It’s the longest scenic rail journey in Australia, and it will transport you through some of the most diverse landscapes the red continent has to offer. With a name as romantic as the places you’ll get to visit, the Indian Pacific is an epic 4,352 kilometre, luxury train excursion that carries its passengers between Sydney and Perth (a 4 day journey experienced from east to west, or 5 days in the opposite direction).
Hop aboard this internationally acclaimed train, and you’ll understand why travellers flock to book for the journey. Decked out in a range of accommodation to suit all budgets, the Indian Pacific is a cost-inclusive package of quality hospitality including fine dining, world class wines, and off-train experiences taking you into the heart of Australian culture. Step aboard and you’ll soon understand why ‘relaxation’ (unpack just once), security, and memorable sight-seeing opportunities are at the heart of Indian Pacific travel, and why the pleasure of mixing and mingling with like-minded travellers means you need never be alone. Those who’ve made this iconic train journey relate tales of deserts as well as desserts; wild Australia as well as winning wines.
Depending on whether you embark at Perth or Sydney, your journey will be slightly different but just as memorable. Departing from Perth, guests aboard the Indian Pacific find themselves waking, on their first morning, to a sunrise in the outback, followed by an exploration of Kalgoorlie, Australia’s largest outback town. Next on the agenda is a scenic clickety-clack across the mighty Nullarbor Plain, and for railway enthusiasts, the chance to put another notch in their belts as they travel the longest (478-kilometre) straight stretch of railway track in the world! Borders are crossed, time zones change, and before you know it, you’re stopping for a nightcap round a bonfire in the ghost-town-quiet settlement of Cook (population at last count: 71!).
Just when you thought Australia was all about big dry plains, the Indian Pacific delivers its passengers into the farming heart of remote South Australia. As you leave behind The Flinders Ranges, Spenser Gulf, and the Adelaide Plains, the lush, green arms of the Barossa Valley spread out to welcome you. Renowned for its German heritage and internationally acclaimed wines, this picturesque region is yours to enjoy when you disembark the train and board a comfy coach. There’s wining and dining at the Seppeltsfield Estate before you return to your comfortable accommodation on the train. Seeing the best Australia has to offer has never been easier, which is what makes your Indian Pacific journey so enjoyable.
As you arrive at Broken Hill, the silver mining capital of the country, there’s every opportunity to discover local history, dabble in the arts, or cook up a pav (but best not to debate whether it’s us or ‘them’ that invented the recipe!). Whether you decide to spend your final day exploring the Blue Mountains or opt to continue on to Sydney, saying farewell to the Indian Pacific is never easy. Because, with every arrangement taken care of for you, you’ve been pampered like the special guest you are.
From being in a country where you know the language (albeit with a smattering of Aussie slang), to knowing you’re never more than a short flight from home, it’s no wonder Grownups are opting for the stress-free Indian Pacific train journey. Who could have guessed ‘just across the ditch’ had so much to offer, and at such affordable prices.
If you’re interested in exploring this incredible journey for yourself, check out GrownUps Holidays amazing Southern Explorer holiday, including a Sydney stay and 11 night cruise here
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