Why rail tours are a great way to see Australia

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Why Rail Tours are a Great Way to See Australia
The Ghan train waiting at a remote station in the Australian Outback, ready to begin its iconic luxury rail journey through central Australia.
By
Annette
Tour Host
July 11, 2025
9
minute read

Train tours offer the perfect solution if you’re looking for a stress-free, scenic, and luxurious way to explore Australia. Whether crossing the vast outback, winding through the Blue Mountains, or enjoying a seaside railway journey, rail travel lets you sit back and relax while taking in breathtaking landscapes.

For those over 50, Australian train travel packages provide a seamless and all-inclusive travel experience. From the iconic Ghan Expedition to the transcontinental Indian Pacific train, each journey offers comfort, adventure, and camaraderie with like-minded travellers.

Why train tours are an amazing way to see Australia

1. Stress-free travel with no driving required

Forget the hassle of long drives, navigating highways, or dealing with airport security. Rail travel is a favourite among different types of tours because it allows you to sit back, unwind in your sleeper train cabin, and let the landscapes unfold before you.

2. Scenic landscapes from the comfort of a carriage

From the rugged outback of the Northern Territory to the Nullarbor Plain, every train trip offers an awe-inspiring experience. Watch the sunrise over the Red Centre, marvel at the vastness of South Australia, or enjoy the rolling vineyards of McLaren Vale—all without leaving your seat.

3. A social experience with like-minded travellers

Rail tours are packages for over 50s designed for those who love to explore Australia in good company. Whether you're swapping stories in the Outback Explorer Lounge or sharing a gourmet meal in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, you’ll meet fellow travellers who share your passion for discovery.

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Explore our rail tours

Rail tours give you a unique and unforgettable experience. It's the perfect way to cover long distances while still getting to see the landscape up close.

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Top benefits of rail tours across Australia

Exploring Australia by train offers a relaxing, scenic, and hassle-free way to travel. Whether crossing the rugged outback, winding through coastal landscapes, or enjoying a luxury onboard experience, rail tours provide an unforgettable journey. With comfort, accessibility, and immersive sightseeing, here’s why rail travel is one of the best ways to see Australia.

Relaxation and comfort onboard

One of the most significant benefits of rail travel is the ability to unwind while truly experiencing the beauty of Australia’s landscapes. Unlike long road trips or crowded flights, train journeys offer a seamless route that prioritises comfort and relaxation.

Spacious sleeper train cabins provide plush bedding, ensuring a restful journey as you travel from Perth to Sydney or across South Australia’s rolling vineyards.

Dedicated lounge areas, such as the renowned Outback Explorer Lounge, allow travellers to socialise, read, or enjoy the view with a glass of wine.

Gourmet dining with locally sourced Australian cuisine ensures that every meal is a highlight of the trip. Many railway operators source ingredients from nearby farms and producers, offering an authentic taste of the regions you pass through.

Accessibility for most levels of mobility

Travel should be enjoyable for everyone, and rail journeys are designed to accommodate passengers with varying mobility needs. Whether you’re embarking on the Spirit of the Outback or a scenic Perth tour, accessibility is a top priority.

Step-free access at major railway stations ensures that all passengers can quickly board and disembark. Tourism Australia has worked alongside operators to make these journeys more accessible.

Guided tours with walking tour options tailored for all fitness levels allow every traveller to participate in excursions at their own pace.

Assistance is available for those needing extra support, from station staff providing boarding assistance to onboard accommodations designed for comfort.

For those who want to help you discover the best of Australia’s rail network, these features make train travel one of the most inclusive and enjoyable ways to see the country.

The immersive experience of diverse landscapes

Train travel tours for over 50s offer a unique way to travel through Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes, providing uninterrupted views of rugged coastlines, desert plains, and lush forests.

See one of the world’s most famous rail views as the Indian Pacific train crosses the Nullarbor Plain, a vast and remote expanse of untouched wilderness.

Travel through Western Australia’s Indian Ocean coastline, where the sparkling sea and community towns showcase the region's beauty.

Witness the red sands of the Heart of the Outback near Alice Springs, where the landscape shifts into a striking contrast of ochre rock formations and open skies.

Many train journeys also integrate cultural experiences, allowing travellers to pay their respects to Indigenous communities along the way. Whether they learn about the rich traditions of the South Australian First Nations people or explore the Dreamtime stories of the Red Centre, these rail experiences bring history and culture to life.

Delicious gourmet meal served onboard a luxury rail trip, featuring locally sourced Australian cuisine and fine dining in an elegant train carriage.

Luxury and convenience with premium rail options

For those seeking luxury train tours in Australia, all-inclusive rail journeys offer an elevated experience with premium service, fine dining, and exclusive off-train excursions.

All-inclusive holiday packages cover meals, drinks, and guided excursions, allowing travellers to discover the best time to visit iconic destinations without the hassle of planning every detail.

Minimise environmental impact by choosing eco-conscious rail operators. Many leading companies hold Green Travel Leader certification, ensuring their planning and operations prioritise sustainability.

Award-winning rail travel experiences combine comfort with adventure, offering everything from private sleeper cabins to fine dining at the renowned Queen Adelaide Restaurant.

For travellers looking for the perfect Perth tour or an unforgettable cross-country rail journey, these luxury train tours ensure a comfortable, seamless, and immersive way to experience Australia’s most scenic routes.

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Award winning tours

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Popular train journeys to experience in Australia

From the Outback's red sands to Queensland's coastal beauty, Australia boasts some of the world’s most iconic rail journeys. Whether you seek luxury, adventure, or breathtaking scenery, these train tours across Australia offer an unforgettable way to explore the country in comfort and style.

The Ghan Expedition: Darwin to Adelaide

One of the most famous train journeys in the world, the Ghan journey takes you through the desert landscape of Australia’s Red Centre.

  • Explore Alice Springs and the underground town of Coober Pedy.
  • Enjoy a morning of off-train excursions, including guided tours through Indigenous cultural sites.
  • Dining highlight: The Queen Adelaide Restaurant serves gourmet meals featuring local ingredients.

Indian Pacific: Sydney to Perth

Spanning Sydney and Perth, this railway adventure is a trip of a lifetime across the Australian continent.

  • Board the Indian Pacific and experience the changing landscapes from New South Wales to Western Australia.
  • Stop at Broken Hill, Adelaide, and the vast Nullarbor Plain.
  • Dining highlight: Sip wine while watching the Indian Pacific arrive in Perth.

Spirit of Queensland: Brisbane to Cairns

This route combines rainforests, coastal beauty, and Indigenous culture, making it a perfect holiday tour in Australia with rail.

  • Experience all-inclusive rail travel with modern railway cabins.
  • Visit Great Barrier Reef excursions, Daintree Rainforest, and Port Douglas.
  • Walking tour through historic Queensland towns.
     

Great Southern: Adelaide to Brisbane

A scenic train tour in Australia for wine lovers and coastal explorers.

  • Travel along South Australia’s vineyards in McLaren Vale.
  • Enjoy awe-inspiring views along the southern coastline.
  • Walking tours in Brisbane, Melbourne, and South Wales.

What to expect on a Fun Over 50 rail tour

Guided experiences and group camaraderie

  • Tour leaders ensure a seamless experience.
  • Coach tours complement rail travel, taking you deeper into the heart of the Outback.

Accommodation and meal inclusions

  • Luxury sleeper train cabins for maximum comfort.
  • All-inclusive dining featuring regional specialties.

[featured_testimonial]

Longreach–Winton March 2023. We were treated like royalty from the time we met the Spirit of the Outback train in Brisbane. Our Hostess, Annette and Coach captain Simon, were truly professional. Our tour was over and above everything we expected, all inclusive and more.
IAN AND JAN

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How to choose the right rail tour for you

[table]

[thead]

[tr]

[th]Factor[/th]

[th]Luxury Scenic Journeys[/th]

[th]Classic Rail Adventures[/th]

[th]Short Getaways[/th]

[/tr]

[/thead]

[tbody]

[tr]

[td]Best For[/td]

[td]Fine dining & relaxation[/td]

[td]Exploring iconic locations[/td]

[td]Quick escapes[/td]

[/tr]

[tr]

[td]Duration[/td]

[td]3–7 days[/td]

[td]2–5 days[/td]

[td]1–3 days[/td]

[/tr]

[tr]

[td]Destinations[/td]

[td]Sydney to Perth, Darwin to Adelaide[/td]

[td]Brisbane to Cairns, Melbourne to Adelaide[/td]

[td]Shorter scenic routes[/td]

[/tr]

[/tbody]

[/table]

Budget considerations

  • Luxury train tours Australia: Premium services, all-inclusive experiences.
  • Standard rail trips: More budget-friendly with optional add-ons.

Scenic vs. luxury experiences

If you love gourmet dining and plush cabins, opt for a luxury rail journey. If you prefer rugged landscapes and off-train adventures, choose an outback train experience.

A rail journey like no other 

Travelling across Australia by train offers the best comfort, scenery, and adventure. Whether seeking a seamless, all-inclusive luxury experience or a journey through Australia’s outback, there’s no better way to explore.

Ready to embark on a train ride of a lifetime? Fun Over 50 Holidays has the perfect rail tour for you!

Book Your Rail Adventure Today

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