Journey Beyond, which operates some of the country's most memorable rail trips, will be launching two new luxury-suite categories - Aurora and Australis - on three of its trains (The Ghan, Indian Pacific and the Great Southern) in April 2026.
All three trains currently feature the Gold, Gold Premium and Platinum cabins, with the latter being the most luxurious and spacious of them.
But the new suites - with top-notch finishes and a palette inspired by the shades of Australian landscapes - will take the luxe factor to a whole new level. Aurora, for instance, will be twice as big as a Platinum cabin, while Australis will be three times its size.
"As demand for international travel continues to surge, we recognise the necessity to enhance the travel experience [in Australia], ensuring it meets and surpasses global standards," Journey Beyond's CEO Chris Tallent says.
"The [new] suites will position our trains among the world's best train suites."
Both new offerings will have separate bedrooms, living rooms and ensuites, as well as in-suite bars.
Both suites will also feature Champagne Bollinger, premium Australian wine selection, in-room dining, butler service, plush linen and pillow menu, access to Platinum Club Lounge and dining carriage, as well as a range of exclusive off-train experiences.
All that real estate and luxe trimmings will, of course, come with a fitting price tag. Three-day journeys on The Ghan will start from $7990 per person in the Aurora suite and $11,890 per person in the Australis suite. journeybeyond.com
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Akash Arora
Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
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