Experience Australia through a captivating blend of iconic rail travel and incredible natural wonders. Travel aboard the historic Overland, before journeying between Adelaide and Alice Springs in Gold Service on the world-famous Ghan. Along the way, enjoy exclusive off-train excursions, from a magical sunset dinner in South Australia's celebrated wine country to exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Flinders Ranges.
Beyond the rails, discover Australia's jaw-dropping beauty on guided tours and unique experiences. Uncover the dramatic Blue Mountains and spectacular Great Ocean Road, stand in awe before the breathtaking monolith of Uluru and marvel at the dazzling colors of the Great Barrier Reef.
Enjoy a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour and uncover the sights of Melbourne, before this unforgettable vacation concludes amid the tropical rainforests of Cairns.
Unforgettable Experiences
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Itinerary
A route of extraordinary Australian cities, sacred sites and remarkable views lies ahead as your vacation begins today in Sydney. Transfer independently to our hotel in Darling Harbour and check in for the next three nights. From this point, you are free to relax using the hotel's facilities after a long day of travel or get to know this waterfront area at your own pace.
You might like to find dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the water, or head into the central business district, where there are plenty of attractions to introduce the city and an abundance of dining options. From international fare to modern Australian cuisine, there are options catering to every taste. Overnight Sydney.
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The historic Katoomba Scenic Railway, located in the stunning Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia, is the steepest cable-driven funicular railway in the world, with the steepest incline an astonishing 52 degrees. Passengers embark on a thrilling, unique journey in the 84-seat glass roofed red train carriage.
The unique Kuranda Scenic Railway has journeyed through tropical North Queensland for more than 125 years and provides its passengers with breathtaking views of one of the most stunning areas of Australia. The 23-mile-long track winds through the lush green World Heritage Rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and a variety of birds, fauna and reptiles before it terminates at the small mountain village of Kuranda. Demand for the Kuranda Scenic Railway began in 1882 when, unsatisfied with the often-unpassable road from Port Douglas, local tin miners began calling for a railway line that would lead them to the coast. Years of debate followed, with railway leagues from both Cairns and Port Douglas fighting for the right to the railway, before construction on the line officially began in 1886. Although initially designed for commuter purposes, the railway began operating as a tourist attraction as early as 1936 and today is used solely for this purpose, transporting tourists through the spectacular rainforest to the tropical village of Kuranda every day of the year except Christmas Day.
The XPT follows the route of the Hume Highway through the state of Victoria, passing through Benalla and the cathedral city of Wangaratta before entering the state of New South Wales and the Riverina region. The broad, flat plains of the Riverina comprise some of the most agriculturally productive land in Australia due to the favorable climate and a plentiful water supply. The XPT service continues through the cities of Albury and Wagga Wagga and then heads west to Cootamundra and the Southern Tablelands. Leaving Goulburn, the train enters the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, a mountainous wine-producing region that sits on the Great Dividing Range. Finally, after passing through the suburbs of Campbelltown and Strathfield in the Australian capital, the service pulls into Sydney's Central Railway Station.
With its reputation as Australia's favorite steam train the century-old Puffing Billy is a treasure for rail enthusiasts. Running along a low-cost narrow-gauge line constructed in Victoria during the early 1900s, the classic steam engine opened up rural areas and has been championed by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society since the Sixties. We journey on the Puffing Billy from Belgrave through the stunning Dandenong Ranges, crossing rustic timber bridges and passing scenic Emerald Lake Park and Wright State Forest.
Named in tribute to the Afghan camel drivers who helped make Australia's Red Center accessible at the end of the 19th century, the Afghan Express - affectionately called The Ghan - is the most luxurious way to discover the Land Down Under. The Ghan's maiden voyage from Adelaide to Alice Springs took place nearly 100 years ago, in August of 1929, and since then, its route options and standard of excellence have cast a lasting impression on travelers.
The recently refurbished Overland serves the route between Adelaide and Melbourne. During this daylight journey, we travel in Red Premium Service, which offers passengers comfortable reclining seats and complimentary orange juice or water upon boarding the train. Red Premium Service passengers have access to the licensed Red Service Café Carriage, which serves a selection of snacks, meals and drinks. There is also an at-seat trolley service with snacks and drinks available for purchase, as well as a limited selection of a la carte dishes.