6 great Aussie train destinations

Experience the beauty of the Land Down Under by rail.

By Samuel Smith
Published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019

To celebrate the launch of Australia’s newest rail journey Great Southern, travelling from Adelaide to Brisbane, we’ve pulled together a list of our top 6 Australian train destinations.

1. The Twelve Apostles, Victoria

The iconic Twelve Apostles are a series of towering limestone rocks, jutting out of the wild Southern Ocean just off Victoria’s coast. Formed 10-20 million years ago, they are the remainders of what were once caves. Today, you can admire the 12 Apostles (though technically, there are now only 8) from a 7 km walking trail along the clifftops.

Get there by train: You can reach The Twelve Apostles on the Great Southern Journey, travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide.

The 12 Apostles, Victoria. One of samotor's 6 great Aussie train destinations.
Sunset over the 12 Apostles, Victoria.

2. Coober Pedy, South Australia

Descend into a subterranean labyrinth of houses, hotels, shops and churches in Coober Pedy, all dug deep into the earth to escape the harsh outback heat. Above ground, try your luck fossicking for opals at multiple sites around town. When you’re done, sit back, drink in-hand, and watch the sun set over Coober Pedy’s unique moonscape.

Get there by train: You can reach Coober Pedy on The Ghan Expedition, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide.

Coober Pedy, South Australia. One of samotor's 6 great Aussie train destinations.
Exploring underground in Coober Pedy, South Australia. (Image: SATC)

3. The Grampians, Victoria

The Grampians are one of Victoria’s most stunning natural attractions. Step off the train into a world of cascading waterfalls, rugged mountain ranges, wildlife, fine wine and exceptional food. Trek through national parks blanketed in wildflowers and come face-to-face with echidnas and wallabies.

Get there by train: You can reach The Grampians on the Great Southern Journey, travelling from Adelaide to Brisbane.

The Balconies, Grampians, South Australia. One of samotor's 6 great Aussie train destinations.
The Balconies, Grampians.

4. The Nullarbor, Eyre Peninsula

Beautifully desolate, the Nullarbor stretches over 1000km, crossing the border between South Australia and Western Australia. Wake up to an outback sunrise on The Indian Pacific and watch as expansive plains, rippling dunes, saltbush and wildflowers rush past your window.

Get there by train: You can reach The Nullarbor on the Indian Pacific Journey, travelling from Adelaide to Perth.

Camping in The Nullarbor, South Australia. One of samotor's 6 great Aussie train destinations.
Camping in The Nullarbor. (Image: SATC)

5. The Hunter Valley, New South Wales

New South Wales’ world-famous Hunter Valley is brimming with tantalising food and wine. Take your pick from hundreds of cellar doors and internationally award-winning restaurants, all complimented by lush, rolling hills. Explore the sprawling 60-acre Hunter Valley Gardens, then pick up some of Australia’s best smallgoods to tuck into on the road.

Get there by train: You can reach The Hunter Valley on the Great Southern Journey, travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide.

The Hunter Valley Gardens from above, Victoria. One of samotor's 6 great Aussie train destinations.
The Hunter Valley Gardens from above, Victoria.

6. Katherine, Northern Territory

The tropics and outback intertwine in Katherine. Enter a land of misty waterfalls, thermal pools, hot springs and jaw-dropping gorges. Katherine boats a rich Indigenous history; discover ancient rock art, explore local galleries and join the celebrations at local events and festivals.

Get there by train: You can reach Katherine on The Ghan Expedition, travelling from Adelaide to Darwin.

Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Gorge. One of samotor's 6 great Aussie train destinations.
Waterfall at Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Gorge.

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