Check out the virtual tours of their passenger cars in the column on the right side of the page:
Indian Pacific Onboard Services
The Indian Pacific's fares seem fairly close to what Amtrak charges. For example, a 3-night trip in a Red Kangaroo sleeper costs about $2400 US for two people. It's equivalent in space to an Amtrak Roomette, which from what I've seen costs about $800 per 24 hours or so (more or less, I know, depending on the route, buckets, etc.). If I could plan a "dream trip" to Australia & splurge on Gold Kangaroo service, it looks like I could get much nicer accommodations than are available on Amtrak, for roughly the same price.
I don't have a remote understanding of Australia's funding system for trains, but from a consumer standpoint it's very appealing. I'm going to have to read up on Australia's system for sure.
Sorry to disappoint but I've travelled on the Indian-Pacific a few times and I could not recommend Red Kangaroo service (not that I use it!). The roomettes are tiny and very cramped with the upper berth lowered and food service is provided in a 'Laminex Palace' where all (substandard) food must be purchased at whatever the company charges. The diner is also the lounge for the coach passengers.
Better to pay up for Gold Kangaroo and eat meals that are legendary and included in the fare (oddly, catered by Qantas - it ain't what they're serving in my part of the plane). The sleepers have their own bathrooms (and I do mean bathrooms - shower and toilet), the lounge is luxurious and the dining car is similarly decorated in a sort of art deco style.
But, and it's a big but, the fare compared to Amtrak is almost double the price. I like Amtrak but the food is pretty ordinary and the decor is sterile.
Anyone taking the Indian-Pacific should splash out for the Gold Kangaroo fare - Red Kangaroo is populated by backpackers and, remember, it's a very long way between stops - food options are the cafeteria or nothing.