which direction to choose

Seasonality and direction meaningfully shape the experience. Picking the right window can elevate scenery, comfort and wildlife viewing.

• Best months: May–September offers mild desert days, cool nights and the Top End’s dry-season clarity; April and October shoulder months can be warmer with fewer crowds.
• Direction call: Darwin to Adelaide (Expedition) adds a day and the Coober Pedy program; Adelaide to Darwin is shorter and builds to a tropical finale.
• Wet-season considerations (Nov–Mar): Expect heat and humidity up north; The Ghan still runs, but the Expedition format is typically dry-season only.
• Light and photography: Winter’s crisp air yields striking outback colours; shoulder seasons can deliver dramatic skies after late wet-season rains.

If you want the most comprehensive version, choose the Darwin–Adelaide Expedition in the dry season; for a tighter schedule or Top End finish, go northbound.

Notable runners-up you might prefer

While The Ghan is the headline act, several other Australian rail journeys excel for different reasons—coast-to-coast drama, heritage character, or value-friendly long-distance travel.

• Indian Pacific (Sydney–Perth, 4 days/3 nights): Monumental breadth from Blue Mountains to the Nullarbor’s ruler-straight tracks; winery and outback town stops included.
• Great Southern (Adelaide–Brisbane or reverse, summer-only): A coastal-summer counterpart with curated food and wine experiences; 3–4 days depending on direction.
• Spirit of Queensland (Brisbane–Cairns, ~24–25 hours): Modern tilt train with lie-flat RailBeds, linking reef gateways and tropical towns at a friendlier price point.
• Spirit of the Outback (Brisbane–Longreach, ~26 hours): A classic inland run to the heart of Queensland’s outback heritage and museums.
• The Overland (Melbourne–Adelaide, ~10–11 hours, daylight): A comfortable daytime intercity with views of the Western District and the Grampians.
• Kuranda Scenic Railway (Cairns–Kuranda, day trip): Lush rainforest, waterfalls and hand-cut tunnels; pair with the Skyrail cableway loop.
• Gulflander and Savannahlander (Far North Queensland, seasonal): Quirky heritage adventures into remote Gulf Country and the Savannah; niche but memorable.
• West Coast Wilderness Railway (Tasmania, day trip): Steam-era rack railway through rainforest and river gorges—compact, photogenic and steeped in history.

If you prioritise ocean-to-ocean scale, pick the Indian Pacific; for tropical coastline on a tighter budget, the Spirit of Queensland is compelling; for a short-but-scenic day out, Kuranda or Tasmania’s heritage lines shine.

How to choose the right journey for you

Match your interests, time and comfort preferences to the route. This quick guide helps align traveler types with the best-fit train.

• First-time “bucket list” rail: The Ghan Expedition (Darwin–Adelaide) for the fullest showcase.
• Grand scale and solitude: Indian Pacific for the Nullarbor and transcontinental immensity.
• Food-and-wine lovers: Great Southern’s summer coastal routing and curated tastings.
• Wild tropics and reef access: Spirit of Queensland to connect with Cairns, Townsville and the Whitsundays.
• Heritage romance and short days out: Kuranda Scenic, West Coast Wilderness, or Gulflander.
• Value daytime intercity: The Overland for a relaxed Melbourne–Adelaide link.

Thinking about what you most want to see—red desert, rainforest, coastline or vineyards—usually makes the decision clear within minutes.

Practical planning: cabins, costs and booking tips

A bit of preparation goes a long way. These pointers reflect how most travelers get the best value and comfort from Australian rail journeys.

• Cabin classes: On The Ghan/Indian Pacific/Great Southern, Gold Twin is the popular sweet spot; Platinum adds space and premium touches; Gold Single fits solo travelers efficiently (ask about accessible cabins).
• Pricing reality: Fares vary by season and demand. Expect higher prices in peak months and for Platinum; the extended Ghan Expedition and Indian Pacific generally price above shorter routes.
• Book early: Top cabins and prime dates can sell 6–12 months ahead; shoulder-season departures often cost less.
• Pack smart: Space is cozy—bring a small soft bag for the cabin; check larger luggage. Day packs are useful for off-train tours.
• Connectivity: Mobile coverage is intermittent inland; Wi‑Fi is typically not provided on luxury long-distance trains—download entertainment ahead.
• Dietary and accessibility: Advise operators in advance; staff routinely accommodate dietary needs and mobility assistance.
• State-run options: Queensland Rail Travel and NSW TrainLink services are budget-friendlier, with bookings opening closer to departure and occasional concession fares for eligible travelers.

With early planning and flexible dates, you can secure the route and cabin you want—and avoid paying peak premiums.

Frequently asked

Small practical details can shape comfort onboard. These quick answers cover common concerns for newcomers to Australian rail travel.

• Dress code: Smart-casual is standard; layers help with temperature shifts between desert nights and air-conditioned carriages.
• Motion and rest: Tracks are generally smooth but bring any motion remedies you rely on; overnight rest is a highlight in Gold/Platinum cabins.
• Photography: Wide windows, lounge cars and occasional remote dawn stops (like Marla) are designed with photographers in mind.
• Weather resilience: Services can adjust excursions for extreme heat or storms; operations teams prioritize safety and comfort.
• Sustainability: Operators increasingly offset or reduce impacts through fuel efficiency and regional sourcing; rail remains a lower-emission way to cross the country compared with flying multiple legs plus touring.

Most uncertainties fade after boarding—staff guide you through timings, excursions and dining, leaving you to focus on the landscapes outside.

Bottom line

The Ghan is the standout choice for the best train trip in Australia: an all-inclusive, multi-day immersion linking the Top End and the Red Centre with thoughtful excursions and unbroken views. If your tastes lean toward ocean-to-ocean drama, summer coastal dining, or budget-conscious tropics, the Indian Pacific, Great Southern and Spirit of Queensland, respectively, are excellent alternatives.

Summary

The Ghan earns top billing for its route diversity, off-train depth and onboard polish, especially on the 4-day southbound Expedition. Runners-up excel on different axes—Indian Pacific for sheer scale, Great Southern for seasonal coastal flavour, Spirit of Queensland and Spirit of the Outback for value-rich state-run adventures, and iconic day trains like Kuranda for concentrated scenery. Choose by season, direction and your must-see landscapes; book early, travel light and prepare for limited connectivity—and let the continent unfold at rail pace.

What is the most luxurious train ride in Australia?

The Ghan Luxury Train Journey: Darwin to Adelaide, Adelaide to Alice Springs or Darwin to Alice Springs. Originally named the Afghan Express after the trailblazing cameleers forged a lasting footprint into the country’s Red Centre more than 150 years ago, this train trip across Australia offers an unmatched experience.

Is it worth taking the train in Australia?

Snaking your way through the heart of the outback, you’ll see a new side to Australia – and perhaps yourself. From stylish interiors to indulgent experiences; the Ghan isn’t one of the world’s most celebrated train journeys just for the route – it’s the whole experience.

What is Australia’s famous train ride?

The Ghan Expedition
A unique and epic experience, explore the wonders of Australia’s vast interior with one of the world’s most renowned rail journeys – The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide.

What is the best train journey in Australia?

The Ghan (Darwin to Adelaide)
Named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed the Red Centre, The Ghan is arguably Australia’s most legendary train journey. It stretches from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory, cutting a bold line through the red heart of the country.