Skip The Ghan: Discover Australia’s Indian Pacific Train Journey

Rapid Summary

• The article describes a journey across Australia on the Indian Pacific train, covering 2,704 miles from Sydney to Perth in three days.
• Along the way, it stops at broken Hill, a mining town famous for its connection to the cult classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and drag queen culture.
• Scenic highlights include stretches like the Nullarbor Plain – known for its extreme aridity and status as one of Earth’s flattest landscapes – with temperatures soaring up to 50°C by day.
• The train offers passengers retro-designed dining cars serving dishes like kangaroo alongside modern amenities such as air conditioning and live music.
• Ancient details are woven in: Western Australia was previously accessed by treacherous sea routes until railways connected east and west in 1917 with further expansions culminating in the Indian Pacific route opened in 1969.
• Stops along this cross-contry feat included ghost towns like cook (abandoned after railway privatization).
• Iconic views are revealed as passengers traverse vast terrains ranging from desolate red plains to forested rivers near Perth.

Images:

1. Palace Hotel – Featured heavily in Priscilla.

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1. Dining Car Interior – Retro design complements contemporary service onboard.

!National Geographic Traveller Article