When it comes to bucket list adventures in Australia, The Ghan is in a league of its own. Renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious rail journeys, it whisks passengers on an unforgettable multi-day train journey through the heart of Australia’s vast outback. For more than 50 years, The Ghan’s sister, the Indian Pacific route, has been traversing the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track between Perth and Sydney. This year, Journey Beyond – the company behind both – is upping the ante with an incredible, new five-day itinerary, featuring immersive experiences in Kalgoorlie, the Barossa Valley, the Blue Mountains and more. It sure looks like a journey beyond compare that, dare we say, lives up to the company's name.
Chugging along from Perth, the extended five-day, four-night Indian Pacific journey is all-inclusive of off-train experiences, gourmet meals, fine wines and beverages – meaning once you’ve stowed your suitcases, you can sink (and clink) straight into holiday mode. Rest assured, a good night’s sleep is definitely on the cards too, with contemporary sleeper cabins that let you wake up to stunning sunrises right outside your window.
The new itinerary kicks off with a stop in Kalgoorlie, Australia’s largest outback town, where passengers can enjoy an all-inclusive tour of the country’s largest gold-producing mine. As the journey continues along the Nullarbor Plain, the train enters South Australia by night, pulling into the almost-ghost-town of Cook for a nightcap, late-night bonfire and stargazing experience.
On day three, guests will disembark in the Barossa Valley for a premium food and wine pairing experience, showcasing the finest flavours from this world-renowned wine region. That evening, the Indian Pacific will cross its final border, arriving in Broken Hill, Australia’s first heritage-listed city. The journey will then conclude in the Blue Mountains, where passengers can enjoy guided walks, scenic cableway rides and an enchanting high tea.
The new Indian Pacific journey starts at $3,290 per person in a Gold Single cabin, with departures scheduled year-round. We’ll see you on the express train to Perth!