It looks distorted on flat maps of the world, but Australia is huge. And there’s so much more to see than just the popular cities around the coasts, though you should definitely work those into your plans at some point. When I’m able to go back, if money and time weren’t concerns, I’d combine two unique ways to see the country and book a few luxury train rides through the Outback, then cruise to an underwater hotel in the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef.
I’d start by booking a ticket on the Ghan, the luxury train that runs from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south. In 2026, the train is introducing two luxury suites with perks ranging from butler service to access to one-of-a-kind off-train experiences, including a stop in Alice Springs. After arriving in Adelaide, I’d jump on a different luxury train: the Indian Pacific, launched in 2025 and running from Perth to Sydney. It’d be another few days of fine dining and luxury travel, with excursions in places like the Outback town of Broken Hill and charming mountain town of Katoomba.
Photo: Journey Beyond
After spending a few days checking out wine regions and hikes around Sydney, I’d catch a flight up to Proserpine (about 2.5 hours) to spend a few days with Cruise Whitsundays. The company runs all kinds of sailing and cruise trips around the islands, but I’d book one of its Reef Suites, as they’re Australia’s first underwater hotel rooms, smack in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. Rooms include all meals on board the floating destination, plus guided activities like snorkel and semi-submarine tours. In 2026, the brand is introducing a new pontoon boat just for overnight guests, creating an even more private experience just for people sleeping on (or below) the reef.
The Ghan runs from April to October and the Whitsundays are best during Australia’s winter and spring, so I’d probably time the trip for September to maximize my chances of perfect conditions in both places.
