Our pick for the best historic train journey in the world? The Ghan. Few journeys hold the same legendary status as this. From April to October, this luxurious passenger train makes the 1,851 mile (2,979km) journey from Darwin to Adelaide in Australia. When it first opened, it connected Port Augusta to Alice Springs, but it was extended to Darwin in 2004, making it a true transcontinental journey.

The train's name, originally the Afghan Express, honours the first Afghan cameleers who played a vital role in exploring and transporting goods across Australia's interior.

Liked this? Click on the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Now discover these amazing images from the golden age of flying

The greatest historic train journeys you can still take