A new train journey linking Adelaide and Brisbane and offering 16 departures in its inaugural season will take to the rails in 12 months.
Journey Beyond confirmed the new service, dubbed Great Southern, will explore the landscapes and experiences across Australia’s diverse south-eastern corner with the option of a three-day northbound itinerary or a four-day southbound itinerary.
Great Southern adopts the previous corporate identity of the company, Great Southern Rail (now Journey Beyond), and joins its stable of multi-day rail services which include The Ghan (Adelaide–Darwin) and the iconic Indian Pacific (Sydney–Perth). Departures on both these journeys have already been set for 2019/20. The Overland one-day rail experience between Adelaide and Melbourne remains in limbo, with departures for the same period yet to be announced.
Comprising 28 carriages and two locomotives, Great Southern will accommodate up to 214 guests per journey, with the maiden travel season running from 6 December 2019 through to 27 January 2020.
Onboard accommodation will include the option of Gold Single and Gold Twin cabins, as well as the more exclusive Platinum cabins.
“As travellers have come to expect from The Ghan and Indian Pacific, exceptional food and wine and world-class hospitality will be at the heart of the Great Southern experience, along with many opportunities to explore beyond the tracks,” Journey Beyond said.
The two-night, three-day journey from Adelaide to Brisbane features opportunities to step off the train to experience the Grampians National Park, Canberra and the stunning northern New South Wales coast.
The four-day southbound journey will include an incredible beachside dining experience in northern NSW, an immersive day in the Hunter Valley and Newcastle region and will also provide the opportunity to take in Victoria’s iconic Twelve Apostles.
A spokesperson for Journey Beyond told LATTE the Great Southern will utilise carriages from The Ghan and the Indian Pacific.
“There are currently new carriages under construction that we will add to our existing infrastructure in 2019. These will be used for the new Great Southern train, as well as variously on The Ghan and Indian Pacific as demand dictates,” Journey Beyond’s PR and Communications Manager Melanie Read said.
The main point of difference between The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern will be the lead locomotive, with the new train to feature orange branding (per the rendering).
Fares start from $1,649 per person for Gold Single accommodation, $1,829 per person for Gold Twin and $3,899 per person for Platinum. All fares are inclusive of onboard dining, beverages and Off Train Excursions.
Bookings open for Great Southern on Monday, 3 December 2018.