Southern Aurora

Initially designed for the Southern Aurora overnight express service between Sydney and Melbourne, these stainless-steel train carriages were once the “darling of Australian travel.” After decades of passengers snoozing in style, a 1994 auction choo-choo’d the carriages off to historical societies and transport heritage museums, where they remained until 2017. That’s when preservationists Simon Mitchell and Danielle Smith meticulously restored the Southern Aurora’s legacy.

They created Vintage Rail Journeys, train tours that run for five days to entertain and edify passengers about Australia’s history by visiting regional towns and going on excursions.

The small sleeper cabins are self-contained units that have been restored with bunks and en suite bathrooms. And while some attendees may be entertained by the tours of local rail facilities, for others, the real adventure lies in fighting to claim the top bunk.