A “renaissance” in rail

TRANSCONTINENTAL rail is undergoing a “renaissance” in Australia, says Journey Beyond Operations Manager Luke Walker.

Speaking at a press conference celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Indian Pacific rail journey, Walker detailed the sparkling record that transcontinental rail has enjoyed in recent times.

“The 4,350 km coast-to-coast trip takes 65 hours across four days and three nights with a contrasting diversity of landscape seen from the Nullarbor Plain to the Blue Mountains,” Walker said.

“We have doubled down on our journeys, now running the Ghan twice a week with almost full capacity, as well as adding the Great Southern journey from Brisbane.

“Immersive tourism is really taking off with a focus on food, wine and culture,” he added.

The luxury train operator intends to add a further six platinum standard carriages to the Indian Pacific, taking the number to 35 in Sep this year, with bookings on the iconic rail journey usually having full or close to full capacity, Walker said.

Also in attendance was WA Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti, who congratulated Journey Beyond on the milestone celebration, stating how important rail travel was to Western Australia’s economy.

Saffioti also announced the State Government’s intentions to invest more in transcontinental rail, highlighting the longer-term plan to extend the railway down to Fremantle as part of a key revitalisation program for the region.

“It’s a major tourist destination, hosting our cruise ships which would link perfectly into seamless connections for those wanting to experience both modes of relaxing and exciting tourism,” she said.

Saffioti also indicated that some preliminary feasibility work and discussions with stakeholders looking to extend the rail line to Fremantle had already commenced.