The most amazing train journeys in Australia

Elizabeth Whitehead Elizabeth Whitehead
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These trains are so much more than a way to get from A to B.

Lonely Planet has launched Amazing Train Journeys, a book spotlighting 60 incredible scenic railways around the world. Impressively, Australia has scored four mentions that span classic tourist rail journeys to regular commuter trains.

In an era of travel where we are more eco-conscious than ever, trains are the perfect way to slow down and see more. So, whether you’re trying to leave a lighter footprint, or simply appreciate the romance of the railway, here are four of Australia’s most amazing train journeys, as listed in Lonely Planet’s Amazing Train Journeys.

The Ghan

As the old adage goes, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey". And although it may be a cliché, it’s never felt truer than onboard one of Australia’s most luxurious trains. The Ghan is an Australian icon, cleaving the country’s Red Centre as it travels between Adelaide and Darwin.

The Ghan train in Australia
The Ghan is a locomotive with some serious history. (Image: Matt Munro/Lonely Planet)

Over three to four days (depending on the direction of travel) and nearly 3000 km, passengers will experience a cross-section of outback wilderness in complete comfort, from the onboard fine dining options to the Art Deco-inspired bar car that recalls the romance of rail travel. The Ghan is a locomotive with some serious history. Named for the Afghan Cameleers transporting freight around the country, the Ghan was constructed between 1878 and 1929. 2024 marks 95 years of The Ghan adventuring through the outback.

the bold-red landscape aboard the legendary Ghan
Embark on an exhilarating adventure aboard the legendary Ghan.

The South Coast Line

To Sydneysiders, this regular commuter train line may not sound special. But according to Lonely Planet, the views from the South Coast Line line that connects Sydney, Wollongong and Bomaderry on the NSW South Coast, are some of the country’s prettiest.

South Coast Line
The South Coast Line is one of Australia’s prettiest commuter rail lines., (Image: State of NSW – Transport for NSW)

The train skirts the Royal National Park before dazzling views of the Pacific Ocean open up on the onward journey towards Thirroul. There are plenty of places worth stopping, whether at the pretty townships of Berry, or the beaches of Gerringong and Kiama to watch the whales migrate in autumn.

Aerial view of South Coast Line train in NSW
There are plenty of gems along this train route. (Image: State of NSW –  Transport for NSW)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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The West Coast Wilderness Railway

The West Coast Wilderness Railway in Tasmania is not just a scenic route, but a feat of human engineering. When it was built in the 1890s to transport copper to Strahan’s port from Queenstown, the task seemed near impossible due to the density of the terrain.

Tas West Coast Wilderness Railway
Steam between Strahan and Queenstown on the West Coast Wilderness Railway. (Image: Tourism Tasmania & Nick Osborne)

Now, riding the West Coast Wilderness Way couldn’t be further from the toil and sweat of the train’s mining history. Onboard the vintage steamer, you’ll chug through the rainforest as staff hand out glasses of bubbly. On the train’s outdoor balcony, the air is fragrant with Huon Pine and cool in the shade of the rainforest canopy. This is one for nature lovers, as well as the railway buffs, too.

West Coast Wilderness Railway
The luxurious West Coast Wilderness train passes through the temperate forests of Huon Pine. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Kuranda Scenic Railway

Starting from Cairns, the 37-kilometre railroad to Kuranda was hand-hewn in the late 1880s by 1500 labourers using just picks and shovels. The only thing more impressive is the captivating vistas taken in on the train journey, from tropical rainforests to the tumbling waterfalls of Barron Gorge.

Kuranda scenic railway
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a must-see in Tropical North Queensland. (Image: Queensland Rail Travel)

Begin your journey with breakfast in an authentic antique train carriage at Freshwater Train Station, where you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountainscapes before you embark on an unforgettable jaunt through the tropics on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Currently, Kuranda Scenic Railway is running weekend services only but will reinstate a full timetable from 2 March.

Kuranda scenic railway
The Kuranda Scenic Railway takes in tropical rainforest and waterfalls. (Image: Queensland Rail Travel)
Elizabeth Whitehead
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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What it’s really like to stay on the world’s largest sand island

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

    The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

    But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

    Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

    Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

    Exploring K’gari

    ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island
    Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

    This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

    If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

    The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

    kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island
    Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

    If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

    While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise. Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

    The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

    Unwind at sunset

    two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort
    Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

    As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

    The Sunset Bar, located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

    When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

    Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

    Indulge and disconnect

    woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa
    Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

    Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

    The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

    Getting there

    kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island
    The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

    Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.