Luxurious train journey
Australia is famous for its magnificent scenery. Journey Beyond recently announced that its sightseeing train will undergo an upgrade and launch two new luxury suites - the Australis Suite and the Aurora Suite.
The suites will debut in April 2026 and join iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern.
Savoring, immersing and appreciating this beauty in the Southern Cross and Aurora Suites is undoubtedly the pinnacle of the exclusive train experience. These carefully designed accommodation spaces will bring you unparalleled travel enjoyment, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Australia during your journey.
Global design firm Woods Bagot has been commissioned to create interiors that embody the luxury of Art Deco style, while capturing the Australian outback and the unique feel of the authentic landscapes the train traverses – an essential part of the Journey Beyond experience.
Rosina Di Maria, Director of Woods Bagot, said: “The suites are inspired by the residential qualities of the contemporary architectural movement and are the epitome of high-end luxury. Luxury in the Australian context has its own unique definition, characterised by understated confidence, quality, comfort and attention to detail.”
The design style is rich and layered through custom details, wooden decorative elements, stone and marble work, iron carvings, and coved ceilings inspired by traditional cornices. At the same time, the design also pays tribute to an important chapter in the history of Australian pastoralism - with details such as sheepskin decoration and saddle leather, it highlights the important contribution made by wool merchants to the development of Australian industry.
Both suites are spacious and comfortable, each with a separate bedroom with double bed.
"The Aurora Suites are twice the size of our Platinum Class cabins, while the Southern Cross Suites are the largest, with three times the space," said David Donald, Executive General Manager of Beyond Rail. "They are luxurious havens to unwind and unwind after exploring the Australian Outback, a place to put your feet up and toast with a glass of champagne."
To further enhance the experience, suite guests can enjoy Bollinger La Grande Année champagne throughout their journey.
Taking Australia's exquisite and elegant hospitality as the service benchmark, the suite is equipped with an exclusive butler to provide you with personalized and considerate service. During your stay in the suite, you can enjoy exclusive luggage unpacking service, a wide selection of pillows, a private bar customized to your preferences, and convenient in-room dining experience. In addition to the train, you will also immerse yourself in unique and exclusive activities and deeply experience the local culture and customs.
The Southern Cross Suite is one of the most luxurious suites on Australian train journeys and one of the top suites in the world. It is three times the size of the Platinum Cabin and features a separate bedroom with a fixed double bed, a complete living area, a personal bar and a separate bathroom with double washbasins. Bath products are from the high-end brand Jurlique. In addition, the suite is specially equipped with a desk, wardrobe and provides ample space, allowing you to enjoy comfort and convenience whether you are relaxing or inviting relatives and friends to visit and gather.
Southern Cross Suite Features:
Bollinger La Grande Année
Selected high-quality Australian wines
Personalized suite bar
In-room dining service
Full-time butler service
Luxurious bedding, silk eye masks and a wide selection of pillows
Exclusive off-car experience
Access to Platinum Club lounge and dining car
Private driver pick-up service
The Aurora Suite is twice the size of the Platinum Class and is equipped with a fixed double bed, living space and an en-suite bathroom with high-end Jurlique bath amenities. You'll also have wardrobes and plenty of room to move around, ensuring a luxurious stay.
Aurora Suite Features:
Bollinger La Grande Année
Selected high-quality Australian wines
Personalized suite bar
In-room dining service
Full-time butler service
Luxury bedding and a wide selection of pillows
Exclusive off-car experience
Access to Platinum Club lounge and dining car
Private driver pick-up service
Prices for a three-day journey on The Ghan start from $11,890 per person for a Southern Cross suite and $7,990 for an Aurora suite.