Australia's Most Stunning Scenic Train Journeys
- Written by NewsServices.com
The greatest way to see Australia without having to drive yourself around is to take the train instead. It is possible to travel between cities without missing out on the hundreds of miles of beautiful nature in between by traveling via train. A train ride in Australia can be kept exciting and thrilling by accessing online casinos.There are a wide range of rail journey options in Australia, from visiting the country's interior to cruising along the world's most stunning coastline. Take a look at 5 of Australia's best picturesque train journeys, which include everything from luxury sleeper trains to heritage railways.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Kuranda Scenic Railway, which departs from Cairns, brings passengers through one of the oldest jungles in the world. Waterfalls, mountains, and ravines abound in this tropical landscape, which also includes one of Queensland's most well-known national parks, Barron Gorge. Visitors to Kuranda may see the city's antique train station, a reptile park, and a butterfly sanctuary, all of which are over a century old.
Those who want to see Queensland's World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics from a fresh perspective often take the train to Kuranda and then the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway back to Brisbane. Traveling one way in the vintage carriages and returning via Skyrail cableway offers spectacular views of the jungle.
Great Southern
Great Southern, Australia's newest rail service, offers a magnificent ride through southeast Australia. Various off-train activities can be undertaken in the Grampians region after departing Adelaide, including an outdoor dining experience and a guided wildlife walk. It goes through Canberra on day two, before continuing on to Coffs Harbor the following day and finally arriving in Brisbane on day three. The Murrumbateman Food and Wine district, home to some of the country's most prominent architectural landmarks, is a great place to dine out in Canberra.
The Ghan
The Ghan is a must-do for any traveler. Guests can extend their vacation to include a stop in Alice Springs, a visit of the Coober Pedy opal mine or a boat ride along the Katherine Gorge while passing through the Australian red heart. It's easy to see why the Red Center of Australia is known as the Red Center after taking a trip on Australia's Ghan train. Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) can be reached through this route, but it's one of the more time-consuming options.
Pichi Richi Railway
Pichi Richi, a tourist railway in South Australia's southern Flinders Ranges, recreates the former Ghan route from Quorn to Port Augusta via the Pichi Richi Pass. One of the best ways to get a sense of how the Ghan train rides used to be is to take a day trip from Adelaide to Darwin on the Afghan Express, an ancient train that was originally utilized on the Adelaide to Darwin route.
A three-day journey from Adelaide to Darwin on the Ghan, one of Australia's most famous rail rides, is too long and expensive for many people. There are half-day and full-day trips available. The Afghan Express, which travels from Adelaide to Darwin via the railway's steam and diesel locomotives, costs a fraction of the price of the standard Adelaide-to-Darwin route.
Puffing Billy's Steam Trains
Steam locomotive Puffing Billy, which still runs between Belgrave and Gembrook today, is an evocative reminder of a bygone period when locomotives were the norm of the road. It's hard to believe that Puffing Billy is still around after the Victorian Railways' unsuccessful attempt to introduce a network of narrow-gauge lines.
There have been 121 years since Puffing Billy first ran on this track, making it Australia's oldest heritage steam railway. Additionally, Puffing Billy's Dog Express, which allows people to travel with their canine companions, has its starting point in Emerald Lake Park.