How to explore the Australian Outback by train

In an era defined by efficiency, the concept of slow travel can feel perplexing. Modern airports prioritize speed. As the world floats by 40,000 feet below, there is no appreciation of the small, resilient towns that together create a rich tapestry.  

When travel is turned around, however, the journey itself becomes the destination. This is the essence of the Great Southern, a rail expedition by Journey Beyond, which trades the impersonal hustle and bustle of flight for the meditative hum of the rails.

Spanning nearly 3,000 kilometers between Adelaide and Brisbane, the journey showcases a curated exploration of the Australian Outback. For three days, the train meanders through capital cities, ancient mountain ranges, and gold-rush towns.  

Adelaide  

The adventure starts in Adelaide, a city framed by vineyards and pristine coastlines. The Great Southern is designed to maximize comfort while providing an uninterrupted seat to Australia’s untamed wilderness.   

Menus throughout the journey feature local ingredients sourced from the regions, including saltbush lamb and lemon myrtle desserts. Dishes are plated with supreme finesse, which is remarkable considering the meals are created in moving kitchens. 

As the train glides away from the Adelaide platform, the view of the urban architecture is slowly replaced by leafy suburban homes, followed by the rolling green topography of the Adelaide Hills. The locomotive then starts its descent, revealing the vast and arid South Australian plains. The first major landmark on the horizon is Monarto, a place where the rugged Australian bush holds an unexpected secret.

Monarto 

Just over an hour east of Adelaide lies a surreal slice of the savannah: Monarto Safari Park is the largest safari park outside of Africa. Spanning over 1,500 hectares of mallee scrubland, the park offers a striking juxtaposition, with giraffes, cheetahs, and hyenas roaming against a backdrop of quintessential Australian gum trees.

The experience is designed to invert the traditional zoo dynamic. Here, humans enter a bus or a protective cage while the wildlife roam free. In the signature 360- degree experience, lions approach the humans, who are safely inside a purpose-built enclosure. One can only wonder who is watching whom.

Beyond the thrill of being in the presence of awe-inspiring wildlife, the park also serves a critical role in conservation. It is a major breeding platform for endangered species, allowing travelers to witness firsthand successful preservation efforts. In addition to the safari experience, Monarto is home to the newly built premium resort, Monarto Safari Resort.

For train travelers, the journey continues east, bound for the Grampians in Victoria.

Grampians 

Crossing into the state of Victoria, the landscape shifts again. While Melbourne’s urban culture often defines Victoria, the remote western plains offer a contrast of solidity and ancient geology. The horizon-dominating Gariwerd, commonly known as the Grampians, is a heritage-listed national park, a geological wonder deeply connected with the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung people.   

This area is popular with hikers, as trails range from short, relatively simple hikes to multi-day trails. One of the most popular hikes, the Pinnacle, starts from the outskirts of Halls Gap, and ambers skyward towards an impressive lookout. Koala, kangaroo, and even the echidna, are frequently sighted here.

Another popular destination within the Grampians is the iconic Mackenzie Falls. Featuring a year-round flow that cascades down a cliff face, Mackenzie Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the state of Victoria. Hikers can navigate the difficult stairs to the base of the falls, or take the wheelchair friendly Lookout walk with spectacular views at the top of Mackenzie Falls. 

For those seeking a gentler pace, the Venus Baths offer a chain of naturally formed rock pools, perfect during a summer visit.

Canberra  

The Great Southern continues to traverse Australia toward a city often misunderstood as purely bureaucratic. On arrival, it is evident that Australia’s capital, Canberra, is a city of world-class architecture and design.  

Lake Burley Griffin is the city's centerpiece, and walking and cycling trails line the banks. Rent an e-scooter to complete a five-kilometer loop under leafy canopies and lush surroundings.

Outside the grounds of the government buildings, Canberra unravels a plethora of cultural delights, from museums, art galleries, and libraries. Canberra is also home to a rainforest with more than 4,300 plant species. Located just five minutes from the city center, the Australian National Botanic Gardens showcases an immense diversity of flora.

However, the political history remains the draw. Old Parliament House was the home to Australia’s Federal Government from 1927 to 1988. Now, it's run as a museum, and the rooms have been transformed into historical time pieces. In contrast, visitors can visit the modern-day Parliament House.

Gulgong  

Leaving Canberra, the Great Southern starts the journey north toward Gulgong, a town rich in history. Located around a four-hour drive from Sydney, Gulgong is the quintessential town of the 19th-century gold rush. The main street steps back in time, with heritage-listed buildings lining either side.  

Brought into the spotlight in 1966, Gulgong was made famous by buildings featured on the original paper $10 note, alongside Gulgong local and Australian writer, Henry Lawson.

For those who follow their curiosity, the impressive Gulgong Pioneers Museum showcases the life experiences of the early settlers. For others, a relaxing stroll through the delightful main street and a visit to Times Bakery—one of the buildings on the Australian $10 note—for a coffee and pastry will inevitably take you back in time.

Brisbane  

On the journey’s home stretch, the Great Southern curls through the Blue Mountains, heading north toward Queensland. The climate transforms from the dry heat of the interior to a warmer, humid subtropical embrace. Eucalyptus gives way to tropical palms.  

Arrival in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, marks a return to the fast-paced world and the completion of the Great Southern rail expedition. However, for travelers who want to continue embracing slow travel, Brisbane offers many nature-inspired outdoor lifestyle options.

Southbank is a location on the fringe of the city that was transformed into a cultural precinct for the World Expo in 1988. It features an impressive lagoon with many cafes and restaurants. Visitors can follow the locals for a classic pub feed at Southbank Beer Garden, splurge on an indulgent degustation at Bacchus, or visit The Charming Squire for a craft beer.

Queen Street Mall, located in the city center, showcases big-name brands, trendy cafes, and local street performers. The evening is best completed with a high-energy Aussie footy match at the Gabba, Brisbane’s largest stadium. Indulge like a local with a classic meat pie and chips, or head to sophisticated Electric Ave for a cocktail.