NEED TO KNOW
ROUTE The route runs between Sydney and Perth, Australia
LENGTH AND TIME
2,704 miles (4,352 km); 3 days
DAYTIME TEMPERATURES
Jan: 82°F (28°C); Apr: 72°F (22°C); Jul: 57°F (14°C); Oct: 70°F (21°C)
One of the world’s longest train journeys, the Indian Pacific straddles Australia, running from Sydney on the east coast to Perth on the west via Broken Hill, Adelaide, Kalgoorlie, and the remote desert settlement of Cook. Starting from Sydney, the journey begins by crossing the eucalyptus- clad heights of the Blue Mountains (see p178) before descending into the great open spaces of the Australian Outback. The journey is best known for its fabled crossing of the treeless plains of the Nullabor Desert, between Kalgoorlie and Perth, which includes the world’s longest stretch of absolutely straight railway track: a staggering 297 miles (478 km) without a single bend or twist in the rails.
Practical Information
Train Schedule Departs twice in a week in both directions.
When to Go December to March, during the Southern Hemisphere summer.