About the Great Southern
Step aboard the newest rail experience in Australia and prepare to explore a very special region in unparalleled style. Be among the first to experience this sensational all-new adventure, taking in buzzing cities, diverse landscapes and natural marvels, all in the renowned comfort and style of a Journey Beyond rail expedition.
With its rugged coastline, sun-kissed beaches, unique outback, and exhilarating capital cities, the stunningly diverse southeast feels like nowhere else in Australia. We take you there.
Operating 16 departures between December and January, the Great Southern invites you on a breathtaking journey. With its decades-old sister trains, The Ghan and the Indian Pacific, the Great Southern introduces a new journey for anyone with a taste for adventure.
History of the Great Southern
2019
The Great Southern, Australia’s newest long-distance rail journey, makes its inaugural trip from Adelaide to Brisbane, departing the City of Churches on 6 December. From South Australia to Queensland this multi-day journey travels along more than 2000km of tracks, passing through Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory along the way. A laid-back, premium experience, the Great Southern is a rail journey like no other.
The Great Southern in Numbers
| average length of train | 711M |
| average weight of train | 1626 Tonnes |
| length of journey | 2885kms |
| average speed | 85km/hour (max speed 115km/hour) |
| symbol | The Great Southern's symbol is a kangaroo |
| average number of carriages | 28 carriages, including guest carriages, crew carriages, Platinum Clubs, Queen Adelaide Restaurants, Outback Explorer Lounges, a luggage van and two power vans |
| average number of beds | 42 Platinum Service beds, 154 Gold Service beds and 39 crew beds |
| number of power vans | 2 - each containing three 180kVa generators and providing electricity for approximately 14 carriages |
| number of locomotives | 2 |
| average diesel consumption | 40,000 litres |
