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Two Aussie train journeys named among world's most beautiful

Jemima Skelley
Jemima Skelley

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For many of us, trains are just part of our daily commute.

But all over the world, there are beautiful, historic railway journeys that people plan whole holidays to see.

Travelling by train is a really relaxing way to see a new place - just sit back and watch the world go by.

A new eye-tracking study from InsureandGo has named the top 15 most scenic train journeys in the world, with two Aussie routes making the list.

Read through to see them all. 

READ MORE: The Victorian holiday spots you can get to by train

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Ghan, Australia
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The Ghan, Australia

Australia's iconic The Ghan is an epic transcontinental journey from Darwin to Adelaide, cutting through the Red Centre.

The three or four day journey gives passengers a rare up-close look at the vastness of the Australian Outback.

READ MORE: The Ghan: A review of the epic train journey from Darwin to Adelaide

Attribution: Journey Beyond Rail
Bernina Express, Switzerland
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Bernina Express, Switzerland

This UNESCO World Heritage route climbs through the high-altitude glaciers of the Swiss Alps before descending into northern Italy.

The train features panoramic windows designed specifically to showcase the dramatic scenery over the four-hour journey.

Attribution: Getty
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Sagano Romantic Train, Japan
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Sagano Romantic Train, Japan

Winding along the Hozugawa River near Kyoto, this charming sightseeing train has open-air carriages and wooden benches - leaning into the 'romantic' part of its name.

It is most spectacular during autumn when the maple trees turn a fiery red, or in spring when the cherry blossoms turn pink by the river.

Attribution: Getty
West Highland Line, Scotland
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West Highland Line, Scotland

Often voted the most scenic rail journey in the world, this route traverses the wild Scottish Highlands.

A highlight of the five-hour trip is crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is seen in the Harry Potter films en route to Hogwarts.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia
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Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia

Travelling through the heart of Queensland's tropical rainforest to Cairns, this train winds past steep ravines and the spectacular Barron Falls.

The 100-year-old carriages make it an even more exciting experience.

READ MORE: The ultimate guide to having a perfect holiday in Cairns 

Attribution: Getty
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
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Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

This luxury train travels only during daylight hours to ensure guests don't miss a single second of the journey.

It offers glass-domed coaches for viewing the massive granite walls of the Canadian Rockies and the turquoise Thompson River.

READ MORE: Rocky Mountaineer review: 'There's one thing that makes this train journey so special'

Attribution: Getty
Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan
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Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan

Originally built for logging, this route now takes tourists zig-zagging up the Alishan mountain range.

It winds through misty cypress forests and offers amazing views out over the clouds.

Attribution: Getty
Serra Verde Express, Brazil
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Serra Verde Express, Brazil

This train takes passengers through the rainforest into the coastal town of Morretes.

The train clings to mountainsides and crosses bridges suspended over lush canyons, with amazing up-close views of the rare tropical ecosystem.

Attribution: Getty
Coast Starlight, USA
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Coast Starlight, USA

Linking Los Angeles to Seattle, this route is all about showing off the diverse beauty of America's West Coast.

The overnight journey goes from the dramatic cliffs of the coast into lush forests and finally ends with views of snow-covered peaks.

Attribution: Getty

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