Scenic railways in Australia are not just modes of transport—they’re immersive experiences through the heart of the continent’s vast and diverse landscapes. From the rust-red deserts of the Outback to lush tropical rainforests and dramatic coastal cliffs, Australia’s railway journeys provide front-row seats to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Whether you’re riding aboard the legendary The Ghan, exploring rainforest canopies on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, or reliving history on Victoria’s Puffing Billy Railway, each journey offers a unique perspective on the land Down Under.
Australia’s scenic train routes are designed not just for travel but for storytelling. The iconic Indian Pacific stretches over 4,000 kilometers from Sydney to Perth, offering a luxurious passage from ocean to ocean. It’s operated by Journey Beyond, which also manages the Ghan and the Great Southern, setting a gold standard for luxury rail travel. On the other end of the spectrum, family-friendly rides like Don River Railway in Tasmania or Hotham Valley Railway in Western Australia provide engaging heritage experiences for children and parents alike.
According to Tourism Australia, domestic rail tourism has seen a steady increase, with over 1.5 million passengers annually across scenic and heritage routes. These railways support local economies, preserve cultural history, and promote slow travel—all while captivating the imagination of travelers from around the globe. Initiatives like the Mary Valley Rattler, which welcomed over 30,000 visitors in its first operational year, illustrate how well-preserved heritage lines can revive regional tourism while delivering unforgettable experiences.
What makes these train journeys truly exceptional is their ability to link history with modern comfort. The West Coast Wilderness Railway in Tasmania offers rainforest adventures using the unique Abt rack-and-pinion system, while Queensland’s Spirit of Queensland combines tilt-train technology with luxury sleeper cabins for seamless coast-to-coast travel. Each of these lines represents a blend of engineering, nature, and narrative that sets scenic railways in Australia apart on the global stage.
Whether you’re a solo explorer seeking adventure, a couple desiring romance under starry desert skies, or a family on a weekend escape, there’s a railway experience for every traveler. The diversity in routes—from the sun-kissed coastline aboard the Great Southern to the lush Dandenong Ranges on the Puffing Billy—proves that rail travel in Australia is not only alive but thriving.
Historic Routes Through Rugged Landscapes
The Ghan: A Legendary Journey Through the Red Centre
The Ghan is one of the most iconic scenic railways in Australia, covering 2,979 kilometers from Adelaide to Darwin. This transcontinental route takes passengers through the heart of the Australian Outback, including the Flinders Ranges and Alice Springs. The journey lasts 54 hours and includes off-train excursions that showcase Indigenous culture and desert wildlife. With over 100,000 passengers annually, it remains a favorite for those seeking a blend of history and adventure.
Zig Zag Railway: Engineering Through the Blue Mountains
Originally built in the 1860s, the Zig Zag Railway in Lithgow is a masterpiece of engineering with its switchback track design. This heritage line is undergoing restoration, with reopening scheduled for 2025. The route offers panoramic views of sandstone cliffs and dense eucalyptus forests. At its peak, it carried more than 250,000 visitors annually, reflecting the demand for scenic railways in Australia that preserve colonial history.
Pichi Richi Railway: A Nostalgic Steam Experience
Operating since the 1870s, the Pichi Richi Railway connects Port Augusta with Quorn in South Australia. Restored steam locomotives take visitors through ancient mountain ranges and arid landscapes. Volunteers maintain the trains, and around 20,000 people ride this railway each year. The 39-kilometer journey is a window into Australia’s pioneering past.
West Coast Wilderness Railway: A Rainforest Time Machine
This historic line in Tasmania retraces the route once used to transport copper from Queenstown to Strahan. With inclines as steep as 1 in 15, it’s one of the few railways in the world using the Abt rack-and-pinion system. Each year, more than 35,000 passengers experience the dense rainforest scenery and early 20th-century mining heritage.
SteamRanger Heritage Railway: Linking Victor Harbor to Strathalbyn
Based in South Australia, the SteamRanger Heritage Railway spans 80 kilometers and features steam and diesel-hauled trains. It attracts families and history buffs alike, with the “Cockle Train” being its most popular route. In 2023, it transported over 40,000 passengers, highlighting the enduring charm of historic rail travel.
Mary Valley Rattler: Queensland’s Vintage Treasure
This 46-kilometer heritage railway winds through Queensland’s Mary Valley with lush scenery and historical commentary. Reopened in 2018, it welcomed over 30,000 passengers in its first year alone. The railcars date back to the early 1900s, making each ride a nostalgic journey through time.
Silverton Tramway: Outback Mining Heritage
Though no longer operating as a passenger service, the Silverton Tramway near Broken Hill is preserved as a museum piece representing the industrial rail boom. From 1888 to 1970, it carried millions of tons of ore and over 1.5 million passengers. It remains a powerful symbol of Australia’s rugged rail history.
Luxury Train Journeys Across the Outback
The Indian Pacific: From Sea to Sea in Style
Spanning 4,352 kilometers between Sydney and Perth, the Indian Pacific offers one of the most luxurious scenic railways in Australia. Passengers enjoy en-suite cabins, gourmet meals, and off-train excursions. In 2023, over 70,000 travelers rode this train, with ticket prices starting from AUD 2,400 for Gold Class. The journey includes a remarkable 478-kilometer straight track—the longest in the world.
The Ghan Expedition: A Four-Day Luxury Escape
An upgraded version of the standard Ghan journey, the Ghan Expedition includes extra stops like Coober Pedy and Katherine Gorge. It operates weekly between May and October, with 2023 data showing 85% occupancy on average. Luxurious Platinum cabins offer a private lounge, doubling the space of Gold Class, and a single fare can exceed AUD 4,500.
Spirit of Queensland: Coastal Elegance with Modern Comfort
Running 1,681 kilometers between Brisbane and Cairns, this modern train combines classic service with tilt technology for smooth high-speed travel. In 2022, over 130,000 passengers boarded this service. The RailBed seating converts into flat beds, offering business-class luxury on a scenic tropical route.
Great Southern: Summer Luxury from Adelaide to Brisbane
Launched in 2019, the Great Southern travels 2,017 kilometers over three days with stops at the Grampians, Canberra, and coastal towns in New South Wales. With occupancy reaching 90% in its first year, it caters to luxury travelers seeking summer alternatives to the Ghan and Indian Pacific. This premium route is redefining scenic railways in Australia for seasonal tourists.
Outback Spirit Rail Safari: Bespoke Luxury Adventures
Offering exclusive private charters, this luxury rail safari covers parts of South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria. It accommodates only 40 guests per trip and focuses on curated experiences including winery visits, Indigenous art tours, and gourmet dining. Each package costs upwards of AUD 10,000 per person.
Platinum Service: The Pinnacle of Rail Travel
Platinum Service on The Ghan and Indian Pacific includes full-size double cabins, premium wines, and curated experiences. According to Journey Beyond Rail, Platinum passengers represent 20% of the clientele but contribute 40% of revenue due to high pricing and additional services.
Luxury Redefined: Custom Rail Cars for Private Use
Australia’s premium tourism market is embracing customized rail experiences. Private companies now offer bespoke rail journeys for groups, with each car equipped with dining space, bedrooms, and lounges. These private charters, costing over AUD 15,000 per journey, are gaining popularity among international high-net-worth travelers.
Coastal and Rainforest Railway Adventures
Kuranda Scenic Railway: Tropical Beauty in Motion
This historic line runs from Cairns to Kuranda through the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Opened in 1891, it spans 34 kilometers and passes through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges. In 2023, it welcomed more than 400,000 passengers. The journey offers breathtaking views of Barron Falls, lush rainforest, and steep ravines—making it one of the top scenic railways in Australia.
The Tilt Train: Coastal Speed and Comfort
Queensland’s Tilt Train connects Brisbane to Rockhampton and Bundaberg at speeds up to 160 km/h. Covering 638 kilometers, it is Australia’s fastest train and serves over 190,000 passengers annually. With onboard Wi-Fi and leather seating, it’s a popular choice for comfort-focused travelers along the eastern seaboard.
The Gulflander: A Journey to the Edge of the Outback
Operating weekly between Normanton and Croydon, this 151-kilometer line is known as “the train from nowhere to nowhere.” Built in the 1890s, the Gulflander traverses wetlands and savannahs. Though niche, it attracted over 10,000 riders in 2022. This heritage line preserves part of Australia’s colonial railway history and ranks among unique scenic railways in Australia.
North Coast Rail Line: Linking Sydney to Brisbane
This 950-kilometer stretch follows a picturesque coastal route. Although used primarily for regular transport, segments of the North Coast Line offer stunning ocean views and rainforest scenery. NSW TrainLink reports more than 800,000 annual passengers on the route, indicating its popularity for both function and beauty.
Steam into the Rainforest: Bellarine Railway
Based in Victoria, this heritage railway offers special steam-hauled journeys along the Bellarine Peninsula. The line includes coastal views and eucalyptus-lined tracks and draws over 45,000 visitors annually. It frequently hosts themed rides, including “Day Out with Thomas” for children.
Maleny Picnic Train: A Sunshine Coast Gem
This short but charming route offers steam train rides through Queensland’s hinterland. Opened to the public in 2021, the Maleny Picnic Train has already welcomed over 8,000 visitors. The journey is often combined with gourmet picnics and wine tastings, offering a fresh twist on traditional rail travel.
Coffs Harbour to Casino: Scenic Countryside Line
Although no longer operating full-time, this 220-kilometer rail corridor once provided stunning rides through rolling hills and river valleys. There’s growing support for its reopening, with feasibility studies in 2023 showing potential to attract over 50,000 annual riders.
Family-Friendly Scenic Rail Experiences
Puffing Billy Railway: Melbourne’s Beloved Steam Train
Located in the Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy is one of the most popular scenic railways in Australia for families. Operating since 1900, it now serves over 250,000 passengers annually. Children can sit on the open carriage ledges, and themed rides like “Santa Special” and “Day Out With Thomas” make it a year-round favorite.
Don River Railway: Tasmanian Family Fun
This volunteer-run railway offers 30-minute return trips from Don to Coles Beach. Featuring vintage locomotives, it served over 15,000 passengers in 2023. The on-site museum showcases over 50 preserved rail vehicles, making it a hit for kids and train enthusiasts alike.
The Valley Rattler: Educational and Scenic
The Mary Valley Rattler, aside from its historic appeal, also includes school programs on railway history and safety. Over 5,000 schoolchildren participate annually. With family packages starting from AUD 60, this 46-kilometer line offers accessible fun and learning.
Hotham Valley Tourist Railway: Forest Train Adventures
Based in Western Australia, this forest train offers open-window carriages through Darling Range forests. Seasonal steam and diesel trips attract over 20,000 passengers annually, including many family groups. Special “Restaurant Train” nights cater to parents while kids enjoy the scenery.
Trainworks at Thirlmere: Interactive Rail Museum
Home to the largest collection of rolling stock in the Southern Hemisphere, Trainworks offers kids interactive exhibits, cab rides, and a mini-train. In 2022, the museum recorded over 75,000 visitors, many of them families. It complements surrounding scenic railways in Australia with indoor learning and play.
Bennett Brook Railway: Perth’s Mini Steam Line
Located in Whiteman Park, this narrow-gauge steam railway offers 6-kilometer loops through natural bushland. Tickets start at just AUD 6, and in 2023, it hosted 40,000 riders. Its short, safe route is ideal for young children and train-loving parents alike.
Walhalla Goldfields Railway: Short but Stunning
This 4-kilometer line through Victoria’s mountains offers a 60-minute round trip. Featuring wooden trestle bridges and scenic gorges, it hosted more than 30,000 passengers last year. Family events and historical storytelling make it a must-do family attraction.
