Australind
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.
Ida Bay Railway
Australia’s most southern most railway is virtually unknown. Technically it’s a tramway built in the 1890’s to take limestone out to the waiting ships in the port. It runs from Ida Bay (south of Southport, Tasmania) to Deep Hole which has a mile long secluded beach. You can even camp out overnight and get the train the next day.
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.
Indian Pacific
Essentially a hotel on wheels, the coast-to-coast Indian Pacific train service spares no luxury. Passengers have private bedrooms with double beds, a restaurant which serves up modern Australian cuisine peppered with native ingredients and a lovely lounge to relax in during the day and admire the views.
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.
Pichi Richi Railway
Pichi Richi Railway is a heritage tourist railway and operating museum, running regular heritage train journeys on the oldest remaining section of the famous narrow gauge old Ghan railway. Pichi Richi Railway has its headquarters at Quorn, in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. Trains depart from Quorn and Port Augusta.
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.
Puffing Billy
Is a hard to beat day trip, for rail fans and the public.
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.
Spirit of the Outback
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.
The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin
I hope to do this trip once the boys are a bit older and more patient. The articles that I have read about the trip indicate it is great for rail fans and the public.
One of the world’s most famous train journeys, the 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.
The Indian Pacific, from Sydney to Perth
This one is on the to do list.
The Overland
Running for more than 130 years, The Overland has long been a popular mode of transport for passengers travelling between the cities of Adelaide and Melbourne. The interstate 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 the mighty Murray River.
Spirit of Queensland (was the Sunlander)
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.
The Q Train
All aboard, foodies: Victoria’s Q Train is quite the hot culinary ticket. Travelling along the 10 mile (16km) Bellarine Railway from the historic Drysdale station, this railway journey is all about drinking in the views as you savour 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.
The Savannahlander from Cairns to Forsayth
This one is on the to do list.
Tourists and rail enthusiasts enjoy the rail trip, with a lot of scenic highlights and wildlife. Off train tours make the trip a most enjoyable travel experience. I rate the Savannahlander ahead of the IP and Ghan, as a “Must Do” rail travel experience.
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.
West Coast Wilderness Railway (Tasmania)
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.
This is a world-class rail travel experience. Yet to travel on this one. Last time I was in Tasmania, the locomotive was in a museum. It’s great to see old railways become reborn again.
Walhalla Goldfields Railway
This is one of Puffing Billy’s “sister” railways. An excellent ride along the cliff walls for most of the way. An engineering feat both in construction and restoration.
Miniature Railways
I’m usually not a big fan of miniature railways as being tall I have problems fitting into them. They are a lot cheaper to ride than the full size railways, which is one notable advantage.
Diamond Valley Railway
This miniature railway near where we live is the best 7.25″ railways in Australia. Well worth a ride.
Railways Ridden
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Warrnambool with West Coast Railway
A scenic canter to Warrnambool with West Coast Rail and their magnificent R-Class locomotive R-711.
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Victorian Goldfields Railway
A trip on the delightful VGR, which is still going strong.
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South Gippsland Railway
The now defunct South Gippsland Railway has some beautiful scenery. It can now be appreciated from the rail trail.