How to Experience the Real Australian Outback by Train

They represented the group's best loved railway journeys, according to Eleanor Hardy, president of the US based Society of International Railway Travelers.

"The trains met stringent standards for service, accommodation, scenery, itinerary, off-train experiences and passenger enjoyment", she said.

Now, sit back, read and discover the luxury way to experience outback Australia.

1. The Indian Pacific.

The Indian Pacific is one of the world's great train journeys. It crosses the vast Australian continent between Sydney on the Pacific Ocean and Perth, on the Indian Ocean in a shade over three days. Passengers experience the real Australia from majestic mountains to rolling pastures to the harshness of the outback.

The Indian Pacific is a tourist train designed to help you explore this country at your leisure and in comfort. My journey was from Perth to Adelaide and the train stopped at 2 places of interest along the way.

First stop, Kalgoorlie.

This vibrant inland city provides a fascinating insight into Australia's early gold rush days. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy an optional bus tour and view the world's largest open cut gold mine, as well as learning about its turbulent past.

Shades of the past still exist today and a drive past one of the town's 3 brothels caused animated conversation in our tour group.

Second stop,Cook.

This tiny town in the heart of the Nullarbor Plain, highlighted the extreme summer heat of the outback. Before she opened the carriage door, Cabin Attendant, Nikki warned us with a glorious piece of understatement, "It's pretty hot out there". She wasn't joking!

We stepped from the comfort of an air conditioned train to searing 47 degree (120F) desert heat! Most passengers couldn't handle the oven like heat and retreated to the comfort of their cabins.

I was either very brave or very stupid as I walked with a small group of intrepid travelers to visit the tiny outback settlement with a population of 4 and to experience the harshness of the outback.

I have nothing but admiration for those hardy souls who actually live out here in the middle of the nowhere.

My reflections.

On the final stages of the journey, I had time to reflect on the adventure. I remembered the brilliant outback sunsets, the soaring Wedge-tail eagles (the train's symbol), the friendships formed with fellow guests, the superb meals and the friendly, attentive staff, who made us all feel so special.

But most of all, I remembered the indelible impression the train and the country it traversed, made on overseas visitors. Many regarded it as the highlight of their trip to Australia.

Some planned to return and continue their outback adventures on "The Ghan".

2. The Ghan.

This train travels from south to north through the heart of Australia from the southern city of Adelaide, capital of South Australia to tropical Darwin, capital of Australia's Northern Territory.

Along the way it stops at 2 major tourist towns.

Alice Springs.

The base for tours to the spectacular King's Canyon and Ayers Rock. You may choose to leave the train for a few days and explore these areas on guided tours, then rejoin The Ghan at a later date. Alternatively, take part in a short guided tour of Alice Springs, then return to your train to continue the journey north.

As you travel north, particularly in the summer or "green season" you will notice
a spectacular change from the dry harshness of the outback to lush tropical vegetation.

Katherine.

Your second stop is the base for tours to the spectacular Katherine Gorge. As with Alice Springs, the train stops long enough for you to enjoy an optional gorge tour.

Destination Darwin.

Your final destination, Darwin is a convenient base for tours to a number of major tourist regions including Kakadu and Litchfield Park. During the green season from December to February, it can be hot and very uncomfortable.

The compensation is that the country is green and lush and all the waterfalls are at their spectacular best. The dry season from May to October is the most popular time to visit Australia's tropical north.

Both The Indian Pacific and The Ghan are owned by Great Southern Rail, and the company offers many options for travel within Australia. It is constantly refining its services and as a result of public demand, has introduced a new luxury Platinum Class experience to its Indian Pacific and Ghan trains.

Want to discover more about rail travel in Australia? Australian travel expert Graeme Lanham's popular new Ebook gives you all the answers. Claim your 3 special FREE reports (valued at $57) available at:
http://www.traveltipsaustralia.com