Words: Giselle Whiteaker

An iconic train journey across Australia wrapped around a small-group deep dive into the country’s most remote regions is the ultimate opportunity to experience more. More panoramic landscapes, more outback experiences, more unique flora and fauna, more gastronomic delights, more cultural learning, and more moments to connect with the country.

Whether north to south on The Ghan, or east to west on the Indian Pacific, there’s no question that exploring Australia by train is the best way to experience the vastness and beauty of Australia’s interior. Panoramic views, exceptional cuisine, incomparable camaraderie and immersive Off Train Experiences are just some of the highlights of this journey. Pair a journey on The Ghan with Outback Spirit’s Red Centre Spectacular or a crossing of the Nullarbor on the Indian Pacific with Gems of the South West, and you have a voyage of epic proportions.

Like our trains, Outback Spirit’s all-inclusive, intimate tours are all about unique experiences, whether it’s a shared sunset moment over Uluru or spotting a frolicking dolphin while cruising on Mandjar Bay. Guests travel in comfort onboard state-of-the-art 4WD Mercedes-Benz vehicles, lay their heads in comfortable hotels along the route, and experience something different every day, from admiring rock art to swimming in a wild freshwater waterfall. A multi-day train journey with an Outback Spirit tour may just be the perfect experiential tourism combination.

The 11-day Red Centre Spectacular, for example, starts in Darwin, where guests board The Ghan and roll out of the city and into the outback, stopping in Katherine and Alice Springs. From “The Alice”, as the city is fondly known, Outback Spirit steps into the driver’s seat, taking guests on a small-group tour to some of the most spectacular sights in central Australia, including Kings Canyon, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Kata Tjuta and Uluru. There’s an evening under the stars with the Sounds of Silence dining experience and a dazzling display at the acclaimed Field of Light, as it illuminates the desert sky. Then, it’s back to The Ghan, continuing down the track to explore the quirky underground town of Coober Pedy before the journey draws to an end in Adelaide.

For those wanting to cross the country from coast to coast and explore the best of the Southwest, the 11-day Gems of the South West starts with an incredible 8 days of touring with Outback Spirit, setting off from Perth. Highlights include the Perth Botanical Gardens; high tea at Blackwood Emporium in the picturesque town of Mullalyup; the Gloucester Tree in Pemberton, once the second-highest fire lookout tree in the world; Cape Leeuwin where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet; the longest jetty in Australia in Busselton; a day meeting the quokkas on Rottnest Island; and so much more. Then, it’s time to board the Indian Pacific for a transcontinental journey from Perth to Sydney, with Off Train Experiences in Kalgoorlie, along the Nullarbor, in Adelaide and in the Blue Mountains.

All journeys are all-inclusive, all-encompassing, all magical, and all possible with Journey Beyond.

Book now and save up to $1,830* per couple on select 2024 rail & tour journeys here.

*Terms and conditions: Red Centre Spectacular: Advertised price is based on the Red Centre Summer Special fare in a Gold Twin Cabin for travel in April 2024, travelling Darwin to Adelaide. Special Offer valid for booking dates from 01/08/2023 – 30/11/2023 for travel 01/03/2024 – 30/05/2024. Save up-to prices are per couple, based on the Everyday Fare. Ultimate Territory Tour: Advertised price is based on the Ultimate Territory Summer Special fare in a Gold Twin Cabin for travel in March 2024, travelling Adelaide to Darwin. Special Offer valid for booking dates from 01/08/2023 – 30/11/2023 for travel 01/03/2024 – 31/03/2024. Save up to prices are per couple, based on the Everyday Fare. Block out dates apply. Subject to availability. Booking and credit card fees may apply. For full terms & conditions, please visit www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/terms-conditions/.