Trains suit travellers who want the scale of the outback without the long days behind the wheel, the fatigue risk, or the cost of a 4WD hire. There are two broad types. Journey Beyond's premium, all-inclusive trains are The Ghan and the Indian Pacific. Queensland Rail's Travel Trains are mid-priced and practical, with seats and sleepers, and they reach towns deep in outback Queensland.
The Ghan (Adelaide–Alice Springs–Darwin)
The Ghan runs north–south through the centre of Australia, linking Adelaide with Darwin via Alice Springs and Katherine. The route is 2,979 km. Journey Beyond says the train marked 95 years of outback crossings in 2024, and the name dates from 1929.
- Adelaide to Darwin: three days and two nights, with off-train experiences at Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine. At Katherine, options include cruising Nitmiluk Gorge. Journey Beyond's package page lists Sunday departures (February to November). Journey Beyond has announced that from 2027 the northbound journey will be extended to four days and three nights, adding the Clare Valley and the Flinders Ranges.
- The Ghan Expedition (Darwin to Adelaide): a four-day, three-night southbound journey in season, with stops including Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. Journey Beyond describes a dinner at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and a stop at Manguri siding.
- Cabins: Gold, Gold Premium and Platinum classes, plus Aurora Australis Suites. Journey Beyond says the train can reach up to a kilometre long in peak season.
- Fares: Journey Beyond lists fares by cabin, season and fare type. Its Adelaide to Darwin package page showed Gold Single advance-purchase fares from about $2,165 per person when we checked. Fares change, so treat that only as a guide.
Many travellers ride The Ghan one way and drive or fly the other. You can also break the journey at Alice Springs and visit Uluru. See the Uluru itinerary and the Red Centre guide.
The Indian Pacific (Sydney–Broken Hill–Adelaide–Perth)
The Indian Pacific runs about 4,352 km coast to coast, from Sydney through the Blue Mountains, Broken Hill and Adelaide, then across the Nullarbor Plain to Perth. The trip takes about four days, with off-train stops in remote places such as Cook and Rawlinna, depending on the itinerary. It's the rail alternative to crossing the Nullarbor by road.
Queensland Rail outback trains
Outback Queensland Tourism lists three Queensland Rail Travel Trains reaching the outback:
| Train | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit of the Outback | Brisbane–Longreach | 1,325 km, about 26 hours, twice weekly each way |
| Westlander | Brisbane–Charleville | Twice weekly; coach connections to towns further west |
| Inlander | Townsville–Mount Isa | Twice weekly |
Spirit of the Outback
Queensland Rail lists the Spirit of the Outback as 1,325 km and about 26 hours. It departs Brisbane on Tuesday at 6:10 pm and Saturday at 2:40 pm, and Longreach on Monday and Thursday at 10:00 am. It offers First Class sleepers with dining, and Economy seats with a servery selling meals and drinks. RailBus coach connections link Longreach and Winton. You can travel the full journey or break it at towns along the way. Prices and timetables change, so check Queensland Rail Travel before you book.
The train makes a natural start to a central-west Queensland trip. In Longreach you'll find the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum. Winton is a coach ride away. See the Matilda Way.
Westlander and Inlander
The Westlander links Brisbane with Charleville, home of the Cosmos Centre, the Bilby Experience and the RFDS Visitor Centre. The Inlander links Townsville with Mount Isa, via towns such as Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek and Cloncurry on Queensland's Dinosaur Trail. See the Dinosaur Trail.
Planning tips
- Book early for the cooler months, from about April to September, when demand peaks.
- Arrange transport at the far end. Outback stations are often some distance from attractions, so book a hire car, tour or transfer in advance.
- Pack for temperature swings. Desert nights in winter can be cold, while the Top End is warm all year. See outback weather by month.
- Families: Queensland Rail suggests bringing books, games and downloaded entertainment for the kids. See outback with kids.
- Accessibility: ask the operator about accessible cabins and seats when you book.
Combining rail with a road trip
Popular combinations include:
- The Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs, then a hire car for the Red Centre.
- The Spirit of the Outback to Longreach, then a hire car along the Matilda Way.
- The Indian Pacific one way and a drive across the Nullarbor the other.
For flying alternatives, see scenic flights and air tours.
Which train should I choose?
- For a once-in-a-lifetime luxury trip: The Ghan or the Indian Pacific. Fares include meals, drinks and off-train excursions. They're priced as premium holidays rather than transport.
- For practical outback transport: Queensland Rail's Spirit of the Outback, Westlander or Inlander. Seats and sleepers cost far less, and you can hop off in outback towns along the way.
- For the Red Centre: The Ghan to Alice Springs, combined with a hire car or tour for Uluru and the MacDonnell Ranges.
- For the Nullarbor: the Indian Pacific, which crosses the treeless plain by rail.
Interesting facts about The Ghan
- Journey Beyond says The Ghan's name was "immortalised" in 1929. It honours the Afghan cameleers who helped open up the inland. See the cameleers.
- The train has played roles in World War II troop transport and in mining, transport and agriculture.
- In peak season, Journey Beyond says the train can be up to a kilometre long.
- The menu features regional produce such as barramundi, quandong and saltbush.
Dress code and luggage
Journey Beyond's premium trains are generally smart-casual. Pack comfortable clothes for off-train excursions, with layers for cold desert nights. Cabin space is limited, so check the operator's luggage rules and pack a small overnight bag for the cabin. Queensland Rail also has baggage limits for each fare type, so check them when you book.
Accessibility and mobility
Train travel avoids long drives, but some off-train excursions involve walking on uneven ground or climbing into vehicles. Ask the operator about accessible cabins, assistance at stations and the physical demands of each excursion when you book.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is there a train from Darwin to Alice Springs?
Yes. The Ghan runs between Darwin and Adelaide via Katherine and Alice Springs. Journey Beyond Rail sells the full journey and shorter sectors. The Darwin to Adelaide direction is also offered as the longer Ghan Expedition in season.
How long is The Ghan journey?
The Adelaide to Darwin route is 2,979 km. The standard journey is three days and two nights, with off-train experiences at Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine. The southbound Ghan Expedition runs four days and three nights. Journey Beyond has announced that the northbound journey will extend to four days from 2027.
How long does the Spirit of the Outback take?
Queensland Rail lists the Brisbane to Longreach journey as 1,325 km and about 26 hours. It departs Brisbane on Tuesdays at 6:10 pm and Saturdays at 2:40 pm, and Longreach on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00 am. Timetables can change, so check before booking.
Are there sleepers on the Spirit of the Outback?
Yes. Queensland Rail offers First Class sleepers as well as Economy seats. Economy passengers can buy meals and drinks from an onboard servery.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- The Ghan — Journey Beyond Rail
- Adelaide to Darwin — Journey Beyond Rail
- The Ghan media portal — Journey Beyond
- Indian Pacific — Journey Beyond Rail
- Spirit of the Outback — Queensland Rail Travel
- Outback Queensland rail experiences — Outback Queensland Tourism Association
