One of our top-trending long-haul travel destinations just got even easier to explore! In 2027, we open the door to a range of new experiences in Australasia, the captivating Land Down Under, where every turn reveals something new.
Venture into Australia and New Zealand on an expertly planned vacation to discover deep indigenous heritage, sprawling landscapes and cities that beg exploration. These island nations are framed by colorful beaches and dramatic fjords, and the deeper inland you travel, the more untamed the terrain becomes. With the scenery changing as quickly as it does, there is no better way to explore than by rail, and these new tours have train experiences in spades. Whether riding aboard one of the world's top luxury trains, Australia's Ghan, crossing New Zealand's South Island from West Coast to East on the iconic TranzAlpine, or embarking on a shorter scenic rail journey, such as aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, let us show you the best of Australasia with these three brand-new tours.
Highlights of Australia & New Zealand
Why choose between Australia and New Zealand when you could experience both countries on one well-planned expedition? Spend 20 days immersed in azure ocean views, lush tropical rainforests and cities where iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House, meet unbelievable chances for adventure.
Begin in southern Australia in the city of Melbourne, where you can uncover the breathtaking scenery of the Great Ocean Road before joining an inland flight to Cairns on the Tropical northern coast. Here, travel into the rainforest aboard the 125-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway and encounter the colorful sea creatures of the Great Barrier Reef. For our final stop in Australia, we sightsee our way through Sydney, and then we fly to Queenstown in New Zealand.
Our adventures on the South Island take us into Fiordland National Park and on a cruise on Milford Sound, surrounded by glacier-carved fjords. From here, we drive through the Kawarau Valley Gorge to the Franz Josef Glacier and board the acclaimed TranzAlpine for a journey to the Southern Alps and the city of Christchurch. One final flight takes us to Auckland, New Zealand's most populous city, where this epic journey comes to a close.
Moments to Remember:
- Driving along the Great Ocean Road
- Spending a day on the Great Barrier Reef
- Riding Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Gazing upon Fiordland National Park
- Cruising the stunning waters of Milford Sound
- Witnessing Franz Josef Glacier
- Crossing the South Island on the TranzAlpine
Ultimate Australia & the Ghan
Experience Australia in pure luxury on this action-packed 19-day expedition. Featuring four-star hotel accommodations from coast to coast and an overnight journey in Gold Service aboard the opulent Ghan train, this itinerary is brimming with incredible ways to get to know the Land Down Under.
The itinerary begins in Sydney, sightseeing in iconic locations like Bondi Beach and cruising the beautiful Sydney Harbour. From here, travel into the eucalyptus forests of the Blue Mountains and enjoy a trip on the Katoomba Scenic Railway before settling into a First Class seat for a train journey to Melbourne. Arriving in Australia's second-largest city, cruise the Yarra River, drive the Great Ocean Road and ride aboard the charming Puffing Billy steam train.
The adventure continues aboard the Overland train to Adelaide, where you explore the wines of the Barossa Valley, and as you board the luxurious Ghan for an overnight trip to Alice Springs. The Red Centre sets a wild backdrop as we head to Uluru to witness the magic of this sacred rock. Then, you see the final side of Australia after flying into tropical Cairns to unveil the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest scenery on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Moments to Remember:
- Admiring Sydney Harbour on a lunch cruise
- Riding the Katoomba Scenic Railway, Puffing Billy steam train, Overland train and Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Cruising the Yarra River
- Sightseeing along the Great Ocean Road
- Wine-tasting in the Barossa Valley
- Journeying on the iconic Ghan
- Witnessing sunrise and sunset at Uluru
- Exploring the Great Barrier Reef
Ultimate Australia at Christmas & New Year
Let the Southern Hemisphere's warm temperatures and sandy beaches set the backdrop for 2027's yuletide Season. This festive 19-day Australian vacation takes place over Christmas and New Year, allowing you to uncover the unique holiday traditions of this corner of the world.
Cairns in tropical North Queensland marks the starting point for this journey, and here, you can ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway and see the unimaginable beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. We then fly inland to Uluru, where we experience the iconic rock at sunrise and under the stars, and venture into the Outback to Alice Springs. Our explorations here reveal the Royal Flying Doctor Base before we continue to Adelaide to spend Christmas Eve in the Barossa Valley and Christmas Day in the city, celebrating with festive meals.
The Overland train is our chariot to Melbourne, and here, a sightseeing tour, Yarra River Cruise and a Great Ocean Road drive fill each day with wonder. A final rail journey takes us to Sydney, and we can discover this iconic city on a sightseeing tour before ringing in 2028 with a New Year's Eve dinner at the Sydney Eye Tower and watching the legendary fireworks display.
Moments to Remember:
- Discovering Rainforestation Nature Park
- Riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Overland train
- Spending a day on the Great Barrier Reef
- Witnessing sunrise and stargazing at Uluru
- Learning about the Royal Flying Doctor
- Sipping the wines of the Barossa Valley on Christmas Eve
- Marveling at the scenery of the Great Ocean Road
- Having dinner and watching NYE fireworks at the Sydney Eye Tower
It is never too early to start planning your trip to Australsia, but if you can't wait until 2027 to experience the allures of Australia and New Zealand, Vacations By Rail offers a selection of itineraries departing in 2026, as well!
You might like to embark on a Grand Tour of New Zealand, an 18-day exploration that takes a deep dive into the North and South Islands using iconic trains. Travel from Auckland to Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands, then on to Rotorua, filled with Māori culture. The route then proceeds to the capital, Wellington, before traveling to the South Island aboard the Interislander ferry.
Get to know Christchurch before admiring New Zealand's dramatic landscapes at Mount Cook National Park, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound and Franz Josef Glacier. Having ridden on some of the island nation's greatest railways, including the Northern Explorer from Hamilton to Wellington on the North Island and the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine on the South Island, this immersive journey concludes in Christchurch.
Or you could book our 19-day Ultimate Australia tour to experience the best of Australia by rail. This captivating vacation takes you from coast to coast, showcasing the diversity of the Australian continent. Begin in the northern city of Cairns, riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway and exploring the Great Barrier Reef before flying to Uluru in the Outback. Continue to Alice Springs and Adelaide, taste the wines of the Barossa Valley, and then join the Overland train on its journey from Adelaide to Melbourne.
Even more breathtaking scenery lies ahead as you ride the Puffing Billy steam train into the Dandenong Ranges and journey along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Another rail journey completes the route to Sydney, where a harbor cruise and a trip on the Katoomba Scenic Railway wrap up this remarkable itinerary.
Get a head start on planning your once-in-a-lifetime vacation, or contact a Rail Specialist to find your ideal trip for 2026. Whenever you are ready to uncover the splendors of this part of the world, we are here to help.
