The Australis suite and its slightly smaller sister, Aurora, are game-changers. Until now, the top-tier accommodation on The Ghan, as it travels the length of the continent between Adelaide and Darwin, has been the platinum-class cabins, in which the seating converts into a bed at night.

Australis and Aurora are in a different league entirely. Tucked away in a separate carriage, they offer plenty of room to stretch out on your 3000-kilometre journey, which takes either three days (northward) or four (southward).

Both Australis – three times the size of a platinum cabin – and Aurora – twice the size – have separate bedrooms and living areas as well as a generously-sized bathroom. With butler service at-call, anyone with hermit tendencies could spend the entire trip in their suite without ever feeling claustrophobic. No wonder the suites are all but booked-out until next year.

Accommodation

It took a year to convert an existing carriage into these private havens, and the design by Woods Bagot includes outback-inspired elements without ever laying it on too thick. My favourite elements in the Australis suite include the stone-top tables and the nubbly wool cushions on the bed and the lounge, while the indigenous artwork by Fiona Pompey and Bridie Gillman is a nice touch.

The suite has plenty of storage space for those who want to show off their range of outback-chic outfits, and a generous bar set-up that includes not just wines, soft drinks and a coffee machine but carafes filled with Timboon whiskey, gin and rum. I am pleasantly surprised to find the bathroom is almost bigger than that of the Adelaide hotel where I stayed the night before embarkation, and that it features not just Jurlique toiletries and waffle-weave bathrobes but also a Dyson hairdryer and curling tongs.

Dining

You need comfortable seating when you settle in for a nine-course degustation; fortunately the leather banquettes of the Platinum Club do the job nicely. The degustation is a suite-only special on the first night – kicked off with a healthy pre-dinner helping of caviar – and some of the dishes are truly outstanding. Teaming pan-seared, salt bush-marinated kangaroo with hummus and roast balsamic baby beetroot is inspired, while the Kangaroo Island lobster tailed served with an asparagus mosaic is another highlight. The award for dish of the night, however, goes to a simple but irresistible roast chicken stuffed with wild mushroom and black garlic.

The matched wines are well-chosen, particularly the OJ Wicks Adelaide Hills pinot that goes with the kangaroo, and a Seppeltsfield riesling served as an accompaniment to dessert, a vanilla bean pannacotta in rosewater syrup.

After such a bravura opening display, you know you are in safe culinary hands. When breakfast offerings range from chia seed pudding to a full fry-up, it is clear the menu is designed to cater to all tastes; my tip is not to miss the buffalo massaman curry for lunch on the final day. I test-drive the in-suite dining option on my second night and it works beautifully: my attentive butler ensures the food is delivered hot and perfectly plated.

Off-train experiences

The Ghan’s all-inclusive model covers off-train excursions at both stopping points. In Alice Springs, choices include trips to the stunning gorges of Standley Chasm or Simpson’s Gap, a cycle tour along the Ilentye Trail, a visit to the Desert Park or the Ghan Museum and Transport Hall of Fame, or a city tour that includes stops at the School of the Air and the Alice Springs Reptile Centre.

In Katherine, suite guests enjoy an exclusive helicopter flight soaring high above Nitmiluk Gorge, with a landing on a high escarpment for morning tea with a view accompanied, of course by a bottle of Bollinger.

Extras

Private transfers to and from the train are included in your suite fare. Expect a pre-departure call to check some of your preferences, including your favourite drinks and your selection from the pillow menu.

Verdict

Australia’s first true luxury train experience 9/10

Rates

2027 rates for the Australis Suite on the Adelaide to Darwin route are from $16,390 per person. The Aurora Suite starts from $10,890 per person. The suites are also available on the Indian Pacific and Great Southern routes.