The Indian Pacific is one of the world's great transcontinental train journeys, spanning 4,352 kilometres across Australia from Sydney on the Pacific coast to Perth on the Indian Ocean — or in reverse — over four unforgettable days. Operated by Great Southern Rail, it combines elegantly appointed Platinum suites and Gold Service cabins with all-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car and a succession of immersive off-train experiences along the route. Whether you are drawn by the ancient silence of the Nullarbor Plain, the gold-rush heritage of Kalgoorlie, or the beauty of the Blue Mountains, the Indian Pacific offers a rare and unhurried way to discover the full breadth of the Australian continent.
At a Glance
| Region | Australia |
| Countries | Australia |
| Journey length | 3 nights / 4 days |
| Itineraries | Perth – Adelaide / Sydney – Adelaide; Perth to Sydney; Sydney to Perth |
| Price | from AUD 2,590 per person (varies by cabin & season) |
| Upcoming departures | 158 dates, Jun 2026 – Dec 2027 · view dates → |
| Reservations | 1-800-724-5120 · travel@palacetours.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian Pacific and where does it travel?+
The Indian Pacific is a legendary long-distance luxury train operated by Great Southern Rail that connects Sydney and Perth — two oceans and 4,352 kilometres apart — across the full width of Australia. The journey passes through the Blue Mountains, the outback town of Broken Hill, the city of Adelaide, the gold-rush streets of Kalgoorlie, and the vast Nullarbor Plain before reaching its destination. Shorter segments between Adelaide and either Perth or Sydney are also available on request.
What journeys and itineraries are available, and how long do they take?+
The flagship journey is the full trans-continental crossing in either direction — Perth to Sydney or Sydney to Perth — each lasting 3 nights and 4 days. Perth-bound trains depart Sydney on Wednesday afternoons; Sydney-bound trains depart Perth on Saturday afternoons. Shorter point-to-point segments connecting Adelaide with Perth or Adelaide with Sydney are available on request, and Adelaide also serves as a hub for onward journeys on The Ghan to Darwin or The Great Southern to Brisbane.
How much does the Indian Pacific cost?+
Fares start from AUD 2,590 per person for a Gold Single cabin on the Sydney–Perth route in low season. Prices vary significantly by cabin type, direction, season, and fare class — Gold Twin cabins range from around AUD 2,790 upward, while Platinum Double suites start from approximately AUD 5,990 and reach AUD 10,690 per person in high season on the Perth–Sydney crossing. Final pricing depends on your chosen departure and configuration; contact Palace Trains to confirm current availability and rates: 1-800-724-5120 (toll-free), +1-786-408-0610 (international/WhatsApp), or travel@palacetours.com.
What cabin and accommodation types are available?+
There are four cabin categories. Platinum Service offers spacious double or twin suites — nearly twice the size of a Gold Twin — with a private en suite (separate shower, hair dryer, premium amenities), a lounge by day and a luxurious bedroom by night, and access to the exclusive Platinum Club. Gold Superior cabins feature a ¾-size double bed with an additional fold-down upper berth, lounge area, TV, DVD player, mini-bar and private en suite; these are limited and sell out quickly. Gold Twin cabins convert between a three-seat lounge and upper/lower sleeping berths, with a private en suite. Gold Single cabins offer a lounge chair by day and single sleeping berth by night, with shared shower and toilet facilities at the end of the carriage.
What is included in the fare?+
All Gold Service fares include overnight accommodation in your chosen cabin and all meals in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car, paired with a generous selection of Australian wines, beers and spirits. Platinum Service is fully all-inclusive and additionally covers all off-train excursions, beverages throughout the journey, in-cabin continental breakfast on request, access to the Platinum Club, and chauffeur transfers within 60 kilometres of departure and arrival stations. Inclusions can vary by departure and fare class — Palace Trains will confirm exactly what is covered for your specific booking.
When does the Indian Pacific operate and when can I travel?+
The Indian Pacific runs year-round, with departures available across all twelve months. There are currently 158 upcoming departures on the schedule, with the next departure from 27 June 2026 through to late December 2027. To see the full departure calendar or to check availability for specific dates, visit the Indian Pacific page on the Palace Trains website or contact our team at 1-800-724-5120 or travel@palacetours.com.
Who operates the Indian Pacific, and what makes it special?+
The Indian Pacific is operated by Great Southern Rail, Australia's premier long-distance rail operator and the company behind The Ghan and The Great Southern. What sets the Indian Pacific apart is its combination of genuine grandeur — the retro-Edwardian Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car, panoramic windows framing ancient outback vistas, and spacious Platinum suites — with a series of curated off-train experiences that bring the journey to life at key stops along the route. It is consistently ranked among the world's great train journeys.
How do I book or check availability?+
Palace Trains is a specialist luxury rail travel agency that can book the Indian Pacific, advise on the best cabin and departure for your needs, and combine the journey with wider Australian or international itineraries. Reach us toll-free at 1-800-724-5120, internationally or via WhatsApp at +1-786-408-0610, or by email at travel@palacetours.com. You can also browse the departure table on the Indian Pacific train page to identify dates that suit you before getting in touch.
What are the off-train excursions and highlights along the route?+
Off-train experiences are woven into both directions of the journey. On the Sydney to Perth crossing, stops include a Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale wine tour from Adelaide (seasonal), and a sunset dinner under the Nullarbor stars at the remote outpost of Rawlinna — a traditional outback lamb roast that is a signature highlight of the westbound trip. On the Perth to Sydney crossing, guests explore the gold-rush town of Kalgoorlie, enjoy guided tours in Adelaide (including the Adelaide Central Market or Adelaide Oval), visit Broken Hill's Regional Art Gallery or The Big Picture, and wake to the Three Sisters at Echo Point in the Blue Mountains. Excursion options are included for Platinum passengers and vary by season.
What is the Nullarbor Plain crossing, and why is it famous?+
The Nullarbor Plain — Latin for 'no trees' — is one of the world's largest flat, treeless expanses, stretching across southern Australia. The Indian Pacific crosses it over an entire day, traversing the longest single stretch of straight railway track in the world. Passengers wake to a seemingly infinite horizon and have the rare experience of watching the ancient Australian outback scroll past from the comfort of their cabin or the lounge car. The ghost town of Cook, once a thriving railway community, marks the midpoint of this remarkable passage.