Australian Railways - Train Star Ratings

	Super Luxury Train.  5-star trains offer the very best amenities including deluxe sleeping berth accommodation with showers, a dining car serving gourmet meals, lounge/bar car, recreation area, observation area etc.  These trains are normally run and marketed as 'Land Cruises' and are priced accordingly.  Most 5 star trains are sold as holidays rather than as transportation. They offer the very best on-board service.
	Four-star trains are the most luxurious form of point to point transport.  They offer sleeping berths and sitting cars, a lounge car, a dining car and a buffet car may also be available.  These trains may also have an observation car and motorail service (where your car can travel with you).  A choice of first class and economy class travel is available.
	Three-star trains offer everything you will need for a comfortable journey.  They offer first and economy class seating in air-conditioned carriages.  Food is available on board from a buffet car, and some 3 star trains have a lounge or bar car too.  On overnight journeys sleeping berths with showers are provided.
	Two-star trains offer comfortable travel in air-conditioned economy class seats.  On-board staff will be there to help you, but there is not normally any on-board catering, however they do provide on board chilled water drinking fountains and toilets. It is not usually necessary to book in advance to travel on two star trains.
	One-star trains typically run shorter-distance trips within the metropolitan areas of major cities.  They offer one class travel, are heated and many are air-conditioned.  These trains do not normally have on-board toilets.  Other than the driver there often are no on-board staff.
	Road bus service.

Our stars.  
The seven-pointed star is an elegant yet, outside Australia, rarely used symbol.  To Australians it is known as the Federation Star, and it symbolises the unity of the nation.  The seven points represent the seven States and Territories.  Although the number of States and Territories has grown, the Federation Star retains its seven points and sits alongside the Southern Cross on the Australian flag and other emblems as a national icon.   In the spirit of national unity, it is appropriate that we use the Federation Star on this web site.


NB  This is not an official rating system.  Ratings are subjective and are intended to be indicative of facilities normally offered on Australian passenger trains.  Facilities may vary from time to time, and no guarantee can be given that a train will necessarily offer the facilities indicated here.  You should confirm details of services offered with the train operator when making your booking.