The Long Way to Luxury: Why Roaming Australia by Train and Boat Is the Experience Itself

Luxury used to mean privacy, speed, and an expensive hotel. But now, the richest kind of luxury is time. And that is what traveling to Australia by long-distance train and slow boat means. With this piece, you can decide if the long way suits your idea of a special holiday.

But before that, let’s answer the most common question if you are from the UK, “Do I need a visa for Australia from UK?” Well, yes, you do need a visa. So, if you are planning a trip to Australia, you better do it considering all the formalities. It is also advised to plan in advance, as Australia’s international trips reached 8.0 million in September 2025, which shows a strong rush of tourists this year as well.

Train Routes to Explore

• The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin): This is not just a train in the desert. On this journey, you can get off at a few stops, listen to simple talks about the culture, and even spend a few days in Alice Springs exploring local art. Many travelers say that it is best to slow down sometimes instead of rushing here.

• Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth): This is one of the longest train trips in the world. You slowly watch the scenery change from the sea to farmlands and then to open plains. If you can afford it, go for a Gold Service cabin. You get your own space, and you will end up making some good friends out of the other tourists.

• The Overland & Great Southern: These are shorter and quieter train journeys. They are great if you enjoy calm travel and small-town stops. You can explore places like Ballarat and the Adelaide Hills, especially if you like local food and wine.

Boat Routes to Explore

• Kimberley expedition cruises: These are small-ship voyages, the exact opposite of resort tourism. You get to experience zodiac landings, Aboriginal cultural storytelling, and tides that feel cinematic.

• Whitsundays multiday catamarans: With this route, you go beyond a day trip. You get to experience stargazing at Whitehaven Beach and early snorkel windows before the day-trip crowd takes over.

• Murray River paddle steamers: These historic paddle-wheelers are something you just can’t miss. Some travel influencers even say that they are great for a relaxed luxury experience.

What is Unique?

• Sunset Nullarbor stop: Step off the train to feel the silence at this sunset point. These unscheduled pauses will make your journey memorable.

• Overnight on a working Murray River boat: Join the crew on deck early morning and listen to their river lore. This will teach you more about the local culture than any other destination spots.

• Combine train & boat: Take a train to Adelaide, then a boat to a multi-day South Australian food tasting journey.

How to Plan?

• Time: Ask yourself, “Do I have 3–7 days to spare per leg?” This is because slow trips will demand more time than quick flying.

• Seasons: Kimberley is at its best from May to August, and Reef visibility peaks between June and November. This also means you should sort your bookings in advance.

• Sustainability: Choose services that take environmental policies seriously, as some remote regions in Australia are very sensitive about that.

• Budget: Premium cabins and boats charge a premium price. In fact, the Australian luxury travel market stood at almost US$42.4 billion in 2025. So, if you want to experience luxury, make your budget accordingly.

If presence over speed is your idea of luxury, choose rail + boat in Australia. You can also fly in between and balance it out if your schedule is tight. No matter what you choose, trains and boats will make your trip memorable, and you will carry a different kind of wealth on your way back.