Celebrate Summer Differently: Escape the Festive Rush by Train

Instead of rushing from one place to the next, settle into the comfort of an all-inclusive rail journey where every detail has already been thoughtfully considered. Whether you’re travelling to reconnect with loved ones, marking a special milestone or simply giving yourself the gift of time, summer aboard the Indian Pacific or Great Southern offers a refreshing way to experience Australia.

As spectacular landscapes roll past your window, days unfold at an unhurried pace. Enjoy regionally inspired dining, premium Australian wines and beverages, warm hospitality and unforgettable Off Train Experiences, all while travelling through some of Australia’s most remarkable destinations. It is a holiday where getting there is just as memorable as the places you’ll discover along the way.

Christmas Day, Crossing the Nullarbor

There is something truly special about celebrating Christmas somewhere unexpected.

Aboard the Indian Pacific’s Christmas departure, Sydney to Perth, the day itself is spent crossing the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain, one of Australia’s most recognisable landscapes. Far from the crowds and the holiday rush, it’s a day spent exactly as Christmas should be: exceptional food, great company, the simple pleasure of slowing down.

As evening falls, guests step off the train in the remote outback town of Rawlinna for dinner beneath a blanket of stars. Surrounded by the stillness of the outback, it’s a Christmas setting unlike anywhere else in the world, one that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Christmas Day aboard the Great Southern  

The Great Southern offers its own uniquely Australian way to celebrate. Departing Adelaide on Christmas Day, guests can settle into life on board with a festive lunch before continuing east towards Victoria. Along the way, explore the natural beauty of the Grampians on an immersive Off Train Experience before returning on board to continue your journey north towards Brisbane. It is a Christmas spent discovering new places rather than navigating holiday traffic, creating memories that extend far beyond a single day.

Ring in the New Year in the Barossa Valley 

The start of a new year deserves more than a crowded countdown.

For guests travelling aboard the Indian Pacific over New Year, celebrations take place in one of South Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. In the Barossa Valley, an exclusive Signature Dinner awaits inside Seppeltsfield’s historic Vintage Cellar. Surrounded by barrels of some of Australia’s finest wines, enjoy an evening of exceptional regional food and wine in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and unforgettable. It is a remarkable way to welcome a new chapter while immersed in one of Australia’s most iconic destinations.

Spend New Year’s Eve in Adelaide  

If your summer plans include the Great Southern from Brisbane to Adelaide, you’ll arrive in Adelaide on New Year’s Eve, timed to catch the city’s celebrations firsthand. Extend your holiday with a few nights exploring South Australia’s capital: its restaurants and laneway bars, its festivals and waterfront celebrations, before the year begins.

Which Journey Suits You? 

Operating December to February, the Great Southern captures Australia’s East Coast at its summer best: golden beaches, rolling vineyards, historic towns and vibrant cities between Adelaide and Brisbane, each stop shaped by a carefully curated Off Train Experience that shows the character of the place.

For those wanting to travel coast to coast, the Indian Pacific delivers one of Australia’s great rail adventures: the Blue Mountains, the Barossa Valley, the endless horizon of the Nullarbor, the rich history of Kalgoorlie, every day revealing a different side of Australia, each connected by exceptional service and the comfort of life on board.

Give Yourself the Gift of the Journey 

The festive season is often about giving to others. Sometimes the greatest gift is giving yourself the time to switch off. This summer, leave the planning behind, settle into your cabin, raise a glass, and let the country unfold beyond the window. The best celebrations aren’t always at the destination. Sometimes they’re found along the way.