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On track for a romantic Australian honeymoon

16th January 2012 Print
Valla Beach

Train journeys are one of the most romantic ways to travel and for honeymoon couples looking for the romantic journey of a lifetime, Great Southern Rail's The Southern Spirit is just the ticket.

The Southern Spirit is an exclusive six day/five night rail journey from Adelaide or Melbourne to Brisbane, and vice versa, covering 2,810 kms as it winds its way through four states - South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Honeymooners can opt for the luxury 'platinum service' which includes plush, spacious en-suite private cabins, on-call Cabin Steward Service and in-cabin menu, as well as fine dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant car. By day the cabin is a private lounge but by night it is transformed into a luxurious bedroom complete with double bed.

Days are spent admiring the natural beauty of the diverse landscapes through which the train travels, from the rolling plains of the south to the stark beauty of the Red Centre. The Southern Spirit also makes a number of stops allowing guests to discover the beauty of The Grampians, the majesty of the Murray River, the vineyards of the Hunter Valley and the quaintness of Byron Bay.

In the evening, after a sumptuous dinner in the restaurant, honeymooners can retire to their cabin, dim the lights, pour themselves a glass of wine or champagne and sit back and enjoy the in-cabin entertainment. In the morning a leisurely continental breakfast is served in the cabins.

There are a limited number of departures remaining on the Southern Spirit until June and honeymooners wishing to include this trip in their Australian itinerary should ensure they register their interest or book well in advance due to the popularity of this route.

Fares for the five or six day train journey range from AUD$3,500 - AUD$6,800 (approx £2,357 - £4,579) depending on departure point and service level. These prices include Whistle Stop Tours and transfers. To book, either log on to greatsouthernrail.com.au or contact your local travel agent or tour operator.

Background

The Southern Spirit was launched in early 2010 with just two departures. This service increased to four departures, and now, due to demand, has further increased for the 2011/2012 season.

Great Southern Rail also boasts the world's only two transcontinental services, namely The Ghan which operates north to south from Darwin to Adelaide, and The Indian Pacific which traverses east to west, Perth to Sydney. The Overland service completes Great Southern Rail's portfolio of "Australia's Great Train Journeys".

The Southern Spirit guests can choose either a Gold or Platinum Service cabin.

The Gold Service cabin is a twin sleeper featuring ensuite facilities and a three-seater lounger which converts to upper and lower sleeping berths by night.

The Platinum Service cabin offers the ultimate in luxury rail travel. This spacious ensuite features a lounger that converts to a double or twin bedroom by night. Guests have on-call Cabin Steward Service and an in-cabin menu that make this a truly five star experience.

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Valla Beach