INTRODUCING A NEW LEVEL OF LUXURY FOR AUSTRALIA’S ICONIC RAIL JOURNEYS
The world’s epic rail journeys have long conjured up notions of glamour and romance – and with the growing appetite for slower and more sustainable ways to travel, have also been enjoying a renewed golden age of train travel. It is with great delight therefore that we look forward to welcoming a new level of luxury for Australia’s iconic rail journeys with the introduction of two fabulous new luxury accommodation suites available on Australia’s Indian-Pacific, Ghan and Great Southern rail journeys from April 2026.
NEW LUXURY SUITES:
The new ‘Aurora’ and ‘Australis’ suites will bring an unparalleled level of world-class luxury to Australia’s epic rail journeys. Each one boasting a separate bedroom with a fixed queen-size bed, en-suite and private lounge area. The generously proportioned Australis suite also has a writing desk and space to host family or friends.
Both luxury suites convey a true sense of place with a contemporary take on art-deco luxury that also paying homage to the pastoral and outback Australian landscapes which they travel through. Rivalling rail comforts globally, they are characterised by quality, comfort and attention to detail – in everything from the pillow menu to the private-bar curated to guests’ preferences..
Guests of the new suites also enjoy the services of a dedicated butler, Bollinger Champagne served throughout the journey, exclusive off-train adventures and the option of in-suite dining – or joining fellow travellers in the new Platinum Club carriage.
NEW ITINERARIES FOR THE INDIAN PACIFIC: Perth to Sydney
Travelling from coast to coast, the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, Australia’s longest rail journey just got even longer (and better!) – with an additional night from Perth to Sydney to include some fabulous new off-train experiences.
The iconic Indian-Pacific rail journey that traverses the Australian continent east-west has a new eastbound itinerary. The 5-day journey from Perth to Sydney includes 14 new off-train experiences to choose from across Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. These includes panning for gold or trying your luck at ‘Two Up’ in Kalgoorlie, paint-and-sip sessions at the Pro Hart studio in Broken Hill and an exclusive dining experience at Seppeltsfield in the Barossa Valley wine country as the iconic journey travels through a rich diversity of Australian landscapes.
Eastbound journeys depart Perth on Saturdays, whilst the 4day/3night Sydney-Perth journey departs Wednesdays.
THE GHAN: Darwin to Adelaide
Bisecting the Australian continent North-South through the Red Centre between Darwin and Adelaide, the legendary Ghan train reveals places and stories that have shaped the nation.
The Ghan Expedition travels Darwin to Adelaide over 4days/3 nights between April and October, and includes a collection of unique outback off-train experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and Manguri – such as a spectacular star-lit dinner at the historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs.
The shorter 3 day/2 night Ghan journey operates Darwin-Adelaide from November to March and Adelaide to Darwin all year round, without stopping in Coober Pedy.
GREAT SOUTHERN: Adelaide to Brisbane
The newest of Australia’s iconic rail journeys, the Great Southern, travels the tracks between Adelaide and Brisbane.
The 4 day/3 night Brisbane to Adelaide journey takes in sparkling coastlines and rolling vineyards, multicultural cities and with off-train experiences including a unique beachside dinner in Coffs Harbour, opportunities to sample Hunter Valley wines among the vines and wander Melbourne’s colourful laneways.
The 3 day/2night journey north from Adelaide to Brisbane provides opportunities to hike in the Grampians National Park, explore the nation’s capital and stretch your legs with a coastal scenic walk in Coffs Harbour.
DESIGN YOUR IDEAL AUSTRALIAN RAIL JOURNEY:
Contact the Southern Crossings Travel Design team to start designing your personalised Australian rail journey:
ausdesign@southern-crossings.com
Header image: The new Aurora Suite private lounge
