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Rail Travel

There is something exciting and romantic about rail travel. The old steam engine, puffing up hills and around corners was an awesome sight.
Today we no longer have the steam engine…but the magic of the ride is no less magnificent.
We have a rail system that spans through WA, SA, Vic., NSW, and Qld.
A new rail network of 4000km from Melbourne to Darwin with a link to Brisbane is on track to start soon

Queensland Rail's high speed Tilt Train has reduced travelling time between Brisbane & Rockhampton.
The entire train is fitted with video & audio entertainment Business class fitted with luxury airline style seat including personal service and includes all meals. Pay phone & fax facilities are also available

Sunshine Rail’s motto "New Friends, New Places, Great times" has been their theme for the last 35 yrs. It is a fully escorted (two tour managers) private train, that travels the Queensland coast, Brisbane to Caines, heads west on an Outback adventure and a Southern downs Country experience.
The latter two happens only once a year.
One of their tours…. the Luxury Brisbane – Cains – Brisbane option starts at 8.50am from Roma Street Station, Brisbane on a Monday. Heads past the Glasshouse Mountains, through Nambour and Gympie reaching Maryborough mid afternoon. A coach trip to Hervey Bay,Dinner and entertainment by Eliza Fraser’s Old Time Music Show, makes your first day.
Day 2 starts with a coach tour of Maryborough followed by lunch at your seat….and then a tour of Gladstone. At Rockhampton coaches take you to Yeppoon..you stay the night at Capricorn International Resort.
Day 3 you have a choice of touring the resort ’s Wetlands or a round of golf on one of two championship golf courses.
Day 4 you travel through St Lawrence on your way to Proserpine, where you have a short tour to Repulse Bay.
Day 5 A late start gives you plenty of time to take a self guided walk through the beautiful gardens at Laguna Quays Resort, then join the train to Bowen. After a tour of Bowen it’s off to Townsville.
Day 6 Your final day is a visit to Ingham and the Herbert River District. Lunch at the original "Pub With No Beer, then on to Caines.
Day 7 & 8 are free days to explore Caines.
Day 9 You are transferred to Caines Railway Station for your trip back to Brisbane on The Queenslander. Arrive at Brisbane at 4.10pm on day 10.

THE GHAN
This legendary train has traveller from Adelaide to Australia's Red Centre for 70 years, now operates from Sydney. The Ghan has a weekly service Sydney to Alice Springs. The 2856km trip leaves Sydney every Sunday at 1.15pm travels via Adelaide and arrives at Alice 45 hrs later on the Tuesday at 10.00am.The return trip leaves Alice Springs at 1.00pm on Friday. The train can carry 276 passengers in 17 carriages.

Indian Pacific
The almost 5000km journey from Sydney to Perth on the Indian Pacific is a great way to see the varied faces of our great country.
A Gold Kangaroo ticket will get you a cabin with bathroom and shower. and includes meals in the buffer car with a varied menu ranging from Asian cuisine to Kangaroo.
The atmosphere is very friendly, especially in the Lounge car after a few drinks, where you get the chance to swap stories with fellow travellers.
The train leaves Sydney at 2.55pm on Saturday and Wednesday and arrives in Perth at about 9.30am on Tuesday & Saturday. The return trip leaves Perth at 11.55am on Wednesday & Sunday
On it's journey to Broken Hill the train passes suburban stations, up through Katoomba, Lithgow, Bathurst, Parkes and at daybreak (around 8.00am) you get a chance to stretch your legs on solid ground for about an hour. By afternoon you arrive at Adelaide having travelled through some dry outback farming country. From there it's on to Kalgoorlie about 7.30pm on the second day.
The two and a half day journey comes to an end the next morning when you arrive at Perth at about 9.30am.
There are numerous options when travelling on the Indian Pacific with discounted prices at various times of the year.
For more information visit http://www.trainways.com.au

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