Yesterday, Australia's leading experiential tourism group Journey Beyond celebrated with a Carriage Christening of its highly anticipated Aurora Australis Suites.  Leading luxury travel media and trade industry names came together for an exclusive VIP day trip from Adelaide to the Clare Valley onboard the carriage.

Formalities began with the official carriage christening, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a celebratory champagne sabrage. Guests then boarded the train for an excursion to experience The Suites firsthand, including the new Platinum lounge. Guests enjoyed a taste of the onboard menu with canapés, accompanied by Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année, while exploring the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the suites during a very special journey.

To celebrate the recently announced new Northbound Ghan itinerary the train headed for Clare Valley and guests were treated to a special private lunch at the iconic Watervale Hotel.

The new northbound itinerary is a four-day experience and features a signature dinner in a Woolshed an iconic structure central to Australia's farming outback heritage. Guests will be treated to a bespoke dining experience created by Watervale owners Chef Nicola Palmer and Sommelier Warrick Duthy, whose holistic approach to food, wine and sustainability will create a memorable meal to wow the guests.

Journey Beyond's Executive General Manager Marketing, Justine Lally welcomed guests, she said “The day marked a true celebration, underscoring Journey Beyond's unwavering commitment to redefining Australian rail travel. The new Australis Suite and Aurora Suite set a new benchmark for space, design and service, elevating Australia's iconic rail journeys and placing them firmly among the world's leading luxury rail experiences.”

David Donald, Executive General Manager of Rail at Journey Beyond, said the concept of luxury aboard The Suites extends far beyond design alone. While the interiors were created by renowned global design firm Woods Bagot blending the elegance of Art Deco rail heritage with materials inspired by the Australian landscape. Donald emphasised that the experience is defined by every moment on board.

“Luxury is in the details,” Donald said. “From personalised butler service and private in-suite dining to a curated in-room bar tailored to each guest's preferences, every element has been thoughtfully considered. Guests also enjoy Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année served throughout the journey, ensuring an exceptional experience from beginning to end.”

David went on to explain that the experience for suite guests extends well beyond the train itself, with elevated Off Train Experiences designed exclusively for Australis and Aurora Suite guests.

Travelling northbound on The Ghan, guests will take to the skies in a helicopter on a Katherine Gorge Grand Flight, soaring above all 13 gorges of Nitmiluk National Park before landing for a private champagne moment in the heart of the outback. Donald said “suite guests can expect memorable moments like this to unfold throughout the journey, each thoughtfully curated to elevate the overall experience.”

Alicia Triggs, Executive General Manager of Sales and Partnerships at Journey Beyond, officially christened the Suites in a dramatic sabrage moment, expertly opening a bottle of Bollinger with a sword. “This is definitely a champagne moment I won't forget,” Triggs said. “It's not every day you get to christen a Carriage on a train.”

“Demand for the suites has already been exceptional, with 2026 departures almost sold out and 2027 departures now open for booking.”   Triggs added.

To experience the Aurora Australis Suites, fares start from $16,790 pp for the Australis Suite and $11,190 pp for the Aurora Suite for a 3-day journey on The Indian Pacific. To find out more to book the trip of a lifetime, visit  www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/your-train-experience/aurora-australis/ 

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Carriage Christening Images I   https://journeybeyond.canto.global/b/J7UIN

Media contact | Cheree McEwin - Group Manager, PR & Communications | cheree.mcewin@journeybeyond.com

About Journey Beyond 
Australia's leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to operate 20 brands spanning the country and New Zealand, connecting guests to the land, and to each other. Headquartered in Adelaide, Journey Beyond formed in 2016 and now comprises tourism brands including: iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxury lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Sailaway Port Douglas, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; our tallest members, Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89; the historic Vintage Rail Journeys; The Telegraph Station in Alice Springs; Monarto Safari Resort; Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo, New Zealand coach tour specialist Grand Pacific Tours, and Voyages Tourism Australia.
www.journeybeyond.com