Journey Beyond has delivered a new benchmark in Australian luxury rail travel with the debut of its highly anticipated Aurora Australis Suites. The suites officially took to the tracks for the first time on 4 April aboard the Indian Pacific departing Perth and will arrive in Sydney today.
Representing the most significant evolution of Journey Beyond’s onboard rail offering, the new Australis Suite and Aurora Suite introduce an unprecedented level of space, design and service to Australia’s iconic rail journeys, positioning the experience among the world’s leading luxury rail offerings.
Chris Tallent, CEO of Journey Beyond, says the launch marks a defining moment for Australian experiential travel.
“The debut of the Aurora Australis Suites represents a new chapter for Journey Beyond and for luxury travel in Australia. 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.”
Traveler response for the suites has already been exceptional, with 95 per cent of departures sold out for the 2026 season, and 2027 departures now open for booking.
The design and interiors were created by renowned global design firm Woods Bagot, blending the elegance of Art Deco rail heritage with materials inspired by the Australian landscape.
Woods Bagot Director Rosina Di Maria says the design references Australia’s pastoral history, acknowledging the contributions of wool and leather merchants.
“The luxury interiors are characterised by an artisanal, heritage-driven approach to detail and meticulous craftsmanship,” says Di Maria
“Featuring a palette of decorative timber, stone surfaces, and accents of sheepskin and leather, the interiors create a rich and layered experience that reflects both heritage and landscape.”
Guests traveling in the Aurora Australis Suites will enjoy personalized 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 will be welcomed with an indulgent dining experience, showcasing exceptional Australian ingredients including tuna tartare, Kangaroo Island lobster tail and premium Wagyu beef.
Beyond the train, suite guests will also enjoy elevated Off Train Experiences designed exclusively for the Australis and Aurora Suites.
On the Indian Pacific, guests traveling 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 will enjoy 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.
On The Ghan, suite guests traveling northbound will 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 Ghan will 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. The launch represents a significant milestone for Australian luxury rail travel, reinforcing Journey Beyond’s position at the forefront of experiential tourism and offering travellers an unparalleled way to explore the country’s most remarkable landscapes.
To experience the Aurora Australis Suites, fares start from $11,700 USD pp for the Australis Suite and $7,800 USD pp for the Aurora Suite for a 3-day journey on The Indian Pacific. To find out more to book the trip of a lifetime, visit www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/your-train-experience/aurora-australis/
