Great Australian Railway Journeys

Sydney to Broken Hill

Michael Portillo explores New South Wales, steered by his 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide. He strikes west into the Blue Mountains and travels 570 miles to reach the mining city of Broken Hill.

Adelaide to Perth: The Indian Pacific

Michael Portillo rides the Indian Pacific Railway, which stretches from Adelaide, South Australia, 1,700 miles deep into the desert, to the gold rush town of Kalgoorlie, before finishing in Perth.

Canberra to Melbourne

Michael Portillo crosses the south east of Australia from Canberra to the multi-ethnic heart of Melbourne. Michael discovers the story behind the Ashes at the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Kuranda to Townsville

Inching his way across the Stony Creek Bridge on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Michael marvels at the engineering expertise of the 1890s, when the line was built.

Newcastle to Brisbane

Michael Portillo travels from the coal mines of Newcastle, New South Wales, to Brisbane. He crosses the mighty Hawkesbury River, tends to an injured koala and rides a solar-powered train.