How to Book Train Travel From Adelaide to Sydney

Experience the best that the Australian outback has to offer from the lap of luxury. The 24-hour train adventure from Adelaide to Sydney allows you to enjoy all the best qualities of the vast, beautiful terrain without being forced to battle the elements. From barren New South Wales to the breathtaking Blue Mountains, traveling across Australia by train reminds you that getting there can be half the fun.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Valid credit card

Book Your Train Travel

1. Visit the official Great Southern Railway Web site and select the 'Indian Pacific' train.
2. Determine which class of ticket you'd like to buy. Use the 'Compare Service Levels' from the options menu. Amenities range widely within the two levels, Gold Kangaroo and Red Kangaroo. A single adult ticket will be moderately expensive.
3. Schedule your tickets on the ‘Bookings' page. For telephone assistance, the sales office is available within Australia at 13 21 47, or internationally at [phone].
4. Feel free to explore alternate routes. If a visit to Melbourne interests you, you can take the Overland line from Adelaide to Melbourne, and catch the Countrylink line from Melbourne to Sydney.

Prepare for Your Train Travel From Adelaide to Sydney

5. Arrive at your destination depot at least one hour early. Your train leaves from Adelaide Keswick Rail Terminal in Keswick, immediately west of the southern part of the West Parklands, Adelaide.
6. Bring your camera. You can photograph kangaroos, koalas and emus from the train.
7. Bring some cash to purchase meals, snacks and drinks if you're in the Red Kangaroo class.
8. Bring a pillow and blanket if you've purchased a Red Kangaroo Dayniter ticket. Though the seats recline, amenities are comparatively limited.

Tips & Warnings

• All prices are in Australian dollars, typically less valuable than the U.S. dollar. Check the current exchange rate before you purchase tickets.
• Remember: this train is your home for 24 hours. A Gold Kangaroo ticket, while more expensive, is considerably more comfortable and includes complimentary meals.
• Book your seats online and take advantage of the Australia's Great Train Journeys Web site's ability to book for up to nine people at once.
• Be aware of the 30-minute time difference between Adelaide and Sydney during certain summer months.
• There are only two trains a week leaving from Adelaide to Sydney, currently Tuesdays and Fridays in the morning. Make sure to double-check, and plan your supplementary travel accordingly.