10 days, 7100km train journey across Australia, Cairns to Perth by rail

This is my ultimate guide to train travel in Australia. I spent 10 days in late June to travel over 7100km from Cairns to Perth via Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Cairns is the north-most railway station in Australia that is still regularly served by a government-run long-distance not-for-profit passenger train, and Perth is the western end of Australia’s standard gauge rail network. I would like to summarise and compare the different passenger trains in Australia in one video before I move on and show you the train journeys in other parts of the world. I hope you will enjoy the video. Let's go!
This video was filmed from 25 June to 30 July.
Day 1
00:00 Intro - Cairns, QLD
02:00 Spirit of Queensland train overview
07:38 Spirit of Queensland Railbed Cairns to Brisbane
Day 2
17:07 Sofitel Brisbane Central
Day 3
18:19 NSW TrainLink coach Brisbane to Casino
23:30 NSW XPT train overview
29:33 NSW XPT First Class Sleeper Casino to Sydney
Day 4
36:56 Travelodge Hotel Hurstville Sydney
Day 5
38:38 NSW Xplorer train overview
42:50 NSW Xplorer train Economy Class Sydney to Canberra
48:10 Deco Hotel Canberra
Day 6
50:20 V/Line coach Canberra to Wodonga
54:52 V/Line N set train First Class Wodonga to Melbourne
01:04:16 Oaks Melbourne South Yarra Suites
Day 7
01:06:20 the Overland train overview
01:10:35 the Overland train Red Premium Melbourne to Adelaide
Day 8 - 10
01:20:04 Indian Pacific Gold Twin Adelaide to Perth
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First Class Spirit of the Outback train from Brisbane to Longreach: • First Class Spirit of ...
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#Indianpacific #LuxuryTravel #Trains #AustralianTrains #travelAustralia #AdelaidetoDarwin #Sydney #Adelaide #Brisbane #Melbourne #Perth #XPT #Nighttrains #holiday #honeymoon #vacation

[@RoryDing]

40:13 Xplorer speed is 145km/h, not 90, apologies

[@lukeyoung4635]

you think that’s a big trip to make well how about this Germany had a Artillery gun so big it could be seen from high up in the sky during world war 2 known as the Gustav

[@Fan-ix4eh]

Ok

[@tiatamara11]

90 miles an hour.

[@TCFan25]

Just curious, why do you advise the viewers to skip certain segments featuring meat dishes? Just find it rather odd 🤔

[@bobbrewer5182]

@@TCFan25 because there are strange people in the world who are offended by the sight of delicious meat products.

[@douglasseter8804]

As a United States viewer, I greatly appreciate you providing context about the South Australia government not participating in long-distance rail. I would not have understood that from looking at a map. Also, I greatly enjoy the details about meal service and station stops. Those details give me a far greater vicarious experience than merely seeing the train equipment and passing scenery.

[@matthewcullen1298]

Hopefully you might visit our great country someday mate. It has some amazing places to visit and most Aussies are reasonably friendly to visitors if they are friendly and approachable

[@SamSitar]

railbed should be an option on single overnight routes like the lakeshore limited.

[@lukeyoung4635]

One reason I want to visit USA is to see galaxy edge and also If you decide to travel from Cairn’s to Brisbane I’d highly recommend the railbed seat definitely worth buying one and also I had to do the booking six weeks ahead of travel on this train location is Car B and C and also yes I have been on this train before

[@bec9696]

For as long as I can remember, my dad has been wanting to do this trip. I've just booked a 10 day trip for them for their 45th anniversary next year. I definitely gave a yelp with the price, but it is a once in a lifetime experience - and my dad deserves it! Thank you for sharing our beautiful country

[@niennaserena4057]

Hi Rory, it was really amazing to meet you in Sydney when we were waiting to board the very same Indian Pacific train you filmed in the video. Ever since you hinted about this video we couldn't wait to see it come out. This was an epic journey - I had planned a similar journey but in reverse then catching the Ghan from north to south. Great video as always!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Nienna! It was great to meet you too! Hope you enjoyed your ride to Perth 😁

[@selwynosborne4895]

OK, Rory... You are now the Scone King as well as the Meat Pie King. Love it! Your resolve to cover both catered First and buffet car menus where both are available is much appreciated.

[@RoryDing]

Haha thank you 😂😊

[@HGCUPCAKES]

Haha so true! After watching this I really want a meat pie… YUM❤😂

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Wow, Rory. I bet you were happy to get home, and sleep in your own bed , after such a trip ! Thanks for showing us all how to do this journey by rail

[@RoryDing]

Haha I was really happy when I finally arrived Perth!! I napped at my hotel for the whole day 😅😅😅

[@JackKramme]

As a disabled person I really appreciate you taking the time to mention accessibility options.

[@hayleyemma7953]

Adore the work you put in these videos! So informative but enjoyable. The time flew by! I love how accommodating the staff are in letting you film all the extra details. Hope you enjoyed your journey!

[@neilmansfield8329]

This is a great train

[@endoftheline774]

I think this is your longest video yet! Well done. It looked like a great journey.

[@RoryDing]

My Ghan video is 5 mins longer than this one. 😁😁 And thank you ☺️

[@Melchior171]

I do recall, when I lived in Canberra more than 5 years ago and travelled to Sydney and Brisbane by train semi-regularly, that there was a row of seats on the Xplorer sets that had a power point for the cleaners to plug in a vacuum cleaner - that seat is highly sought after because the power was generally understood to be stable enough to charge a phone on! I also have made quite successful use of the 'shaver-only' power points on the XPT, and Sunlander (prior to its retirement) which included, at most ambitious, an XBox 360 and HDMI monitor (with 3.5mm jack and headphones) in a private sleeper cabin (with a good surge protector, of course).

[@Thesenseiformerlyknownas]

The amount of detail and information in these videos is second to none. I've done the Sydney to Mackay & Sydney to Adelaide trips in the past but these longer ones are definitely on my future list. Great work as always, Rory.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! 😊

[@Wolfennsteinn]

Rory is back. Rory is back 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@RoryDing]

I never left! It just took me a bit to edit this video 😁😅

[@TheALIMARS]

Hi Rory. Thank You. Wonderful video and don’t be afraid for such a long video. That 1 he and a half went really quickly. Keep up the good work!!!

[@aussiejohn5835]

Hi Rory, what an amazing adventure this is and very encouraging especially for those of us who love train travel. I absolutely appreciate the work you have undertaken to bring this presentation to the world. The narration is easily understood and informative as well as enjoyable. The videos you produce are professional and world class and you should be extremely proud of them. Thank you Rory and I look forward to your next presentation.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you John 😊

[@aussiejohn5835]

@@RoryDing You're very welcome Rory

[@lonesock7572]

I love your reviews Rory! Those 1.5 hours just flew by, I honestly would love a 2+ hour vid of your journeys if you ever felt like doing one

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😅 long videos are hard to edit, but if I find the need to create a 2 hour vid one day, I will 😁

[@michaelhall8586]

We just came back from a holiday in Brisbane. It was heaven! Great video!

[@ivyengee]

My partner and I are massive fans of your videos! Soo much work would've gone into this and it's really paid off. What a splendid journey it looked like and I'm glad it was quite an experience for you.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you!! Glad you like my videos 😁😁😁

[@lesliemckay2835]

How good was that! A long video, but worth every minute. Thank you so much.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching! 😁

[@axan50transportproductions]

This video is FIRE! I have no words to say about it. Absolutely brilliant.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@coleenbrennen487]

Loved you video Rory! I discovered your videos back in February and since have booked the Indian Pacific , Sydney to Adelaide for next year and also Longreach to Brisbane on Spirit of the Outback ! Before seeing your videos I had no idea there were so many train options around Australia!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Coleen! I hope you'll enjoy your trips next year! ☺☺

[@matthewmassarotti2596]

every time i watch your video traveling from cairns to perth it reminds me of a gentleman did back in 1962

[@mce_AU]

Epic video Rory, in both running time and content. Well done, great coverage. I understand your lustful desire for scones, jam and cream so don't worry about that. Cheers mate, keep up the good work.

[@gingerkeith]

Rory you are amazing!! The amount of work you put into a video, editing and replying to comments is really commendible. And as somebody with mobility issue's my day is so much more enjoyable. THANK'S 😊 😊

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Keith!! Glad you enjoyed the video😊

[@Alte_Seele]

Ein superschönes Video! Da es ja "so kurz" ist, musste ich es einen Tag aufbewahren um es in Ruhe zu genießen. Mach weiter so, Rory!

[@catherineallen6024]

Wir haben unser Sonntag Nachmittag damit verbracht - und sehr kurzweilig war's auch!

[@becsterbrisbane6275]

I took a holiday up to Cairns from Brisbane during the pandemic in September 2021- got the train back to Roma Street. Really enjoyed it, however I was stuck in the seats all night and it was quite uncomfortable. Given I work in a job where every minute is monitored however I really really enjoyed just ambling all the way back to Brisbane without any time worries. And commiserations for having to get the bus down the Casino!!

[@firdyk]

Wonderful vlog thank you Rory for all your hard work in putting it together

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@Tbpker22]

This is quite an adventure, Rory, thank you for taking us along!

[@wehtam4807]

I haven't even watched the video yet, I'm about to, but it is so good to see you back Rory. I can't wait to see you international train journeys.

[@catherineallen6024]

Thanks for posting your full, epic train journey! The information about which trains to take, what to avoid and how the rolling stock is changing were super interesting - and that behind-the-scenes look at the kitchen - simply great!! I hope that you can come to Germany and try out some of our trains (or the Austrian NightJets).

[@yvonne548]

Don’t worry about being long. I love every single minute. Great job as always.

[@tamworthtrainnut285]

The whole rail line from Joppa Junction to Canberra station is all TOW (Train Order Working) which means that a special computer system and special paper forms are used for train movements between Joppa Junction and Canberra, same thing between Orange and Dubbo, Werris Creek and Armidale and Junee and Griffith

[@Mattb81]

When I used to regularly run on that line it was electric staff - my second favourite system of safeworking!

[@Mel-jh3sz]

I absolutely love all of your video's Rory so you can make them as long as you like. In fact that is part of the appeal because I get very relaxed watching them and I feel like I'm there with you. If you made them any shorter I feel like you would miss that experience. Thank you for another amazing video! A++ as always! One last thing, if you're ever interested in doing another type of review other than trains I am really interested in our Paddle Steamers on the Murray River and noticed that the Murray Princess has accommodation on board so maybe you could do a review on that later down the track. Happy travels my friend! 😊

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for the suggestion, I’ll see if I have time in the future 😊

[@imsitting]

Amazing, Rory! It was great to see you with my sisters in Sydney as we were waiting to board the Indian-Pacific - the same one quickly in the middle of this video :)

[@RoryDing]

Thank you ☺️ hope you have enjoyed your trip to Perth!

[@pm110978]

Thanks for the video sir.What a great adventure 👍

[@irelandkid21]

I once had the lemon myrtle chicken when I went to Canberra on the Xplorer, and it was so good! It was good to hear that you also liked it!

[@Alexander_Dunn]

1:03:00 if anything, Vlocity seats are worse than Economy class on the N class. The seats are back-breakingly uncomfortable on a 4 hour trip like Albury to Melbourne and don't recline. Legroom is also worse.

[@ballsrocketry5179]

Oh, how much did I enjoy this video? AMAZING!!! You did the epic journey justice! I can't wait to see more on the Adelaide to Perth leg!!

[@AmbientWalking]

Amazing. I love this journey!

[@tamworthtrainnut285]

Platforms 14 and 15 at Central are being rebuilt to be used by passenger trains alongside with the Sydney Metro

[@skorpion101382]

So relaxing. Great video as always.

[@anguscovoflyer95]

What a very expensive adventure too!

[@LEMMYLEMON]

It is always a good day when Rory uploads :)

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😁😁

[@ukhunmgthan3527]

Very interesting for your long train journey. Thanks you.

[@Foolish_Paul_Australia]

Great video Rory. 🙂 This is a trip I wouldn't mind doing one day so it was perfect for me. Thanks. 🙂

[@onair6652]

Great video, wow. Thanks for sharing

[@sammypanda]

this is amazing! thank you; very helpful too ❤️

[@cristobal5096]

Love your work Rory, watching this from start to finish

[@danshelly2028]

Thanks again Rory. We loved it.

[@TheLwardo]

This is a great video and very helpful. I look forward to the next one.

[@glynnismacpherson504]

Great trip Rory, and great information👍

[@HGCUPCAKES]

I absolutely love watching your videos. I feel as though I’ve travelled on the train with you. Thank you for the detailed information you provide. It’s brilliant! And I love the honesty! Thank you for showing Australia for the awesome country it is 💕 The Deco hotel was absolutely brilliant! And I LOVE the empty fridge! The hotel literally understands travellers needs! ❤

[@andrewburgemeister6684]

Oh my goodness!! What a journey!!

[@clay9185]

What a thorough & informative video Rory, very enjoyable. After watching this I’ve got to travel from Cairns to Brisbane. Your knowledge on all things relevant to the trip is first class. You’re my go to guy on any information required for long service train trips which I love to do. Thanks again for the informative videos. Safe travels…

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Clay! Glad you find my videos useful ☺️☺️

[@clay9185]

@@RoryDing yes Rory so impressed with your video on the Spirit Of Queensland I’ve booked the same seat/bed you travelled on for November. You made it seem so enticing.. lol… Thanks again, I really look forward to your videos, your detail & knowledge is amazing. Safe travels Rory..

[@michaelhart3410]

One of the highlights of my day today was seeing you uploaded a new vid! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I could never bear sitting on a train that long, haha, so appreciate you reviewing the train trips for me.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you!! Glad you like my videos 😄

[@AnJellyCue]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, as always your attention detail was excellent and informative - such a great great video

[@abdenourmokrane8178]

Amazing video I loved it so much

[@andreav4409]

Really enjoyed the video, thanks so much for all you efforts!

[@BinkBricks]

Wow Rory I will have to watch this later on but wow what an interesting adventure!

[@judithanneallan996]

Love this so much

[@BinkBricks]

Stunning video Rory. I never got bored during the whole 1.25hr video and found this trip almost to be a bit of a recap of what you have done on your channel so far. My favourite trip out of them all would easily have to be the Indian Pacific but the Overland didn't look too bad either. Overall Rory I really enjoyed this video and can't wait for the full Adelaide to Perth Indian Pacific review!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊 I just think it would be good to link these train rides together so viewers know what train I’m talking about without having to refer to my older videos 😁

[@waynemcdonald7350]

Fantastic Rory as always. I love your adventures, and your videos are amazing.

[@rayrayrayrayray79]

WOW!!! What an amazing idea!!!!

[@Imperceptible_parachute]

Great video, Rory. I really like your attention to small but important details.

[@kerilockwood7819]

Excellent Review Rory. Thank you.

[@tiatamara11]

Love your work

[@petercollins939]

Hello Rory i like the way you prepare your videos. They're worth watching. have enjoyed watch the ones ive watched. Keep up the great work mate.👍👍👍

[@mopkapgaming]

Awesomeness!!

[@grahamabbott1141]

Rory, your videos are always interesting but this one tops them. Great work, great content. You make me want to travel all these routes!

[@peterjames8714]

Great video. Very enjoyable. Cheers Rory

[@jimmyjamespwnysux]

Excellent video mr Ding - it looks like you enjoyed this.

[@marko1855]

Rory. I am looking forward to watching this epic video … have to plan time to watch it in one go. Really like your work, and wondered what happened, now I know - Filming and editing this epic project. Creating a new genre for KZbin. Hats off to you.

[@lynnebunning7273]

I find the information you give so helpful in planning my journeys that I’m going to do from Melbourne. Your videos are the best on KZbin & that’s saying something as there are some really good ones. YOUR NUMBER ONE I’m looking forward to seeing your overseas videos you mentioned you are going to do. Going to save this one for future reference’s. I was disappointed when this one came to an end Thank you so much for providing such informative video’s Cheers Lynne Victoria 🇦🇺🐨👍🏻😊

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Thanks for sharing.

[@mattk183]

Rory, another great one!!! Currently doing work experience at Sofitel Melbourne

[@shirleyellis9708]

Great video. Enjoyable.😊

[@patriciafuchs5970]

Good detail and depth.

[@taureanwilliams4626]

Thanks bro that was a great train ride can't wait for the next adventure

[@jennyt7612]

Thanks so much for this very interesting video. It was lovely to see the different scenery along the way & I appreciated all the details (distances, prices etc) you gave.

[@freedomflight747]

What an amazing video. I was glued to it for the entire time!!! Hoping to see some more soon - thanks so much

[@littlemiss_76]

What a adventure Rory. I really like the lengthy videos I can sit and relax and watch your trip. Next time I will have to watch the video eating a meat pie. Congrats on your engagement.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Leah ☺️

[@pommydiva1]

i thoroughly enjoyed your trip from top end to perth. i love your honesty and description of good and bad reviews on either prices or foods /hotels etc, and mentioning the XPT train service that wasnt very good. i like honesty. i shall definately be subscribing to your channel and look forward to watching more of your travels

[@patriciafuchs5970]

Rory. I appreciate the depth of your videos. Love seeing the food, the scenery, the lessons , it was great, start to finish! Thank you!

[@dishiedog]

Great vid mate. Thanks for your effort. Loved it.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Wow what a trip. Nice review as always. Hope you enjoyed your journey.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! I have enjoyed it 😁

[@philipjp01]

Always love your videos. Thanks for taking time abd care to produce a quality and informative product. 👌

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@kyec9691]

Another banger Rory, good job mate :)

[@kamujian]

this was an amazing video Rory, thank you

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@deelightfool]

Great doco Rory. Very enjoyable.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@acde9355]

A big appreciation for your video review of the Spirit of Queensland diesel train. I took the Railbed service just after your video was uploaded. The service was awesome as the railbed was comfortable, all the staff were kind, and the meal was good. Most importantly, the onboard shower was excellent.

[@tomv8952]

This is fantastic Rory, thank you so much for uploading!

[@tonyreimann]

I always look forward to your videos Rory and this didn’t disappoint. I too like the longer length but appreciate you must have to put in a huge amount of work to edit it. Thanks for this one and roll on the next one 😀

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! Longer ones are very hard to edit, but I’m glad you enjoyed it 😁☺️

[@CaptainAB]

Wow what a trip! Amazing video as always Rory!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you captain 😃

[@mikes6221]

Terrific trip report as usual Rory. Great filming and very informative.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😁

[@mickhodge5759]

Love these video's you do a fantastic job with all of these thank you :)

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@robber_h]

Most enjoyable and informative as always Rory! Thankyou!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@jasperkelly181]

I’m going to the transport expo next Saturday at Central Station I’m so excited. Props for you doing the trip

[@TeslaAide]

This was epic. Thanks for taking us with you! Can’t wait for your next video! Best wishes! Kev

[@lestabithasadventures]

Love ya work Rory!

[@kristypaul8067]

What an adventure you had rory thanks for taking us with you

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@joshcooper7755]

Another brilliant film Rory. That rooftop view reminded me a lot of an apartment I stayed at a few times on Spencer St right across from Southern Cross station.