Your journey

Taking an iconic rail journey is what travel dreams are made of. Being transported in pure comfort from one side of Australia to the other, on the longest stretch of railway in the world, is next level. Crossing desert plains, lush landscapes, goldfields and capital cities, it’s a once in a lifetime experience — and if you can do it more than once, why wouldn’t you?

Imagine being rocked soundly to sleep on board the Indian Pacific, Great Southern or the world famous Ghan? All three trains have specifically curated experiences designed to fully immerse you in the beauty and romance of train travel.

The on and off train experiences help to connect you with the region you’re travelling through — whether it’s via food, wine or guided tours — and all your senses will zing like they never have before. Fit for a queen On board, you can expect nothing less than five-star service. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in the stunning art deco Queen Adelaide Restaurant; and the multicourse menu is expertly crafted depending on the region you’re travelling through. In South Australia, you’ll be feasting on fresh local produce and wine — with chefs and farmers working closely together to make sure their food tells the region’s story. When crossing into other states, like Western Australia, Northern Territory or New South Wales, the flavours change again to salute the area.

It’s an all-inclusive experience, which means you can leave your purse at home — it’s like a real life fairytale where cocktails, bubbles and coffee are all taken care of.

The Ghan crossing through Australia’s Red Centre. Photo: Journey Beyond Rail.

Rawlinna dining experience, Indian Pacif c.

Exceptional excursions It doesn’t matter which train you find yourself on, Journey Beyond Rail knows how to plan a sensational experience.

On the Indian Pacific, you’ll dine under the stars at Rawlinna Station — the biggest sheep station in the country with a tiny population of three. There’s live music, amazing food and wine flowing the whole time. Feel free to start a dance floor, like we did — guests will be dancing on tables in no time.

On the Great Southern, you might stretch the legs and enjoy a guided tour through the scenic town of Halls Gap in the

Platinum Club.

Grampians; or set out on the Venus Baths Loop Walk — a relaxed 2.5 kilometre walk with magnificent scenery along the way.

One of the Ghan’s many off-train experiences is a Katherine River cruise, which takes you through Nitmiluk Gorge, home to the Indigenous Jawoyn people. You’ll listen to Dreamtime stories about the creation and significance of the Gorge while taking in awe-inspiring rock formations and sandstone cliffs.

The experiences are all part of your train adventure and you’re taken care of every step of the way.

Oh, the people you meet Everyone has a story to tell as to why they found themselves on the train with you.

There are lovers soaking up the romance and drama of train travel; there are people who have lost their life partner and have decided to live every day to the fullest with no regrets. There are those who have had an Australian rail holiday on their travel bucket list for their whole lives and have waited for retirement to tick it off. There are mums and daughters, sisters and lifelong besties; and then, there are solo adventurers who have found the beauty in travelling the world alone.

Travelling by train is without a doubt, one of the most glorious travel experiences you can do in Australia. But don’t wait too long to tick it off your holiday hit list — this journey is worth every cent.

Great Southern Adelaide to Brisbane and vice versa Next summer season: 02 December 2022 to 20 February 2023

Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth and vice versa (with option to join or disembark in Adelaide) Runs all year round

The Ghan 3 days / 2 nights Adelaide to Darwin and vice versa 2023 season: 05 March to 22 November

The Ghan Expedition 4 days / 3 nights Darwin to Adelaide only 2023 season: 05 April to 28 October

@journeybeyondrail journeybeyondrail.com.au

You can’t pour from an empty cup, which is why it’s vital to search for different ways to recharge and relax in a way that maximises your inner happiness. It’s different for everyone, but equally important for us all.

Within South Australia, there’s a long list of businesses that help you find peace and wellbeing, so grab a herbal tea, take some deep breaths and put your inner health back at the top of the list.

RELAX AT RAWNSLEY PARK STATION Sometimes wellness looks like disconnecting from the world. The unique heli-camping experience at Rawnsley Park gives you space with a hint of luxury as you camp under the stars. Jump on board a helicopter and take in the views of Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound, before landing at your campsite. Then, watch the sun set while your camp is set up for you, before indulging in a camp stove meal at your leisure. Sleep under the stars and then get whisked back to reality the next day, feeling completely refreshed. Oh baby, our souls crave this kind of getaway! JOURNEY TO JURLIQUE FARM Did you know that this dreamy skincare brand was created on a farm in the Adelaide Hills? Filled with flowers and sensational scents, Claret Ash Farm is open for public tours, so you can learn about the organic and biodynamic ingredients used in their products. Tour the tranquil farm, and at the end of a day in paradise, pop past the Farm Shop to take home some products to smother all over your beautiful face.

WELLNESS AT WATERVALE HOTEL AND PENOBSCOT FARM Nourish your body and feed your soul at the Watervale Hotel in the Clare Valley. They source their ingredients from local farms, including Watervale’s very own organic and biodynamic Penobscot Farm, for their Ethical Epicurean Experiences. It takes you back to the flavours that Mother Nature created, and your body will thank you for every bite. Choose from a six course degustation, an à la carte menu or a shared plate feast for groups of six or more — either way, it will be special.

Take the time to make yourself priority ‘numero uno’ while supporting and celebrating local businesses around SA. You deserve it.

ESCAPE TO ESCA If you’re someone who needs a few creature comforts to truly unwind, we can’t look past ESCA at Nest & Nature. You’ll find this luxurious off-grid ecoaccommodation on the Fleurieu Peninsula, sitting on top of a hill, with views for days. It’s the perfect spot to take in a sunset, bushwalk and enjoy the simple things in life. The suites are cosy and secluded, and at the end of the day, you can fall into a king bed, or soak yourself silly in the indoor or outdoor bath. You’ll leave feeling reconnected with nature and yourself.

@southaustralia southaustralia.com

With direct flights from Adelaide, it’s now easier than ever to travel to the must-visit holiday destination of Fiji! Fiji is as popular with couples as it is families, and whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an adventurepacked trip with the kids, or you just want to lie on the beach with a cocktail in hand, you’ll find it in Fiji.

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Mary Ann Reserve. Murray River, Lakes & Coorong. Photo: John Montesi.

It blows our minds that the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region is so close. Set along Australia’s longest stretch of river, it’s bursting with adventure that’s centred around river time — where time doesn’t matter at all. That spells maxo relaxo time, and we’re all about it!

On and off the water, here’s a few things to entertain.

Four Knots Murray River Cruises – For a group of eight or an adventure for 40, this family-owned biz offers naturebased boutique cruises along the Murray, plus gin, beer and grazing tours that showcase local superstar producers.

Mannum – This historic town is the birthplace of the great Aussie paddle steamer and nostalgic river cruising on PW Mayflower and PS Marion. The Mannum Dock Museum steps back in time with some great facts, like the 1956 flood that had people driving their boats along the main street to buy drinks being served from the pub’s balcony!

Murray Bridge Regional Gallery – You may not have guessed, but it’s one of the premier galleries in Australia, with a range of exhibitions from incredible Aboriginal, local and well-known artists

Bridgeport Hotel.

from outside the region. It’s also an exclusive destination for many touring exhibitions and has a stunning gift shop with jewellery, ceramics, glass and textiles.

The Bend – When you feel the need for speed, head to The Bend Motorsport Park! This racing circuit will have the adrenaline pumping, with hot laps, a karting circuit, 4WD adventure park, a rally/off-road track, major spectator events and even accommodation.

Bridges Event Centre – It’s the home of horse racing all year-round, and the largest regional event centre for a cocktail party, sit-down wedding, farm expos, trade shows and more, plus they hold their own events! The brand new facilities offer different rooms, packages and top service, guaranteed.

We’re suckers for any adventure that involves taste-testing! Willow Point Wines – This local winery in White Sands is the place to nab some of the best value wines around. They offer three, five or seven glass tastings, plus yummilicious regional platters packed with local cheeses, mushrooms, apricots, chutney and more.

Langhorne Creek Wine Trail – It’s one of the Papa Bears of Australia’s wine regions, with a bunch of wineries that are ripe for enjoyment! Choose from 10 showstopping wineries and cellar doors run by some of the biggest hearts in the biz — head to page 18 for more on their heartwarming (and tongue tingling) Grapes for Good initiative.

Lot 23 Mypolonga – Your tummy will rumble at the abundance of flavour and fun at Lot 23! It’s an awesome stop to tastetest soups, meals, citrus, olive oil, honey and pomegranate products from Woodlane Orchard; or grab a coffee, a slice of cake and head out to the garden for some games.

Looove Cheese – We sure do! Let your inner mouse out at this holy grail of SA cheeses and antipasto from across the globe. Local lady Tracey loooves helping you create the ultimate cheeseboard or platter with these delectable delights!

Murray Bridge Regional Gallery.

With so much on offer, a day trip is possible, but you’ll never regret a sleepover! Plenty of options make it easy to plan a short stay or long, leisurely holiday…

River Shack Rentals – Ochre-coloured cliffs, river red gums and open waterways lined by willow trees set the scene for accommodation options for all styles and budgets. River Shack Rentals covers them all, with over 80 properties on the books. Choose from the vintagestyle river shacks right through to luxury homes sleeping up to 22 — start scrolling, then pack your bags!

Above: River Shack Rentals. Photo: John Montesi. Left: Riverview House Younghusband.

Juggle House Experiences – The hostess-with-the-mostest, not only does Kelly have incredible experiences, she hooked us up with two fab places to stay — Reedy Creek Retreat (for their full story, head to page 22); and Riverview House Younghusband, which has four spacious rooms, plenty of facilities and water views on all sides.

Wow Houseboats – A houseboat holiday will be a core memory, regardless of your age, and these water-bound hollyhouses are phenomenal. Page 17 has the full rundown on a trip that will have you saying, “Wowsers”!

Bridgeport Hotel – Just an hour away, this award-winner is popping with delightful food and drink, accommodation, live entertainment and options for functions, conferences and weddings. It’s the ideal family-friendly spot to base yourself for exploring. And did we mention the infinity pool that overlooks the Murray River, or the rooftop bar? Grab us a cocktail and call it a day, thanks!

@murrayriverlakescoorong themurrayriver.com

We’re so thrilled to have visited these towns on our travels… now, it’s your turn to explore them, too!

RENMARK Just over three hours from Adelaide, in the heart of the Riverland, you'll find one of the most beautiful riverfronts on the Murray! It’s no surprise that Renmark was crowned the SA Top Tourism Town — it’s overflowing with phenomenal scenery, local produce, wineries, distilleries, a rich history, walking trails and is the place of choice for anyone wanting to enjoy all that the river has to offer.

Kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, wakesurfing, wakeboarding, tubing and kneeboarding are all big hits in Renmark. For those who prefer to sit back and let someone else do all the work, there are options for river cruises and tours, too.

But it’s definitely not all about the water. Renmark is alive with walking tracks, and you can soak in those river views, the vibrant shopping scene, plenty of parks, and delicious dining and craft beverage experiences that proudly show off the regional produce.

After a fun-filled day, you’ll be looking for a place to lay your head — and you’re spoilt for choice! Renmark has accommodation for every type of traveller, including luxury stays right through to camp sites and affordable parks for your RV. For the more adventurous spirits, there are so many amazing houseboats for hire — who doesn’t want to be gently rocked to sleep, floating on the river?

@discoverrenmark discoverrenmark.com.au

WALLAROO Our hearts skipped a beat when we heard that Wallaroo had taken out the Small Tourism Town Award AND the People’s Choice Award! We love visiting this town and every time we do, we meet really lovely people along the way.

Wallaroo is located on the Copper Coast, overlooking the Spencer Gulf, about two hours’ drive from Adelaide. This town is a commercial port, steeped in the history of its copper smelting boom, but we love it for its family-friendly beaches and the good old-fashioned pastime of squidding off the jetty!

When you’re in town, you absolutely must see the Wallaroo Silo Light Show, which is on every night just after sunset in the township. We also love The Bond Store for a sneaky gin or delicious dinner.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, you can’t go past Wallaroo Holiday Park at North Beach. The park has a huge range of accommodation options, including beachfront apartments with the most spectacular views. There are so many activities to keep the kids entertained — they even have a petting zoo and pony rides on the beach!

Photo: Duy Dash.

QUORN The inaugural Tiny Tourism Town Award was bestowed upon a tiny town with a big reputation for punching above its weight!

Quorn is located in the heart of the Flinders Ranges, about three-and-a-half hours’ drive from Adelaide. Home of the award-winning Pichi Richi Railway, it’s a great base from which to explore the Flinders Ranges and Outback, including Warren Gorge, which is 21km away. It makes the perfect day trip for a picnic or even some rock climbing if you’re game.

If you’re looking to explore more of the region, you can take the 290km Flinders Ranges Self-Drive Loop. Aptly named, this itinerary is accessible for all types of vehicles, and showcases points of historical significance, as well as some of the best views of this stunning landscape.

A visit to Quorn is not complete without taking in the award-winning Quorn Silo Light Show, which features illustrated and animated stories about Quorn, and showcases local artwork and attractions. BYO chair, drinks and nibbles or tune in to the radio from your car for a light show you won’t forget!

Congratulations to our SA Top Tourism Town Award winners — we look forward to visiting time and time again!

@flindersrangesandoutback flindersandoutback.com.au

If you’re an SA local, you’ve probably stayed at BIG4 West Beach Parks and enjoyed all the amazing facilities on offer whilst camping or living it up in one of their on-site cabins. Well, we want you to try something a little different… introducing its sister property, The Retreat at West Beach Parks!

What makes it different? Just a short drive from the Adelaide CBD, between Glenelg and Henley Beach, The Retreat is a boutique accommodation option on the shores of West Beach, overlooking the pristine sand dunes.

The Retreat gives you room to escape and relax, with lush landscaped gardens, easy beach access and a calm coastal vibe. It’s the perfect place for some seaside rest with your family and friends, and offers a range of holiday shacks and glamping-style safari tents. You’ll also discover a beautiful resort-style pool, pool-side cabanas, a gym, games room, jumping pillow and amazing on-site facilities. Not to mention, not one but two waterslides and a nature playground, which the kids will go bananas for!

Even with so much to do, it’s got a really peaceful vibe, and when you arrive, you immediately feel like you’re on holiday. You could be anywhere in the world, but you’re still so close to home.

Photo: Supplied.

The accommodation There are eight different types of holiday shacks at The Retreat, with a range of sleeping configurations to suit your family or travel buddies. The shacks are dotted around gorgeous landscaped gardens, and each has unique features. We love them all for different reasons, but our faves are the newest additions — the Sand Dune Shacks and the Safari Tents. What’s on the agenda? You can do as much or as little as you please at The Retreat — the idea is to relax and breathe in the sea air while you enjoy an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. There’s a great range of facilities, including a tennis court, jumping pillow, playground, barbecues, volleyball and go-kart hire. It’s also just a short stroll away from West Beach Mini Golf, West Beach Adventure and West Beach Parks Golf.

Honestly though, the pool is the place to be! With two fabulous waterslides and comfy sun loungers to stretch out on, it’s such a great feature of The Retreat. The luxe poolside cabanas are the perfect vantage point from which to watch the kids squeal with delight as they whizz down the waterslide for the 106th time! The accommodations are so divine, in the evening you may just want to retreat back to your shack for sundowners and board games on the verandah.

When you’re planning your next family escape, look no further than The Retreat at West Beach Parks.

The Sand Dune Shacks These holiday shacks were added to The Retreat only a couple of years ago. They are bold and sleek in design, but they blend in with the natural coastal environment. Perfect for a family of four, they’re decked out with a modern kitchen and bathroom, an outdoor dining area and an egg chair on the deck — the ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon. The Safari Tents If you want to really get back to nature but don’t like the idea of roughing it, the Safari Tents are for you! These unique glamping tents sleep five and are nestled in the landscaped gardens of The Retreat, overlooking the West Beach sand dunes. They offer all the creature comforts of a modern cabin, like airconditioning, a cute kitchenette, comfortable bedding and bathroom… but you’ll notice something missing — a TV. This tiny difference makes a bold statement — this is a place for you to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with family. Oh, and did we mention there’s an outdoor bath on the deck? Heaven!

@westbeachparks westbeachparks.com.au