DESTINATIONS australia train-travel-13

TRAVEL TIPS

Train Travel

Australia has a network of long-distance trains providing first- and economy-class service along the east and south coasts, across the south of the country from Sydney to Perth, and through the middle of the country between Adelaide and Darwin.

Most long-distance trains are operated by various state-government-owned enterprises. The luxurious exceptions to the rule are the Ghan, Indian Pacific, and Overland, all run by the private company Great Southern Rail. Rail Australia is the umbrella organization for all of these services outside the country.

The state-owned trains are usually punctual and comfortable. Economy class has reclining seats, and on longer routes there are sleeper classes. Second-class sleepers have shared bathrooms and sometimes you share your cabin with strangers, too. In first class you have the cabin to yourself and a small en suite bathroom. Meals are sometimes included. Comfort levels increase in Premium Red Service on the Overland, and Gold and Platinum Service on the Ghan and Indian Pacific and in the Spirit of Queensland's' RailBed carriages. The high-speed Tilt Train is aimed at business travelers and has business-class-style reclining seats.

Information

Great Southern Rail. 1800/703357; 08/8213–4401; www.greatsouthernrail.com.au.

NSW TrainLink. 13–2232; www.nswtrainlink.info.

Queensland Rail. 1800/872467; 07/3606--6630; www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au.

Rail Australia. 1800/872467; 07/3235–1122; www.railaustralia.com.au.

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