queensland rail travel spirit of the outback

Spirit of the Outback

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Spirit of the Outback - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.07 km) Longreach Motor Inn
• (0.30 km) Longreach Private Apartments
• (0.46 km) Abajaz Motor Inn
• (0.56 km) The Staging Post
• (1.74 km) Saltbush Retreat
• (0.03 km) McGinness' Restaurant
• (0.08 km) Harry's Restaurant
• (0.23 km) Longreach RSL Memorial Services Club Inc
• (0.26 km) The Birdcage Hotel Pty Ltd
• (0.23 km) BB's Bistro

The Spirit of the Outback

The Spirit of the Outback runs from Brisbane to Longreach. The train route follows the Queensland coast north to Rockhampton before heading inland and through outback Queensland to Longreach. The Spirit of the Outback takes 26 hours to complete the 1325km route.

The main stops en route between Brisbane and Longreach are Maryborough West (where you can get a connecting bus to Hervey Bay), Bundaberg, Gladstone, and Rockhampton.

You can get connecting bus, coach and rail transfers at the following stations:

• Brisbane : local bus and rail services including trains to the Gold Coast, Trainlink NSW trains to Sydney (the Discovery Pass rail pass is valid on these trains) plus the Spirit of Queensland  train to Longreach and the Westlander train to Charleville (the Queensland Coastal Pass is valid on the Spirit of Queensland and the Queensland Explorer Pass is valid on both the Spirit of Queensland  and the Westlander )
• Nambour : local buses to Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast (rail passes not valid on these buses)
• Cooroy : local buses to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast (rail passes not valid on these buses)
• Maryborough West : buses to Hervey Bay (rail passes are valid on this bus)
• Miriam Vale : Greyhound coaches to Agnes Water/Town of 1770
• Rockhampton : buses to Yeppoon (rail passes not valid on this bus) and ferries from Yeppoon to Great Keppel Island. Also transfer to the Spirit of Queensland  train to Cairns (the Queensland Coastal Pass  and the  Queensland Explorer Pass  are valid on the  Spirit of Queensland )
• Longreach : buses to Winton (rail passes are valid on this bus)

Highlights of this train journey include side trips from Maryborough West to Fraser Island (via the bus connection to Hervey Bay), Rockhampton to Great Keppel Island (via the bus connection to Yeppoon) plus the Tree of Knowledge at Barcaldine, the Qantas Founders Museum and the Stockmans’ Hall of Fame in Longreach.

The Spirit of the Outback  features:

• restaurant and bar
• drinking fountains
• showers and toilets at the end of each carriage
• on demand entertainment available on tablets

Economy seats

The Queensland Explorer Pass rail pass allows you to travel in economy seats on the Spirit of the Outback.

Passengers in economy seating can enjoy meals from the Shearers Rest Servery in the Economy Lounge.

First class sleepers

Customers travelling first class have comfortable accommodation in private sleeper compartments and also have access to an exclusive Tuckerbox restaurant car as well as the Shearers Rest lounge car.

First class passengers can sit in the Shearers Rest lounge car (above) while economy class passengers can sit in the economy lounge.

Rail passes

You can use the Queensland Coastal Pass and the Queensland Explorer Pass to travel on the Spirit of the Outback .

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The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory

Queensland rail celebrates 30 years of the spirit of the outback.

Published Monday, 20 November, 2023 at 01:47 PM

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services The Honourable Mark Bailey

• This month marks the 30th anniversary of Queensland Rail’s iconic Spirit of the Outback long-distance train journey. 
• The train connects communities from Brisbane to Longreach, distancing 1,325 kilometres of the western rail line.
• The anniversary also marks a major milestone in Queensland Rail’s regional locomotive overhaul project, with the newly refurbished loco 2901 back on track for customer services.

Link to Spirit of the Outback overlay

30 years ago on 19 November 1993, travellers boarded the first ever Spirit of the Outback for an epic train journey to the heart of Queensland.

The Spirit of the Outback introduced a new era of rail travel compared to its predecessor, the Midlander, by delivering the onboard Tucker Box restaurant serving up Australian produce inspired by the journey, the Shearer’s Lounge for onboard socialising and many other customer comforts.

Since entering service, the Spirit of the Outback has hosted more than 650,000 passengers to and from Queensland’s outback.

To celebrate the 30 th anniversary, Queensland Rail brought travelling customers together with a special cake-cutting ahead of the train’s departure from Roma Street station on Saturday.

The anniversary also marked a major milestone in Queensland Rail’s regional locomotive overhaul project, with one of the newly refurbished 2900 class locos hauling the Spirit of the Outback anniversary service.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services:

“The Spirit of the Outback journey offers a rail experience like no other with a front seat view of Queensland’s rugged outback terrain.”

“From Brisbane to Blackwater, Emerald, Barcaldine, Longreach, and everywhere in between, the Spirit of the Outback takes customers on a journey through Australian history and culture.

“It’s great to see one of Queensland Rail’s regional 2900 locomotives back on track to haul the anniversary service after being upgraded by Redbank-based Progress Rail.

“The 2900 class locomotives have successfully been re-powered and modernised with enhanced safety features, improved reliability and upgrades to driver amenities.

“The upgrade has proved to be a great win for onboard crew, customers and the environment with the new engine configuration expected to reduce fuel requirements by between 10 and 20 per cent.

“With the upgraded locomotive back on track and better than ever before, I look forward to seeing the service continue to convey customers for many more years to come.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish:

“We’re proud to connect customers with some of Queensland's most iconic tourist destinations in Outback Queensland, and the Spirit of the Outback has allowed us to do so for 30 years.”

“The ongoing success of the service is a testament to our hardworking teams that keep it running including our onboard staff, station staff, maintenance crews and everyone behind the scenes.

“We encourage everyone to get onboard, especially with our two for the price of one Outback fare sale still on.

“Tickets are valid for travel until 31 March 2024 on the Spirit of the Outback, Westlander and Inlander.”

The fare is bookable via Queensland Rail Travel centres or through travel agents.

Media contact – Minister Bailey’s office – 0466 620 176

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Spirit of the Outback

A Quintessentially Queensland Journey

Operating twice weekly from the Queensland capital of Brisbane to the historic central western Queensland town of Longreach, the popular Spirit of the Outback is a 1,300-kilometre journey through a quintessentially Queensland landscape. Renowned for its vibrant social atmosphere and the friendly hospitality offered on board, the Spirit of the Outback is a 24-hour journey into the heart of Queensland's history-laden heritage.

Boasting a themed restaurant serving a selection of Australian meals and a licenced on-board lounge designed to encourage interaction with fellow rail guests, the Spirit of the Outback veers inland from the coastal city of Rockhampton to take in the historic towns of Blackwater, Emerald and Barcaldine before reaching its final destination, Longreach.

Classes of Travel

First class.

First Class options aboard the Spirit of the Outback include single or twin-berth cabins. Single berth cabin features include a washbasin and mirror, small wardrobe and reading light, as well as full bedding amenities. Twin berth cabins feature a pair of bunk beds which may be sold individually or to small groups. The cabins feature two wardrobes and a full-length mirror, a table and washbasin with mirror. Twin berths also feature a reading light and full bedding amenities.

Economy Class

Economy Class options include both sleeper seats and cabins. Economy class seats are a feature of open saloon cars and include individual reading lights. Sleeping berth cabins include a table and washbasin with mirror, as well as a reading light and bedding amenities. Sleeping berths can be purchased individually or as entire cabin to family groups or parties.

Outback Towns and Drives

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When you take an Outback adventure, you don’t want to miss a minute of the breathtaking scenery. Onboard the train you can relax, enjoy the stunning landscapes and blue skies as you journey through Queensland’s Outback. Queensland Rail Travel  offers a choice of three rail journeys across Queensland’s Outback with twice weekly return services to each region as well as the iconic Gulflander, a 1950 railmotor in the Gulf Savannah region.

Spirit of the Outback

• Route:  Brisbane to Longreach with a coach connection to Winton
• Distance:  1325 kilometres
• Departs Brisbane:  Tuesday at 6:10pm and Saturday at 1:55pm, arrives Longreach 3.30pm next day
• Departs Longreach:  Monday and Thursday at 10:00am, arrives in Brisbane 11.55am next day

Spirit of the Outback offers a unique insight into the history and culture of Australia with a journey between Brisbane and Longreach – with a direct coach connection to Winton. Experience travel in a private Sleeper cabin with a comfortable seat during the day that converts into a bed at night. Enjoy freshly prepared meals in the restaurant and relax in the Shearers Rest Lounge. Travel is also available in an Economy Seat with a selection of take-away meals, light refreshments and drinks are available to purchase from the Lounge. Whether you are travelling all the way or stopping in between, there is plenty to explore. From fossicking sapphires and gems near Anakie, exploring ancient Aboriginal rock art in Carnarvon Gorge, (450 kilometres from Emerald), or further west to towns of Ilfracombe and Barcaldine.

• Route:  Brisbane to Charleville with coach connections to Quilpie and Cunnamulla
• Distance:  777 kilometres
• Departs Brisbane:  Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:15pm
• Departs Charleville:  Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:15pm

Westlander travels between Brisbane and Charleville through the diverse farmlands of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs and the Mulga country of southwest Queensland. Travel in the comfort of an Economy Seat, you can hop up and stretch your legs throughout the journey. Head to the lounge where you can relax, buy a drink and watch the wide-open landscapes roll by. You could stop over in Roma and explore the Carnarvon Range with its ancient Aboriginal rock art or travel further west to the Mulga country of Charleville – with coach connections further to Quilpie or Cunnamulla – to fossick for an opal of your own, or just wind down with a soak in some Artesian baths.

• Route:  Townsville to Mount Isa
• Distance:  977 kilometres
• Departs Townsville:  Wednesdays and Saturdays at 12:40pm
• Departs Mount Isa:  Sundays and Thursdays at 1:30pm

In north Queensland, take the Inlander to explore natural and prehistoric treasures from Townsville to Mount Isa. Travel in the comfort of an Economy Seat you can hop up and stretch your legs throughout the journey. Head to the lounge where you can relax, buy a drink and watch the wide-open landscapes roll by. Hop off and explore the historic town of Charters Towers, the fossil collections in Hughenden and the ancient underwater marine reptile collections in Richmond. As you venture further west, you’ll travel through the towns of Julia Creek, Cloncurry before arriving in the city of Mount Isa.

• Route:  Normanton to Croydon
• Distance:  152 kilometres
• Departs Normanton:  Wednesday at 8:30am
• Departs Croydon:  Thursday at 8:30am
• Duration:  5 hours
• Shorter excursions available from Normanton and Croydon, generally between April to October.

Discover the Gulf Savannah region aboard the Gulflander, a 1950 railmotor. Travel through countryside most people would never see – from wetlands, grasslands to the arid Savannah. Experience the full journey from Normanton to Croydon along the Heritage-listed railway line. Along the way, your Savannah Guide driver will provide commentary on the local history, plant and animal life.

The Savannahlander

• Route:  Cairns to Forsayth
• Distance:  Various (depends on tour route)
• Check out the tours:   Click here
• Phone:  1800 793 848
• Email:  [email protected]

The SavannahLander invites travellers to be a part of one of the great rail journeys in Australia. This unique outback rail experience departs Cairns weekly, winding its way through the wet tropics area of the Kuranda range and out through the Savannah country to Forsayth. It is the perfect train to take if you are wishing to experience the natural beauty of the the award winning Cobbold Gorge.

Contact Queensland Rail Travel

Website:   www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au Phone:  1800 872 467 (within Australia)

Spirit of the Outback

The Spirit of the Outback travels between Brisbane and Longreach twice weekly and is a convenient way to access the many tourist attractions in Longreach and Winton including the Stockman's Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, Thomson River Cruises, Waltzing Matilda Centre, Lark Quarry and dinosaur country. Queensland's Outback is where shearers made legends, Qantas was born and where doctors make house calls by plane. Its the place where dreaming began, where dinosaurs ran and where no two towns are the same. Take the Spirit of the Outback Virtual Tour

15 Days Outback Queensland 2024

Escorted small group tour from Brisbane to Outback Queensland, Gulf Country and Cairns

Travel from Brisbane to Longreach on the legendary Spirit of the Outback, followed by a coach trip to Mount Isa with some fascinating stops along the way. Continue by flight to the Gulf of Carpentaria on board an island-hopping mail-plane, before crossing the wide Savannah on the Gulflander. The Savannahlander takes you through the rugged outback, over the high tablelands, through the rainforest to the coast. Enjoy time in Longreach, Winton, Mount lsa, Normanton and Karumba on the Gulf, the stunning Cobbold Gorge, the intriguing Undara Lava Tubes, finishing off at the holiday hub of Cairns.

14-15 Days Corner Country Explorer 2024

Escorted Group Tour to Charleville, Innamincka, Birdsville & Longreach

Experience Outback Queensland, featuring sand dunes, Gibber Country & legendary Outback characters. Includes visits to Charleville, Cunnamulla, Thargomindah, Tibooburra, Innamincka, Cameron's Corner - where the three states meet, Birdsville, Winton, Longreach and all the highlights in between.

12-13 Days Journey of the Gulf Savannah 2024

Escorted Group tour from Brisbane to the Gulf Country and Cairns

Experience a magical journey through the Gulf Savannah region from Longreach to Cairns (with optional rail from Brisbane on the Spirit of the Outbac). This tour offers a wonderful mix of rail and overland 4WD coach travel, discovering Gulf Savannah highlights.

12 Days Dinosaur Country 2024

Escorted small group tour from Townsville to Outback Queensland return to Brisbane

This special themed adventure from the Coral Coast of Townsville to the Dinosaur country in the heart of the state and back to Brisbane offers a variety of experiences, combining highlights from our other Queensland tours with new destinations and a swag of interesting experiences. From the striking new museums such as the wonderful ‘Age of Dinosaurs’ at Winton and the Lark Quarry, the largest dinosaur run in the world, to the rural and mining heritage of places like Longreach, Winton, and Charters Towers. While you’ll be entranced by the unique palaeontology you will also delight in the variety to be had on this special adventure.

11 Days Ultimate Outback Queensland, Longreach, Winton & Mt Isa 2024

Escorted Group tour from Brisbane to Longreach, Winton & Mt Isa return

Experience the vast Queensland Outback like never before. From Longreach’s Stockman’s Hall of Fame and QANTAS Museum to Winton’s Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry and the Walkabout Creek Hotel made famous by Crocodile Dundee, this trip has it all! Not to mention iconic Mt Isa and the Dinosaur Trail with towns like Richmond and Hughenden. It’s an unforgettable adventure you won’t want to miss!

9 Days Glamping Outback Queensland 2024

Escorted group tour from Brisbane to the Channel Country, Longreach & Winton return

Delve into outback life in Roma and Charleville. Indulge in 2 nights of deluxe cabins at Toogunna Plains Station and 3 nights glamping in Longreach at Mitchell Grass Retreat. Visit the Stockman's Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum. Take a Station tour and Thomson River sunset cruise. Unearth dinosaurs in Winton, Waltz with Matilda, take a station tour with insights to the land overseeing all of Queensland’s iconic outback. Then make tracks aboard the Spirit of the Outback train overnight journey to Brisbane.

8 Days Longreach, Winton & Town of 1770 Summer Sale 2024

Escorted group tour from Brisbane to Longreach, Winton & 1770 return

Take advantage of discounted low season fares and make tracks for Longreach on the Spirit of the Outback, an historic rail journey like no other. Then delve deep into outback life visiting The Stockman's Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, Camden Park Station and a trip to the Age of Dinosaurs exhibit in Winton. We then depart the Outback and make our way to the Town of 1770 where we spend 2 nights. Take in the highlights of Agnes Water by land and sea onboard a unique LARC amphibious vehicle.

8 Days Icons of Outback Queensland 2024

Escorted Group Tour from Brisbane to Longreach & Winton return

Dinosaurs, drovers, stations and stars! Make tracks for Queensland's central west on the Spirit of the Outback, an historic rail journey like no other. Then delve deep into outback life staying in Longreach, Toogunna Plains Station and Roma. Visit the Stockman's Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum. Take a Thomson River sunset cruise, unearth dinosaurs in Winton, waltz with Matilda, enjoy a 2 night stay at Toogunna Plains Station, explore Quilpie & see bilbies in Charleville on this insight into Queensland’s iconic outback.

8 Days Off Peak Legendary Longreach & Winton 2024

Group rail tour from Brisbane to Longreach return

Travel off-peak and experience our best-selling FULLY INCLUSIVE Legendary Longreach & Winton tour featuring top Longreach & Winton attractions and hospitality. Take advantage of Qld Rail Travel's 2 for 1 Return First Class Sleeper Rail deal! This tour operates in Nov & Dec 2023 & Feb - Mar 2024.

7 Days Longreach & Winton Outback Experience 2024

A great value tour to Longreach and surrounds including Winton, Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Stockman's Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, Camden Park Station, Thomson River Sunset Cruise, Outback Campfire Dinner.

7 Days 'The Real' Outback Spectacular 2024

Escorted group tour from Brisbane to Longreach and Winton return

The 'real' Outback Spectacular visiting Longreach, QANTAS, Hall of Fame & Stockman's Show, Thomson River Cruise, Riverside Outback Campfire Dinner, Age of Dinosaurs, Sunset Dinner with the Dino’s, 3 Sisters of the Outback, Lark Quarry Dinosaur Stampede, Winton

6-7 Days Legendary Longreach & Winton 2024

Premium Experience Group Tour to Longreach & Winton

The ultimate outback holiday package featuring the best highlights of Longreach & Winton including 3 special evening dining experiences. Combine this tour with rail on the Spirit of the Outback as an added outback adventure!

1 Day Spirit of the Outback Rail Journey

Rail Tour from Brisbane to Longreach or v.v

Enjoy an up-front view of Queensland’s spectacular Outback onboard Spirit of the Outback. Get to know your fellow travellers over a refreshment in the Stockman’s Bar as you venture into the heart of the Outback Queensland on this fascinating 1325km journey between Brisbane and Longreach.

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• 1234-567-8910

Spirit of the Outback Menu

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A delicious Hot Breakfast Meal $7.50 (GF on request) Cereal Bowl Pack with Milk $4.00 (Corn Flakes, Just Right, GF Muesli) Two Slices of Toast $3.00 (Plain or Raisin with condiments) Ham and Cheese Croissant $5.50 Fruit Salad (V) $4.00 Stargazers Hot Breakfast Package $15.00 Includes: One Hot Breakfast Meal, One Fruit Juice (350ml), One Cereal Pack with Milk and One Tea or Coffee Continental Breakfast Package $12.00 Includes: One Muffin, One Fruit Juice (350ml), One Cereal Pack with Milk and One Tea or Coffee

A delicious range of hot meals, $9.50 perfect for lunch or dinner. Ask the onboard staff for todays selections. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. Meat Pie $5.00 Spinach and Ricotta Roll (V) $5.00 Sausage Roll $4.00 Pizza of the Day $9.00 Chicken Tenders and Chips $9.50 Fish and Chips $9.50 Serve of Wedges (V) $4.50

Combo $5.50 Muffin / Biscuits or Lamington with Tea or Coffee Chocolate Bars $3.50 (Kit Kat, Mars Bar, Cadbury Dairy Milk) Assorted Mixed Nuts $3.50 Biscuits (GF available) $3.50 Assorted Muffins $3.50 Lamington $3.50 Fruit Cake $1.50 Cheese and Crackers $3.00 Assorted Potato Chips $3.50 Assorted Packs of Lollies from $2.50 Lifesavers, Quick Eze, Throaties $2.00 Mentos $2.50

Ask the onboard staff for todays selection of: Assorted Sandwiches $5.50 Wraps $7.50 Salads $8.50 Vegetarian and gluten free options are available

Adult Drinks

Served after 10am XXXX Gold 375ml can from $6.50 Carlton Midstrength 375ml can from $6.50 Newstead Brewing Co 3 Quarter Time Session Ale 375ml can from $7.50 Sirromet Shiraz 187ml from $7.50 Sirromet Sauvignon Blanc 187ml from $7.50 Spirits Premix 375ml Mid Strength from $8.00 Jim Beam Bourbon and Cola, Johnny Walker Scotch and Cola, Bundaberg Rum and Cola

Bottled Water from $2.50 Soft Drinks and Flavoured Milk from $3.00 Bottled Juice from $4.00 Assorted Hot Drinks from $2.50

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Spirit of the Outback

​​​​​​​​​​​​spirit of the outback.

Brisbane to Longreach

Head to the heartland of Queensland’s outback aboard the Spirit of the Outback.

The journey between Brisbane and Longreach offers a unique insight into the history and cultures of Australia. Wonder at the ever-changing landscape – as the train makes its way to and from the very heart of the Queensland Outback. Travel the full journey ​or stop for a few days in the many towns along the way. No matter your destination, the adventure is aboard Spirit of the Outback.

​​Customers travelling in Economy seats are able to purchase meals, snacks and beverages from a dedicated servery and return to their allocated seat to enjoy.

Train travel has so many benefits, but trains can be tricky to travel on. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable journey. Find out more about travelling safely with us on our Safety page – Travel Safe .

For specific information on train times, visit our Timetables page ​​ .​

Please contact us on 1800 872 467 to enquire about booking availability.

​* Conditions apply: Prices are per person one-way, subject to availability. Queensland Rail Travel reserves the right to make changes without notice .​​

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Track magic

Victoria Goldfields Railway

Journey back into the gold rush era aboard Victoria Goldfields Railway's steam heritage train that chugs between the historic towns of Castlemaine and Maldon in central Victoria. Opt for the excursion class or go for first class to ride in style in spacious Edwardian-era compartments that grant access to an open observation deck at the front.

The 10.5 mile (17km) trip takes about 50 minutes each way with the train from Castlemaine spending two-and-a-half hours at Maldon, plenty of time for exploring its heritage sites. For serious train lovers, this attraction offers a chance to ride alongside the driver or even to drive a heritage steam or diesel locomotives while in charge of a goods train themselves.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway

From transporting copper to top Tassie attraction, The West Coast Wilderness Railway runs 22 miles (35km) between the old mining town of Queenstown and the port of Strahan on the island’s wild west coast. It’s a short but spectacular trip aboard restored heritage trains, running through tracts of dense ancient rainforest and up some seriously steep slopes. At present it’s not possible to travel the length of the railway in both directions, as the full-day service is suspended until further notice.

Half-day itineraries see passengers board at either Queenstown or Strahan and track along to Dubbil Barril before returning to their departure station. The train makes stops at remote train stations along the way for walks into the rainforest and panning for gold. Highlights include seeing the train being turned on the turntable at Dubbil Barril, climbing one of the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest tracks, crossing the Iron Bridge and traversing the deep chasm of the King River Gorge. 

The Q Train

All aboard, foodies: Victoria’s Q Train is quite the hot culinary ticket. Traveling along the 10 mile (16km) Bellarine Railway from the historic Drysdale station, this railway journey is all about drinking in the views as you savor wines and produce from the bucolic Bellarine Peninsula. Over a luxurious three-hour trip between Drysdale and Queenscliff, passengers feast on a six-course degustation menu while seated in refurbished rail dining cars.

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One of the world's most famous train journeys, t he Ghan is a truly epic ride. Linking Adelaide in the south with Darwin in the north (or vice versa), the Ghan crosses the length of Australia on a three-day journey, spanning 1,851 miles (2,979km). Striking through the red heart of Australia, passengers have the option to add an extra day to their journey to go underground at an opal mine at Coober Pedy, stop at fascinating outback center Alice Springs, or go on a boat tour through the Katherine Gorge. 

Indian Pacific

Traversing the entire width of Australia, the Indian Pacific journeys from Sydney on the east coast to Perth on the west coast (and vice versa) with a stop-off in Adelaide along the way. Spanning four days, three nights, three time zones and a distance of 2,704 miles (4,352km), the train passes through some diverse landscapes. The scenic Blue Mountains (pictured), outback country around Broken Hill, the vast, parched Nullarbor Plain and goldfields of Western Australia are among them.

Spirit of the Outback

Travelers aboard Spirit of the Outback embark on a 26-hour trip that follows the Queensland coastline from Brisbane to Rockhampton until it turns west into the outback to pass through a string of quaint rural towns before terminating in Longreach. Covering 823 miles (1,325km) in total, the train rattles through ever-changing scenery and increasingly rugged terrain.

Passengers can choose between an economy seat or a first-class sleeper cabin, with the latter enjoying meals in the dining carriage, the Tuckerbox Restaurant. Economy passengers can purchase meals and refreshments for the trip in the galley. The train leaves Brisbane on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Longreach on Mondays and Thursdays.

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Scenic train journey options are fairly limited in Western Australia, but the narrow-gauge railway service between Perth and Bunbury in the south is a fun adventure. The Australind , as it's known, covers 112 miles (181km) over the course of two-and-a-half hours and runs south from Perth, passing through a fragrant fruit-growing area that's also renowned for its abundance of wild flowers. There is a dining car on board, should hunger strike. 

The Overland

Running for more than 130 years, The Overland has long been a popular mode of transport for passengers traveling between the cities of Adelaide and Melbourne. The inter-state journey takes a leisurely 11 hours to complete and the train passes through an enthralling range of landscapes, from rugged shrublands to lush green fields and by the lower reaches of mighty Murray River. 

Kuranda Scenic Railway

The two-hour journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway runs from Cairns to Kuranda up in the Atherton Tableland and takes visitors through one of the world's oldest rainforests. The tropical scenery takes in waterfalls, mountains and ravines as well as one of Queensland's most popular national parks, Barron Gorge. In the village of Kuranda, visitors can tour the historic train station, which is more than 100 years old, plus visit a butterfly sanctuary, the Koala Gardens and local markets.

On what is a popular day trip from Cairns Railway Station or Freshwater Railway Station, many passengers combine a one-way ride on the railway with a trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. It's a wonderful way to experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland from different angles.

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Spirit of Queensland

Replacing the much-loved Sunlander in 2014, the  Spirit of Queensland  travels 1,044 miles (1,681km) over 25 hours, connecting Brisbane and Cairns. The long-distance rail service passes through gorgeous tropical landscapes and connects passengers with coastal Queensland's spectacular destinations including hop-off points to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays. 

Modern and efficient, the Spirit of Queensland can travel at speeds of up to 99 miles per hour (160km/h) and promises those aboard a smooth ride. It offers passengers an airline-style experience with a choice of either premium economy seats or a RailBed (seats that convert into a lie-flat bed at night) with different dining options.

Puffing Billy Railway

Often named Australia's finest heritage railway, this is one for serious train fans and history buffs. Harking back to a by-gone era when steam locomotives ruled the rails, Puffing Billy is a relic of the 1920s that still races through the Dandenong Ranges on a one-and-a-half-hour journey. The only survivor of a failed attempt at introducing a series of narrow-gauge lines by the then-named Victorian Railways, Puffing Billy is a piece of living history. The journey goes from Belgrave into Sherbrooke Forest, to the intermediate station of Emerald and onto the historic township of Gembrook.

It's also a hugely popular family outing too. The Puffing Billy is famed for its open-side carriages where people can sit on the carriage sills and dangle their legs, all while taking in the views of the hills, forests, lush gullies and the railway's soaring timber trestle bridges. Trains run daily with one train offering a lunch service. Dinner service is available on Fridays and Saturdays – it's advised to book well in advance. The railway also has doggy specials known as the Puffing Billy Dog Express.

Pichi Richi Railway

Located in the southern part of the spectacular Flinders Ranges in South Australia, Pichi Richi is a tourist heritage railway that gives passengers a glimpse of what it would have been like to travel along the original Ghan route. The train runs between the small outback town of Quorn to Port Augusta at the head of Spencer Gulf via the Pichi Richi Pass.

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As well as taking in the epic landscapes and picturesque country towns of the Flinders, it's a brilliant insight into the country's rail heritage. All Pichi Richi Railway trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages, some of which are more than 130 years old.

Great Southern

Australia's newest luxury long-distance train journey, Great Southern takes its passengers on a magnificent trip to explore the east and southern coasts of mainland Australia. Running between Brisbane and Adelaide, the luxurious bright orange train travels past rugged coastlines, sun-kissed beaches and forested peaks over a course of three days and two nights. 

If the scenery is too enticing, a variety of off-train activities can be arranged for passengers aboard this slick service to explore Victoria's Grampians, Canberra and the Hunter Valley and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. These include outdoor dining experiences, guided nature walks, vineyard tours and visits to cultural and historic sights in the nation's capital. 

Now discover the world's most luxurious train journeys

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