The past two years has been fraught with border closures and varying regulations in response to the pandemic, and as a result, we’ve seen guests opt to ‘Holiday Here This Year’. Many have booked (or re-booked) their Australian holidays for 2022, leaving Journey Beyond’s rail experiences close to sold out. In response, Journey Beyond has opened its 2023 rail season for The Ghan, Great Southern, and Indian Pacific earlier than ever before, giving guests greater choice and flexibility when planning a rail holiday and realising their travel dreams.
Chief Commercial Officer for Journey Beyond Peter Egglestone said guests are showing increased interest in planning and booking holidays for 2023. “With many Australians continuing to choose to explore their own backyards, people are keen to make the most of all Australia has to offer. In response to this demand, we’ve expanded our rail seasons and capacity across our uniquely Australian experiences.
“To accommodate this increased demand, for 2023, The Ghan will have twice weekly departures from April to September; the Great Southern will extend its summer season across February 2023; and the Indian Pacific will have greater capacity, with more carriages being added to select departures.
“Additionally, we understand even the best-laid plans can change, so to help people book with confidence, we will continue to offer our fully refundable Flexible Fares, which can be postponed or cancelled for any reason with just one day’s notice. Guests with Advance Purchase and Everyday Fares can also make changes to their booking up to 45 days from travel at no cost,” Mr. Egglestone concluded.
Our rail journeys are all iconic in their own ways. The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern take guests on special journeys across the country, whether it’s into the heart of Australia, from coast to coast, or from city to city, showcasing the diversity of our natural environment, culture, food, wine, and hospitality. The release of the 2023 season sees a range of new holiday packages, combining journeys and destination-based experiences to help guests create the perfect holiday experience.
The Ghan:
Regarded as one of the world’s great rail adventures, The Ghan has been voyaging between the soft hues of pastoral South Australia and the sultry Top End for more than 90 years.
We’re excited to offer all new rail and sail packages in partnership with luxury small-ship operator, PONANT. Outback to Ocean pairs the legendary journey through the red-hearted centre of Australia on The Ghan with a voyage along the Kimberley coastline aboard PONANT’s Le Laperouse for a memorable journey of epic proportions. Coastal Quest takes guests on a coastal journey from Broome to Darwin on PONANT’s Le Laperouse or Le Soleal, and then onto the iconic Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide, which makes an additional stop in the quirky opal-mining town of Coober Pedy.
The reimagined all-inclusive 15-day Ultimate Territory Tour takes guests on a journey from Adelaide to Darwin by rail, road, and red ochre earth. Guests board The Ghan in Adelaide, heading to Australia’s Red Centre, Alice Springs, before venturing deep into the outback with premium small-group operator Outback Spirit to discover Uluru and its surrounds. Back on board The Ghan from Alice Springs, guests travel to Darwin, later crossing the Territory into Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. The journey ends with a delightful sunset Darwin Harbour Cruise.
Red Centre Spectacular pairs our iconic rail journey, The Ghan, with premium small group touring with Outback Spirit. Travel from Darwin to Alice Springs on The Ghan, and then delve deep into the Red entre with Outback Spirit, taking in breathtaking natural wonders, like Uluru, and staying in premium lodging along the way. Complete your trip aboard The Ghan from Alice Springs to Adelaide.
The South Australia Wines & Wildlife package explores all South Australia has to offer. It starts with the Barossa region, with wine tastings at three wineries, before heading over to magical Kangaroo Island for days filled with spectacular flora and fauna, including a trip to stunning Seal Bay. Guests then travel from Adelaide to Darwin on a truly memorable journey on board The Ghan.
Great Southern:
Explore Australia’s south-east in laid-back style on Journey Beyond’s newest summer rail experience.
Combine premium food and wine with stunning natural landscapes and some of the country’s best cultural icons on a journey throughout Australia’s southeast. Gourmet Escape begins in Adelaide aboard the Great Southern, stopping at the ancient Grampians before reaching the country’s capital, Canberra. Enjoy the stunning northern New South Wales coast before arriving in Brisbane. From here, enjoy a scenic drive through mountains and rainforest via Tambourine Mountain’s unique food and wine trail. Boutique wineries and gourmet food await, along with a stop at Australia’s most awarded distillery to taste naturally flavoured vodka and liqueurs.
The Adelaide Delight package is a feast for the senses as you travel through Australia’s southeast, making your way from Brisbane to Adelaide, South Australia’s food and wine capital. Board the Great Southern in beautiful Brisbane and explore spectacular locations like Coffs Harbour, with a special beachside dining experience, and the Hunter Valley. Immerse yourself in cosmopolitan Melbourne or regional Victoria and once in Adelaide, discover gems including the Barossa Valley.
Indian Pacific:
As its name suggests, the Indian Pacific travels between two oceans in one of the world’s greatest train journeys.
Touring Western Australia’s beautiful Margaret River region is the perfect primer for the culinary adventures ahead on the Indian Pacific. The Margaret River Indulgence package includes 3 nights in Perth a 2-night Margaret River Escape, and a day on Rottnest Island, spotting the cutest critters on the island, quokkas. Next, board the Indian Pacific and travel from Perth to Sydney on a transcontinental journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes, including the Blue Mountains.
The Great Western Wonders package is an experience like no other. Following the epic transcontinental crossing of Australia icon, the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth, take up residence at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef in an eco-luxe tent. The highlight is swimming with the gentle giants of the sea – whale sharks or humpback whales. While in Perth, a day trip to Rottnest Island will have you captivated by white-sand beaches and secluded coves, and don’t forget close-up encounters with the island’s cutest native, quokkas.
Now is the best time to secure preferred dates and style of travel on The Ghan, Great Southern, The Overland and Indian Pacific — whether travelling north to south, east to west or anywhere in between, our on-and off-train experiences are diverse and suit every type of traveller.
Learn about our full range of rail journeys and holiday packages here.
Media contact | Cheryl Monkhouse | [email protected]
About Journey Beyond
Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to own and operate 13 brands spanning the country, 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 and The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxe lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; and our tallest members, Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka89. Visit journeybeyond.com and join us as we take the amazing and turn it into breathtaking.
