Train Journeys in Oceania

The Ghan, Australia One of the world’s great train journeys, running 2,979km through the heart of the continent between Adelaide and Darwin. Over several days it crosses the Red Centre near Alice Springs, with off-train excursions and fine outback dining. It is rail travel as a grand adventure.

Indian Pacific, Australia A true transcontinental epic linking Sydney and Perth across 4,352km, including the longest dead-straight stretch of railway on earth over the Nullarbor Plain. The three-night journey is as much a cruise as a train ride. Whistle-stop tours break the vast distances.

TranzAlpine, New Zealand Widely rated one of the most scenic rail trips in the world, crossing the South Island from Christchurch to Greymouth. In under five hours it climbs through the Southern Alps, over viaducts and gorges and past braided rivers. Open-air viewing cars maximise the spectacle.

Coastal Pacific, New Zealand Hugging the South Island’s northeast coast between Picton and Christchurch, this line threads between the Kaikoura mountains and the crashing Pacific. Seals, vineyards and rugged shoreline slide past the windows. It connects with the interisland ferry from Wellington.

The Overland, Australia A classic daytime run between Melbourne and Adelaide across the pastoral heart of the southeast. It is a relaxed, scenic way to link two of Australia’s great food-and-wine cities. The rolling farmland and big skies make for easy watching.

The Great Southern, Australia A seasonal luxury service tracing the southeast coast between Adelaide and Brisbane, with immersive stops in wine country and along the shore. It combines fine dining and off-train experiences in true Australian rail style. The itinerary changes with the season.

Spirit of Queensland, Australia A sleek tilt train running the long tropical coast from Brisbane to Cairns, with lie-flat ‘RailBed’ seats. Over 24 hours it passes beaches, cane fields and reef gateways. It is the relaxed way to travel the Sunshine State.

Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia A beautifully engineered heritage line that climbs from Cairns through rainforest, tunnels and past Barron Falls to the village of Kuranda. Pair it with the Skyrail cableway for a spectacular loop. The tropical scenery is superb.

The Northern Explorer, New Zealand Links Auckland and Wellington through the volcanic heart of the North Island, passing the peaks of Tongariro and the celebrated Raurimu Spiral. A comfortable, big-window way to cross the island. The central plateau scenery is a highlight.

West Coast Wilderness Railway, Australia A restored heritage rack-and-pinion railway climbing through dense Tasmanian rainforest between Queenstown and Strahan. Steam locomotives haul it over gorges and past waterfalls on original 1890s engineering. It is a journey into the island’s wild mining past.

Puffing Billy, Australia Australia’s finest heritage steam railway winds through the fern gullies and forests of the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne. Riding with your legs dangling over the sides is a beloved local tradition. It is a nostalgic day out for all ages.

Taieri Gorge Railway, New Zealand A dramatic heritage line from Dunedin into the rugged Taieri Gorge, crossing towering wrought-iron viaducts and tunnels. It is one of the best day trips on the South Island. The engineering and scenery are equally impressive.