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Australia by train
Your guide to train travel in Australia
Exploring Australia by train is a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking diversity of this continent from a whole new perspective. With train routes running through lively cities, untouched outback and picturesque coastlines, every rail journey in Australia lets you combine comfort with adventure. From the famous ride on The Ghan across the Red Centre to the scenic coastal routes, this travel guide will help you discover the fascinating world of Australia by rail.
Australia train tickets
Buy train tickets for Australia
In Australia you have several ways to buy a ticket. If you prefer personal contact, you can buy your tickets directly at the station from the local operators. Alternatively, you can easily book tickets online. It’s often possible to buy tickets both in advance and shortly before departure. However, it’s a good idea to buy your tickets early to avoid long queues and make sure seats are still available. Many operators also offer discounts if you buy your tickets in advance, which can save you money.
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Buy hereQueensland Rail
Buy your train tickets for Queensland online on the official Queensland Rail website.
Buy hereAustralia rail passes
Explore Australia with a rail pass
With a rail pass you can explore Australia at a relaxed pace and in your own way. Whether you choose the Queensland Rail Pass, the Queensland Explorer Pass or the New South Wales Discovery Pass, each of these passes opens the door to different adventures and landscapes – from the buzzing atmosphere of Sydney to the stunning coastlines of Queensland. These passes give you the freedom and flexibility to visit lots of exciting places on your own schedule without having to sort out a new ticket every time. In this guide we’ll show you how to get the most out of your train journey in Australia with one of these rail passes, whether you’re an experienced rail traveller or hitting the tracks for the first time.
Australia trains
#Domestic trains
#International trains
#Night trains
#Special trains
Intercity trains link major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth with the surrounding towns and villages
- 2nd class available, 1st class on most routes
- No reservation required
- The trains have air conditioning and toilets, and some have a buffet car.
There are no international trains in Australia.
XPT trains are express trains linking Sydney with Brisbane*, Casino, Dubbo, Grafton and Melbourne.
- Seating carriages:
1st class: rows of three (2+1) with more legroom
2nd class: rows of four seats (2+2) - Sleeper car*: twin-berth cabins with shower, toiletries, bedding, towels and a light breakfast. The toilets are next to the cabins.
The trains have power sockets, Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Most trains also have a dining car offering a range of snacks, hot meals and drinks; otherwise there’s a buffet car.
* A bus connection is needed to reach Brisbane city centre.
XPLORER trains are fast trains linking Sydney with Armidale, Broken Hill, Canberra, Griffith and Moree.
- Seating carriages:
1st class: rows of three seats (2+1) with more legroom
2nd class: rows of four seats (2+2) - Sleeper car*: twin-berth cabins with shower, toiletries, bedding, towels and a light breakfast. The toilets are next to the cabins.
The trains have power sockets, Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Most trains also have a dining car offering a range of snacks, hot meals and drinks; otherwise there’s a buffet car.
* Sleeper berths can’t be booked online – call NSW TrainLink or contact a booking agent.
The Ghan – This legendary train journey runs from Adelaide in the south through the heart of the Australian outback to Darwin in the north. It offers breathtaking views of the continent’s changing landscapes.
Indian Pacific – This train crosses the Australian continent from Sydney on the east coast to Perth on the west coast, offering one of the longest and most varied train journeys in the world.
The Overland – Links Melbourne and Adelaide, offering a scenic day trip through the rural landscapes of South Australia and Victoria.
Great Southern – A newer train service linking Brisbane and Adelaide via Melbourne, with stops in regional towns and stunning natural landscapes.
Spirit of Queensland – This train offers a modern and comfortable journey along the coast from Brisbane to Cairns, showing off the beauty of tropical Queensland.
Spirit of the Outback – A train journey from Brisbane inland to Longreach, with insights into the life and history of the Australian outback.
The Westlander – Runs from Brisbane to Charleville, crossing the scenic and historic regions of Queensland.
The Inlander – Connects Townsville with the mining hub of Mount Isa in inland Queensland, passing old gold-rush towns and untouched wilderness.
The Gulflander – This historic train is known for its route through the remote Queensland outback. It links the small town of Normanton with Croydon and is often called the “Tin Hare”. The journey offers unique insights into the remote wilderness and history of the region.
Kuranda Scenic Railway – This train journey climbs from Cairns into the hinterland to Kuranda and is famous for its spectacular views of dense rainforest, steep gorges and impressive waterfalls. It’s one of Australia’s most scenic railways and an absolute must for nature lovers.
Popular train routes in Australia
“Explore Australia’s hotspots by train”
Australia’s extensive rail network offers a fascinating mix of spectacular special trains and practical regular train services, linking both major cities and remote regions. Besides famous routes such as the Indian Pacific and The Ghan, which cross vast, often untouched areas, there are numerous regular train services serving key hubs such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. These connections are essential to the daily lives of many Australians and offer efficient travel options for commuters and tourists alike. The well-developed network lets travellers move comfortably between the cities and rural areas, and is a reliable alternative to other means of transport.
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Australia itineraries
The most beautiful itineraries through Australia
Australia offers an impressive range of itineraries, from coastal drives to outback adventures. The famous Great Ocean Road in Victoria, for example, offers spectacular views of the south coast, while the route from Cairns to Cape Tribulation runs through dense rainforest close to the Great Barrier Reef. A trip to Uluru in the centre promises a profound experience in the iconic red outback. We’ve put together some of the most beautiful itineraries in Australia by train for you.
Australia train stations
Here’s a list of the main train stations in Australia.
Canberra Station
Sydney Central Station
Brisbane Roma Street
Melbourne Southern Cross
Perth Station
Adelaide Station
Darwin Station
Canberra Station
2 Lee St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
Roma Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Melbourne Station
Perth, Wellington Street, Perth Western Australia, Australia
Adelaide Railway Station, North Terrace, Adelaide South Australia, Australia
Darwin Passenger Rail, East Arm NT 0822, Australia
Good to know
The best time to travel to Australia
Australia is a year-round destination for all kinds of activities, adventures and sightseeing, and we’d recommend travelling there at any time. But if you want to avoid the scorching heat, travel between September and November or from March to May for the best weather. As it’s a huge country, find out about the region you want to visit before you go. Because the size of the country is often underestimated, the train is the perfect way to cross it and see the real Australia.
If you love surfing, diving, lying on beautiful white sandy beaches, travelling through the real outback, seeing Australian wildlife in its natural habitat and much more, Australia is waiting for you.
- High season: December – February
- Low season: June – August
- Northern coastal Australia, wet season: November – April
- Northern coastal Australia, dry season: April – November
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Destination
Australia, Oceania
Population: 24.6 million
Currency: Australian dollar
Language: English
Capital: Canberra
Dialling code: +61
Time zones: Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) and Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)
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