5 Great Reasons to see Australia by train aboard the Indian Pacific
UPDATED: 20/11/2017
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Named after the two oceans the train meets on its journey, the Indian Pacific is renowned as one of the world's greatest train journeys.
But what is it that attracts so many travellers to this iconic train when embarking on a transcontinental Australian holiday? Today, we share 5 of our favourite reasons why a journey on the Indian Pacific is the best way to discover this sunburnt country, from the east coast to the west coast (or west to east).
Rugged Australian Beauty
As you make your way from Sydney to Perth, you'll witness an array of spectacular landscape changes including the majestic Blue Mountains, the treeless limestone plain that is the Nullarbor, the dramatic desert environment surrounding Broken Hill, the golden fields of South Australia's farmlands, and the vibrant cityscapes of Adelaide and Perth, just to name a few.
Should you opt to travel in the opposite direction on the eastbound itinerary, you will encounter the gold fields and wildflowers of Kalgoorlie and the dusty ghost town of Cook as opposed to the remote outpost of Rawlinna.
Either way, your coast-to-coast journey will introduce you to some of Australia's most dramatic and evocative scenery, from the city to the outback.
It's an epic Epicurean Tour of Australia
Your journey aboard the Indian Pacific consists of 4 days of unforgettable dining experiences and a celebration of Australian fare sourced from regions such as the Barossa and Hunter Valleys, the Adelaide Hills and Margaret River.
Platinum and Gold Service guests can enjoy breakfast, a two-course lunch and a three-course dinner each day in the classically styled Queen Adelaide restaurant. It's all part of your all-inclusive fare.
True-blue Aussie dishes featuring premium ingredients such as Top End barramundi, kangaroo, locally-produced beef and lamb, and Margaret River cheeses grace the menu.
All meals are complemented by an impressive drinks list consisting of Australian wines, boutique beers, and non-alcoholic beverages, again all included in your fare.
If you're feeling peckish outside meal times, you can head down to the Outback Explorer Lounge for a drink and a snack. It's the ideal place to socialise with fellow travellers while you indulge in a range of all-inclusive refreshments.
Platinum Service guests also have access to the exclusive Platinum Club where all the regionally-inspired cuisine available in the Queen Adelaide restaurant is on offer and passengers can even help themselves to the self-serve bar.
You could finally experience the Barossa Valley, Kalgoorlie, Perth, or Adelaide!
One of the major features of your Indian Pacific journey that ensures you go home with a suitcase packed full of memories is the incredible range of Off Train excursions included in your Platinum or Gold Service fare.
From Sydney to Perth you will be invited to disembark the train at Broken Hill, Adelaide (or Barossa Valley, the choice is yours) and Rawlinna. Off Train excursions in Broken Hill include visits to the hill-top Miner's Memorial, Palace Hotel and the Pro Hart Gallery.
Your next Off Train experience is a choice between a walking tour of Adelaide and a visit to the famed Barossa Valley - where you will indulge in wine tastings at Seppeltsfield Wines and watch a cooking demonstration at the Maggie Beer Farm Shop.
In Rawlinna, Platinum and Gold Service guests can enjoy an authentic outback roast dinner under the stars.
Upon arrival in Perth, guests can also take advantage of the optional upgrade excursion (at an additional cost) - All About Perth - which is a great introduction to all the major sights of the city.
Meanwhile, if you are travelling from Perth to Sydney the train makes stops in Kalgoorlie, Adelaide, Broken Hill and Cook. In Kalgoorlie, the biggest city in the Australian Outback, the Off Train excursion comprises visits to Hannan's North Tourist Mine, the Chinese Gardens, and a gold mine called the 'Super Pit'.
In Cook, you'll have the chance to take it slow as you embark on a self-guided walk through this eerie and mysterious town.
You'll be rolling in luxury as you travel from coast to coast
From the moment your hospitality attendant ushers you to your private cabin accommodation as the train departs, to your final sumptuous meal in the Queen Adelaide restaurant, you will experience all-inclusive luxury onboard the mighty Indian Pacific.
Guests wishing to experience the ultimate in transcontinental luxury travel should take the time to consider booking a Platinum Service fare.
Platinum Service guests enjoy premium extras including:
- Platinum Transfers
- 75kg luggage allowance per guest
- continental in-cabin breakfasts and refreshments
- access to the exclusive Platinum Club,
- an abundance of space (almost double the space found in the Gold Twin Cabin) and deluxe features such as picture windows and deluxe lounge seating in your Platinum Cabin
These are just a few of the reasons why so many Rail Plus guests agree that Platinum Service is the only way to travel.
Get a true taste for life in the Australian Outback
A journey on the Indian Pacific is one of the best ways to experience the rugged natural beauty of the Australian Outback in style and comfort.
The scheduled outback stops (Rawlinna on Sydney to Perth journey and Cook on Perth to Sydney journey) and Off Train excursions to Broken Hill and Kalgoorlie give you the opportunity to venture completely off the beaten track and immerse yourself in the essence of Australia.
The beguiling landscapes and unique flora & fauna you encounter in these remote locations will leave you in total awe of this wide brown land and make your Indian Pacific holiday a one you will never forget.
Rail Plus is the only rail company with a dedicated Great Train Journeys team that has experienced the Indian Pacific and this means our Australian rail experts are in the best position to assist you with journey planning, discuss your options and ensure you have the best experience possible on your Indian Pacific holiday.
Contact our Great Train Journeys department today:
Email: gtj@railplus.com.au
Telephone: 03 8779 4828
We'd love to help you start organising your epic Australia train trip!