About Us

Traveling by train with Great Southern Rail is a relaxed and comfortable way to see the major cities and stunning outback of Australia.

Whether it is between Darwin and Adelaide on the legendary Ghan, Sydney to Perth aboard the mighty Indian Pacific or from Melbourne to Adelaide on the scenic Overland, you can stretch your legs on our popular trains.

Enjoy comfortable seats, economical sleepers, a place to chill out in our lounges, snacks and dinner in our licensed on-board cafe/bars and shower facilities on most of our trains.

CountryLink provides long distance passenger rail services, supported by an extensive coach network. Our fleet of XPT and XPLORER trains and road coaches provide services to more than 360 destinations throughout New South Wales and to interstate destinations including Brisbane, Canberra, and Melbourne.

With a destination to suit every taste, passengers can travel south to Canberra, the nations capital and on through Southern New South Wales to Victoria and Melbourne. Head west to the wide-open spaces of Broken Hill and the Outback, or go north to the beautiful beaches and warmth of the sub-tropics.

A Queensland Rail Travel holiday is the most relaxing way to experience the beauty and contrasts of Queensland.

Whatever holiday adventure you wish for – discovering the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, pioneer towns, secluded islands and palm-fringed beaches – nobody knows or covers our vast state like Queensland like Queensland Rail Travel.

Relax in the utmost comfort aboard our traditional and modern trains, feasting your eyes on breathtaking sights. Our friendly staff will take care of your every need.

Why see Australia by rail?

More than simply a mode of transport that takes you to your destination, a train journey becomes an unforgettable part of your holiday experience. Whilst others are rushing to their destinations 35,000 feet above, you are calmly weaving your way through Australia's stunning scenery, from the lush tropics to the bountiful farmlands to the red dusty outback and along the Australian eastern coastline.

In a comfortable padded reclining seat you can stroll to the bar and settle into an easy conversation with fellow passengers or enjoy a meal from the dining/buffet carriage. After all, it's about making your journey into a holiday!

Three train companies have formed the Rail Australia Alliance to offer you a choice of rail passes at exceptional value.

The Rail Australia Passes offer flexibility and value for money, with seven Rail Passes offering unlimited travel for either three or six months so you can hop on and off when and how you like. The East Coast Discovery Pass is a directional pass which offers shorter distances along the east coast at excellent value. You might want to see all of Australia or if time is limited you may want to focus on particular areas - there is a rail pass for you.

There are eight rail passes to choose from and they are detailed on this website. The maps next to each of the rail passes, highlights the places that the rail pass can take you. Enjoy seeing Australia by rail!

Three train companies have formed the Rail Australia Alliance to ensure you see the very best of Australia. From North to South, East to West and combined with the services along the East Coast of Australia you will not miss seeing any of it.

As part of the alliance the train companies now offer you a choice of rail passes at exceptional value!

CountryLink
operating the XPT and XPLORER along with a fleet of coaches to reach over 360 destinations in and around the state of New South Wales.
Queensland Rail Travel
operating The Sunlander, Tilt Train, Spirit of the Outback, The Inlander and The Westlander.
Great Southern Rail
operating The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland.

Top 10 Reasons

  • Great value for money rail passes
  • Comfortable padded and reclining seats
  • Toilets and showers (available on most services)
  • Ability to move around the train
  • Meet fellow travellers in a vibrant atmosphere
  • Connects Australian holiday destinations
  • Can see Australian landscapes
  • Flexibility to eat and drink on board at affordable prices
  • Onboard entertainment on most services (on some services on board entertainment for hire)
  • Option to upgrade to sleepers on overnight journeys
More holiday snaps