How to Book Train Travel From Adelaide to Melbourne

Australians have been taking the train from Adelaide to Melbourne since 1887, but with a brand new, $4 million refurbishment, you can appreciate history with a little more comfort. Cruise through a range of landscapes, from golden crops to rugged mallee scrubland on this 12-hour, 500-mile train ride.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Major credit card

Book Train Travel From Adelaide to Melbourne

1. Go to the official Great Southern Railway Web site (see Resources below). You will be taking the 'Overland' train.
2. Choose your level of service, Red Kangaroo or Gold Kangaroo. Click on ‘Compare Service Levels' and decide which ticket fits your particular tastes and budget. A single adult ticket is reasonably priced.
3. Book your ticket on the ‘Bookings' page. The Web site is safe and easy, but if you prefer the phone, the sales office can be reached within Australia at 13 21 47, or internationally at +011 61 8 8213 4592.
4. Consider a stop-over in a quaint country town, and you can catch the next train that rolls through. The Overland stops in a number of smaller towns, each with its own world of fascinations and delights.

Prepare for Your Train Travel From Adelaide to Melbourne

5. Know where you need to be. The train departs from the Adelaide Keswick Rail Terminal in Keswick, immediately west of the southern part of the West Parklands, Adelaide.
6. Bring the amenities you'll need. The trip is only twelve hours, so a pillow and blanket may not be necessary, but Red Kangaroo class passengers will want to bring some extra cash to purchase food and drinks.
7. Bring your camera and/or binoculars. The beautiful and unique landscapes notwithstanding, the country is populated by fascinating wildlife and it is best to be prepared.

Tips & Warnings

• The train prices are in Australian dollars which are less valuable than American dollars, so check the exchange rate before you book. Tickets are moderately expensive.
• Use the Great Southern Railway Web site's online ticket office. It's safe, quick and easy.
• Expect the unexpected. On the day of departure, get to the station at least one hour early.
• There are only three trains a week leaving from Adelaide to Melbourne, currently leaving Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the early morning. Plan your other accommodations accordingly.