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One of Australia’s most iconic train journeys is going into luxe overload for 2026
Jordan Waller
Managing editor
Jordan Waller is a managing editor at TPG. He focuses on travel features and trending news, regularly writing and editing content for the site.
Feb. 05, 2025
•
3 min read
One of Australia’s most iconic train journeys is going into luxe overload for 2026
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We've been trumpeting the great rail renaissance for a while now, and the trend sees little sign of slowing down, especially with Australia's latest addition to the world of luxury train suites.
The Ghan Expedition, now in its 96th year of service, operates one of the world’s most iconic rail routes, traversing the sprawling outback between Darwin in the Northern Territory and Adelaide in South Australia.
The trains offer an old-world approach to adventure (think: no Wi-Fi or TVs on board), allowing travelers to fully immerse in the trip's first-rate amenities and unsurpassed scenery.
Related: 14 of the most scenic train rides on Earth
With the introduction of the new Aurora and Australis suites, travelers looking to book for 2026 journeys will now be able to add a whole new level of indulgence to their tickets.
The most expansive of the two, the Australis Suite, will be three times the size of The Ghan’s current most premium offering, the Platinum Cabin, whereas the Aurora Suite will be double in size.
Both suites feature separate bedrooms with queen-size beds dressed in luxury bed linens, premium Jurlique amenities, in-suite bars stocked with the occupant's preferences and Champagne Bollinger La Grande Annee served throughout the journey. Passengers traveling in either suite will also have access to the train's Platinum Club lounge and dining carriage, along with the option for in-room dining.
In addition to the above services, travelers will also be treated to personalized butler service and private chauffeur transfers for their arrival to and departure from the train.
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An artist's impression of The Ghan's Aurora Suite bedroom. JOURNEY BEYOND
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Developed with the help of global design firm Woods Bagot, the suites have an art deco aesthetic that references important moments from Australia's pastoral history. Bespoke detailing includes decorative timber, stone and marble; iron filigree and coved ceilings; and nods to Aussie industries through the use of wool, sheepskin accents and saddle leather.
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Prices for a three-day journey on The Ghan start from $11,890 per person for the Australis Suite and $7,990 per person for the Aurora Suite. Bookings from April 2026 are now open at Journey Beyond.
Related reading:
Featured image by JOURNEY BEYOND
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.