‘Unparalleled’ luxury suites to be launched on Australian trains

As the world’s luxury train renaissance gathers speed, it’s on track to be one of the most significant travel trends of this decade and beyond. Some are even predicting growth in the sector will be like the explosion of popularity in river cruising.

The revival, according to Virtuoso travel advisor Ash Chin, is driven by a growing interest in slower, more meaningful journeys that combine comfort, style and a sense of adventure.

The Aurora Suite is double the size of the existing Platinum cabins.

In line with that, Australia’s Journey Beyond is making an exciting addition to its rail offering adding two new luxury suites, the Australis and Aurora suites.

The first departures are scheduled to be part of The Ghan, Indian Pacific and the Great Southern from April 2026.

The announcement comes just as the new luxury train La Dolce Vita Orient Express is set to hit the rails between Rome and Tuscany on April 4 this year.

That train will have interiors referencing 1960s Italian style. Most of the luxury trains of Europe, in fact, carry retro interiors referencing rail’s past glories.

Artist impression of the Lounge diner.

Journey Beyond’s new super high-end carriages, however, will be playing to a different tune.

Designed by Australian architectural firm Woods Bagot, who did the recent redesigns on The Ghan’s carriages, Australis and Aurora will take inspiration from contemporary architectural movements, that is, not any sort of historical recreation.

“The suites are unparalleled, a premium, elevated luxury offering,” says Woods Bagot principal Rosina Di Maria. “Luxury in an Australian context takes on its own definition. Australian luxury is characterised by quiet confidence, quality, comfort and attention to detail.”

Journey Beyond chief executive Chris Tallent says the creation of the next-level class of travel on his company’s trains is a response to the strengthening market trends.

Artist’s impression of the Suite Aurora Bedroom.

As demand for international travel continues to surge, it’s necessary to enhance the travel experience, ensuring it meets and surpasses global standards, according to Tallent.

“The suites will position our trains among the world’s best train suites.”

The queen-bed suites will have some nods to the past, though. The carriages will lean into art deco and include decorative timber accents, stone and marble masonry, iron filigree and coved ceilings that reference traditional cornices, plus sheepskin accents and saddle leather.

Up a notch… Suite Australis Bathroom.

They’ll also have space. The Aurora Suite is double the size of the existing Platinum cabins, while the Australis Suite offers three times the space.

They come with a dedicated butler offering unpacking service, a pillow menu, a private bar put together to your liking and in-room dining.

There will also be special excursions for Aurora and Australis guests.

From $11,890 a person for the Australis suite and $7990 for the Aurora suite for a three-day journey on The Ghan. See journeybeyondrail.com.au