Update regarding Rail Journeys

Please note, the below details are current as of Monday 29th May 2023. We will update this page with more information as it becomes available.

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Journey Beyond is monitoring the circumstances in Alice Springs and we are continuing to work with our security liaison and local authorities. We will implement any recommendations provided by these authorities to ensure the safety of guests and staff in Alice Springs.

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COVID Safe Experiences & Vaccination Policy

Our JourneySafe COVID safety & vaccination protocols means that we have implemented enhanced procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic so that you can travel with peace of mind.

JourneySafe protocols not only comply fully with Federal and State Government and Industry standards, they go Beyond. Your health and wellbeing is at the forefront of everything we do and will enhance your unique experience with Journey Beyond. Click here for our COVID Safe Experiences and Vaccination Policy.

If you are travelling on The Ghan, The Ghan Expedition, Indian Pacific, Great Southern or The Overland, Guests are no longer required to provide proof of a negative rapid test at check-in.

Journey Beyond will continue to follow advice from relevant authorities and to utilise our JourneySafe operational plan to further protect the health and safety of guests and crew.

Journey Beyond follows state guidelines and health authority advice regarding social distancing and masks in terminals and onboard trains. Currently, guests are not required to wear masks both in the terminal and on The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern and The Overland.

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Booking using your travel credit

Should your previous booking have been impacted by a suspended departure and you would like to rebook using your travel credit, please click here to read through the step by step instructions on how to do so.

 


 

Our Travel Centre opening hours are:

Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6:00pm (ACST)
Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm (ACST)
1800 703 357 (In Australia)
+61 8 8213 4401 (Outside Australia)

 

Question: How are you keeping guests safe onboard?

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Our JourneySafe plan is based on expert advice and implements enhanced cleaning and hygiene procedures while initiating new measures like physical distancing.

To accommodate physical distancing on the train, guests will be allocated specific meal times, as well as scheduled times to spend in communal spaces such as the Outback Explorer Lounge area.

Each cabin will have its own supply of hand sanitiser and wipes. There will be communal hand sanitiser in lounge areas and provided before getting on and off the train.

Question: How will physical distancing be managed on board?

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Guests will be allocated set times for meals and to spend in communal areas including the Outback Explorer Lounge and Platinum Club. When moving throughout the train, guests will be asked not to congregate in corridors, instead move into their cabin or the open end of the carriage to allow for safe passing.

Question: What if I begin to feel sick?

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Answer:

If you begin to feel sick during your journey, our crew will do everything they can to look after you and other guests. You will be asked to quarantine in your cabin, where meals will be delivered and you will be frequently checked on by our staff.

Question: Will my experience be the same as it would have been before the pandemic?

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Answer:

The pandemic has meant we’ve had to make some adaptations to further protect people’s safety and wellbeing, however we’re confident your experience will be just as memorable.

Our exceptional food, wine and beverages remain the same and you’ll be blown away by the freshly prepared meals our chefs create onboard.

We’re still offering the same included Off Train Excursions and have worked with our third-party providers to ensure they’re practising COVID-safe behaviour.

Question: How can I rebook my future travel?

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All guests affected by temporary suspensions will be provided with a credit to the value of their original booking and can rebook their travel for a later date, up to 31 December 2023. Guests affected by the suspensions will receive an email confirmation of their credit with further booking information.

Please click here to download and view a copy of the step by step instructions for rebooking your train journey online using your credit voucher.

Question: When I choose another departure will I be charged amendment fees?

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Answer:

We are pleased to confirm there are no amendment fees for guests requesting date changes that were due to travel on dates affected by suspended services. Where bookings have been placed in credit, date changes can be made free of charge up to 45 days prior to departure. Please note, there may be fare differences for guests opting to change to a different travel season or product.

Question: Can I use my credit on a different journey or train?

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Answer:

Yes, the credit can be used for any Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions journeys. Please note, there may be fare differences for travel seasons.

Question: If the journey I rebook is less than my available credit, can the unused portion be refunded to me?

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Answer:

No, the credit will need to be allocated to a Journey Beyond Rail Expedition experience.

Question: Can I use my credit on third party products such as hotels, touring or accommodation?

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Yes, credit is available on all third-party products and upgrades. Please note, refunds will not be allocated for remaining credits.

Question: Which services are eligible for additional credit and why are they different for some travel dates?

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Answer:

Different credit structures have been developed to allow for extenuating circumstances for some departures.

As you are aware, state borders were closed on 22 March 2020 which forced Journey Beyond to suspend all rail operations. Guests booked for travel on this same day were eligible to receive up to 150% credit on their original booking given the late nature of the suspension.

Journey Beyond’s initial period of suspended operations was from 22 March 2020 until 31 May 2020 and majority of these effected guests received up to 110% credit.

Guests with bookings from 01 June 2020 through to 30 November 2020 (the current suspension date) are entitled to 100% credit of the funds paid.

Question: If I have only paid a deposit, will I receive 110% of the money paid or 110% of my total booking value for credit?

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Answer:

Guests will receive future travel credit of the money receipted which could apply to a deposit or total booking fare.

Question: I have booked through a Travel Agent; how do I amend my booking?

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Answer:

If you have booked through a Travel Agent, you will need to contact your Agent directly to amend your travel arrangements.

Question: Will Journey Beyond provide travel insurance letters?

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Yes, guests affected by the suspended services can request a letter from Journey Beyond for travel insurance purposes. Please email [email protected].

As I’m sure you understand, we are receiving high contact volumes and as such, response times may be longer than usual.

Still have questions?

We’re always here to help.

Our Travel Centre opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm ACST.

1800 703 357 (In Australia)

+61 8 8213 4401 (Outside Australia)