While barriers protect drivers at railway crossings, Journey Beyond Rail believes no traveller should have a barrier to experiencing Australia by train. It’s why accessibility accommodations feature across The Ghan, Indian Pacific, and Great Southern. Discover how Journey Beyond truly welcomes all aboard.
There’s a freedom unique to rail travel: the steady rhythm of the tracks, the slow pace to take in the ever-changing landscape, the chance to relax knowing everything is taken care of.
For Journey Beyond Rail, that sense of freedom extends to every guest, with accessibility as much a consideration as what local produce to feature on the menu and what Off Train Experiences to offer.
Journey Beyond Rail knows that when the barriers are removed, Australia opens to all. That inclusivity is part of the spirit of rail travel. While the level of accessibility access varies – on the trains, at the terminals, and during Off Train Experiences – their goal is to provide safe, enjoyable experiences for all, with support available when needed.
Everyone is welcome aboard
For travellers with mobility assistance requirements, a Gold Access Cabin affords the space and accommodations required for a comfortable journey.
Guests enjoy two single seats by day, with a mobile, height-adjustable table. This cleverly converts to two single beds by night, side by side instead of the typical one-up, one-down bed configuration. Each bed is 180cm long, 60cm wide, and 64cm from the floor.
Gold Access Cabins also have a private accessible bathroom with fitted handrails, a flexible hand shower, and a shower chair. In-cabin audio commentary shares landmarks along the journey.
Gold Access Cabin doors are wider at 85cm, suitable for the specially modified wheelchair assigned when boarding. Wheelchairs, walking frames, and scooters are stored in the main luggage compartment during the journey.
Refrigerated medication requirements are handled with ease, and oxygen is permitted onboard.
Dining any way
While moving on a train to the dining or lounge cars may be considered challenging for those with limited mobility, with Journey Beyond’s accommodating crew, they work with guests to find the most suitable option. This might mean organising an in-cabin meal, offering support in reaching the dining car, or being on hand to adjust mid-meal. The train’s push-wheelchair ensures guests can reach the lounge and dining cars with greater ease.
There is also support on every departure for dietary adjustments. With allergies, intolerances, and health-related nutrition now a common consideration, the onboard chefs are adept at altering menu items, as Karryon writer Zoe Macfarlane discovered on her recent Ghan Expedition.
Exploring Australia
Journey Beyond Rail designs their Off Train Experiences with inclusivity in mind. At each stop, options – from immersive cultural activities to scenic tours – are clearly marked with the required fitness and mobility levels. Staff are, of course, ready to provide support during each experience.
Here is a taste of some low mobility-labelled experiences:
- On The Ghan: The Katherine Outback Experience is a great option for all mobility levels, and a chance to discover life on a cattle station. In Alice Springs, the Desert Park experience reveals the thrilling flight displays of desert raptors.
- On the Indian Pacific: In Broken Hill alone, there are three low-mobility options: Silver City Highlights (local railway history), Paint Like a Pro (an art class with artist Pro Hart), and Taste of the Outback (an intro to bush tucker).
- On the Great Southern: It’s the same in the Grampians, with plenty of options for reduced mobility. There’s a guided scenic coach tour called View for Miles, the inspiring WAMA Environmental Arts and Gardens, and a taste sensation on the Pomonal Estates Sips and Sights tour.
Puppy love
Vision- and hearing-impaired travellers with guide dogs – and those with support-need canine companions – can rest assured that their animals are considered across the journey.
Rest breaks for the dogs are part of the experience, with the owner and staff discussing the dog’s routine to create a schedule of stops.
In a recent Beyond Magazine article, avid rail traveller Mel Stephens shared her experiences travelling with Penelope, her guide dog. “Fortunately, I can arrange for the staff to take her off at various points. Sometimes it will be scheduled to stop in the middle of the night, and one of the staff will come and get her from my cabin while I sleep.”
She continued, “I can fit in a single cabin with my dog, but I have been allocated the accessible cabin without asking for it, and I’ve really appreciated that”.
Travel without limits
While the Journey Beyond Rail crews aren’t designated carers, they wholeheartedly care. It’s an ethos across the network that no request is too small.
Whether it’s helping read a menu, bringing drinks, or sharing schedule information, making accommodations to ensure every guest feels valued is part of the culture.
This means everyone aboard can focus on the joy of the journey across Australia, not the logistics.
Access more
If you’re planning on travelling on The Ghan, Indian Pacific, and/or Great Southern and have accessibility requirements, complete this form at the time of booking. It’s recommended that you plan your trip as early as possible due to the limited availability of Gold Access Cabins.
Learn more about each train journey at journeybeyondrail.com.au or download the latest brochure here. Accessibility travel information is on page 48.
Agents, book via the Online Booking Engine or phone the Journey Beyond Rail Res team on 1800 703 357.
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