Take a luxury sleeper train through Australia's Outback
A lone red locomotive snakes across sunburnt plains as the sun casts a golden halo over eucalyptus trees… Welcome aboard Australia’s luxury trains, where the journey is the destination. The Ghan and the Great Southern are not just trains; they are moving five-star hotels that carry you in style through some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
This is the best way to explore Australia’s red center in style. You’ll see all the wonders of the Outback in one epic trip.
About Out Of Office
Out Of Office is a luxury tailor-made travel company with a focus on delivering exclusivity and inclusivity. Our passion for global adventure is matched only by our deep commitment to delivering exceptional five-star service.
Everything we do is customised and designed especially for you – our valued customer – based on your exact personal requirements. Each member of our team is widely travelled. This means you get access to first-rate travel insights and the best possible advice from our team of luxury travel experts.
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The Ghan: A Stylish Outback Odyssey
“Regarded as one of the world’s greatest train journeys”, The Ghan delivers far more than simple transit from Adelaide to Darwin. Over 3 days and 2 nights, this legendary train carries you nearly 3,000 kilometers through the heart of Australia – across the rusty reds of the outback, past mountain ranges and tropical savannah – all while you bask in platinum-level luxury on rails. Onboard, you’ll find sumptuous dining, elegant private cabins, and attentive service, recreating the ambiance of a bygone golden age of travel. By day, gaze out your picture window at endless Outback horizons from the lounge or your own suite; by night, retreat to your cabin-turned bedroom, where fine linens and turndown treats await.
You can choose Gold Service or splurge on Platinum Service for an enhanced experience. In Platinum class, cabins are larger (even accommodating double beds), with a private ensuite and expansive windows on both sides of the train. You’ll be pampered with Bollinger Champagne on boarding, Jurlique spa toiletries, evening turndown with a nightcap, and access to the exclusive Platinum Club carriage. The decor here evokes old-world glamour – think Australian timber finishes, brass fittings, and lounge seating in earthy tones – but the vibe is casually social. It’s not uncommon to strike up friendly conversation with fellow travelers over canapés in the lounge. (A great chance to meet other adventurers – we’ve heard stories of couples befriending folks from around the world, creating a little “rainbow family” onboard by journey’s end!)
One of the Ghan’s hallmarks is its Off Train Excursions, included for all guests. When the train stops, the adventures begin. You might find yourself on a sunrise boat cruise through the mystical Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine, spotting crocodiles as local guides share Aboriginal legends. Or disembarking in Alice Springs for a helicopter ride over Uluru (if you haven’t gotten your fill of the Rock yet) or a guided tour of Simpson’s Gap. Each off-train outing is carefully orchestrated to wow you, then whisk you back to the comfort of the train. And rest assured, all these activities are LGBT+ friendly – Australia’s tour operators are generally very welcoming, and you’ll be too busy marveling at the scenery to worry about anything else.
Dining aboard The Ghan is a gourmet journey unto itself. In the classically styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant car, expect regionally-inspired cuisine and top Australian wines. Menus might feature barramundi (fish) from northern waters or prime beef from South Australia’s plains. And yes, all meals, wine, beer, and spirits are included – so you can toast to the day’s discoveries with new friends without ever signing a bill. Vegetarian or other dietary needs? The chefs handle those with flair too. By the time you roll into Darwin, you’ll be sated in every sense – emotionally from the journey’s soul-stirring sights, and physically from all the fine dining.
Travel Tip: The Ghan comes in two flavors – the standard 3D/2N trip, and the extended Ghan Expedition (4D/3N southbound, which adds excursions like a barbecue dinner under the stars in Alice Springs). Consider the Expedition for an even more immersive experience. For couples seeking extra privacy or celebrating a special occasion (like a honeymoon), Platinum Service is worth the splurge for its spacious cabin and luxe perks. Finally, pack smart casual attire (daytime is relaxed; at dinner, people tend to elevate to collared shirts or nice blouses, but tuxes and gowns are certainly not required!). And don’t forget a light jacket – the air-con on board is cool, and those predawn outings in the desert can be chilly even in summer.
Great Southern: A Coastal Luxe Adventure
If the Ghan is the rugged outback icon, the Great Southern is its sophisticated coastal cousin. This newer luxury rail journey runs between Adelaide and Brisbane (only in summer, December–January). Over 3–4 days, the Great Southern showcases an incredibly diverse slice of Australia – from wine country to surf beaches – all from the comfort of your moving sanctuary. The experience on board is equivalent in luxury to The Ghan: same elegant cabins, gourmet dining, and gracious hospitality that Journey Beyond (the train operator) is known for.
If you are traveling northbound from Brisbane to Adelaide (4 days), your journey might look like this: Begin with a beachside dinner near Coffs Harbour, where fresh seafood and ocean views set the tone. On day two, you’ll wake in the Hunter Valley, with time to enjoy wine tastings, a dolphin cruise, or even sand dune adventures. Day three offers the choice between a visit to the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road or a cultural day out in Melbourne, complete with sky-high dining or laneway explorations. The journey ends with a peaceful roll into Adelaide, where South Australia awaits.
On the southbound route (Adelaide to Brisbane, 3 days), expect similar highlights in reverse – one itinerary includes the Grampians National Park in Victoria (for nature walks and Indigenous rock art), a capital city excursion to Canberra or the NSW south coast, and a finale cruising into Brisbane.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, the Great Southern’s leisurely pace and social atmosphere make it easy to meet others – and you’ll likely find a mix of Australian and international guests curious to hear about your journey. The train staff are consummate professionals who’ve seen all types of couples and groups; you can feel comfortable requesting a double bed configuration or a table for two at dinner. The vibe is inclusive and convivial.
Travel Tip: The Great Southern runs in Australia’s summer, so pack breathable clothing and sun protection for off-train tours (winery visits and beach excursions can be warm). Consider pairing the Great Southern with time in Sydney or the Great Barrier Reef; for example, you could take the train one way and fly to/from the other city, creating a fabulous loop from Sydney down to Adelaide (train to Brisbane, fly back to Sydney or vice versa). Also, be aware this train operates just a few weeks each year – secure your cabin as early as possible. If you love a drink, the Gold Class bar car can be quite lively after dinner.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, this open, friendly atmosphere is a delight. You can be as private or as social as you want. Staff are trained to ensure everyone feels welcome and respected; for instance, Journey Beyond (the company behind these trains) partners with inclusive tourism bodies and has an ethos of diversity. You’re likely to encounter other LGBTQ+ passengers as well – perhaps celebrating a special occasion or checking off a bucket list trip – given that these journeys appeal to all lovebirds and adventure-seekers with a taste for luxury.
