Journey Beyond gives Australian rail a design-led upgrade

Designed by Woods Bagot, Journey Beyond’s new Aurora and Australis suites bring a more elevated interior approach to The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern, with larger-format accommodation, layered materials and a stronger sense of place

Journey Beyond has introduced a new design-led chapter for its rail offering with the debut of its Aurora and Australis suites, created by Woods Bagot for the Indian Pacific, The Ghan and Great Southern.

The new suites first entered service on the Indian Pacific earlier this month and mark the most significant upgrade to Journey Beyond’s onboard accommodation to date. The Australis Suite is three times the size of an existing Platinum cabin, while the Aurora Suite is double, bringing a more spacious, residential feel to Australia’s best-known rail journeys.

Design

Designed by Woods Bagot, the interiors draw on Art Deco rail heritage while incorporating materials and tones inspired by the Australian landscape. Decorative timber, stone surfaces, leather and sheepskin accents feature throughout, alongside handcrafted glass dividers and timber joinery.

Woods Bagot director Rosina Di Maria said the design references Australia’s pastoral history, including the legacy of wool and leather merchants. “The luxury interiors are characterised by an artisanal, heritage-driven approach to detail and meticulous craftsmanship,” she said.

“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.”

The launch also points to the way Australian rail is continuing to evolve at the luxury end of the market, with design, privacy and onboard space becoming a bigger part of the experience alongside the landscapes themselves.

On board and the journey

Guests travelling in the Aurora and Australis suites receive butler service, private in-suite dining and a curated in-room bar tailored to guest preferences. Journey Beyond has also introduced elevated off-train experiences for suite guests, including scenic flights and higher-touch touring depending on the route.

On the Indian Pacific, eastbound guests will visit Kalgoorlie and take a scenic flight over the Super Pit, while westbound travellers will enjoy an evening in the Adelaide Hills with South Australian wines and dinner at Hardy’s Verandah.

On The Ghan, northbound guests will take a helicopter flight over Katherine Gorge before a private champagne stop in the outback, while southbound travellers will fly to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park for a private champagne lunch and guided exploration.

Journey Beyond said more than 95 per cent of departures for the 2026 season had already sold out, with 2027 departures now open.

Fares start from $16,790 per person for the Australis Suite and $11,190 per person for the Aurora Suite for a three-day journey on the Indian Pacific.