Travel company Journey Beyond has announced a major enhancement to Australian luxury rail travel with two new suite categories: the Australis Suite and the Aurora Suite. These suites will debut on the company’s flagship routes — The Ghan (Darwin to Adelaide), the Indian Pacific (Perth–Adelaide–Sydney) and the Great Southern (Adelaide–Brisbane) — with first departures scheduled from April 2026.
There is no finer way to experience Australia by rail than from the Australis and Aurora suites. Designed to showcase the country’s changing landscapes, both suites offer refined comfort and unobstructed views as the train moves through coastal plains, deserts and verdant countryside.
© Journey Beyond
“A new level of luxury awaits guests in 2026, and we are excited to launch the new suites that will set the highest standard of luxury train travel in Australia and internationally,” said Chris Tallent, CEO of Journey Beyond. “A moving luxury like no other, the suites are unrivalled and further elevate Journey Beyond’s portfolio of luxury accommodation and experiences across Australia.”
International design firm Woods Bagot created interiors that blend Art Deco elegance with references to Australia’s distinctive outback and pastoral heritage. The design approach aims to connect guests with the environment outside the windows while delivering contemporary comfort and refined detailing.
“The suites are unparalleled, a premium, elevated luxury offering. Luxury in an Australian context takes on its own definition,” said Rosina Di Maria, principal at Woods Bagot. “Australian luxury is characterized by quiet confidence, quality, comfort and attention to detail.”
© Journey Beyond
Interiors feature layered, bespoke finishes including decorative timber accents, stone and marble details, iron filigree and coved ceilings that echo classic cornices. Design touches also acknowledge Australia’s pastoral past, with sheepskin highlights and saddle-leather elements that nod to the role of wool merchants in the nation’s history. Both suites are generously proportioned and include a separate bedroom fitted with a queen-sized bed.
Service is a central element of the experience. Each suite benefits from dedicated butler service, offering personalized attention such as an exclusive unpacking service, a pillow menu, a private bar stocked to individual preferences and in-suite dining options for a relaxed, private meal.
The Australis Suite represents the pinnacle of Australian train travel and ranks among the world’s most luxurious rail accommodations. At roughly three times the size of a Platinum cabin, the Australis features a separate bedroom with a fixed queen-sized bed, a full lounge set, a personal bar, and an ensuite with double vanity and premium Jurlique amenities. The suite also includes a writing desk, wardrobe and ample space for relaxation or entertaining guests.
© Journey Beyond
The Aurora Suite is a spacious, elevated option at approximately twice the size of a Platinum cabin. It includes a fixed queen-sized bed, a comfortable lounge set, an ensuite with premium Jurlique amenities, and generous storage and movement space to ensure a luxurious onboard stay.
As an example of fares, a three-day journey on The Ghan is priced from $11,890 per person for the Australis Suite and from $7,990 per person for the Aurora Suite. These fares reflect the suites’ premium inclusions, enhanced service and the unique, immersive rail experience Journey Beyond aims to deliver.