Travel bucket list idea:
East-West Australia, Australia
Bucket List Experience
Crossing Australia east-west from the Indian to Pacific oceans, this is a 4,352km four-day journey in a modern train with period design touches. It links Perth, Adelaide and Sydney and provides a perfect introduction to the country’s variety of landscapes – and its size.
Among the scenic highlights of the journey are the wheatfields of Western Australia, the flat expanse of the Nullarbor Plain, the sand dunes around Menindee Lakes, the hills of the Great Dividing Range and the Blue Mountains near Sydney.
There are stops to explore Broken Hill’s mining history, the world-class Barossa Valley wine region, regional art galleries and even a notorious drag show in Adelaide.
Locally sourced ingredients are used in the art deco Queen Adelaide dining car to produce such sumptuous dishes, such as saltwater barramundi and kangaroo, served with excellent Australian wine.
Trains begin in Perth and Sydney Central stations, though shorter journeys are possible, linking with the Ghan at Adelaide. There are single, double and twin cabins available.
The train operates year-round. The most popular and expensive months are the spring months of September and October when the temperatures are pleasant and humidity lower.
Many favour the low season of December to February when the rates are lower – a trade-off with soaring temperatures on outdoor excursions and irritating flies.
The winter months of June and July are the coldest and cheapest months.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
New South Wales, Australia
Destination guide
One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people. Home to the eye-popping Opera House and the indescribable Sydney Bridge Climb.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Inspiration
All the romance, excitement and adventure of travel – with all of the luxury. Train expert, journalist and train enthusiast Anthony Lambert recommends the world’s greatest train journeys to do in a lifetime.
