Indian Pacific

Given the distances that the Indian Pacific travels, it goes without saying that you’ll pass some varied landscapes during your time on board. These range from the aptly-named Nullarbor Plain – a desolate wilderness whose name comes from the Latin for ‘no trees’ – to the slopes of the Blue Mountains, covered in verdant eucalyptus forest.

Passenger cabins on board the Indian Pacific are traditional and smart, and hark back to the days of old fashioned luxury train travel in keeping with the general atmosphere. The most luxurious class is Platinum, followed by Gold and Red. In the former, walls are panelled in dark wood, fittings are brass, and the lights are dim, making the cabins very atmospheric; large windows also make them a great place to gaze at southern Australia as it whizzes past your window. Guests have access to a shared kitchenette area, although you will also be waited on by a host who will cater to your every whim.

All food and drink is included during your time on board, with delicious gourmet cuisine served up in the rarefied, Old World atmosphere of the Queen Adelaide restaurant car. The dishes are Australian and display the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, domestically-sourced produce, such as Top End barramundi, Margaret River cheeses, kangaroo, and locally-reared beef and lamb. Food is accompanied by a range of beverages which includes Australian wines, beers and non-alcoholic drinks. The restaurant serves hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners. Platinum guests can also choose to dine in the Platinum Club.

In the Outback Explorer lounge cars, you can relax and enjoy a drink and a snack while socialising with your friends or family or swapping stories with your fellow travellers, as you watch the beautiful landscapes and wildlife go by your window. The lounges include bookshelves and games corners, if you fancy simply whiling away a few hours.

There is a wide variety of off-train excursions on offer at the various stop-off points on your journey. In laid-back Perth, you can take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Kings Park & Botanic Garden, or soak up some culture at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. The desert town of Broken Hill is a unique destination, an oasis of beautiful buildings, art galleries and attractions surrounded by scorched red earth as far as the eye can see, dotted with emus and kangaroos. Adelaide is home to great food and wine and beautiful architecture, and Sydney’s iconic buildings, world-class culture and brilliant beaches need no introduction.