Inside the Ghan train through Australia and its new interior

The Ghan train – which makes the epic journey across Australia between Darwin and Adelaide via Alice Springs – has just been given a makeover by design studio Woods Bagot. Having already redesigned the Ghan's Platinum carriages in 2019, the service's 90th anniversary year, Woods Bagot announced last year that it had been commissioned by operating company Journey Beyond to redesign the interiors of the Gold premium carriages, including the cabins, lounge and restaurant. The completed redesign – seen here – is both sustainable and imaginative, fitting for a new era of multi-day train travel for solo travellers, couples and design-focused travellers.

Discover the Ghan's new cabins, designed by Woods Bagot

(Image credit: Photography by Nicole England. Courtesy of Woods Bagot)

To reflect Australia's history and topography, rich reds and blooming burgundies were contrasted with walnut and polished brass details. With a focus on sustainability, Woods Bagot reused and upgraded existing joinery, furniture and materials in the carriages, cleverly repurposing existing assets. Construction was carried out entirely on-site at the Ghan's site in Adelaide's historic Churchill Yards.

New materials were chosen for their durability and longevity, while an artisanal approach showed an authentic sense of the design firm's intention to support local industry. “Restoration and renewal are not only the more sustainable alternative to reusing existing materials; they also beautifully preserve the historical narrative of the project,” explains Rosina Di Maria, Director of Woods Bagot.

For example, original bespoke brass handles and fittings, still in first-class condition, were reused, while the original seats were reupholstered in fabrics from Melbourne-based manufacturer Willie Weston, with Aboriginal dot patterns taking centre stage. Durrmu 'Terra' by Kathleen Korda, whose ceremonial dot designs feature on seating in booths, lounges and restaurants, reflecting the indigenous style of paintings from the Red Centre and the country's traditional owners.

The historic pressed metal ceilings of the carriages were recreated by a local manufacturer in Adelaide, while in the lounge, the hand-blown glass ‘Poke’ wall lights were made by artisans at Adelaide-based creative hub and design label JamFactory (featured in Wallpapers Global Interiors roundup 2021).

Gold Premium Twin Cabin — (Image credit: Courtesy of Woods Bagot)

“The railway is a nostalgic mode of travel that has long been associated with romance and wonder,” notes Di Maria, adding, “Our design is deeply contextual, responding to the textures and topography of the Australian outback in the colours of Arrernte artist Albert Namatjira.” The hues in Namatjira’s landscapes are echoed in plant motifs, such as the silvered ghost gum trees found on the special rugs made by Modieus.

On board, lounge seats convert into sleeping berths at night for the three-day voyage, complete with turndown service and nightcap, as well as an in-room coffee ordering service designed for outdoor sunrise viewing. In the lounge, Australian wines and local ingredients are celebrated in daily-changing, regionally inspired menus for two-course lunches and four-course dinners.

The all-encompassing off-train activities support Indigenous operators and the national parks they protect. Di Maria explains: “The railway has opened up access to communities and views not available through other travel options. The aim of the redesign is to appeal to a wider audience; to experience and connect with the land in a more personal way than just flying over it.”