Australia and New Zealand Rail Passes and Rail Trips

The Countrylink Backtracker 3 Month Pass is valid for three months from the first day of travel, which must commence within six months from date of purchase. Available for unlimited travel on CountryLink and Queensland Rail East Coast train and coach services in one direction only, either north or south, Between the locations endorsed on the ticket. Not available for travel on Melbourne Met, Sydney CityRail or Queensland CityTrain services except where stated.

Travel on Sydney's CityRail services is only permitted when travelling to a station to connect with a CountryLink service. Tilt Train upgrade can only be booked within seven days prior to departure and is subject to availability. The Backtracker Pass allows access to all destinations on the CountryLink network including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra.

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Take a journey on the high speed Tilt Train to indulge in natural luxury and creature comforts at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island. The world's largest sand island is World Heritage-listed: stretching over 123km in length and 22km at its widest point.

Enjoy its beauties on a 4WD guided eco-tour to discover spectacular ancient rainforests, incredibly clear blue lakes and magnificent beaches.

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HIGHLIGHTS: Adelaide, North Terrace & Seaside Glenelg

Day 1: Indian Pacific
Join the mighty Indian Pacific in Sydney. Enjoy panoramic views from your window. (D)

Day 2: Adelaide
Explore the unique outback city of Broken Hill on an off train tour before reboarding for the rest of your journey to Adelaide. Make your own way to the Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Hindley, your base for the next two nights. The remainder of your day is free to explore the elegant capital of South Australia. (BL)

Day 3: Adelaide
Get a taste of Adelaide's relaxed lifestyle and great foods and wines on your half day City Sights tour. Getting the best of both worlds, you can take a relaxing walk through the beautiful Botanic Gardens followed by a visit to the Central Market, where you can pick at Adelaide's best produce all you like. You can also get caught up in the excitement at the eventful Glenelg Beach Precinct. This certainly is a great way to experience all this charming city has to offer.

Day 4: Adelaide
Your holiday concludes this morning on check out of your hotel.

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The Tilt Train whisks you to Bundaberg and Yeppoon for a magical stay at a beautiful beach resort before you board The Sunlander and head north for more at Airlie Beach. You'll cruise through the glorious Whitsundays, and go day tripping around the Capricorn coast.

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On this signature Gulflander and Savannahlander adventure, where the golden savannah grasslands meet the sea, the hospitality is as memorable as the ever-changing country.

Discover a birdwatching mecca, go after the mighty wild-caught barramundi. Inspect agates and gold on display in an area that's rich in mining history, visit an historic village in a town where gold fever hit its height. Take time out to explore a hidden outback oasis and cruise slowly through waters shadowed by mighty sandstone cliffs. Walk in the path of a volcano, following the longest lava flow from a single eruption on earth.

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Cool breezes blow over the Whitsundays as you make your getaway onboard The Sunlander to one of nature's favourite playgrounds. Stay on the very edge of the bay and watch the boats pass by at your tropical resort getaway.

Take a short stroll via the seaside boardwalk to the enchanting Airlie Beach village; with its relaxed atmosphere and collection of eclectic shops and cafes. Cruise to the outer reef and come face to face with brilliant coral formations. Head off on safari, and spend an adventurous day in the company of crocodiles.

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HIGHLIGHTS: Adelaide, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley Wine Regions.

Day 1: Indian Pacific
Join the mighty Indian Pacific in Sydney. Enjoy delicious dinner along with panoramic views of the Blue Mountains. (D)

Day 2: Broken Hill and Adelaide
Explore the unique outback city of Broken Hill on a Whistle Stop Tour€  before reboarding for the rest of your journey to Adelaide. Transfer to the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, your base for the next 3 nights. The remainder of your day is free for you to explore the elegant capital of South Australia. (BL)

Day 3: McLaren Vale & Adelaide Hills Winery Ultimate
The wine regions of McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills provide you with another opportunity to delight in the tastes of South Australia. Stop at Fox Creek's Cellar Door, a state of the art winemaking facility. Next is The Olive Grove before a delightful lunch at Woodstock Winery. Visit Hugo Estate Vineyard, then travel to the Adelaide Hills to visit the Bridgewater Mill, Petaluma Wines and Arranmore Vineyard. (BL)

Day 4: Barossa Valley Supreme
Discover the flavours of the world-famous Barossa Valley wine region. Visit the well-known Wolf Blass Winery and Maggie Beer's Farm Shop to sample her gourmet pates and the Beer Brothers wines. Enjoy the best foods the region has to offer at Barossa Valley Estate. Sit back and relax, taking in the ambience and views before visiting Langmeil Estate and Chateau Tanunda. (BL)

Day 5: Adelaide
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. (B)

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Discover a rare island paradise, created on a bed of coral right on the Great Barrier Reef. Take a break in nature's wonderland, famous worldwide for its extraordinary variety of birds and aquatic wildlife.

All around Heron Island, the waters teem with reef fish, turtles, manta rays and more. Even the giants of the deep, the whales, pass by on their annual pilgrimage. Take a walk round the research station, the largest island research centre in the southern hemisphere.

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Embark on a journey of exploration as you travel to the tropical paradise of Cairns, a city surrounded by Mother Nature's creations. Take in the picture postcard vistas of the rolling Atherton Tablelands plateau, a cool backdrop to the lush green coast, with two days of car hire to take you to all the highlights. Savour local region yoghurts and cheese while you enjoy the scenery ofthe spectacular rolling hills of the Mungalli Creek dairy.

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Two gems of the Whitsundays sparkle in the sun, waiting as you wind your way in Queenslander Class onboard The Sunlander. Daydreams become realities in this island sanctuary and you can do anything you please.

For the more intimate island, only 1 kilometre in length and 400 metres wide, Daydream Island is perfect for a quiet escape. Across the bay, Hamilton Island offers so many activities you won€™t know where to start. Island hopping two of the 74 Whitsunday islands is beach getaway heaven.

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Board the Spirit of the Outback and ride the rails towards the orange sunsets that flame in the sky around Longreach. On an unforgettable journey into living history, learn the legends of stockmen and settlers, cross vast open plains to the iconic town of Ilfracombe, hop off to see the flying kangaroo's original hangar and other unique artefacts, dine lazily under diamond-bright stars.

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HIGHLIGHTS: Adelaide - Alice Springs - Uluru - Kata Tjuta.

Day 1: Join The Ghan in Adelaide to Alice Springs
Join The Ghan in Adelaide. Settle into the comforts of this great train as you travel north towards Spencer Gulf and Port Augusta. (LD)

Day 2: The Ghan, Outback and Alice Springs
Enjoy wonderful views of the Central Australian desert as you journey to Alice Springs. Transfer to the Aurora Alice Springs, your base for the next two nights. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. (BL)

Day 3: Alice Springs
With the whole day free, you can relax, shop or explore at your own pace. (B)

Day 4: Uluru
Travel through the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges on your way to Uluru. After checking in to your overnight accommodation, the Desert Gardens Hotel. Visit the Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative. Join a guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, view cave paintings and hear the ancient legends of Kuniya Tjukurpa (Python Dreaming). Tour the base of Uluru and discover the Mala walk. This evening watch the sunset over Uluru. (B)

Day 5: Uluru and Kata Tjuta
See a completely new side of Uluru this morning at sunrise. Travel to the mystical domes of Kata Tjuta. Join a guided walk into majestic Walpa Gorge and marvel at the sheer walls. Learn of the domes' formation and of the wildlife of the region.

Your package concludes at Ayers Rock Resort or the airport, although if you'd like to stay and see even more, you can easily add extra nights.

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HIGHLIGHTS: Adelaide & the Murry River

Day 1: Join the mighty Indian Pacific in Sydney
Spend your first night on the Indian Pacific enjoying a delicious dinner along with panoramic views of the Blue Mountains as you head west through New South Wales into the outback. (D)

Day 2: Broken Hill and Adelaide
The train crosses the Darling River and skirts the shore of Lake Menindee on its way to Broken Hill. Explore the unique outback city of Broken Hill on a Whistle Stop Tour€  before reboarding for the rest of your journey to Adelaide. After arriving in Adelaide you are transferred to the Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Hindley. The remainder of your day is free for you to explore the elegant capital of South Australia. (BL)
Day 3: Adelaide, Mannum & Piggy Flat
This morning explore the city at your own pace, then it's time to cruise aboard the PS Murray Princess. Depart historic Mannum and head upriver while you enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a Welcome Dinner. Cruise under floodlight to your overnight mooring at Piggy Flat. Here you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. (BD)

Day 4: Big Bend
Daybreak and time for the keen photographers to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Big Bend where you will rendezvous with the vineyard coach tour. This afternoon visit Burk Salter's vineyard on the banks of the river and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door. Rejoin Murray Princess and tonight join in the fancy dress party (bring your own or hire one). (BLD)

Day 5: Swan Reach and Sunnydale
After breakfast you cruise upriver to Swan Reach. Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum. Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by or enjoy a lifestyle and info-cruising presentation. Arrive at Sunnydale where it is all ashore for the Woolshed Show. Later visit the Native Wildlife Shelter where some of South Australia's most interesting native animals are cared for. This evening enjoy the great Aussie Barbecue €“ cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River. An optional Nocturnal Tour is available after dinner. (BLD)

Day 6: Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve and Younghusband
Cruise slowly downstream today past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years. Arrive at Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve for a step back in time; enjoy a guided boardwalk to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about aboriginal history in the area. Cruise to Younghusband and along the way take a speed boat ride. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Farewell Captain's Buffet. (BLD)

Day 7: Mannum and Adelaide
After breakfast, PS Murray Princess arrives at Mannum where you reluctantly say farewell before transferring back to Adelaide and your overnight accommodation at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Hindley. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 8: Adelaide
There's time to reminisce about your experience on the Murray River over breakfast, then it's time to check out. (B)

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On this quintessentially Queensland sojourn south, discover gorgeous golden beaches set in blue seas, cruise to the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef, relax in the luxury of a beachfront hideaway, and feelthe unique excitement of the Gold Coast.

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Magical panoramas unfold outside your windowas you glide north along Queensland's coastline. Explore the beaches and bays of the Whitsundays, see rare species that make their home in the Wet Tropics, watch the endless flowof cascading waterfalls, breathe in the serenity of picturesque valleys and visit a village where two spectacular World Heritage-listed sites meet.

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HIGHLIGHTS: Darwin - The Ghan - Alice Springs - Coober Pedy - Desert Cave Town - Painted Desert - Down and Dirty Opal - Coober Pedy - Adelaide.

Day 1: The Ghan
Join The Ghan and travel south to Katherine past lush, tropical scenery. Enjoy a spectacular off train tour at Katherine Gorge, then hop back on board for your overnight journey to Alice Springs. (LD)

Day 2: Alice Springs and Coober Pedy
After arriving in Alice Springs you'll have time to join an off train tour before reboarding the train and enjoying the desert scenery as you continue your journey to Manguri (Coober Pedy). On arrival in Manguri, you will be met and transferred to the Desert Cave Hotel in Coober Pedy, your base for the next four nights. (BD)

Day 3: Desert Cave Town Tour
Tour the town, hear about its history, about the precious water supplies and power generation. Visit a working opal field to see opal mining methods, see the Breakaways, a range of colourful exposed sandstone outcrops and the famous Dog (Dingo) Fence. See a genuine underground home, watch an opal cutting demonstration and more. (B)

Day 4: Painted Desert
Travel by 4WD over the ancient inland sea bed, known as Moon Plains, to the spectacular country of the Painted Desert. See some of the vast cattle stations of the outback, bush walk through the Painted Desert, and experience the beauty of outback landscapes and waterholes. (BL)

Day 5: Down and Dirty Opal
This tour offers a comprehensive hands-on opportunity. Visit a working mine field to understand the various styles of opal mining and to relive the hardship and joy of earlier times. Don a hard hat, torch and handpick to get down and get dirty fossicking for your own fortune. (B)

Day 6: Coober Pedy
Enjoy one last breakfast before transferring to the Coober Pedy airport for your flight to Adelaide. (B)

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HIGHLIGHTS: Alice Springs - Uluru - Kata Tjuta - Kings Canyon

Day 1: The Ghan
Join The Ghan in Adelaide and travel north towards Spencer Gulf and Port Augusta. (LD)

Day 2: Outback, Alice Springs and Mt Connor
Enjoy wonderful views of the Central Australian desert as you journey to Alice Springs. On arrival you will be met by your guide to commence your ultimate small group Red Centre touring experience. Enjoy afternoon tea at the spectacular Finke River, discover Mt Conner and delight in dinner at Curtin Springs Station before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort, your base for the next two nights. (BLD)

Day 3: Kata Tjuta and Uluru
Revel in the early morning serenity as the sunrise colours change on Kata Tjuta. See the 36 domes that comprise this spiritual place and watch the sun's morning glow as the desert comes alive. Enjoy a picnic breakfast before strolling between these mighty conglomerate rock walls. Return to Ayers Rock Resort for some free time before joining your sunset tour to the most profound and culturally significant monolith in Australia, Uluru. Walk with your guide to a place of tranquillity and surrender to the realisation of the sheer size of this monolith. Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, learn of the Creation stories and see the rock art of the ancients. Sip sparkling wine as the sun sets and the colours of Uluru change. (BD)

Day 4: Kings Canyon
Today travel to Kings Canyon via Kathleen Springs. For the adventurous at heart, climb the escarpment to take in the magnificent views of the Red Centre on the Rim Walk. Alternatively, join an easier walk along the Canyon floor known as the Creek Walk. Kings Canyon is considered botanically the richest region in central Australia. Marvel at the canyon walls rising more than 300 metres from the valley floor. Stay overnight at Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Day 5: Alice Springs
Tour from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs today. Learn about the environment of Central Australia and hear the travels and tales of the explorers. On arrival in Alice Springs, you will be transferred to Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, your base for the next two nights. (B)

Day 6: Alice Springs
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. (B)

Day 7: Alice Springs
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. (B)

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