The Southern Spirit (Australia’s Luxury Train Journey starts in November 2011
AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST TRAIN JOURNEY, THE SOUTHERN SPIRIT,
LAUNCHES FULL SEASON IN NOVEMBER 2011
Great Southern Rail’s Luxury Train Journey Showcases the Coastline between Adelaide and Brisbane
(ADELAIDE, SA; September 16, 2011)—The Great Southern Rail, an established and venerated Australian brand in luxury train travel, launches a, full season of their newest journey—The Southern Spirit—in November 2011. The Southern Spirit has released set departure dates in November, January, February, March, May, and June. The Southern Spirit explores the path less traveled, allowing guests to take in the sights and delights of four Australian states as it winds through the Great Dividing Range and along Australia’s Eastern Seaboard.
“The Southern Spirit is a unique way to experience the diverse landscapes and destinations along Australia’s coast,” said Chief Executive of Great Southern Rail, Tony Braxton-Smith. “This journey encompasses the essence of a relaxing rail adventure, taking guests on a journey of discovery through the rural heartlands of four states, winding through hills and ranges, across green valleys and along Australia’s eastern and southern coasts.”
The Southern Spirit travels between Adelaide, South Australia and Brisbane, Queensland over six days and five nights, making a number of stops along the way. These exclusive “whistle stops”, similar to cruise ship shore excursions, provide guests with the opportunity to explore and take in the spirit of coastal Australia along their journey. The Southern Spirit will make stops at a variety of Australian must-see destinations, including The Grampians, The Murray River, Hunter Valley and Byron Bay. The off-train tours included along The Southern Spirit’s journey are unmatched. The itinerary has been meticulously planned so that the majority of train travel is during daylight hours, giving guests a full appreciation of this unique journey.
Two distinct and well-appointed classes of service are offered aboard The Southern Spirit with the ultra-luxurious Platinum Service or signature Gold Service cabins. Gold Service includes a welcome reception, complimentary coffee and tea service, and private lounge car. The Platinum Service level features all the amenities in Gold Service, in addition to a personal cabin steward and other lavish service options. Regardless of the level of service selected, The Southern Spirit offers world-class, on-board fine dining at the famous Queen Adelaide Restaurant and refreshments at the Outback Explorer Lounge.
Just fourteen departure dates will be available this season, making The Southern Spirit a highly sought after new train journey. The Southern Spirit’s five- or six-day trips start at $4,235 USD depending on departure point and the service level. Great Southern Rail is now accepting reservations for the 2011/2012 season, which can be made by visiting www.greatsouthernrail.com.au or contacting a licensed travel agent.
ABOUT GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL
More than simply a mode of transport that takes you to your destination, Great Southern Rail—proud operators of The Ghan, Indian Pacific, The Overland and The Southern Spirit—specializes in making train journeys an unforgettable part of the travel experience throughout the region. Traveling on The Legendary Ghan (Darwin-Alice Springs-Adelaide), the mighty Indian Pacific (Perth-Sydney via Adelaide), The Overland (Adelaide-Melbourne), or The Southern Spirit (Adelaide/Melbourne-Brisbane) travelers have the opportunity to see and experience the real Australia, viewing it’s native flora and fauna from air-conditioned comfort, and can look forward to meeting fellow travelers from Australia and around the world.