Journey Beyond says it has delivered a new benchmark in Australian luxury rail travel with the debut of its Aurora Australis Suites, which feature on the iconic Indian Pacific.
The suites took to the tracks for the first time in early April on a journey between Perth and Sydney.
Key features of the new Australis Suite and Aurora Suite include more space, Art Deco design elements and an upgraded service, which Journey Beyond says “marks a defining moment for Australian experiential travel” and positions the experience among the world’s leading luxury rail offerings.
“The Aurora Australis Suites represents a new chapter for Journey Beyond and for luxury travel in Australia,” said Chris Tallent, CEO of Journey Beyond.
“Our iconic trains have long connected guests with some of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes, and these suites elevate that experience to an entirely new level. They offer guests a private sanctuary on board, a place to unwind and fully immerse themselves in the journey across this remarkable continent.”
The design and interiors, with accents of sheepskin and leather, blending the elegance of Art Deco rail heritage with materials inspired by the Australian landscape. Throughout, there’s a nod to Australia’s pastoral history and the contributions of wool and leather merchants.
Guests travelling in the Aurora Australis Suites enjoy a personalised butler service, private in-suite dining, a curated in-room bar tailored to guest preferences and Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année served throughout the journey.
On their first evening aboard, suite guests are welcomed with a dining experience that showcases Australian ingredients including tuna tartare, Kangaroo Island lobster tail and premium Wagyu beef.
Beyond the train, elevated Off Train Experiences have been designed exclusively for the Australis and Aurora Suites.
On the Indian Pacific, guests travelling eastbound will experience Kalgoorlie Golden Horizons, combining a visit to historic Paddy Hannan’s Mine with a scenic flight over the vast Super Pit.
Westbound guests are offered Mount Lofty Sips and Summits, an elegant evening in the Adelaide Hills featuring South Australian wines and a refined dinner at the acclaimed Hardy’s Verandah restaurant.
Following their debut on the Indian Pacific, the Aurora Australis Suites will also join The Ghan and Great Southern during their seasonal journeys
On The Ghan, suite guests travelling northbound experience a Katherine Gorge Grand Flight, soaring in a helicopter above all 13 gorges of Nitmiluk National Park before landing for a private champagne moment in the outback.
Guests travelling on the southbound The Ghan journey by charter flight to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park for a private champagne lunch and guided exploration of iconic sites including Mutitjulu Waterhole.
Following their debut on the Indian Pacific, the Aurora Australis Suites will also join The Ghan and Great Southern during their seasonal journeys.
To experience the Aurora Australis Suites, fares start from $16,790pp for the Australis Suite and $11,190 pp for the Aurora Suite for a three-day journey on Indian Pacific.
