14 Things travellers over 60 can look forward to on the Indian Pacific railway journey

Jun 05, 2017

Image: MagSpace/Shutterstock.com

There are few travel experiences in Australia that really give you an idea of just how big and majestic the country really is, but the 4,652km journey from Sydney to Perth on the Indian Pacific railway journey is just that. One of just a handful of transcontinental trains in the world, the first Indian Pacific railway journey was completed in 1970 and originally took 75 hours, one way. Now it takes 65 hours, but after you get an idea of what there is to see and do along the way, you’ll be hoping it’s much longer. Here are just a few of the things travellers over 60 can look forward to on the Indian Pacific railway journey.

Read more: Add the Indian Pacific train journey to your bucket list here

1. The view of the Nullarbor Plains

Views like this stretch on for kilometres, and you won’t easily forget them. Sit back, relax, set up the camera, and get ready for quite the show as you chug along.

2. The peace and tranquillity of Australian countryside

What a romantic end to the day, watching the sun cast its shadows on the open plains of the country.

3. Special glimpses of this incredibly long train

At some stages of the journey, through the twists and turns, you’ll get the opportunity to see the who train in the distance if you’re right at the end or the beginning of the train.

4. You’ll visit the smallest of towns

The train visits some of the most remote areas of the country and you’ll get some insight into where people live in the area.

5. Did we mention the food?

🍴🚞🍹#indianpacific #journeybeyond #lunchtimecocktails

A photo posted by wynnieb (@wynnieb) on

And don’t forget to order an afternoon cocktail, too!

6. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the past while travelling on these beautiful carriages

You’ll feel like you’ve wandered back in time.

7. And get a real sense of just how large the country is

What’s 4,652kms between friend?

8. You’ll visit Broken Hill

First stop #sorryforthespam #justgotreception #indianpacific #journeybeyond

A photo posted by wynnieb (@wynnieb) on

And learn about Australia’s local mining history. 

9. Experience relaxing moments perfect for reading

Although, that stunning scenery is going to be competing for your attention

10. You’ll watch the landscape change

From bright greens to deep reds, all right before your eyes.

11. And witness some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world

12. You’ll learn about the sense of humour of people in the outback

#cook #southaustralia #indianpacific #gsr #holiday #perthtosydney #nullabor

A photo posted by Nicole (@nic.stapo) on

13. And their ingenuity!

That’s a telephone box that’s been converted into a swing.

14. But you’ll be blown away by the star of the show, the Aussie outback!

Den 4 352 kilometer långa järnvägen mellan Sydney och Perth, innehåller världens längsta raksträcka – 478 kilometer rakspår, över den trädlösa öknen Nullarbor Plain (nulli arbores = lat. inga träd). Persontåget Indian Pacific trafikerar sträckan en eller två gånger i veckan, i vardera riktningen, en resa som tar 65 timmar. Tågets namn härstammar från att det går mellan två världshav Indiska oceanen och Stilla havet, (Indian Ocean & Pacific Ocean) över en hel kontinent. Det går även ett tåg från norr till söder, denna sträcka trafikeras av “The Ghan”. Tågresan på ca 3000km tar ca 50-55 timmar. The Ghan återinvigdes 2004. Priset är mellan 1500-10 000:- SEK beroende på biljett. Den ursprungliga tåglinjen “The Ghan” sträckte sig genom samma väg som den gamla telegraflinjen. Det var John McDouall Stuart som lyckades utforska och bana väg för telegraflinjen när han 1862 efter otaliga försök blev den första som lyckades korsa den Australiska kontinenten från söder till norr. Mer om honom och hans fantastiska expeditioner och äventyr i Australiens inre i boken, “På cykel genom Australien”. Kortet togs i södra Australien på vår resa mot slutmålet i Adelaide. Gissa om vi blev förvånade när tåget några minuter efteråt kortet togs körde förbi med dess otaliga vagnar. #cykelkarlskrona #expeditionsilwerarrow #karlskrona #klavreström #norrhult #malmö #nybok #bokutgivning #äventyr #långfärdscykling #darwin #adelaide #australien #australia #påcykelgenomaustralien #travel #adventure #theoutback #vulkan #theghan #trainride #nullabor #indianpacific #indianpacifictrain #cykelkarlskrona #öken

A photo posted by Expedition Silwerarrow 2001 (@expeditionsilwerarrow2001) on

An adventure on the Indian Pacific awaits.

When are you planning your trip? Let us know in the comments section.

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