FAQs Australian Rail Passes and Train Tickets

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FAQ's Australia

Pass Information

Austrail Pass:

 OzTracks Pass:

Rail Explorer Pass

General

Facilities & Assistance

Luggage & Vehicles

Which trains are covered by this pass?

This pass is valid for use on specified rail and coach services operated by the following Railway systems - Great Southern Rail, QR Traveltrain and Countrylink . This pass is not valid on any Metropolitan services or North Queensland Tourist Train services.

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How long is the Austrail pass valid for?

Travel must commence with the pass validated within 6 months of the date of purchase. Travel must be completed within 6 months of the date of validation endorsed on the pass at the initial point of departure.

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How do I validate my pass?

This rail pass must be presented with your passport at the ticket office prior to the departure of the initial train journey for validation and endorsing.  The passport with ticket is to be produced by the pass holder for all subsequent journeys at either the ticket office or to onboard staff for verification.

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Are passes valid for Australian resident?

This pass is only available for purchase by bona fide overseas visitors to Australia. A passport must be produced at the first time of purchase to verify the passenger is a resident of another country.

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What class of travel does my Austrail pass cover?

Passes are valid for travel in Red Daynighter Seat/ Economy Class and need to be pre-booked.

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Can I upgrade from economy on this pass?

The holder may upgrade to travel in First Class, Business Class or Red Premium Service Seats and sleeping berths on payment of the applicable upgrade amount.

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Are reservations compulsory?

A reservation is essential prior to the use of the pass and entitles the passenger to one allocation on any service. The travel pass is a receipt only and does not guarantee travel. A reservation for each individual sector of travel is necessary to obtain a valid travel ticket.  All travel is subject to availability at the time of booking.

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Is the fuel charge included in the pass price?

The pass is subject to a fuel price surcharge per sector booked on The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland.

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Are there any discounts?

The pass is only available for full adult fares no concessions apply.

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If I decide not use the pass, can I transfer it to someone else's name?

This Pass is not transferable.

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If I bought my pass overseas, can I get a refund in Australia?

For passes purchased overseas, refunds cannot be obtained in Australia.

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Can I get a refund if I validate the pass and decide not to use it?

Validate passes are not refundable or exchangeable.

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If my pass is lost or stolen, can I get a refund?

Lost or stolen passes can not be refunded or reissued.

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If my pass is not used or validated can I get a refund?

Applications for refund on unused passes must be submitted to the issuing office within 12 months of the date of issue and a 25% refund fee is payable.

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Which trains are covered by this pass?

This pass is valid for use on The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland trains. 

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How long have I got to validate my pass?

The Oz Tracks Pass is required to be validated within six months of date of purchase.

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How many times can I use the trains on Great Southern Rail services?

Travel on Great Southern Rail services is limited to no more than 14 sectors over a 6 month travel period (from date of first travel leg)

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What class of service is the pass valid for?

Passes are valid for travel in Red Day-Nighter Seats onboard the Indian Pacific and The Ghan and Red Service Seats onboard The Overland.

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Do I need to pre-book the trains?

Pre booking is required for all trains at least 24 hours prior to travel.  All travel is subject to availability at the time of booking.

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How long before the train departs, should I collect my tickets?

Tickets should be collected at least 90 minutes before departure.

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Is there a fuel surcharge?

The Oz Tracks Pass is inclusive of Fuel Price Surcharge.

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Are there any discounts?

Oz Tracks full Pass price applies for all passenger types.

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Is the pass refundable?

Passes are non transferable and non refundable.

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Are there any fees if I cancel or don't show up?

Cancellation and 'no show' will apply.

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What happens if I lose my pass?

A fee of $150 will apply if a Pass is lost and requires reissuing.

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Which trains are covered by this pass?

This pass is valid for use on The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland trains. 

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What class of travel is covered?

The pass is valid for travel in Red Day-Nighter Seats.

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How long is the pass valid for?

Travel must commence with the pass validated within 6 months of the date of purchase. Travel must be completed within 6 months of the date of validation endorsed on the pass at the initial point of departure.

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How do I validate the pass?

This rail pass must be presented with your passport at the ticket office prior to the departure of the initial train journey for validation and endorsing.  The passport with ticket is to be produced by the pass holder for all subsequent journeys at either the ticket office or to onboard staff for verification.

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Are passes valid for use by Australian residents?

The pass is only available for purchase by bona fide overseas visitors to Australia. A passport must be produced at the first time of purchase to verify the passenger is a resident of another country.

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Can I upgrade from economy class?

The holder may upgrade to travel in First Class, Business Class or Red Premium Service Seats and sleeping berths on payment of the applicable upgrade amount.

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Are reservations compulsory?

A reservation is essential prior to the use of the pass and entitles the passenger to one allocation on any service. The travel pass is a receipt only and does not guarantee travel. A reservation for each individual sector of travel is necessary to obtain a valid travel ticket.  All travel is subject to availability at the time of booking.

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Is there a fuel surcharge?

The pass is subject to a fuel price surcharge per sector booked on The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland.

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Are there any discounts?

No the pass is only available for Backpacker/student/YHA members.

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If I decide not to use the pass, can I transfer it to someone else's name?

This Pass is not transferable. One passenger only per Pass.

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If I bought my pass overseas, can I get a refund in Australia?

For passes purchased overseas, refunds cannot be obtained in Australia.

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If my pass is lost or stolen, can I get a refund?

No refund is payable on passes that have been validated, nor are refunds allowed on lost or stolen passes.

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If my pass is not used or validated, can I get a refund?

Applications for refund on unused passes must be submitted to the issuing office within 12 months of the date of issue and a 25% refund fee is payable.

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What age qualifies my child as an infant?

Infants travel free of charge on GSR services up to 3 years of age. Infants do not travel free of charge if they are to occupy their own seat/ berth.
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Can I fly out the same day as the train arrives?

We highly recommend that guests do not book flights same day as arrival without allowing for late running trains. This would mean allowing for at least 3-5 hours after the scheduled arrival time, and an overnight stopover especially for international flights.
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Can I travel if I am sick or have an illness?

We may refuse to confirm your booking or refuse you boarding if you suffer from any illness, disease or other condition which makes travel unsafe for you or other guests.

You have an obligation to inform us of any illness, disease or medical condition at time of booking.
Please refer to our 'Fitness For Travel Policy".
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Can I travel if I am pregnant?

Yes up to 30 weeks into the pregnancy. If you are greater than 30 weeks pregnant, have a multiple pregnancy or a complicated pregnancy, we do not recommend travel on our services. You may be required to produce a Doctor's letter of consent or an authorised medical certificate within 14 days of travel.
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What medical assistance does the on-train staff provide?

GSR staff are trained to administer basic first aid, however our staff are not able to provide routine medical aid during a journey. Guests requiring medical attention or mobility assistance on board any of our trains are required to arrange for their own Carer to travel with them.
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Can my necessary medication be refrigerated?

Yes subject to space within our on-board fridge compartments - PLEASE INFORM US AT TIME OF BOOKING.
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Can I take oxygen onboard?

Yes you can - PLEASE INFORM US AT TIME OF BOOKING.
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Can I take my own food on board the train?

You can bring your own special dietary needs.You cannot bring your own alcohol or hot food. Some food purchased on-train may need to be disposed of prior to leaving the train due to strict state quarantine rulings.
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Can I request hot (boiling) water?

Unfortunately for safety reasons we are unable to serve hot water.
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Can I heat baby food/bottle?

Yes this is available on request with on-train staff.
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Can I pay for my meals/snacks/beverages with a credit card?

Yes, however a minimum amount applies.
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Can I pay for my meals/snacks/beverages with EFTPOS?

No EFTPOS facilities are not available on-train.
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Is there ATM (Cash out) facilities on-train?

No - you must board the train with sufficient cash on hand for required purchases during the journey ahead.
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Can I take any pets or animals with me on-train?

No - you must arrange directly with specialist animal transportation.
The only animals permitted on GSR services are specially trained dogs for the vision and hearing impaired.
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Can I send freight/ other goods with me on GSR's trains?

No - you must arrange directly with specialist freight transportation.

As an Overseas visitor to Australia, do I qualify for the Pension concession fare if I am a pensioner/ senior citizen back home?

Great Southern Railway is a private commercial business that receives a rebate each year from the Australian Federal Government as compensation for offering the concession fares for Australian Pensioners. As part of our agreement with the Australian Government, we must secure an eligible Australian Pension Concession Card number at the time of booking.
This agreement with the Australian Federal Government does not extend to Pensioners from overseas countries - it is strictly limited to Australian Pensioners who are residents of Australia.
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Can I take my pram/ push-chair/ booster seat on board the train?

No - these items must be checked-in as stored luggage.
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Can I take my walking frame/wheelchair/ scooter on board the train?

No - these items must be checked-in as stored luggage. A specially modified pushchair can be requested for use on train (with the assistance of a Carer or traveling companion) - PLEASE INFORM US AT TIME OF BOOKING.
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Can I take my car onboard The Ghan or The Indian Pacific?

Yes! Your car can come on holidays too. With Motorail, the following rules and restrictions apply.

Height Restrictions apply and the length of towbar must be included in calculating total vehicle length.
Roof racks, wind deflectors, louves etc., must be removed before loading.
Vehicle must be roadworthy and capable of being driven onto carrier. Rates are available for accompanied and unaccompanied vehicles. Please ask for a quote .Caravans, including pop-tops and boats are not conveyed by Motorail.
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