This isn’t just a train trip – it’s an experience of a lifetime.

Luxury train travel is well and truly on the rise. In recent years, both Australian and international brands have been expanding their offerings to welcome an influx of guests from around the world.

In light of this surge, the experts at Japan Rail Pass have analysed and compared thousands of reviews, Instagram hashtags and global search volumes to determine which ones you should add to your bucket list. But you won’t have to book a flight to jump onboard – one of the best rail journeys in the world is right here in Australia.

What is Australia’s best luxury train journey?

It won’t come as a shock to anyone that The Ghan came out on top as Australia’s best rail journey, ranking fifth in the world overall. The Ghan, as we know it today, was launched by Australian experiential tourism company Journey Beyond and traverses the vast expanse of red-dirt country between Darwin in the Northern Territory and South Australia’s capital city of Adelaide.

The Ghan has ranked among the world’s best luxury train journeys.

But its lore extends well beyond that, going much deeper than its current identity as a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. The history of The Ghan goes back as far as the late 1800s, when the first cameleers arrived in Australia. The camel drivers, primarily from parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Türkiye and Egypt, were vital to the development of Australia’s outback.

Often referred to as ‘Afghans’ or ‘Ghans’ – hence the train’s name – the men transported goods across thousands of kilometres. They worked tirelessly, connecting remote towns with coastal cities and facilitating crucial infrastructure projects and major rail lines.

The Broken Hill Mosque Museum holds the history of the cameleers. (Image: Steve Madgwick)

While the workers were eventually replaced by automobiles and trains, they have since been honoured by companies like Journey Beyond for their significant contributions to Australia’s trade, agriculture, mining and transport industries. Learn more about the cameleers with a visit to the Broken Hill Mosque Museum.

What can I expect from a trip on The Ghan?

Australians have always known The Ghan is one of the country’s most memorable rail journeys. And while being recognised among the world’s best is a new feat for the train, take a closer look and it’s not hard to see why.

Over the years, The Ghan has undergone numerous upgrades to ensure the best experience for guests. From railway extensions and offboard inclusions to the recent introduction of brand-new cabin configurations, it’s no wonder it has made the list. If you’re keen to book, you can expect the journey of a lifetime.

Watch the world go by from your cosy Gold Service cabin.

Trips are flexible, with multiple options to choose from. If you only want one night onboard, book a trip travelling between either Darwin or Adelaide to Alice Springs. After a little more? Go from Adelaide to Darwin (or vice versa) over two nights and three days. Or go all out with The Ghan Expedition, a four-day, three-night journey exploring the wonders of Australia’s heartland.

Onboard, you’ll find a dining carriage offering delicious food (two-course breakfast, a two-course lunch and a three-course dinner) and premium wines, as well as a range of cabins to choose from depending on your price point. Opt for the Gold offering to enjoy a twin or single cabin and access to the Outback Explorer Lounge. Get a little more with the Gold Premium and Platinum packages, such as priority check-in, tour preferencing and a private en suite.

The opulent Aurora Australis suites will be available from 2026.

Those joining The Ghan in 2026 should also consider splurging on the all-new Aurora Australis suites. In an Australian first, the ultra-luxe rooms will include butler services, an in-suite bar, private chauffeur, access to the Platinum Club Lounge and much more.

Don’t forget about the offboard experiences either. Guests can visit some of Australia’s coolest destinations, from famous outback towns such as Katherine to award-winning wineries in McLaren Vale. For a little extra, why not add on a scenic cruise of Nitmiluk Gorge, or a private helicopter flight over Uluru? Take your pick.

Choose from a range of unforgettable offboard experiences.

What other luxury train journeys made the list?

Coming in as the world’s best luxury train is the Rocky Mountaineer out of Canada, with a final rating of 8.88/10. This was followed by California’s Napa Valley Wine Train and the GoldenPass Express in Switzerland. Fourth place went to South Africa’s Rovos Rail, with The Ghan rounding out the top five with an impressive overall rating of 8.54/10.