The Most Scenic Train Routes in Australia for Photographers

Australia is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world, from rugged coastlines and vast deserts to lush rainforests and majestic mountains. What better way to capture the beauty of these landscapes than by taking a scenic train journey through some of the country’s most stunning regions? Here are Aussie Trains’ top scenic train routes that are perfect for photographers looking to capture unforgettable images.

The Ghan – Adelaide to Darwin

Text: The Ghan is one of the most famous train routes in Australia, taking passengers on a journey through the heart of the Australian outback. The route spans 2,979 kilometres and takes around 54 hours to complete, passing through some of the most iconic landscapes in the country. Along the way, you’ll see vast red deserts, ancient rock formations, and unique wildlife such as kangaroos and emus.

Photography Tips

Here are our top tops for photographers on any of the Adelaide to Darwin train journey:

• The best time to capture the stunning colours of the outback is during sunrise or sunset. 
• The early morning light will also provide soft shadows that create depth and contrast in your images. 
• Capture the vastness of the desert by using a wide-angle lens and a small aperture for maximum depth of field.

The Indian Pacific – Sydney to Perth

The Indian Pacific is a true transcontinental train journey, taking passengers from the east coast to the west coast of Australia. The journey spans 4,352 kilometres and takes around 65 hours to complete, passing through some of the most stunning landscapes in Australia. Along the way, you’ll see the Blue Mountains, the Nullarbor Plain, and the remote mining town of Kalgoorlie.

Photography Tips 

The Blue Mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenery on the journey, with deep gorges and sweeping vistas. 

• Use a telephoto lens and a wide aperture to create a shallow depth of field and capture the depth of the gorges. 
• Take advantage of the vast open spaces to capture minimalist landscapes when passing through the Nullarbor Plain.
• Use a polarising filter to reduce glare and enhance the colours of the sky and land.

The Great Southern – Brisbane to Adelaide

The Great Southern is a luxurious train journey that traverses the picturesque landscapes of Australia’s east coast. The 2,798-kilometre journey takes passengers from Brisbane to Adelaide or vice versa and showcases the diverse scenery of the region, from the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley to the rugged coastline of the Great Australian Bight.

Photography Tips

Photography enthusiasts travelling on The Great Southern from Brisbane to Adelaide can capture stunning shots by taking advantage of the changing scenery along the route. 

• Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vast landscapes of the Australian outback and set a low aperture to create a shallow depth of field, emphasizing the subject in focus. 
• Use a telephoto lens and increase the shutter speed to freeze any movement for shots of wildlife. 
• During sunrise or sunset, take advantage of the warm light to capture the vivid colours of the landscape. 
• Use a tripod and a slow shutter speed to create a sense of motion in waterfalls or moving trains passing by.

Grab your camera gear and start planning your next train journey through the stunning landscapes of Australia. Join Aussie Trains on this adventure by calling 13 44 26 or sending an enquiry, and let’s celebrate the beauty of Australia together!