Rail Lover’s 14 Days: Indian Pacific + The Ghan Combo

If you dream of crossing a continent by rail, feeling the rhythm of steel wheels and watching landscapes transform before your window, the Rail Lover’s 14 Days: Indian Pacific + The Ghan combo is your once-in-a-lifetime journey. This curated two-week adventure pairs Australia’s two most iconic long-distance trains into one seamless holiday. Glide from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean across the Nullarbor on the Indian Pacific, then sweep from the Mediterranean climate of South Australia to the monsoon tropics on The Ghan. Add handpicked city stays and signature off train experiences, and you get the ultimate rail holiday that delivers luxury, culture, and pure outback drama.

Below you will find a comprehensive guide to help you plan, book, and enjoy this unforgettable itinerary. Expect practical tips, a detailed day-by-day plan, insights on cabins and dining, seasonality advice, and FAQs that answer what most travelers want to know.

Why This Combo Belongs On Your Bucket List

• Two legendary trains in one trip. Cross the entire continent from Sydney to Perth on the Indian Pacific, then traverse Australia from south to north on The Ghan.
• All-inclusive comfort. Gold or Platinum Service with fine dining, premium beverages, and attentive hospitality.
• Off train experiences. Curated excursions that bring you face to face with art, nature, and First Nations culture.
• Varied landscapes. Blue Mountains sandstone, goldfield ghost towns, the endless Nullarbor, Red Centre escarpments, and Top End gorges.
• Smart routing and logistics. A well-paced 14-day plan that maximizes sightseeing without rushing.

At A Glance: Highlights Of The 14-Day Rail Combo

• Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth over 4 days and 3 nights
• City stays in Sydney and Perth with time for Rottnest Island or Fremantle
• Flight between Perth and Adelaide for a smooth connection
• The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin over 3 days and 2 nights
• Darwin stay with optional day tours to Litchfield or Kakadu
• Choice of Gold Service or Platinum Service cabins
• All meals, beverages, and many excursions included while onboard

Note: Off train experiences vary by direction and season. Your final itinerary will confirm options available during your travel dates.

Suggested 14-Day Itinerary

This sample plan assumes Sydney to Perth on the Indian Pacific, then Adelaide to Darwin on The Ghan. Exact departure days vary by season. Your travel specialist can align flight connections and hotel nights based on your dates.

Day 1: Arrive In Sydney

• Touch down in Australia’s harbour city and check into your centrally located hotel.
• Stretch your legs around Circular Quay, The Rocks, and the Opera House forecourt.
• Optional extras: Harbour sunset cruise, sky-high cocktails with a view, or a guided walk across the Harbour Bridge.

Sales tip: Arriving at least one day before your train departs reduces stress and gives you time to reset your body clock.

Day 2: Board The Indian Pacific In Sydney

• Morning at leisure or opt for a Blue Mountains lookout visit if timing permits through a pre-tour.
• Early afternoon, board the Indian Pacific at Sydney Central. A warm welcome, cabin orientation, and your first lunch mark the start of your transcontinental crossing.
• Settle into your Gold or Platinum cabin and enjoy the changing scenery as you climb into the Blue Mountains.
• Dinner is a multi-course affair championing Australian produce, paired with wines and craft beverages.

Typical off train experience: Depending on schedule, some departures feature a stop in the Blue Mountains region with guided views of Jamison Valley. Check your specific itinerary.

Day 3: Broken Hill To Adelaide Plains

• Wake in outback New South Wales. Broken Hill is an oasis of art and mining history. Visit a gallery, mine memorial, or film heritage site.
• Lunch on board while rolling west. The plains open wide as you make for South Australia.
• Afternoon or evening, time in the Adelaide area for a choice of experiences. Options can include a city highlights tour, a Barossa Valley wine tasting, or the Adelaide Hills. Selections vary by departure.

Insider feel: The creative scene in Broken Hill often surprises guests. Keep your camera handy for big-sky horizons and luminous light.

Day 4: Nullarbor Crossing

• Today is the day of the Nullarbor. Miles of treeless plain bring a profound sense of scale.
• Off train experiences can include a remote outback stop in Cook and a memorable open-air meal at Rawlinna on certain departures.
• The lounge car becomes a social hub. Swap stories with fellow travelers, sip a flat white, or order a sparkling mineral water as the land unspools outside.

Good to know: Mobile reception is limited across this section. It is the perfect time to unplug, read, or simply watch the world glide by.

Day 5: Kalgoorlie And Arrival In Perth

• Depending on your direction and schedule, explore Kalgoorlie’s gold mining heritage through a guided off train experience.
• Mid to late afternoon arrival into Perth. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a balmy evening by the Swan River.
• Fremantle’s heritage streets and Northbridge’s small bars are excellent for a casual dinner.

Day 6: Perth Or Rottnest Island Day

• Free day in Perth. Options include:
  • Rottnest Island for cycling, quokka selfies, and beach coves
  • Fremantle’s markets, prison tour, and maritime history
  • Kings Park and Botanic Garden for wildflower views
• If you prefer a slower pace, linger over café breakfasts and stroll the riverfront.

Day 7: Perth To Adelaide Flight, Adelaide Stay

• Fly Perth to Adelaide. Most packages include airport transfers.
• Afternoon to wander the CBD, North Terrace cultural precinct, or the Central Market.
• Dinner at leisure. Adelaide’s dining scene leans local and seasonal with excellent South Australian wines.

Tip: Try a pre-Ghan wine bar flight featuring Clare Valley Riesling or McLaren Vale Shiraz.

Day 8: Board The Ghan In Adelaide

• Mid-morning check-in. Board The Ghan and relax into your cabin as you roll north through the Flinders Ranges.
• Lunch and dinner served as you cross classic South Australian pastoral country.
• Socialize in the lounge car or step off at scenic stops arranged by the crew for fresh air and photos.

Day 9: Alice Springs

• Morning arrival into Alice Springs with included off train experiences. Options may include:
  • Town highlights and the Royal Flying Doctor Service
  • Desert Park for flora, fauna, and cultural interpretation
  • Simpsons Gap or guided walks around striking landscapes
• In the cooler months, some departures feature a special outback dinner or sunrise experience. Check your train schedule.

Cultural respect: Alice Springs sits on Arrernte Country. Your guides often share stories and protocols. Listening first is always appreciated.

Day 10: Katherine And Darwin Arrival

• Morning or midday arrival into Katherine. Choose from a Nitmiluk Gorge cruise, a cultural tour, or scenic options.
• After reboarding, enjoy a celebratory final lunch as the Top End’s green savannas and termite mounds announce your arrival.
• Early evening arrival into Darwin. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a tropical night market or waterfront dining if in season.

Day 11: Darwin At Leisure

• Relax by the pool or explore the waterfront precinct, WWII Oil Storage Tunnels, and local galleries.
• Optional day tour to Litchfield National Park for waterfalls, monsoon forest walks, and magnetic termite mounds.

Day 12: Kakadu Day Adventure Or Cultural Immersion

• Consider a full-day guided tour to Kakadu National Park for wetlands, Ubirr or Nourlangie rock art, and saltwater crocodile spotting on a billabong cruise.
• Alternatively, deepen your understanding with a locally led cultural workshop in Darwin focused on art, food, or bush medicine.

Day 13: Sunset And Markets

• Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for an excellent Cyclone Tracy exhibit and Aboriginal art collections.
• If your dates align, stroll Mindil Beach Sunset Market for food stalls and crafts. Dry season only.

Day 14: Departure From Darwin

• After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Your rail odyssey has crossed oceans and latitudes, leaving you with stories to last a lifetime.

What Is Included: The Rail Experience

Both the Indian Pacific and The Ghan are operated by Journey Beyond Rail and offer an all-inclusive onboard experience in Gold Service and Platinum Service.

Gold Service

• Private cabin with en suite in Gold Twin. Gold Single features a compact cabin with shared bathroom facilities and access to a shower.
• Day lounge converts to a comfortable bed configuration at night.
• All meals in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant. Rotating menus highlighting Australian produce.
• Included beverages throughout the journey. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic selections.
• Off train experiences at key stops, with several options to choose from.

Platinum Service

• Spacious double or twin cabins with full en suite and generous lounge seating by day.
• In-cabin breakfast on request and priority dining with premium inclusions.
• Larger windows on both sides of the cabin and additional luggage allowance.
• Exclusive bar and dining spaces on selected trains.

Note: Red Service is not offered on these two long-distance journeys. Facilities and inclusions can be updated seasonally. Your booking confirmation will detail cabin features for your dates.

Off Train Experiences: What To Expect

The charm of these rail journeys lies not only in scenic windows and fine dining, but also in curated stops that bring the regions to life. Typical experiences include:

• Broken Hill. Art galleries, mining heritage, and filming locations.
• Adelaide region. City highlights, Adelaide Hills vistas, or wine country tastings.
• Cook and Rawlinna. Remote outposts on the Nullarbor with memorable alfresco dining or outback hospitality on selected departures.
• Kalgoorlie. Insights into Australia’s gold rush history and contemporary mining.
• Alice Springs. Desert ecology, cultural interpretation, and town heritage.
• Katherine. Nitmiluk Gorge cruises and cultural programs.

Availability depends on direction, train timetable, and weather. Some tours require advance selection due to limited capacity.

When To Travel: Seasonality And Direction

• Indian Pacific runs year-round between Sydney and Perth in both directions. Summer brings warm to hot temperatures in inland Australia. Winter offers crisp desert nights and mild days in the west.
• The Ghan operates year-round between Adelaide and Darwin. The Ghan Expedition, which is a longer 4 day journey with additional touring, typically runs Darwin to Adelaide during the dry season months. If your timing is flexible, align with the dry season in the Top End from May to October for the best weather on outdoor excursions.
• Direction choice affects off train experiences and daylight hours for scenery. Northbound on The Ghan emphasizes arrival into the tropics. Westbound on the Indian Pacific chases sunsets across the Nullarbor. Your consultant can match your preferences to the right departures.

Dining And Onboard Life

• Meals are multi-course, seasonal, and proudly Australian. Expect barramundi, lamb, native bush ingredients, and house-made desserts.
• The lounge car is a social space. Barista coffee in the morning, wine or craft beer in the afternoon, plus live commentary and casual tastings on some legs.
• Dietary needs. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other requirements are usually catered for with advance notice at booking.

Dress code is smart casual. Think comfortable daytime wear with layers, plus a neat shirt or blouse for dinner.

Practical Planning

• Luggage. You can bring larger checked luggage that is stored separately and a compact carry-on for the cabin. Keep essentials with you since you do not access checked bags mid-journey.
• Check-in and boarding. Plan to arrive at least one hour before departure. Transfers from your hotel can be arranged.
• Connectivity. Expect limited mobile coverage across remote sections. Carriages are not typically equipped with Wi-Fi. Download entertainment and set an out-of-office message.
• Mobility. There is walking on excursions and boarding steps. If you have mobility considerations, request assistance and choose tours suited to your needs.
• Climate. The train is climate controlled, but off train experiences expose you to the elements. Bring a hat, sunscreen, a light rain jacket, and closed-toe walking shoes.
• Insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, including coverage for flight connections and tour cancellations.

How To Book Smart And Save

• Book early. Prime seasons and Platinum cabins sell out months in advance.
• Consider shoulder seasons. Late autumn or early spring can bring fewer crowds and attractive offers, especially on the Indian Pacific.
• Combine and conquer. Packaging hotels, transfers, flights between Perth and Adelaide, and local tours often reduces total cost compared to piecemeal bookings.
• Look for added value. Some promotions include hotel nights, city tours, or cabin upgrades.
• Be flexible. Shifting by a week can unlock better cabin inventory and pricing.

What To Pack For A Two-Week Rail Holiday

• Soft-sided carry-on for your cabin and a checked suitcase
• Lightweight layers for temperature shifts across regions
• Sun hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes and a dressier pair for evenings
• Reusable water bottle and daypack for excursions
• Camera or smartphone with chargers and power adapter
• Compact binoculars for wildlife and distant vistas
• Insect repellent for Top End touring
• Swimwear for hotel pools in Perth and Darwin
• A good book or journal for the lounge car

Responsible Travel And Cultural Respect

• Acknowledge Country. Your journey traverses many Traditional Lands. Take time to listen to guides and respect cultural protocols.
• Wildlife care. Do not feed animals and keep a respectful distance, especially around waterways with crocodiles in the Top End.
• Leave no trace. Follow guidelines at remote stops and national parks. Stick to marked trails.
• Purchase with purpose. Support local makers in markets and galleries from Broken Hill to Darwin.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is each train journey?

• Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth is typically 4 days and 3 nights. The Ghan Adelaide to Darwin is usually 3 days and 2 nights. Schedules vary slightly by date.

2. Can I do The Ghan Expedition within 14 days?

• The Ghan Expedition operates Darwin to Adelaide over 4 days and 3 nights during dry season months. You can adjust the Perth and Darwin stays to accommodate it. Ask your consultant to tailor the plan.

3. Which cabin should I choose?

• Gold Service offers excellent comfort and value with en suites in Gold Twin. Platinum Service adds space, priority services, and premium touches. Couples often prefer Platinum for the room size. Solo travelers often select Gold Single or Gold Twin for single use if available.

4. Are meals and drinks included?

• Yes. Both trains are all-inclusive for onboard dining and a wide selection of beverages. Some premium items may carry a supplement. Off train experiences also often include food and drink elements.

5. What off train experiences should I pre-book?

• Some popular options like Katherine gorge cruises can fill quickly. Your final documents will invite you to pre-select. Choose as early as possible for the best chance of securing your preferred tour.

6. Is there Wi-Fi or mobile coverage onboard?

• Expect limited connectivity in remote regions. Use the time to disconnect and enjoy the journey. Hotels in cities have reliable Wi-Fi.

7. Can I travel with children?

• Families are welcome, although these journeys skew toward adult travelers. Consider cabin configuration and quiet carriage etiquette when booking with kids.

8. What happens if an excursion is affected by weather?

• Safety comes first. The operator may adjust or replace activities. Alternative experiences are arranged when possible.

9. Are there luggage limits?

• Yes. A checked bag limit applies, plus a smaller carry-on for your cabin. Check your ticket for current allowances.

10. Is tipping expected?

• Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, and gratuities are not required onboard. If you receive exceptional service and wish to tip, it is always appreciated.

A Closer Look At The Landscapes You Will Cross

• Blue Mountains. Sandstone cliffs and eucalyptus-scented air create deep blue hues that shift with the light.
• Outback New South Wales. Rust-red soils, saltbush plains, and historic townships shaped by mining and pastoral life.
• Nullarbor Plain. A name that means no trees in Latin. The horizon appears infinite. Starry skies here can be extraordinary.
• Western Australia’s Goldfields. Tales of booms and busts. Mornings glow golden and the earth runs deep ochre.
• Flinders Ranges. Ancient ranges with folded rock and river red gums. A window into deep time geology.
• Red Centre. Alice Springs region with big skies, desert oaks, and striking gaps where water carved passages through stone.
• Top End. Wetlands, monsoon forests, and sandstone gorges that change character with the seasons.

Sample Budgeting Guide

Prices vary by season, cabin category, and availability. As a general guide, plan for:

• Rail segments. Gold Service is the baseline for many travelers. Platinum commands a premium for space and exclusivity.
• Hotels. Central 4- to 5-star properties in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Darwin.
• Flights. One domestic flight Perth to Adelaide or vice versa. Optional extra flights if you extend to Uluru or Cairns.
• Tours. Many off train experiences are included. City tours, Rottnest ferries, Kakadu or Litchfield day trips, and special dinners are additional.

Book at least 6 to 9 months out for peak season. Platinum and twin cabins see the highest demand and the best rates are often secured early.

Tailor Your Combo

Every rail lover has a different wish list. Consider adding:

• Uluru side trip. Fly from Alice Springs or directly from Adelaide or Darwin and spend 2 to 3 nights exploring Uluru and Kata Tjuta with Indigenous-led tours.
• Margaret River. From Perth, add a couple of days for cellar doors, surf breaks, and karri forests.
• Kangaroo Island. From Adelaide, enjoy wildlife, sea cliffs, and gourmet produce.
• Kakadu overnight. Instead of a day trip, stay a night in the park to catch golden hour and sunrise at rock art sites.

A specialist can weave these extensions into your 14-day framework or stretch it to 16 or 18 days for a deeper dive.

Booking Checklist

• Choose your travel window and direction for both trains.
• Select cabin class and confirm any mobility or dietary requirements.
• Secure the train bookings first, then add city hotels and domestic flights.
• Pre-select off train experiences when invited.
• Add airport transfers and optional day tours in Perth and Darwin.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
• Review final documents for check-in times, luggage tags, and dress suggestions.

Print or download everything to your device since mobile coverage can be limited en route.

The Feel Of The Journey

What makes this combo so addictive is the sense of continuity. You board in a bustling city and step off days later into a place that looks and feels entirely different, yet you never had to white-knuckle a steering wheel or juggle airport security lines. The train is your moving hotel where each meal is an occasion and every carriage turn can spark a new conversation.

Morning light on red rock near Alice Springs. An evening toast under a bowl of stars on the Nullarbor. Laughter in the lounge car as someone spots an emu sprinting along a fence line. That is the essence of rail romance in Australia.

Conclusion: Two Icons. One Epic Holiday.

The Rail Lover’s 14 Days: Indian Pacific + The Ghan combo bundles Australia’s most coveted rail journeys into a beautifully balanced itinerary. It is immersive yet effortless, luxurious yet grounded in authentic place. From the Blue Mountains to the Top End, from cool-climate vineyards to tropical wetlands, you will cross time zones of culture and nature without ever losing the thread of comfort and hospitality that defines these trains.

If the idea of waking up each day to a new horizon excites you, now is the time to reserve your cabin. Book early, travel light, and bring your sense of wonder. Australia’s grand rail stage is set. Your seat is waiting.