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Australia’s most luxe train suite is here – and it’s mind-blowing

Credit: Frankie The Creative

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
Luxury train travel in Australia is about to reach dazzling new heights.

On Wednesday 22 January, Journey Beyond unveiled two unbelievable new luxury suite offerings that are set to redefine the gold standard of rail travel in Australia on their famous trains, The Ghan, the Indian Pacific and the Great Southern.

In an Australian first, the two ultra-luxury suites will feature butler service, a personalised in-suite bar, Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année throughout the journey, a private chauffer, Platinum Club lounge and dining carriage access, and more.

Aurora Australis Carriage, Journey Beyond
Suite guests will have access to the dining carriage. (Credit: Frankie The Creative)

The Australis Suite is set to claim the title of the most luxurious suite in Australian train travel. At three times the size of the existing Platinum cabins, it offers an expansive 24.5 square metres of indulgence. With a separate bedroom featuring a queen-size bed, a full lounge set, a writing desk, a wardrobe and an ensuite complete with a double vanity, this suite is designed for travellers seeking unmatched comfort and sophistication.

Aurora Australis Suite, Journey Beyond
The Australis Suite is set to be Australia’s most luxurious train suite. (Credit: Frankie The Creative)

“A new level of luxury awaits guests in 2026," Journey Beyond chief executive officer Chris Tallent said.

“[The new suites] set the highest standard of luxury train travel in Australia and internationally. A moving luxury like no other, the suites are unrivalled and further elevates Journey Beyond’s portfolio of luxury accommodation and experiences in Australia."

The slightly smaller but equally refined Aurora Suite offers 16.5 square metres of space, including a queen-size bed, a lounge set, a wardrobe and an ensuite.

dining at Aurora Australis Carriage, Journey Beyond
Enjoy a luxurious dining experience. (Credit: Frankie The Creative)

Both suites are designed by master global design firm Woods Bagot, who have drawn inspiration from art deco luxury and Australia’s natural landscapes. Bespoke timber accents, marble finishes and sheepskin details pay homage to Australia’s rich pastoral heritage, creating interiors that are as stunning as the scenery outside.

“Australian luxury is characterised by quiet confidence, quality, comfort and attention to detail," Woods Bagot principal Rosina Di Maria explained.

Journey Beyond Australis Suite Bathroom
Both suites are designed by Woods Bagot.

With prices starting at $11,890 per person for the Australis Suite and $7990 per person for the Aurora Suite on a three-day journey aboard The Ghan from April 2026, this is rail travel reimagined for the most discerning of travellers.

Demand for these exclusive suites is expected to be high, as Journey Beyond continues to enhance its offerings to cater to the growing appetite for luxury travel experiences in Australia and beyond, so make sure you book ahead.

The Great Southern in Glenapp QLD
The suites will be onboard The Ghan, the Indian Pacific and the Great Southern.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Discover the Yarra Valley town made for slow weekends

    Kellie Floyd Kellie Floyd
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    Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.

    If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.

    Staying in Healesville

    the lounge in one of the cosy villas at Healesvillas
    Inside one of the cosy villas.

    If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.

    Dining out in Healesville

    small plates at No. 7 Healesville
    No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)

    For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe, a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville, a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.

    Drinking in Healesville

    a cocktail at Four Pillars Gin Distillery
    Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)

    Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin. If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.

    the Boat O’Craigo winery
    Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

    Healesville highlights

    If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.

    Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway.

    the Puffing Billy Railway
    Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)