Back in the day, the chic-est way for the glitterati to travel was with private train cars, guaranteeing comfort and exclusivity. And now Australia's Great Southern Rail is bringing that sense of style back, with private, self-contained charter carriages available to rent on both The Ghan and the Indian Pacific trains.
The private carriages can also be hired for small conferences, meetings and private groups or families and friends.
Four different carriages are available:
THE PRINCE OF WALES CARRIAGE
Originally built in 1919 to accommodate a visit from Edward, Prince of Wales, this timber carriage was recently refurbished and maintains many of the original features, including high ceilings of Wunderlich pressed metal and cathedral glass doors. The carriage accommodates up to ten people and has a private lounge area, kitchen facilities and full size bathroom.
GOVERNOR'S LOUNGE
The sister carriage to 'The Prince of Wales,' the Governor's Lounge is a recent addition to Great Southern Rail's fleet. This private carriage was constructed in 1917 in Port Augusta for Governor-General Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson. The Governor's Lounge can accommodate thirty guests for cocktails or twenty in theatre style. It has large picture windows, generous lounge areas complete with arm chairs and a piano. Additional features include a TV, two mini-bar fridges and tea and coffee facilities.
THE CHAIRMAN'S CARRIAGE
This carriage has a large lounge area complete with CD player, video and DVD player, private dining room and kitchen facilities. The Chairman's Carriage accommodates up to eight.
SIR JOHN FORREST CARRIAGE
The Sir John Forrest Carriage has large picture windows with a generous lounge area which can be transformed into a spacious meeting room, complete with a boardroom table that comfortably seats twelve. The Carriage is also outfitted with a kitchen, bar, big screen TV, video/DVD and PowerPoint facilities. The Sir John Forrest Carriage accommodates up to six.
For more information, or to book a Private Carriage, visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au.