Discover unparalleled adventure that marries the thrill of discovery with the pinnacle of luxury, all set against the backdrop of Australia’s majestic landscapes. Journey Beyond Rail brings you to experience the vast beauty of Australia through the windows of its most legendary trains: The Ghan, the Indian Pacific, and the Great Southern. Revel in the old-world charm of train travel, where the journey itself is as enchanting as the destinations. Each train offers a unique all-inclusive journey, where gourmet dining, exquisite drinks, and captivating off-train excursions are just the beginning of what you can expect.
As you traverse the diverse terrains of Australia, from the vibrant heart of the outback to the serene coasts, you'll discover it all in unparalleled comfort and style. The Journey Beyond Australian rail suite is more than a unique way to reach your destination; it's an unforgettable journey bringing you closer to the rugged beauty of Australia. At each stop you will be offered an array of Off Train Experiences, enabling you to uncover the gems of Australia's towns, cities and destinations in a customised and enriching exploration.
Life aboard these moving marvels offers a highlight in itself, as you indulge in the art of leisurely travel, enjoying sumptuous and locally themed meals prepared by top chefs. Your leisure time on the train offers the opportunity to form lasting bonds with fellow adventurers, as you relax in the lounge carriages, pampered with drinks while you get to know your comrades on this shared adventure. All contributing to the tapestry of memories that define the luxury rail experience.
Whether you're crossing the continent horizontally aboard the Indian Pacific, adventuring vertically through the red centre on The Ghan, or discovering the southeast’s hidden gems with the Great Southern, each journey is meticulously crafted to ensure an unforgettable experience that encapsulates adventure, luxury, and the timeless allure of train travel. For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, the option to upgrade to Platinum offers enhanced amenities and services that redefine premium rail travel. Step aboard and let Journey Beyond Rail unlock the magic of train travel for you, offering a unique perspective on Australia's iconic landscapes, all while indulging in an all-inclusive experience that caters to your every need, and fosters a sense of camaraderie among its guests that makes each trip truly extraordinary.
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The Ghan: An Iconic Australian Adventure with a Rich History
The Ghan represents more than just a rail journey; it is a living narrative of Australian history, adventure, and luxury. Its name pays homage to the pioneering Afghan cameleers who traversed the vast Australian outback in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These cameleers and their camel trains were instrumental in opening up the isolated interior of Australia, laying the groundwork for the rail lines that would follow. Riding this iconic train delivers more than a luxurious adventure, but the opportunity to experience a piece of history ingrained into the development of Australia. With your stop in Alice Springs, passengers have the opportunity to feel even closer to this history with the option to partake in a Pyndan Camel ride. Today, The Ghan continues this tradition of exploration, connecting the tropical north with the southern coast through the heart of the Australian outback.
Embarking on The Ghan is to journey through the very soul of Australia, with the added luxury and comfort that modern travellers seek. The peak season's "The Ghan Expedition" extends this adventure, incorporating an additional day of travel and a unique stops in Coober Pedy, where guests can explore the fascinating underground homes and opal mines. The Ghan merges this rich history with the exclusivity of luxury rail travel, offering gourmet dining, exquisite accommodations, and a journey that is as memorable as the landscapes it traverses.
Indian Pacific: Bridging Oceans and Cultures
The Indian Pacific stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration, offering a coast-to-coast journey that spans the width of the Australian continent. Its name derives from its monumental achievement as the first rail journey to connect the shores of the Indian Ocean with those of the Pacific Ocean, symbolically linking two vast bodies of water through the heart of Australia. This feat not only marked a significant milestone in rail travel but also in the connectivity and unity of the nation.
As passengers aboard the Indian Pacific, travellers embark on a journey that weaves through the fabric of Australia's landscape and history. From the majestic Blue Mountains to the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain, each segment of the journey offers a glimpse into the country's soul. The train itself is a marvel of luxury and comradery. While aboard, bonding with your fellow adventurers on this transcontinental journey, feel a sense of ambience as you sip on unlimited drinks to the gentle strummings of the onboard guitarists. This lavish experience of all-inclusive services, panoramic views, and off-train excursions blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable voyage that honours the pioneering spirit of its namesake oceans.
Great Southern: Discovering the Southeast's Hidden Gems
Great Southern opens a window to the hidden gems of Australia's southeast. Despite being the latest addition to the Australian rail collection in 2019, the signature carriage fit-outs take you on a modern journey with a classical feel. Whilst all the trains offer a tweaked variation of the journey depending on the direction of your route, this is particularly true for the Great Southern as it explores the multitude of destinations, creating ample opportunity to re-experience it as a return trip between Adelaide and Brisbane.
On a southbound expedition, the Great Southern takes you into the rolling hills of New South Wales before stopping for a signature beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour. You’ll have time to meander through the historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley or explore beautiful Port Stephens by land or sea, before heading towards regional Victoria and Melbourne. Enjoy a mixture of relaxing time on the train and immersive Off Train Experiences, before concluding your journey in Adelaide. In reverse, your journey offers world-class service as stunning landscapes glide by. On your three-day journey bound for Brisbane, take in the spectacular scenery passing by your window, beginning in the magical Adelaide Hills and moving on to the gorgeous Grampians region in Victoria. Delve into the art, history and culinary culture of Canberra, discovering the nation’s capital, then feel the sand between your toes in the picturesque coastal town of Coffs Harbour, before rolling through northern New South Wales and finishing in sunny Brisbane.
With regionally themed gourmet meals & fine wines, the Great Southern offers a unique immersive exploration of Australia's southeast, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the region through a luxury rail journey that is both enriching and unforgettable.
Journey Beyond Rail provides a unique blend of adventure and luxury, inviting travellers to explore Australia's iconic landscapes in unparalleled comfort and style. Each train journey—the Ghan, the Indian Pacific, and the Great Southern—offers a distinct all-inclusive adventure that promises not just a journey across the land, but an unforgettable experience of exploration. Whether seeking the adventure of a lifetime or the luxury of leisurely travel, these scenic rail journeys invite you to unlock the magic of train travel in Australia.
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Images courtesy of Journey Beyond Rail
