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Experience Australia with a combination of luxury train travel and incredible natural wonders, journeying between Adelaide and Alice Springs in Gold Service on the world-famous Ghan.
From the Blue Mountains and Great Ocean Road to the breathtaking monolith of Uluru and the dazzling colours of the Great Barrier Reef, discover Australia's jaw-dropping beauty on guided tours and unique experiences.
Enjoy a dinner cruise in Sydney Harbour, explore the Yarra Valley's revered wine region and uncover the sights of Melbourne, before this unforgettable holiday concludes amid the rainforests of Cairns.
Unforgettable Experiences
What’s included on the tour?
Itinerary
Your incredible discovery of Australia begins as your meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the group at London Heathrow, boarding a flight to Australia.
As we travel overnight, we can begin to look forward to a sensational holiday taking in numerous bucket list destinations throughout Australia. From Sydney and its iconic harbour, we will discover world-class wine regions, and natural wonders including Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef - and, of course, ride on the world-famous Ghan train.
Additional information
Hotels
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 over 125 years, providing breathtaking views over one of the most stunning areas of Australia. The 23 mile (37 kilometre) long track winds through the lush green World Heritage Rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and a variety of different birds, fauna and reptiles, before it terminates at the small mountain village of Kuranda.
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 favourable climate and a plentiful water supply.
With its reputation as Australia's favourite 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.
Australia's Afghan Express, now affectionately referred to as The Ghan, offers Great Rail Journeys' guests an epic travel experience through this remarkable country.
The Overland train 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 on 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.
Enhance your holiday
Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.
Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.
We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.
Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.
We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.
For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.
Upgrades to Gold Premium and Platinum Class on the Ghan are available upon request.
Gold Premium offers exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Restaurant, priority check-in, increased luggage allowance and a private en suite.
Platinum Class includes much more spacious cabins, access to the luxurious Platinum Club carriage, full-size en suite, expansive windows, premium toiletries and more.