The Indian Pacific Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions Answered about The Indian Pacific
Below are the most frequently asked questions about The Indian Pacific luxury train. If you have any further inquiries or need assistance, please feel free to contact us.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Indian Pacific train.
How far in advance should I book ?
This train tour is an exclusive trip with very limited departures through the year. Consequently we strongly advise our clients to book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. This particularly applies to the higher level cabins which there is strong demand for.
Can you advise on visas required for this trip ?
Visas (if required) can be quite complex so we recommend using a specialist visa agent. Of course, we provide all the necessary documentation which must accompany your application. Note that the onus is upon the client to ensure passports and visas, as may be required, are valid prior to departure. Passports must be valid for at least six months from your return-home date.
Are your tours financially protected ?
Trips sold as packages to UK clients come with financial protection either through our ATOL if the trip includes a flight or insurances which comply with the UK package travel regulations for any trip that does not include a flight. In addition our ABTA membership means we must adhere to their strict code of conduct. Trips sold by us as an agent for train operator do not come with financial protection as even in the event of our insolvency your booking with the train operator would still exist and be honoured.
Can you book flights and other travel for us ?
Absolutely! Our ATOL license means that we can book international or indeed internal flights. We get particularly good access to the best deals on British Airways as we are an appointed operator. We can offer extensions to further explore the destinations at either end of the trip. Just ask us for details.
Can I store my luggage at the railway station?
As each terminal provides a different experience, it depends on where you are departing from. Luggage can be checked into all terminals 2 hours prior to departure.
Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Alice Springs: You are able to store your luggage 2 hours prior to departure at the terminal.
Sydney: There are luggage storage facilities available through NSW TrainLink at their luggage check-in area adjacent Platform 1 at a cost of $4.40 per person.
How long before departure can I check-in ?
The Ghan, The Ghan Expedition, Indian Pacific and Great Southern trains check-in opens 2 hours prior to departure time and closes 1 hour prior to departure.
The Overland check-in time opens 1 hour prior to departure time and closes 30 minutes prior to departure in Melbourne and Adelaide. For guests joining at intermediate stops it is recommended to be at your pick up location at least 30 minutes prior to the trains scheduled arrival time. Please bring your travel itinerary and Photo. I.D.
Can I fly out the same day as the train arrives?
We want you to enjoy your journey without concerns over flight times. We therefore would recommend you allow for an overnight stop before connecting to domestic or international flights. Headseast Ltd / The Luxury train Travel Company do not accept liability for any missed connections due to late train arrivals.
Is smoking permitted on board the train?
No, smoking is not permitted on any of Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions services.
How can I submit my preferences for my Off Train Experiences?
We will advise you directly when your Off Train Experience preferences are open. We will then submit these preferences on your behalf.
Can I request a forward-facing seat?
Yes, you are able to request forward facing-cabins aboard The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern at the time of booking; however, as approximately half of our cabins face forward, we are unable to guarantee a forward facing cabin depending on the number of requests we receive for any given departure. Seats aboard The Overland can be turned to face either direction, depending on your preference.
How long before departure do I receive my seat / cabin number?
You will receive your cabin and carriage number upon check in. While cabin and seat numbers are assigned as a behind-the-scenes process in the weeks leading up to departure, this allocation can occasionally change in the lead up to your departure due to operational reasons.
When will I receive my final Travel Itinerary
You will receive your travel documents at the time of booking with Journey Beyond or through your travel agent. Your Final Travel Documents will be sent to you or your travel agent 30 days before departure. We recommend you have a printed or digital copy of these Travel Documents with you when you check in and throughout your journey.
Do I need any cash or credit cards onboard?
As our journeys are all-inclusive you will not need to buy anything unless you choose to purchase an Off Train Experience upgrade or souvenirs, which you can do onboard utilising our EFTPOS or credit card facilities. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any cash out on our trains.
How much luggage can I take?
Luggage limits apply for both carry on and checked luggage. These limits vary depending on the level of service you are travelling in and by train. Please visit our what to pack page for more details.
While on board The Ghan, Indian Pacific or Great Southern, you can access one piece of hand luggage plus a garment bag, cabin bag or briefcase per person, and store this within your cabin. On The Overland, you can bring one cabin bag per person onto the train.
Checked luggage cannot be accessed during your rail journey, and will be stored on a separate part of the train. Checked luggage limits apply.
The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern:
Platinum Service (per person): 3 x 30kg
Gold Premium 3 X 25kg
Gold Service (per person) 2 x 30kg
The Overland:
Red Premium (per person): 2 x 30kg
Red Standard (per person): 2 x 20kg
Please Note: If you are travelling on a Journey Beyond Rail Holiday Package that features our sister company, Outback Spirit, please be aware that there are strict luggage limitations for these tours.
Is there a standard of dress on board?
It’s your holiday and we want you to be comfortable so smart casual attire is recommended. We also recommend: Warm clothes for Outback Experiences as mornings and evenings in the Outback can be cool. Hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes for your Off Train Experiences.
What weather should I pack for?
Travelling from one end of the country to the other can provide a variation in climates.
When travelling on The Ghan, temperatures vary significantly so make sure to pack for both cooler and warmer temperatures.
-Darwin or Katherine: mid-30 degree temperatures
Nullarbor, Rawlinna and Cook: during winter months, temperatures at night can average as low as 5 degrees
It is best to pack everything you need plus a warm jacket or jumper, enclosed shoes, a hat and sunscreen into your carry-on luggage.
Marla or Manguri: 4 degree nights/early mornings
When travelling on the Indian Pacific, temperatures vary significantly so make sure to pack for both cooler and warmer temperatures. This is also dependent on the time of year.
Adelaide and Perth: during summer months, temperatures can average around 30 degrees
What is the temperature on board the train?
All our services are air-conditioned, with the temperature averaging 22 degrees. We recommend packing layers of clothing for the different temperatures (inside and outside the train).
Is Wi-Fi available on board the train?
Limited Wi-Fi is available in the Outback Explorer Lounges and Platinum Club carriages. Please note that Wi-Fi availability is dependent on mobile network coverage, and as we travel through some remote locations it may not always be available.
Can I take any pets or animals onboard?
No, the only animals permitted on Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions rail journeys are specially trained dogs for the vision and hearing impaired.
Is electricity provided aboard The trains?
Travelling The Ghan, Indian Pacific, and Great Southern, 240v household outlets can be found in the cabin. Travelling The Overland, a limited number of outlets are available in Café 828. As our electricity is supplied from diesel generators and may be subject to fluctuations, we recommend the use of a surge protector when plugging in your devices.
What are the meal times onboard the train?
In your cabin when you first board the train, you will find a card with the breakfast, lunch and dinner meal times for your journey. Your On-Board Attendant will advise you of the process. If you have any special requests regarding meal times, please speak with a member of our On-Board team.
What special dietary requirements can be accommodated on the train?
Most special dietary requirements can be accommodated – including vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free and vegan. Please ensure this is advised at the time of booking.
Am I able to disembark at regional stops ?
While The Ghan, Indian Pacific, and Great Southern make a number of stops in regional and remote areas for Off Train Experiences and to pass other rail traffic, we are not able to offer the opportunity for guests to leave the journey at these locations. Selected major towns and cities en route at which the journey may be left are advised on our timetables. Regional travel remains available aboard The Overland, which forms part of the public transport network in Western Victoria.
Is medical assistance available?
To ensure your safety and well-being, our staff members onboard are trained to administer basic first aid. We also have a specially modified wheelchair onboard for those who have mobility issues or require a carer. You can also check in your wheelchair, walking frame or scooter to be stored as luggage to save you arranging alternate assistance yourself. For guests requiring mobility assistance onboard, please review and complete our Fitness to travel form.
What cabins are available for those with a mobility or disability issues?
The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern have a Gold Access Cabin available for wheelchair bound/physically impaired guests travelling in Gold Service. This cabin is subject to availability and assessment of the guest’s Fitness to Travel.
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