Travelling on a sleeper train is an exercise in space management

Sydney Morning Herald

23-07-2025

Australia by train: it's a romantic step back in time on board a rattling silver snake that winds its way across the continent. It's also an exercise in space management, with cabins on the Indian Pacific, The Ghan and the Great Southern demanding clever use of room storage in a cabin footprint that's remained the same since 2008. Here's the inside scoop on making the most of your space from the crew who do it every day.
Pack light
Start small and stay small. Indian Pacific journey manager Brittney Howe says this is the secret to a manageable and enjoyable cabin experience. There's only really floor space for a soft duffel bag or a very small wheelie bag, so be conscious with your clothing and pack things that you can wear multiple ways.
'You'll be far more comfortable with a duffel bag – something soft that can pack away,' says Howe. 'Then you're not navigating and moving [bags] around the ladder and moving them every time you need to open the bathroom or cabin door.'
Unpack with intention
The snug cabins are designed with nooks for your bits and bobs. In the Gold Twin cabin, which features two bunks and a private ensuite, that includes a slimline hanging space, a fold-out table, a book nook above your bed and even a designated hat rack for your Akubra. Space is limited in the private bathroom, so Howe makes more from the get-go.
'For me, it's hanging my towels straight away and that opens up all of that cupboard space [for toiletries],' she says.
Other hot tips? Put your shoes in the cavity beneath the bottom bunk to keep the floor space free. Keep your toothbrush and toothpaste in the wall-mounted cup-holder above the sink. Use the space above the bathroom (where extra blankets and pillows live) for bulky or lesser-used items, like the puffer coat you won't need during warm Nullarbor afternoons.