Know before you go guide: Indian Pacific Rail Journey

Experience the golden age of train travel with Journey Beyond. Journey aboard the Indian Pacific and spoil your senses with gourmet food, spectacular views and five-star service. On 17th October 1917, the two construction teams finally met, joining the west to the east with the longest straight stretch of railway ever built in Australia. There’s never been a better time to indulge in a trip which is as much about the journey and the history as it is the destination.

1. What’s the Indian Pacific route?

Beginning in Sydney and culminating four days (and three nights) later in Perth, The Indian Pacific covers a whopping 4,352km, making it Australia’s longest rail journey. The route can also be booked in reverse, either way you’re travelling from coast to coast, passing the Blue Mountains, Adelaide and the barren expanse of the Nullarbor, weaving from gum tree to goldmine, ghost town and grape vine.

2. What will I see?

While you’re making your way across the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world, the terrain will change from lush rainforests and rolling green hills to barren red desert flecked with rusty tin sheds. You’ll be passing towns with a population of four, lush valleys with picturesque creeks and golden coastlines whipped by the ocean. This is a truly diverse train journey, where no two days offer the same two views.

3. How fast does the train travel?

The train averages 85km/hour, which might sound slow, but once you’re chugging along the rail track, you’ll find it’s the perfect pace to absorb every view.

4. Do I sleep on-board the train?

All guests sleep on-board the train. Cabins are expectedly compact but smart in design. Linen is five star hotel quality, and for Gold class passengers, there’s a well-stocked kitchenette just down the corridor - accessible around the clock.

Gold Service Twin Cabins feature bunk-style beds which convert into a three-seater lounge area by day and benefits from an ensuite bathroom as well as a large window.

Gold Service Single Cabins enjoy a single berth which converts to a single seat, with toilet and shower facilities at the end of the carriage.

Gold Service Premium Cabins are ideal for guests seeking a little extra style, space and comfort. They’re double the size of a Gold Service Twin Cabin and boast a three-quarter double bed, as well as an additional fold down single bed. There’s a private lounge area with table and armchair.

Platinum Cabins are approximately twice the size of Gold Service Twin Cabins and offer deluxe accommodation including double or twin beds, as well as spacious ensuite facilities and large 1.5 metre wide windows.

5. What are the on-board facilities?

There are several lounges scattered between the train’s 35 carriages, including a staffed bar area. Expect a decadent décor with plush couches and vintage tables, as well as a bookshelf and games corner. The lounge car is the social hub of the train where you can share stories, play games, it also has live music every day with little extras like a quiz and wine tasting! It’s the place to get a snack or drink anytime of day. 

6. Where will I be dining?

For Gold class passengers every day starts with a hot cooked breakfast served in the Queen Adelaide restaurant. For Platinum guests, on-board meals are served in the Platinum Club.
The Queen Adelaide restaurant is a charming venue and as close to a classic railway dining car as you’ll get. With four-seater leather booths, cut-glass partitions and stark white linen. Food and drink are all-inclusive in both Gold and Platinum classes, with sparkling and still wine, beer and spirits served all day long. Depending on the day’s itinerary, some dinners are enjoyed off the train, in hand-picked restaurants, vineyards and farms.

7. What will I be eating?

You can expect dinners on-board the train to be akin with a five star restaurant. An all inclusive menu is prepared by on-board chefs using fresh local fare, and changes regularly. The seasonal menu features mouth-watering dishes such as saltwater barramundi and grilled kangaroo fillet, and naturally, these are accompanied by a selection of premium Australian wines.

8. Will the cuisine be stand-out?

Absolutely. The Indian Pacific is constantly hailed for its culinary wow-factor. You’ll wrap your taste buds around an entire medley of creative on-board cuisine and fine wines, all sourced from Australia’s spectacular produce and wine regions.

Get ready for native Australian fare, such as kangaroo, saltbush and wild rosella flower, as well as locally produced beef, lamb and Margaret River cheese. As for wine, you’ll be poured wines from the Hunter valley in New South Wales to the Barossa and Adelaide Hills in South Australia. Better yet, it’s all inclusive. Platinum cabins offer Champagne Bollinger, Bracegirdle’s chocolates, a nightcap at turndown - you’re in for an exceptional experience.

9  |  What tours are available?

You'll disembark the train regularly, and board luxury coaches to fascinating places. Tours depend on which direction you are travelling. Sydney to Perth you will experience Broken Hill, Adelaide and The Nullarbor.

Perth to Sydney you will experience Kalgoorlie, The Nullarbor, Barossa Valley, Broken Hill and Blue Mountains.

At each of these stops there are a variety of excursions designed to maximise the Australian experience, whether you enjoy dining under the stars outback, wander through an eerie ghost town, self-guided walk around the Living Desert Sculpture site and unique NSW outback, a town tour with fabulous local Drag Queen Sensation, Shelita Buffet, discover the Barossa Valley Shiraz over a sumptuous dinner on site, or explore the charming village of Hahndorf.

10. What should I pack?

Smart casual attire is required for guests travelling in Platinum Service and Gold Service. 

We recommend you take warmer layers for evenings and a comfortable pair of walking shoes for day trips. A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are also advised. In your cabin is a hairdryer and travel-sized amenities. It’s also a good idea to take some cash as there is no facility onboard to withdraw cash. To buy on-board merchandise or to upgrade your tour options EFTPAS or credit cards are accepted.

11. What’s the luggage limit?

The Journey Beyond website recommends the following:

Platinum Service Twin and Double Cabins: One piece of hand luggage plus a garment bag and/or briefcase per person.

Gold Service Twin Cabin: One piece of hand luggage plus a garment bag, cabin bag or briefcase per person.

Gold Service Single Cabin: One piece of hand luggage plus a garment bag, cabin bag (105cm linear measurement) or briefcase.

For all classes the cabin bag can measure 105cm (linear measurement) with a maximum 10kg weight. Your main luggage is checked in and you won’t see it or be able to access it until you arrive, so it's a good idea to pack a cabin bag. You can check in 2 x 30kg bags. 

12. When should I book?

As early as possible. Cabins sell out very fast. To make sure you don’t miss out, register your details with your House of Travel consultant, and they’ll let you know when your preferred travel dates open for sale. Departures to Dec 2025 are now open.