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

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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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.

Journey Beyond Platinum Club lounge and dining carriage
Suite guests will have access to the Platinum Club lounge and dining carriage.

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.

Journey Beyond Australis Suite Bedroom
The Australis Suite is set to be Australia’s most luxurious train suite.

“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.

Journey Beyond Aurora Suite
The Aurora Suite is slightly smaller than the Australis Suite.

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.
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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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.