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Australia Holidays

Exploration of Australia's considerable attractions is possible by car but may require some arduous driving to cover the distances required to get from A to B on the planet's sixth largest country. A far better and easier way to appreciate Australia's diverse open spaces, vibrant cities and natural and cultural wonders is to explore them by train.

An escorted rail tour of Australia with Great Rail Journeys reveals the beauty of this land whilst travelling in comfort on some of Australia's most iconic trains. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Centre and from the Blue Mountains to the Barossa Valley your Australian train holiday is guaranteed to be memorable.

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6 results matching: Australia

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ClassicClassic
Blue MountainsBlue MountainsBlue MountainsBlue MountainsBlue Mountains
Save up to £500pp
4.6 stars(36 reviews)
2025SepOctNov
2026JanFebMarSepOctNov

Join us on an epic adventure into this vast, vibrant and varied land to experience Australia's spectacular natural wonders, from the rainforests of tropical Cairns and kaleidoscopic colours of the Great Barrier Reef to the burnished red tones of the ancient sacred site of Uluru. Explore laid-back Adelaide and its world-acclaimed wine region,...

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Save up to £500pp
21 days from
£7,499 pp £6,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Twelve ApostlesTwelve ApostlesTwelve ApostlesTwelve ApostlesTwelve Apostles
Save up to £500pp
2026FebMarOctNov

Embark on a journey of a lifetime, witnessing iconic landmarks, spectacular natural wonders and discovering the indigenous culture of Australia and New Zealand. Encounter the tropical rainforests of the Great Barrier Reef and the sacred site of Uluru; experience the thermal lakes of Rotorua and an evening of Māori culture, food and dance. Visit...

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Save up to £500pp
23 days from
£8,999 pp £8,499 pp
per person
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LuxuryLuxury
Indian PacificIndian PacificIndian PacificIndian PacificIndian Pacific

Take the journey of a lifetime on the Indian Pacific rail route from Perth to Sydney. See Australia in a unique way, aboard this plush and stylish train, experiencing the country's landscape from a privileged perspective. Then spend some time in Sydney, the iconic harbour city, where you can experience the famous beaches, the opera house, and all...

11 days from
£4,725 pp
per person
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LuxuryLuxury
The GhanThe GhanThe GhanThe GhanThe Ghan

Take the journey of a lifetime as you travel aboard The Ghan and experience the golden age of travel onboard this luxurious train whilst traversing the expanse of Australia, spanning from its southernmost tip to its northern reaches. This incredible adventure takes you through the 'red centre' of Australia, from Adalaide to Darwin, allowing you to...

10 days from
£4,215 pp
per person
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LuxuryLuxury
Indian PacificIndian PacificIndian PacificIndian PacificIndian Pacific

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey from Sydney to Perth aboard the iconic Indian Pacific train and travel in the style of the golden age of travel. This luxury train takes you from the famous harbour city of Sydney, home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, to Perth, a vibrant urban city with a bustling arts scene. Sit back and watch the diverse...

12 days from
£5,065 pp
per person
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LuxuryLuxury
The GhanThe GhanThe GhanThe GhanThe Ghan

Let the charms of Australia beguile and delight you on this truly epic journey from Sydney to Ayers Rock. Travel aboard the iconic The Ghan sleeper train and experience the golden age of travel as you pass by inspiring sights and diverse landscapes. You'll explore some of Australia's most famous cities and you'll discover aboriginal art, all while...

14 days from
£5,495 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Australia tours
Ultimate Australia
24/Mar
Philip Demetriou
5 stars
“The tour fulfilled all that I wanted to see and so much more of Australia than I had imagined, truly an amazing trip which was led by the very professional ‘Tour Manager’ Katherine Leigh.
Collected by Trustpilot

Our Guide to Australia
About Australia

By the time the first Dutch explorers set foot in Australia in 1606, it had already been inhabited by aboriginal people for more than forty-thousand years. Despite naming their discovery 'New Holland' the Dutch did not settle here; that honour went to the British who established a penal colony, to which convicts were deported by ship, on 26 January 1788, where the city of Sydney now stands. The date is significant - it is now commemorated annually as Australia Day. As a result of its indigenous and colonial heritage, modern Australia provides an intriguing cultural mix which is represented in aspects such its architecture, music, art, theatre, museums and cuisine.

 

The Ghan Gold Service Cabin

Australia's sheer size encompasses a diversity of geography and features the world's largest coral reef, several mountain ranges, dense, tropical rainforest, arid desert and vast open plains of grass and scrub. Guests who join us aboard Australia's legendary train The Ghan will encounter many of these incredible landscapes on one of the world's greatest railway journeys between Alice Springs at the country's heart and Adelaide on the south coast.

Size also dictates Australia's complex climates which vary depending upon the region and time of year. Generally speaking, northern Australia from the Red Centre upwards enjoys year-round warmth. Northern tropical regions have a wet season from November to April and a dry season May to October. As you head further south in Australia, and therefore closer to Antarctica, temperatures fall. Other than the tropical regions Australia has four seasons, but as the country is located in the southern hemisphere they are reversed, so December to February is the height of summer, June to August the depths of winter.

Modern Australian cuisine extends far beyond the infamous barbecued shrimp, meat pie and cold lager. Boasting the world's third largest fishing zone, Australia offers some of the finest seafood available with specialities including salmon, lobster, oysters and tuna, as well as the freshwater Barramundi which inhabits Northern Australia's rivers. Roast meats are typically popular and in addition to lamb, beef and pork, kangaroo meat is not uncommon and, in some restaurants, cuts of ostrich or crocodile. Australian delicacies to look out for are stone-baked damper bread, Anzac biscuits and the Moreton Bay Bug; a smaller crustacean relative of the lobster with firm flesh and a distinctive flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Australia?

Australia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and the regions you're exploring. The summer months (December to February) offer warm weather, ideal for coastal and beach activities. For cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November).

Do I need a visa to visit Australia?

Yes, British citizens require a visa to enter Australia. You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a Visitor Visa online before your trip. The ETA is usually the most convenient option for short visits, allowing stays of up to three months. It's important to apply well in advance to ensure a smooth arrival.

What is the currency used in Australia?

The currency used in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). It's advisable to exchange currency before your trip or use ATMs in Australia to withdraw cash. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the country.

What languages are spoken in Australia?

The official language of Australia is English, though you'll hear a variety of other languages spoken due to the country's multicultural population. Many people also speak Mandarin, Italian, and Arabic, among other languages.

What electrical plugs are used in Australia?

Australia uses Type I electrical plugs with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Make sure to bring an adapter.

What is the tipping culture in Australia?

Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, but it is appreciated for exceptional service. In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is common if you are pleased with the service, though it's not expected.

What should I pack for my trip to Australia?

The items you pack will depend on the season and activities you plan to do. Essentials include light clothing for warm weather, comfortable shoes for walking, a hat, sun cream, and swimwear. Insect repellent is also a good idea.

What are the must-see attractions in Australia?

Australia is home to many iconic attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, and Uluru. Each region offers unique experiences, from wildlife encounters to city life.

What wildlife can I see in Australia?

Australia is famous for its unique wildlife. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and a wide variety of bird species. You may also spot crocodiles, snakes, and exotic marine life while exploring the country's diverse ecosystems.

How many people go on one of your holidays?

Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. Our group sizes vary between tours, but are our ranges are usually a good indicator of what to expect.

For our Discoveries range, you'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. If opting for our Classic collection, you'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. Our Landmark holidays are where you'll find our smallest group sizes, starting from as low as 16 travellers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

*Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

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