There are two ways to holiday: the flop-and-drop, where you disconnect completely, and the one where you hit the ground running to see everything a place has to offer. It’s rare that one trip can do both: train travel does.
You board once, and everything else – the miles, the meals, the odd stranger who becomes a dinner companion by the second night – takes care of itself. On a recent trip aboard Journey Beyond’s Indian Pacific, I discover why trains could be the ultimate way to travel.
You can see more of the world with ease
Outside of touring, luxury train travel is the easiest way to explore a country. Your meals? Sorted! Your accommodation? Sorted! Your itinerary? Sorted! You’ll cover vast distances in days to see the highlights often missed if you were travelling by road. All you have to do is sit back, relax and wait with a drink in hand until you reach your next destination.
A train holiday is even more rewarding in a destination as big as Australia. If you were to drive across the Nullabor Plains, it would require serious planning. Not just researching routes and where to stay, but knowing locations of petrol stations, road quality and more. By train however, everyone is organised for you. A trip like the Indian Pacific makes it infinitely easier to journey across the Nullabor.
Plus, you’ll discover places you may otherwise miss, such as remarkable small towns like Cook in South Australia. This former railway town has now just a population of four people. Travelling to this once thriving township by yourself isn’t easy; it’s nearly a nine-hour detour off the Eyre Highway just to get there by car. Travelling there on the Indian Pacific? A breeze. To make this a night to remember, the Indian Pacific crew put on a show for us, setting up a bonfire under the stars near the old train stop and running a stargazing session under the outback sky.
Life onboard is made for connection
Staying in a cabin that harks back to yesteryear, savouring elaborate three-course meals in a fine-dining setting, meeting strangers from around the world: it all feels like a scene from Murder on the Orient Express. That’s what brings people back for multiple trips with the same company. ‘That’s what makes this so special,’ says one of my train mates. ‘You talk to people over dinner and build a community.’ He couldn’t be more right.
Train travel has a certain mystique and luxury that can’t be replicated by other styles of holiday. Many journeys emulate the old-world glamour of the 19th and 20th centuries; charming passengers with ornate interiors, decadent dining and elegant service. Nothing feels more relaxing than retreating to your cabin to refresh and recharge after a morning of experiencing a new place: you feel accomplished with what you’ve done already, so why not put your feet up and relax? Plus, you watch the landscape change in real time, so it’s a much more personal experience than flying or even travelling by coach.
Full steam ahead to relaxation
Train travel is about the journey, not the destination. One of the main drawcards is that really are the perfect place to switch off your phone, disconnect from the bustle of modern life and make some time for yourself. When you’re not exploring towns and natural wonders off-train, you’re sitting in your cabin watching the world slowly pass by and setting your own agenda for the day.
On the Indian Pacific, there is no phone reception on certain sections of track (such as from just outside Kalgoorlie right up to the outskirts of the Barossa), and Wi-Fi is only available in the lounge car. For travellers looking to switch off from the world and truly unwind, the opportunity to disconnect couldn’t be more perfect. Spend your time reading, resting or staring out the windows at the ever-changing landscape. Platinum Suites come with small radios so those inclined can also spend time listening to smooth jazz that matches the scenery outside. Like a cup of tea or coffee while you’re doing as little as possible? Each Indian Pacific carriage as a beverage-making station for guest use.
Trains are a sustainable way to see the world
Train travel is ideal for exploring the globe with a smaller carbon footprint. Trains emit much less carbon dioxide per passenger than planes, coaches or cars.
Journey Beyond prioritises reducing its carbon footprint across all of its train journeys. Single-use plastic is banned onboard and reusable water bottles are provided on the trip for any guest who left their bottle at home.
Water wastage is also considered on the Indian Pacific. At least four stops along the journey. The train collects its own water for guests and staff at four stops along the route, using large hoses underneath each carriage. Holding all its own water means that everyone must be careful to not let taps leak overnight, otherwise the whole carriage might be without their morning shower!
