Top 10 Most Scenic Train Journeys in Australia Worth Taking

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Australia is one of the best countries in the world for scenic train travel. From red desert landscapes and tropical rainforests to rugged coastlines and mountain valleys, the views constantly change as you ride across the country. Unlike flying, train journeys let you slow down and truly enjoy the scenery outside your window.

Whether you want a luxury rail adventure, a short heritage ride, or a multi-day cross-country experience, Australia has an incredible range of train journeys worth adding to your travel plans. Some routes take you through places that are almost impossible to experience any other way, while others offer comfort, fine dining, and unforgettable photo opportunities.

In this guide, you will discover the top scenic train journeys in Australia that are absolutely worth taking at least once.

Quick Summary Table 🚆

Rank	Train Journey	Main Route	Best For	Approximate Duration
1	The Ghan	Adelaide to Darwin	Outback scenery	3 days
2	Indian Pacific	Sydney to Perth	Cross country adventure	4 days
3	Kuranda Scenic Railway	Cairns to Kuranda	Rainforest views	2 hours
4	Spirit of Queensland	Brisbane to Cairns	Coastal comfort	25 hours
5	The Overland	Melbourne to Adelaide	Relaxed countryside trip	10 hours
6	Puffing Billy Railway	Belgrave to Gembrook	Heritage steam train experience	Half day
7	Great Southern	Adelaide to Brisbane	Luxury seasonal travel	3 days
8	Savannahlander	Cairns to Forsayth	Remote outback exploration	4 days
9	Spirit of the Outback	Brisbane to Longreach	Historic Queensland landscapes	26 hours
10	West Coast Wilderness Railway	Queenstown to Strahan	Wild Tasmanian scenery	Full day

How We Ranked These Train Journeys 🧭

We used several important factors to choose the best scenic train rides in Australia:

Overall beauty of the landscapes
Uniqueness of the route
Passenger comfort and onboard experience
Access to famous Australian landmarks
Value for the experience offered
Opportunities for photography
Historical and cultural importance
Variety of scenery during the trip
Popularity among travelers
Availability for different travel styles and budgets

1. The Ghan 🚉

Few train journeys in the world are as legendary as The Ghan. Traveling from Adelaide to Darwin, this famous rail adventure cuts directly through the heart of Australia. It is the ultimate way to experience the Australian Outback.

As you travel north, the scenery changes dramatically. You begin with rolling hills and farmland before entering endless red desert landscapes. Eventually, the dry outback transforms into tropical scenery near Darwin. Watching this transition happen from your window feels almost unreal.

The train itself is designed for comfort. You can enjoy restaurant-style meals, lounge cars, and private cabins. Many travelers choose this trip because it combines luxury with adventure.

One of the highlights is the chance to stop at remote towns and natural attractions along the route. Excursions may include places like Alice Springs or Katherine Gorge, giving you opportunities to experience Australia beyond the train itself.

If you want a once-in-a-lifetime rail journey, this is probably the best place to start.

2. Indian Pacific 🌄

The Indian Pacific is one of the longest train journeys on Earth, stretching from Sydney all the way to Perth. This incredible route crosses mountains, deserts, plains, and even the famous Nullarbor Plain.

One of the most memorable parts of the trip is traveling across the longest straight section of railway track in the world. The sense of isolation and openness is hard to describe until you experience it yourself.

The journey also gives you a front row seat to some of Australia’s most diverse landscapes. You will pass through the Blue Mountains near Sydney, mining towns in South Australia, and vast empty stretches that feel completely untouched.

Onboard dining and sleeper cabins make the long journey enjoyable rather than tiring. Many passengers say the social atmosphere on the train becomes part of the adventure.

If you love slow travel and want to truly appreciate Australia’s massive size, the Indian Pacific delivers an unforgettable experience.

3. Kuranda Scenic Railway 🌴

The Kuranda Scenic Railway may be much shorter than Australia’s famous cross-country trains, but it is easily one of the country’s most beautiful rail experiences.

The route runs from Cairns to the rainforest village of Kuranda in tropical North Queensland. Along the way, you pass waterfalls, dense rainforest, steep cliffs, and dramatic bridges.

The journey feels especially magical during the wet season when waterfalls are flowing heavily, and the rainforest looks incredibly green.

Large windows make it easy to enjoy the scenery, and the vintage train design adds charm to the experience. The slow pace allows you to fully appreciate the landscape instead of rushing past it.

Many travelers combine the railway with the nearby Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, creating an unforgettable day trip in one of Australia’s most scenic regions.

4. Spirit of Queensland 🌊

The Spirit of Queensland offers one of the most relaxing ways to explore Australia’s eastern coastline.

Traveling between Brisbane and Cairns, this train passes beaches, sugar cane fields, tropical towns, and lush countryside. The constantly changing scenery keeps the long trip interesting from beginning to end.

One major advantage of this train is comfort. Modern seats can fully recline into lie-flat beds, making overnight travel much easier. You can rest comfortably while waking up to beautiful coastal scenery.

The route also passes through many popular Queensland destinations, allowing you to stop and continue your journey later if you want a more flexible trip.

This train is perfect if you want scenic views without the extreme remoteness of Australia’s desert rail journeys.

5. The Overland 🌾

The Overland connects Melbourne and Adelaide and has been operating for more than a century.

While this journey is often overshadowed by more famous luxury trains, it offers a peaceful and affordable scenic experience. The route passes through charming country towns, farmland, vineyards, and wide open plains.

The relaxed atmosphere is part of the appeal. You can simply sit back, enjoy the changing scenery, and appreciate a slower style of travel.

Many travelers use this train as an easy alternative to flying between two major cities. However, the journey itself becomes surprisingly memorable thanks to the calm landscapes and comfortable ride.

If you enjoy classic train travel without excessive crowds or high prices, The Overland is an excellent option.

6. Puffing Billy Railway 🚂

The historic Puffing Billy Railway is one of Australia’s most beloved heritage train experiences.

Located in the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, this steam train journey feels like stepping into another era. The train winds through forests, fern-filled valleys, and wooden trestle bridges.

One of the most famous traditions is sitting with your legs hanging over the side of the open carriage windows. It creates a fun and nostalgic experience that families especially love.

The surrounding scenery is beautiful year round, but autumn and spring are particularly stunning.

Although the route is shorter than many others on this list, the charm, history, and forest scenery make it absolutely worth experiencing.

7. Great Southern ☀️

The Great Southern is a luxury seasonal train journey running between Adelaide and Brisbane.

This train focuses heavily on food, wine, and coastal scenery. The route takes you through parts of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland while showcasing beaches, rolling hills, and rural landscapes.

The onboard experience feels elegant without becoming overly formal. Gourmet meals and regional wines are major highlights of the trip.

Because the train operates seasonally, it often feels more exclusive and less crowded than other famous Australian rail journeys.

Travelers who enjoy luxury travel mixed with scenic exploration will likely find this train especially appealing.

8. Savannahlander 🐨

The Savannahlander offers one of Australia’s most unusual train adventures.

This rail journey travels through remote parts of Far North Queensland, including small outback towns, grasslands, and historic mining regions. The experience feels deeply connected to Australia’s rural history.

Unlike luxury trains, the Savannahlander focuses on authenticity and local storytelling. Guides often share fascinating information about the region’s culture, wildlife, and history.

The slower pace gives you time to truly absorb the surroundings. You also get chances to meet locals in tiny towns that many tourists never visit.

This trip is ideal for travelers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures and a more personal style of rail travel.

9. Spirit of the Outback 🌅

The Spirit of the Outback travels between Brisbane and Longreach, taking passengers deep into Queensland’s outback region.

The scenery gradually shifts from coastal areas and farmland to dry open plains and rugged inland landscapes. Watching the transformation unfold is one of the journey’s biggest attractions.

This route also carries a strong historical atmosphere. Longreach is closely tied to Australian pioneering history and aviation heritage, making the destination itself part of the experience.

Sleeper cabins and onboard meals help make the long ride comfortable. The slower travel pace allows you to appreciate remote Australia in a way that flying simply cannot match.

For travelers interested in Australia’s outback culture, this journey offers tremendous value.

10. West Coast Wilderness Railway 🌲

Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway delivers one of the most dramatic scenic train rides in the country.

The railway passes through dense rainforest, steep mountain terrain, rivers, and historic mining areas. The scenery often feels untouched and incredibly wild.

Steam locomotives add atmosphere to the journey, especially when climbing through misty forest sections. The sound of the train echoing through the mountains creates an unforgettable experience.

The route also highlights Tasmania’s fascinating mining history, giving the trip both natural beauty and cultural depth.

If you want a scenic railway experience that feels adventurous and different from mainland Australia, this train should be high on your list.

Conclusion 🎒

Australia’s train journeys offer far more than simple transportation. They give you the chance to experience the country slowly, comfortably, and in a way that reveals landscapes most travelers never fully see.

From the red deserts crossed by The Ghan to the rainforest views of the Kuranda Scenic Railway, each route offers something unique. Some focus on luxury and fine dining, while others celebrate history, heritage, and remote exploration.

No matter which journey you choose, scenic train travel in Australia allows you to appreciate the country’s enormous beauty from a completely different perspective. If you enjoy meaningful travel experiences, these rail adventures are absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

What is the most famous train journey in Australia?

The Ghan is widely considered the most famous train journey in Australia because it travels through the heart of the Outback between Adelaide and Darwin.

Which Australian train ride is best for luxury travel?

The Great Southern and The Ghan are both excellent luxury rail experiences with high-quality dining, comfortable cabins, and premium service.

Are scenic train journeys in Australia expensive?

Prices vary greatly. Heritage railways and shorter routes can be affordable, while luxury multi-day trains are more expensive due to accommodations, meals, and excursions.

What is the best time of year for scenic train travel in Australia?

It depends on the route. Winter is often best for outback journeys, while tropical routes near Queensland are beautiful year round with slightly cooler conditions during the dry season.