What To Pack
On Train
When travelling with ua, whether in Platinum, Gold Premium or Gold, smart casual attire is suggested. Some guests enjoy getting dressed up for dinner, but this is not a requirement.
The temperature on train stays a consistent 22 degrees, which can feel cold compared with outside temperatures. You may want to bring a light jacket or cardigan. We also recommend wearing sensible shoes for walking between carriages as you may experience some swaying and movement as the train traverses some of the more remote areas of the country.
For your convenience, in your cabin you’ll find a hairdryer, and travel-sized amenities (shampoo, conditioner, and lotion).
Off Train Experiences
When you’re travelling from one end of the country to the other, it takes you through different climates, and temperatures can vary dramatically.
We recommend doing some research on the climates you’ll be travelling through, and pack accordingly with layers for both cooler and warmer parts of the day as we travel through remote parts of Australia. You may witness colder temperatures on the evenings, and the outback heat throughout the day.
When outdoors, we recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen (SPF30+ or higher) and comfortable walking shoes. Additionally, long, sturdy pants and closed in shoes such as sneakers may be preferable for some Off Train Experiences, and are mandatory for some of our experiences. Consider bringing a small backpack or tote bag to hold any personal items hands-free. We’d also suggest packing some insect repellent as insect bites can be experienced.
Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Bottled water is provided on the train and can be brought with you, or you may wish to pack your own insulated travel bottle.
Chargers and Cables
The cabins are equipped with outlets for charging electronics, so bring your charger and charging cables along. If you’re packing a laptop that uses 240-volt power, we recommend you also pack a surge arrestor to protect your device. Remember, too, that as you travel through the Outback, Wi-Fi can be spotty, as well as mobile reception, so expect there will be times when you may not be able to get online or make a call.
Money
Your journey is all-inclusive. You won’t need to buy anything unless you choose to purchase an Off Train Experience upgrade or souvenirs, which you can do on board via EFTPOS or credit card. We are a cashless experience, so just pack a credit card or electronic payment device and you’re good to go.
LUGGAGE AND PACKING*
It’s best to pack everything you’ll need during your train journey in carry-on sized luggage and/or a duffel bag. The cabins have plenty of space for your belongings, but they don’t comfortably fit larger sized luggage. If you’re joining after a longer holiday or if you’re just starting your holiday adventure, your larger pieces of luggage can be checked in and placed in the luggage carriage and will only be available for collection at the end of the journey.
We recommend taking the following luggage on board your rail journey:
Platinum and Gold Premium/Gold Twin
One small piece of cabin luggage each or share one medium-sized bag between two guests. Additionally, a garment bag and a small personal item are allowed per guest.
Gold service single cabin
One small piece of cabin luggage and a small personal item.
| Luggage Type | Gold Single | Gold / Gold Premium Twin | Gold Premium | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin | 1 piece up to 15kg (33lb) | 2 pieces up to 15g (33lb) each | 2 pieces up to 15g (33lb) each | 3 pieces up to 15kg (33lb) each |
| Check-in | 2 pieces up to 30kg (66lb) | 2 pieces up to 30kg (66lb) each | 3 pieces up to 25kg (55lb) each | 3 pieces up to 30kg (66lb) each |
Additional Luggage Considerations
HOLIDAY PACKAGES / OUTBACK SPIRIT
Guests travelling on Journey Beyond Holiday Packages may be subject to additional luggage restrictions. When travelling with our sister company, Outback Spirit Tours, your larger bag must weigh no more than 16kg with the sum of the length, width and depth not exceeding 140cm.
OVERNIGHT ITEMS
Make sure you pack your essentials into the luggage you’ll have with you in your cabin. This includes toiletries – although shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and soap are provided – and any medication you may need. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to bring some earplugs, too –like all trains, The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern have their own distinct soundtrack.
You’ll likely be surprised at how little you need on board. If we can suggest one key item to pack, it’s a sense of adventure.
*Luggage Terms & Conditions:
Journey Beyond will accept the carriage of your luggage subject to any applicable laws and regulations and subject to:The luggage not being excessively heavy, bulky, dangerous, inadequately packed, in a defective state or otherwise unsuitable for carriage; Luggage being correctly labelled with your name, destination address and contact phone number both inside and outside the bag; You are accompanying your luggage on the train. The following additional items are allowed free of charge: baby safety capsules, child restraint car seats, fold up cots (in cases only), prams/strollers (collapsed). The following additional items of luggage are allowed at $50 per item: candy striped bags (in good condition), collapsible baby carriages, tents, sleeping bags and small camping item, bicycles (due to storage requirements, reservations are mandatory in advance), canoes, fishing rod and other sporting equipment items, golf bags, parcels, sailboards, boogie boards, surf skis and surfboards. The following items are NOT allowed as luggage: all Household Goods (TVs etc.), birds or animals, dangerous Goods including firearms, food, fragile or perishable goods, freight, furniture, hessian or garbage/plastic bags, eskies, motorised golf buggies, tea chests, unaccompanied luggage or parcels, cardboard, plastic or wooden boxes. Your luggage must NOT contain any items which in our opinion are dangerous, illegal, liable to harm or annoy other guests or otherwise unsuitable. Animals and livestock will not be carried, except guide-dogs.
To book additional luggage or for further information, please contact our travel centre on 13 21 47.
