Australia
The "Land Down Under" may be on the other side of the world, but retains a familiarity for the British visitor. With two centuries of shared history, a common monarchy, familiar placenames and a history of wartime comradeship, it is hardly any wonder that the UK and Australia feel strong ties. And yet Australia is in other ways so different - the parched red dust of the outback, the millennia-old culture of her native peoples, the weird and wonderful wildlife and the modern cities looking more towards America and Asia than the "Old Country". Australia retains its capacity to surprise and fascinate at every turn.
Where to Go
Australia's prime destinations are the cities of the southeast, the most populated areas of this vast country. These cities are fascinating places in their own right and also serve as the departure/arrival points for some of the world's greatest rail journeys.
Sydney - Australia's largest city, Sydney sits
on its stunning harbour and houses Australia's most famous man-made
landmarks. A modern, forward-looking city at the heart of the
Pacific Rim culture.
Melbourne - Sporty, fun and green, Melbourne's parks and historic alleyways are famous throughout Australia. Go to a concert or maybe catch a match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Adelaide - Genteel, cultured Adelaide is Australia's artistic and literary home, but its modern sleepy image belies its past as a haven of progressive government and counter-culture during the 1960s and 70s.
Rail Journeys
The vast distances of the Australian outback are crossed by rail from east to west and from north to south, and the trains operated by Great Southern Rail are certainly the most comfortable way to experience this fearsome desert.
The Ghan - Linking Darwin in the tropical North End with genteel Adelaide in the south, the Ghan travels through some of the most barren landscapes on the planet, right across Australia's "Red Centre".
The Indian Pacific - Named for the two oceans it links, the Indian Pacific connects Sydney with Perth, via Adelaide, showcasing the natural wealth of this vast country.
The Southern Spirit - The premier Australian rail journey, with just a few departures and a unique itinerary every year, the Southern Spirit offers the chance for the lucky few to experience Australia at its very best.
