India Pacific, Adelaide to Brisbane
The Indian Pacific train was named after the two oceans it encounters on its journey, across the entire Australian continent between Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. On a spectacular 2,700-mile journey you will follow in the footsteps of brave bush pioneers, gold rush prospectors and hardy adventurers. The train travels across mountain ranges, through the Nullarbor Plain, a vast stretch of arid desert, goldfields and rocky valleys. On the journey through Australia’s dramatic interior landscape you’ll stop in Broken Hill and Adelaide, two of the most exciting destinations in Australia. On board, you’ll find comfy cabins, great Aussie fare and the chance to kick back, relax and enjoy one of the best train journeys in the world. The India Pacific is run by Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions, the company behind the Ghan and Great Southern.
Prices from: AUS $819
Carriages: 30
Departing from: Sydney and Perth
Journey length: 3 nights
Indian Pacific routes
The Indian Pacific train leaves Sydney every Wednesday. As you head through the stunning Blue Mountains, you’ll get chance to find your cabin, settle down and aquaint yourself with all the carriages on the train. The following morning you’ll arrive in Broken Hill. Also known as ‘Silver City’, because of the vast deposits of silver, zinc and lead discovered there in the 1880s, this typically Aussie interior town has a pub on every corner and is home to an artist community who love the land and the light. After a tour of the town, you’ll be served lunch on board as the train travels through the Flinders Ranges.
Arriving in Adelaide in the afternoon, you get to choose from a tour of the city or a visit to the famous Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale wine regions. The following day you’ll wake up to the endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain as you travel along the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. That evening (weather permitting) you’ll get to step off the train and enjoy dinner under the desert stars in remote Rawlinna. Your final day on board sees the landscape change to green valleys as you head towards Perth, your final destination, arriving after a farewell lunch on board.
Indian Pacific train
The Indian Pacific is a handsome train with its distinctive silver-coloured carriages adorned with the wedge-tail eagle – the emblem of the train and a symbol of the vast distance it spans. As well as its sleeper carriages, it also boasts four dining carriages. Whilst it provides all mod cons, it’s important to note that you won’t find Wi-Fi onboard, so you’ll have to wait until the train pulls into a station to get connected.
Cabins on the Indian Pacific train
There are three levels of service on the Indian Pacific: Gold Service Single, Gold Service Twin and Platinum.
- Gold Service Single – this compact sleeper cabin features a bed that converts to a seat by day. Shared shower/WC facilities are located at the end of the carriage. Your luggage allowance is 60kg per guest.
- Gold Service Twin – this has three seats which convert into sleeping berths; twin cabins have an ensuite WC and shower. Your luggage allowance is 60kg per guest.
- Platinum – these cabins are almost twice the size of Gold with a double bed or twin beds, lounge chairs, a table and full-size ensuite bathroom. In the carriage you’ll enjoy large window views from both sides of the carriage as well as Bollinger champagne, Australian Appelles Apothecary toiletries, Haigh’s chocolates and a complimentary nightcap at turndown.
Food and drink
On board you’ll find three dining carriages – the Queen Adelaide restaurant decorated in art deco style evokes the golden era of rail travel, the Outback Explorer Lounges offer a more relaxed social setting, while the Platinum Club (only available to Platinum Club guests) features quartzite table tops and brass fittings. All guests enjoy hearty seasonal Australian fare and vegetarian and special dietary meals are available when you make your booking.
Dress code
Australians are known for their casual dress style so there is no dress code on the train. If you’re travelling in the winter, bring some warm clothing with you as it gets cold at night.
Fellow passengers
The Indian Pacific is popular with retired Australians who love to discover their own country after they have stopped working. You’ll also find a few European and Americans on board too.
What’s included
All accommodation, drinks and meals are included in the price as well as off-train excursions. Platinum guests are also given private transfers to the train at the beginning and end and of their journeys, within a 60-kilometre radius of the terminal.
Pros and cons
This is one of the greatest Australian train journeys and the food, accommodation and excursions are excellent. The only disappointment is the lack of Wi-Fi on board, but this can be an advantage if you think of the trip as a detox holiday.