Indian Pacific train heading east towards Broken Hill Pinnacles
Bonfire in the outback on the Indian Pacific train
Night in station on the Indian Pacific train
Indian Pacific train heading east through Clare Valley

Indian Pacific

Australia & New Zealand
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Overview

Australia’s transcontinental Indian Pacific offers a twice-weekly service in both directions between Perth and Sydney, via Adelaide, across more than 2,704 miles (4,352 km) during peak seasons, and once a week in less busy times.

Almost 300 miles (482 km) of it is across the longest straight track in the world, the Nullarbor Plain.

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The journey takes three nights, and our travelers report it’s frequently a very jolly departure, with many Aussies traveling the route, especially around holiday periods.

In 1849, Australia’s first railway lines were built—but on three different rail gauges. The beginnings of the modern-day Indian Pacific can be traced to 1917, but the first unbroken journey of the new Indian Pacific departed Sydney Central Station on Feb. 20, 1970, arriving at Perth five days later to a welcoming crowd of 10,000. 

Dining

All passengers have their all-inclusive meals in the Queen Adelaide restaurant cars: breakfast, two-course lunch and three-course dinner.  Seasonal, local ingredients are featured.

Lounges

The Outback Explorer Lounge is the social hub of the train — with wide picture windows, bar service and snacks served throughout the day.

The Platinum Club is exclusive for Platinum Service guests.  A Platinum Host serves cocktails, barista coffee and snacks. Dinner can also be taken in the Platinum Club.

IRT Insights

The last guests we had on this train felt that the dining service was rushed, with all courses served at once. Hopefully, this criticism has been addressed and service has improved.

If you want to go all out, book exclusive use of The Chairman’s Carriage, which accommodates up to eight people. It has three Platinum Service double cabins and one Platinum Service twin cabin, as well as a private dining/lounge area and attendant. Contact us for availability and pricing.

 

Begin Your Journey

Talk to an expert about journeys on this train.