Orient Express in Australia

The luxury-style train travel of Venice Simplon-Orient Express will come to Australia in December 1998 when the “Great South Pacific Express” debuts. Reservations are being accepted now.

The weekly route runs along the eastern coast between Sydney and Cairns via Brisbane. The scenery includes rain forests, plus day excursions to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. There are four- and five-night itineraries for the full distance and shorter itineraries for route portions.

The train’s 20 red cedar-walled cars with stained-glass, built in Australia, include an open-air viewing car and 46 passenger compartments, all with private baths with showers. The train will run between Brisbane and Cairns only, starting Dec. 15; on Jan. 8, 1999, it will begin the full Sydney-Brisbane route. Prices, including meals and excursions, are about $1,902 to $3,216 for the full route. Drinks and tips are extra. To reserve, contact a travel agent or call (800) 524-2420.