One of the standout 2026 travel trends my consortia Ensemble recently shared, backed by a Booking.com survey, is the growing desire for rail journeys. Travelers are craving experiences that feel meaningful, immersive, and unhurried. And trains are leading the way.
If you’re going to embrace rail travel anywhere in the world, Australia is an exceptional place to do it.
Two iconic journeys continue to top the list: The Ghan and the Indian Pacific, both operated by Journey Beyond.
These are not just trains. They are true travel experiences.
Why Slow Travel by Train Is Trending in 2026
Travelers are increasingly choosing experiences that allow them to slow down, disconnect, and truly absorb a destination. Train journeys naturally lend themselves to this style of travel. There’s no rushing through airports, no packing and unpacking every night, and no constant sense of being “on the clock.”
Instead, you settle in, watch the landscape unfold, and let the journey become part of the story.
Australia’s rail journeys take this concept to another level.
Luxury Train Travel in Australia: The Ghan and Indian Pacific
I’ve personally booked clients on both The Ghan and the Indian Pacific, and the feedback is always the same: “I can’t believe how much we saw and experienced without feeling rushed.”
These trains travel through parts of Australia that are otherwise difficult or impractical to visit—vast outback regions, remote communities, and landscapes that stretch endlessly in every direction.
Along the way, the journeys include off-train stops, often with guided excursions, allowing travelers to step off the train and experience Australia beyond the rails.
And just as importantly, there’s a strong sense of connection. Train travel has a way of bringing people together. Conversations flow easily in the lounge cars and dining spaces, and travelers often comment on how much they enjoyed interacting with Australians and fellow guests from around the world. “My clients often tell me one of their favorite parts of these journeys isn’t just the scenery—it’s the people. There’s something special about sharing meals, stories, and laughs with Australians along the way.”
Why Seeing Australia by Train Is a Quintessential Experience
Australia is a country defined by its scale. Flying gets you from place to place quickly, but it skips over the spaces in between—the very spaces that give Australia its character, such as the Red Centre, Top End, and Nullarbor Plain.
Traveling by train allows you to feel the distance, see the gradual changes in landscape, and appreciate just how vast and diverse the country really is.
It’s a quintessentially Australian experience and one that feels especially relevant as more travelers seek depth over speed.
Full Journeys vs Short Segments: How Travelers Are Using These Trains
One of the things I love most about these journeys is their flexibility.
I’ve had clients:
- Travel the full Indian Pacific journey from Perth to Sydney
- Choose shorter segments, such as Adelaide to Sydney, instead of flying
- Build a rail journey into a larger Australia itinerary as a standout experience
You don’t have to commit to the entire route to enjoy the magic. Even a partial journey delivers incredible scenery, unique stops, and a completely different way of seeing the country.
Classes of Service: From Comfortable to Ultra-Luxury
Both The Ghan and the Indian Pacific offer multiple classes of service, making these journeys accessible to different travel styles.
Options range from comfortable private cabins to ultra-luxury suites, with inclusions such as:
- All meals and premium beverages
- Thoughtfully curated off-train excursions
- Attentive onboard service
- Beautifully designed dining and lounge spaces
No matter the class, these journeys are designed to feel special, seamless, and indulgent.
How to Add an Australian Rail Journey to Your Itinerary
It’s important to plan for extra time when adding a rail journey to your itinerary. These experiences are not about speed—they’re about savoring the journey.
That said, the time investment is absolutely worth it. Many travelers tell me their train journey was the highlight of their entire Australia trip.
Whether you’re replacing a flight, adding a unique experience between destinations, or building a trip around the train itself, these journeys fit beautifully into a well-planned itinerary.
Beyond Australia: Other Iconic Train Journeys Around the World
This rail renaissance isn’t limited to Australia. Around the world, travelers are rediscovering:
- Scenic rail routes through Europe
- Luxury trains across the Canadian Rockies
- Long-distance journeys in Asia
But there’s something uniquely powerful about seeing Australia by train—its remoteness, its silence, and its stories.
Is a Luxury Train Journey Right for Your 2026 Trip?
If 2026 travel is on your horizon and you’re looking for a more meaningful, immersive way to explore a destination, an Australian rail journey may be the perfect fit.
Whether you choose the full route or just a portion, traveling aboard The Ghan or the Indian Pacific offers a deeper connection to Australia—and a journey you’ll remember long after the train comes to a stop.
If Australia is a destination you’re seriously considering for 2026 or beyond, let’s connect. Whether you’re dreaming about trying a luxury train journey or just wanting to visit this vast, unique landscape, having someone who knows how to fine-tune all the moving parts makes all the difference.
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