The old Ghan and Indian Pacific routes, operated privately by Great Southern Rail since 1997, are leisurely scenic journeys crossing the continent north/south and east/west with options of off-train excursions and outback experiences. The Ghan - short for The Afghan Express honoring 19th century Afghan camel drivers who traveled the outback - runs weekly between Adelaide and Darwin, covering the 1,851 miles (2,979 km) in 54 hours. The Indian Pacific takes four days for the 2,704 miles (4,352 km) between Sydney and Perth. Want a shorter scenic trip? Choose the daytime Overland between Melbourne and Adelaide.

greatsouthernrail.com.au