Great Southern
Train Reviews
Great Southern Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Train for You?
Introduced in 2019, the Great Southern is the newest addition to the Journey Beyond Rail family. Unlike The Ghan or the Indian Pacific, which traverse the harsh, dry outback, the Great Southern is a seasonal summer journey that hugs the rugged, green, and vibrant coastlines of South-Eastern Australia.
Operating only during the Australian summer months (December to February), it connects Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide. It is the perfect option for rail enthusiasts who want the luxury of a slow-travel sleeper train combined with ocean views, coastal dining, and vineyard tours.
Great Southern at a Glance
Onboard Experience: What to Expect
Because it operates using the same carriages as The Ghan and Indian Pacific, the hardware (cabins and dining cars) is identical.
The Coastal Vibe
What sets the Great Southern apart is the culinary and excursion focus. Because the train passes through some of Australia’s finest agricultural and wine regions, the menus in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant lean heavily into fresh seafood, local cheeses, and world-class cool-climate wines.
Off-Train Experiences
The excursions are vastly different from the Outback trains. Expect beachside dining in Coffs Harbour, wine tasting in the Hunter Valley or regional Victoria, and exploring the spectacular Grampians National Park or the Great Ocean Road, depending on your direction of travel.
Luggage Allowance & Policies
The Great Southern adheres to the standard Journey Beyond luggage guidelines. Pack a small, soft cabin bag for your room and check your large suitcases.
| Service Level | Cabin Luggage (Per Person) | Checked Luggage (Per Person) |
| Gold Service | 1 small piece + 1 garment bag | 2 pieces (Up to 30kg each) |
| Gold Premium | 1 small piece + 1 garment bag | 3 pieces (Up to 25kg each) |
| Platinum Service | 1 small piece + 1 garment bag | 3 pieces (Up to 30kg each) |
Note on Lite Fares: Virgin’s “Economy Lite” fare is their answer to low-cost carriers. It does not include checked baggage and you are not permitted to select your seat before check-in.
Customer Service & Reliability
Pros & Cons of Traveling on the Great Southern
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Have You Journeyed on Great Southern?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the Great Southern train run?
The Great Southern is a seasonal train. It only operates during the Australian summer, typically from early December through to late February.
Is the Great Southern the same train as The Ghan?
Physically, yes. Journey Beyond Rail uses the same iconic silver carriages (rebranded with a vibrant orange locomotive and logo) that are used for The Ghan and Indian Pacific. The cabin layouts and dining cars are identical.
Does the train go all the way to Melbourne?
Yes. On the longer 4-day journey from Brisbane to Adelaide, the train makes a full stop in regional Victoria and Melbourne, allowing guests to explore the city or surrounding regions before continuing to South Australia.
Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the operator before booking.