Journey Beyond launch new suites on iconic train journeys - Travel News

by Simone Mitchell

Jan 24, 2025

A new era of luxury is coming to Australia’s rails.

Journey Beyond – the company behind Australia’s most iconic train journeys, The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern – has unveiled two new luxury suites that will be introduced to the aforementioned trains.

The ‘Australis’ suite and ‘Aurora’ suite will debut in April 2026. The new high-end accommodations have been created to provide an “unparalleled experience” for rail travellers. And the price point reflects that level of luxury – fares start from $11,890 per person for the Australis Suite and $7,990 per person for the Aurora Suite for a 3-day journey on The Ghan.

Design firm Woods Bagot was brought on to create interior designs that “embody art deco luxury while capturing a sense of the outback and the authentic landscapes through which the trains traverse”.

“Australian luxury is characterised by quiet confidence, quality, comfort, and attention to detail,” says Woods Bagot Principal Rosina Di Maria. “A rich and layered design is expressed through bespoke detailing, decorative timber accents, stone and marble masonry, iron filigree, and coved ceilings that reference traditional cornices. The design also references important moments in Australia’s pastoral history, acknowledging the role of wool merchants in Australian industry through sheepskin accents and saddle leather”.

Chris Tallent, Journey Beyond CEO says: “as demand for international travel continues to surge, we recognise the necessity to enhance the travel experience, ensuring it meets and surpasses global standards. The suites will position our trains among the world’s best train suites.”

While guests in the suites will be able to socialise with other travellers in the Platinum lounge (pictured above), they will also be treated to a dedicated butler offering personalised service including exclusive unpacking service, pillow menu, a private bar curated according to each traveller’s preferences and in-room dining.

And: there will be free-flowing Champagne Bollinger.As Tallent told media at the launch event: “you could have Bollinger in your Weeties if you wanted to”.

The Australis Suite will be three times the size of a Platinum cabin and features a separate bedroom with a fixed queen-sized bed, full lounge set, personal bar and ensuite with double vanity and premium Jurlique amenities. This Suite also has a writing desk as well as a wardrobe and ample room to stretch your legs or host friends and family in-suite. Included in the $11,890 per person price tag is Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année, premium Australian wine selection, personalised in-suite bar, in-room dining available, butler service, luxurious bed linen, silk eye masks and pillow menu, a range of exclusive Off Train Experiences, Platinum Club lounge and dining carriage access, private chauffeur for your arrival and departure of the train.

The all-new Aurora Suite is double the size of a Platinum cabin and features a fixed queen-sized bed, lounge set, wardrobe and ensuite with premium Jurlique amenities. The price tag of the Aurora Suite? $7,990 per person. Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année, premium Australian wine selection, personalised in-suite bar, in-room dining available, butler service, luxurious bed linen and pillow menu, a range of exclusive Off Train Experiences, Platinum Club lounge and dining carriage access, private chauffeur for your arrival and departure of the train is all included in the price.

For more information or to book, visit Journey Beyond.

This article originally appeared on escape.com.au. It has been published here with permission.