I Put Indian Pacific Train's Platinum "First Class" To The Test
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- Опубліковано 2 тра 2024
- The Indian Pacific is one of the famous and costliest train journeys in the world travelling 2,700 miles (4,352 kilometres) between Sydney and Perth Australia. So, I had very high expectations, but before we even got on board, I started to have concerns as things were going wrong which would have been fine if it was just me and my partner travelling, but we had booked two cabins in the premium Platinum class carriages to take my mother-in-law on a special once-in-a-lifetime trip for her 80th birthday. Adding even more pressure for this to be perfect.
Join me as I share our experience on this famous train over the 3 nights and 4 days it takes, and if I thought it was worth it all by the end.
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I'm Australian and went on the Indian Pacific from Perth to Sydney. I found the food was exceptional, the staff amazing, the stops fun and informative. A totally fantastic experience.
Glad you enjoyed the trip. As Australians, we would never go on this trip at the high prices being charged.
He did not pay, he was given it free, and I doubt he would pay for it with his one money either - brought and paid for review - so sick of these
@@kparker1615 Why did he say each cabin cost him $8,300?
@@kparker1615 That would explain a lot. It’s crazy how people are so easily conned at the suggestions of other ‘influencers’.
@@HoolyDooly-si2zz That’s interesting. We were going to take the train from Adelaide to Perth about 35 years ago, at the cost of about $50 but we took the bus instead. I was disappointed and regret not doing it but with the prices these days, it’s an utter joke.
@@HoolyDooly-si2zz You're so right. It wasn't all about the money and fancy food. It was no nonsense. I heard so many good reports about the long distance trains and anyone could afford to do it. We waved our grand parents off at Spencer Street station in the 70s on their round trip travel to Perth. Their first venture beyond Melbourne, affordable and they loved it
Your trip sounds memorable and the train officers so accommodating.
I love it when my favourite travel channels do videos about my favourite mode of transportation. I know you use to do more than cruise videos, but this was still an unexpected yet very pleasant surprise! Hopefully we get to see more train and/or excursion specific videos in the future!
Oh me too. Before my European River cruise last year I probably watched most of Gary’s terrific videos.
I did this train in 1972 when it was the cheapest way to cross the country. I couldnt afford the sleeper and bought a seat. The staff were great and let me sleep on the bench seats in the lounge. The train was full of youngsters like myself and it was non stop party all the way. So glad I had that experience then as it was memorable and affordable. I would go again today if I didnt have to pay for all the extras, side trips, alcohol etc which really boosts the price and no longer appeals. Plus you need to book years in advance to get the comfy bed - no bunk beds for me anymore! I dont enjoy tours and buffets prefering to do it my way. As I do love train travel, we take regular trains whenever we can. Affordable, comfortable, with the ability to be flexible, it is my favourite way to travel.
As an Australian, I would love to explore the country and especially on a long train journey. However, the costs for these journeys is so expensive that it is beyond reach of most of us. I sometime wonder if we price ourselves out of the market and that is why people find it cheaper to head off overseas for far less cost. I am glad you liked the trip although I would have been disappointed with missing out not he full train journey and being bused to another station.
He was a given the trip for free and not being honest with the viewers - his opinions are brought and paid for... this is an over priced boring experience you will regret spending money on..
@@kparker1615 Good on you K, we are not fools. All about the food food and more food. No mention of the shower/toilet facilities? Important in a review. If they were shared that could be a deal breaker for some. His only negative was the Syd Lithgow coach trip which was a one off anyway and the price.
My feedback from O/S visitors is Food great, Train itself "tired" contrary to the publicity etc.,the bumpy track as stated. Cost not mentioned as part of big package from OS. Wonder why their carriage was not full?Cheers.
@@kparker1615 Fully agreed with you...For that sort price, u would have an excellent overseas trip and for much cheaper...not worth at all...donot know why people are going-on this type train to see around the Australian desert...
@@pushpanathannn Pensioners rates?
I've just returned from a 3 week trip to Japan. I spent $670 on three JR passes which provided 19 days of unlimited travel on Japan Rail's superb network. I am glad I travelled on the Indian-Pacific back in the early 70s so I can say I've done the journey. There is no chance I will ever travel on the IP again. Vastly overpriced these days.
Was $670 (USD?) the 1st (Green) or 2nd class fare? They recently dramatically increased the price
@@randall8379 That was the 2nd class fare (AUD) which we purchased after the price increases. We bought regional passes too rather than the whole of Japan pass as we were not travelling north of Osaka so I bought 2 JR West all area 7 day passes and 1 JR Kyushu North 5 day pass. We got excellent value from all 3.
@@qingdao16 I think you have to take a lot of trains to justify the dramatic fare hike. I was thinking it would be better to buy individual tickets. By the way, I'm curious to know, were the trains comfortable in terms of room temperature or overheated?
@@randall8379 We based ourselves in 3 cities and did day trips so as an example from Osaka, we visited Himeji, Okayama, Kyoto (twice) and then journeyed down to Fukuoka (Hakata) for the next stage of the trip. Reserved seat prices (return 2nd class) were (from either Shin-Osaka or Osaka stations) Himeji (7220 yen) Okayama (12520 yen) Kyoto (1160 yen) and the one way trip to Hakata was 15080 yen. We paid 26000 yen for the 7 day pass and got over 37000 yen value from our trips. As for comfort, the trains were superb. None were uncomfortable in terms of inside temperature.
I guess when you get given trips for free like he has, his review is brought and paid for.. have done this trip, trust me, you are not missing out on anything
We were on the same journey as you, and we featured in your clip at least four times. We were in the other Platinum cabin (the rowdy lot), such a shame we didn't meet. Agree with the start of the journey, and the rocky first night sleep. However, the staff were so beautiful and helpful. Food was good, the experience was indeed terrific. It was worth it in our mind, and we would probably return one day to experience the Ghan. Happy travels, we may indeed meet again on a future journey.
I rode the Indian-Pacific in the early 80s when it was a normal train - no tourism frills. My compartment was large. Very early 60s style furnishings. Food was plain. You met real Australians, very friendly, not wealthy international tourists. Price was very reasonable. Prices you quote are insane.
Did it in 1978, was cheaper than flying. 2nd class sleeper
Thanks for sharing, I personally would prefer your trip over Gary’s, I always like a more authentic experience than a touristy one no matter how luxurious.
@@EG-nx3sl Thanks, that's what I think. The trip he took is rather pretentious. I like trains for transport. Of course I want comfort but I don't need the entertainment, guitar player, organized tours and all the rest. Plus too much food! And the price is shocking. There are other experiences I want. Glad I did the Indian-Pacific when it was a 'normal' train.
BailyChap comments (can't find the post) that the train I rode in the 1980s is probably the same. I assumed that as the equipment in the video is old -- I suspect 1960s. The same is true of the CANADIAN transcontinental train operated by VIA RAIL CANADA. It was manufactured in the 1950s by the Budd Company in Philadelphia. The equipment has been refurbished of course. It too used to be a 'normal' passenger train with affordable prices but now it's quite expensive - though nothing like the outrageous price charged for the IP.
When I moved to Sydney (from Adelaide) my dads "fee" to bring my car across was to return on the Indian pacific.
Smart dad you have there. 😊
@@Cadcare They don't bring cars to Sydney anymore which really sucks, I had a bucket list item of driving to Perth and getting the train back, but to do that now I would have to hire a car.
@@krystleklearcentral You can still put your car on a train. Just likely not the same train. Although the indian pacific does pull cars sometimes.
@@mabamabam they don’t take cars into Sydney anymore. I 100% know this. Nobody does.
@@krystleklearcentral I also have rather unfortunate news, NO passenger-carrying trains in Australia carry cars anymore, Journey beyond quietly removed motorail from the IP and Ghan in December.
It’s a shame that the beginning of your trip was changed but Journey Beyond have no control over track maintenance. There are two versions of platinum carriages. Yours was an older style. The new ones have multiple power points and usb points. Also, platinum guests have an extra course at every meal. The non alcoholic sparkling was a Maggie Beer one. She owns a property in Adelaide and had a tv show called “The Cook and the Chef.
Tbh I have always wanted to go on it but as an Australian I find it expensive as well and not convinced it’s value for money. The one time I was close to booking it I looked at the prices and ended up going to Europe thinking ‘ similar price’
That's our problem we have a beautiful
Country but is so expensive to holiday
In. That's why alot go to Bali.
For $8K USD we could have a month in Europe!
His review is brought and paid for, it is a boring experience.. not even worth half of what they charge
@@kparker1615 Give it up parker. You've made your point more than enough times and I don't agree with you in any of them.
To say it was Platinum standard what was that woman doing putting her bare feet up in the lounge car? Disgusting?
!
Her feet were filthy. I saw that too how rude.
going barefoot isn't taboo in Australia the way it is in many other countries. It's perfectly normal to see lots of people barefoot in grocery stores, malls, even very casual cafes. It's not something I would do, and I would personally still have found it inappropriate to be going barefoot in that situation but I think it's the sort of thing that would be much more common in Australia than elsewhere.
@@jonathont7866 I'm cool with her going barefoot - but definitely not having them up on the seats! Unless if it's in your own home - not feet up on seats shoes, slippers or no. It's just rude imo
@@cairhien987 I personally agree, putting your feet up on seat is plain rude and she's old enough to know better; it's certainly something I was taught at a young age.
I was shocked, just so rude. And no it is not that common to see people bare foot in the part of Aus where I live, perhaps whennear the beach on a warm day.
I was so thrilled to see a vlog about a train journey. I love your coverage of cruises, and you did a fantastic job of covering, in detail, the train journey! It looks very interesting! Thanks!
Happy Birthday Sally 😊
Loved the trip recap!
My husband and I cruising Hawaii to Sydney and then the Ghan in October. This video was very helpful.....and we can't wait. Love all of your travel reports! Stu from San Diego
What A great pair. Giving mum/mum inlaw a trip of a life time. Nothing else matters.
Gary it was fun to see Mark's Mother enjoying the train. It's clear she enjoyed it because she was smiling in every video.
We enjoy your train excursions they add value to your channel.
Yes she loved it! She never stopped smiling !!
Tell her to wash your feet. She's not in her living room, eating popcorn and watching the telly
Great video Gary. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us.
I like watching your videos while I do chores or relax. I live alone, so it's nice to have calm, interesting videos
I used to live alone but now I have a cat.
We overcome the outlet dilemma by having a converter cube which has 4 USB ports on top. Even travelling within the US, these extra ports come in handy for phone, watch and whatever charging all at once.
Yep, definately the way to go.
We’ve found several countries’ available plugs lacking! Some worse than a cruise ship! All our adapters hold 2 US plugs although one has to be 2 prong. Our old chargers fit those nicely, but normally we plug CPAPs into them. We don’t carry converters anymore as we only have one device that must be 110v and it’s an electric toothbrush that will hold a charge for over a week, and manual brushes exist!
We do have a power strip with 3 outlets that help too. It has a European plug which works great on a cruise as we can then use all the outlets in the cabin!
It's an $8000 dollar trip and only 1 power point, that's BS. They could have provided power boards.
Looks like a lovely trip! The food choices and the tours look very nice. The lady with her bare feet on the seat in the lounge though!🫣 I hope your mother in law had a great time!
I gasped when I saw that. What was that lady thinking?? Ew.
That bare foot lady was being just ‘ick’… I guess she checked her grace/class with her larger luggage! LOL
Gary - hoping you are going to experience/review Explora Journeys soon - it would be awesome to hear your thoughts on this new, luxury cruise line
It's a lot more common in Oz and nz to wear bare feet
@@baroquejenit was the mom or grandma who was with their group. I guess it wasn't the day of the week to take a shower
Adelaide is totally underrated! Great place
Yeah I went there from Perth before
Going on the Ghan to Darwin.
Bit embarrassed because we always
Put Adelaide down. But there was heaps to see and do. Couldn't get over
How close everything is. In Perth you
Have to travel for ages to get from one
End to the other.
I did the Sydney to Adelaide stretch last year.
Beyond alright - beyond disappointed.
And I love trains!
I loved watching this video. This is probably my favorite of your vlogs!
That was a surprise,, I actually thought you were going to whinge about the trip. As a former frequent Ghan traveller, (tour host) I loved the train experience,, yes it’s expensive, yes it’s slow, yes it’s not particularly luxurious,,,, but it’s an amazing journey echoing a bygone era. Everyone should experience travel this way at least once , IF you can afford it.❤
I didn’t know that the train stopped at places along the way. Much
More interesting than I had thought! Thank you for the video!
yeah and sometimes not where you want its not like you can get off
Back in 90's it used to be a service that stopped at many more stations.
Also it wasnt over priced and also had 3 classes being gold class and holiday class and red class which was coach style cheap seats and was a cheap way to travel to perth and food was so much better.
As an Aussie, so proud you - as such an intrepid traveller - love the Adelaide Central Market so much ❤
A good and extensive video, thanks. Many Australians put this journey on their "bucket list" so the cost is not exorbitant for them. It's a long trip, but the scenery is fascinating. The crew and the food are exceptional and for drinkers that is an excellent wine list.
My daughter ( who is 18) and I did this trip in June last year and traveled in Platinum. Was one of the best trips I’ve ever done . I’m an avid cruiser and had never done train travel before . Definitely a convert ! Ps .. we also did the Drag Queen walking tour in Broken Hill !! Such fun !
I enjoyed this video. I look forward to seeing more on your channel about excursions. The trains, artic, and a few other excursions such as glimpses of the Paul Gaugin activities are very interesting.
What a great video! I'm really glad you enjoyed the journey. The food looked delicious! I live about 60ks north of Adelaide about 100 metres from the track and love watching the trains pass by. Ill give you a wave next time! 😊
Your videos are SO well done and SO informative…thank you! Been following you for years. Now you’ve whet my appetite for this train trip!
Thank you for your review. It was very comprehensive. I’m glad you liked the food and experience. Regards
Loved this video!
Thanks for the video dude. Nice work.
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching
Great review and thanks for the Video credit on the footage you used. The Nullarbor is a magical place and Rawlinna (Pronounced Raw-Linna) is an amazing pastoral operation smack bang in the middle of some of the most beautiful country southern Australia has to offer. A touch under 3 million acres which in its peak has shorn 75 -80 thousand sheep.
I'd suggest if you ever have the time, driving across the Nullarbor so you can take in all it has to offer at your own pace, it's history and the beautiful desolate landscapes.
Look forward to seeing more of your travel reviews.
Great video as usual
I’ve wanted to do the Indian Pacific and the Ghan for years. I decided it wasn’t worth mortgaging the house for. I’ll have to be satisfied with having seen the IP at Central one time and seeing the Ghan when i was passing through Alice Springs a few years back. Which was a lucky fluke, we were running a couple days ahead of schedule!
I hope you and Mark had a lovely time here though.
And happy birthday Sally! What a wonderful birthday present 😄
Thanks for the video Gary❤ The experience looks a bit too touristy and “curated” for me personally but I’m glad you all had a great time!
Loved the video. Happy birthday to Sally.
Sally, wash your feet or put some socks on please. Oh please
Wow that was an awesome video, thank you sharing ❤
Thanks for this.. on it in December 2024. Can’t wait
Very timely video, thanks. I will be traveling on the Indian Pacific from Sydney on the 29th of May. I will be traveling in a Gold Single, so I paid much less than you paid, but from reviews that I got from others who have taken the same trip, they said that Gold Class was very comfortable, I hope so. I am very much looking forward to the adventure. I found that working with the folks at Journey Beyond was very good and they have been very responsive to all of my inquiries.
Travelled gold service in 2000’s. It was lovely.
Have a great trip.
I'm at Sydney station today. I'm very excited for the journey to begin.
Happy travels
Great video! Thanks.
Sally is such a trooper! Hope she can join you more often!
Thank you very much! So interesting!
Your content is great, but y'all are doing fantastic doing other travel content as well.
We really enjoyed this video. We're not "cruisers" (our furthest jaunt is the Northlink ferry from mainland Scotland to Shetland) but we still enjoy watching your cruise videos. We are definitely more "train" and "fly n explore" travellers although this particular train trip is a bit out of our reach financially. So, it was great to live it through your video. Thanks!
looked quite the experience glad you enjoyed it after spending all that money!
I travelled on the Trans back in 1977. The experience was markedly different back then. The only stop was in Broken Hill to change engines and drivers... LOL. The service was great and there was even a butler if you wanted tea or dinner in your cabin [first class]. They also carried out the reconfiguration of the cabins for night time use. After a day of using the 'platinum' lounge, my wife [of 1 week; just married] and I spent a lot of time in the second class lounge because the age group was decidedly younger, like us. Without the stops we pretty much made our own entertainment and it was a fun trip.
That is the best trip I have ever done! I’ve never done platinum but I’m saving up for it, just the night between Sydney and Adelaide though. I’ve been on the Indian Pacific several times and it’s two sister trains as well only done the Great Southern once but I want to do it again. I never have any complaints about these trips because they’re all just so great. Sorry you had to catch a bus to meet the train, but unfortunately, when work has to be done it has to be done
I worked for the rail way in New South Wales and booked several trips to Perth and return. I also done the trip myself one way to Perth
While the track closure would be dissapointing, it is necessary to do work. Just as a road needs repair so do rail lines. Australia has a good safety record with rail.
Thank you for your thoughts and experiances. While it may be expensive, compare it to driving a car, booking motels and dinning. If you are international car higher also. Back in 1972 i think it was around $600 per person. Hope to see more of you videos.
Big Thanks for your review .
I've been on both the original Ghan, on the narrow guage in 1980 and the new Ghan to Alice Springs in 1986, plus a leg of the IP from Parkes to Sydney. In those days the train carried sitting cars as well as sleepers, and was used as a way to actually get places. Now all the trains, except the Overland, are for tourists, 1st, 2nd and last. Only cashed up retirees take the trip as locals, the majority are overseas visitors. Wish we still had normal trains doing long distance travel here. Sadly missed.
It looked okay, but personally if I was spending that sort of money I would want to do something a bit better than just eating and drinking on a train. It seems very expensive for what it was
For that money, you could fly to Japan, ride their bullet train, buy a crazy JDM sports car, send it back to Australia and fly home. A much better and more rewarding experience
@@jamesaustralian9829 😉🙃
Great video. Someday I will take this trip. The hazelnut chocolate tart looks to die for.
Really enjoyed this review.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Gary - good review.
I wanted to do the trip this year, but alas booked out. I think I would need to book further in advance than my typical levels of personal planning supports. Oh well, maybe next year I'll get lucky.
I did do the Overland last year, which isn't really comparable though.
It seems everything is expensive in Australia these days
A lovely reminder of our trip last year. We travelled Gold and really enjoyed the scenery and the company. Having started with two nights in Sydney, after the train we had two nights in Perth, two in Melbourne and back to Sydney for an 11 night Celebrity Cruise to New Zealand in a balcony cabin. For two we paid £5500 each including our UK and domestic flights, so I must assume Premier is a huge price jump if you paid £2000 each just for the train.
Thanks for sharing your trip Gary, I did this trip in 1996, I was my mums carer so it was a lot cheaper. That’s one crazy price for the 3 days!
We loved our trip but it was a bit different to what is today. As a family in the 70s, we did Sydney to perth via nullabor a couple times as we went from Perth to the tip of Queensland return by car.
The Indian Pacific I see has changed as when we settled in as our trip started we had someone come and ask us what beverage we liked for the mornings cuppas and what time, then being brought it to our cabin. We never got off and loved the commentary on board and the dining lounge.
I'm glad you enjoyed it overall though. But I too don't like kangaroo meat. How crazy that we eat our national emblem!
Hooray for train videos! Please consider others (e.g. Rovos)
I absolutely love the world of luxury train travel. Haven’t made it onto one yet, but hoping to start with the Caledonian Sleeper (yes, MUCH more basic than what you’ve shown us here 😂)
This experience looks SO interesting - thanks for sharing with us - great to see you not on a ship!
Hi Fraser, fancy seeing you here. I follow your cruising vids!
@@miakey8082 ahh, hello! 👋🏼
Did the trip in July 2022 and it was fantastic!
Great video! Mark really looks like his mum!
I love when travel bloggers take their mothers with them. Great video as always. Thanks
Love the drag tour so fun
You also need to save up for the Ritz sailing. Thanks for the video
Yes... I am not sure I am going to be able to afford that one! I keep looking at it and options but so crazy costly! They do some 5 night trips that may make it a bit easier,....
Love your videos. Your MIL looks fantastic for 80.
It's a handful of years back but I did the Indian Pacific from Perth to Sydney as a single in Gold Class. I had much the same experiences as you did but some differences. We stopped in Kalgoorlie on the way out for a coach tour of the deserted town at night and were then taken to an outdoor mining museum where a small show was put on which was interesting and then to the mine itself. It was at night, dark and although you could get to judge the depth of the mime there wasn't much to see, except the lights of some moving vehicles. Bed and the next stop was in the morning for a wonderful outdoor breakfast at Rawlinna. We stopped at Cook, population: Human -2 Flies, 2 billion. Not the most wonderful place. I also walked up to see the engine but we were stopped from going to see the front for some obscure reason. Our next stop was Adelaide and like you I went to the market. It was early morning and the place was being set up by the stall holders. A decent breakfast with the excellent tour guide, and I was able to buy a few things to take back onto the train including some Kangaroo Island Gin, which I used as a night cap in my room. We stopped at Broken Hill and I went to the Drag show bar where a couple of the queens put on a short show, and those who wanted it had their photos taken with the artists.
My tour was the first to offer the stop in the Blue Mountains, Those who chose the tour would be bussed back to Sydney. I had already a flight to Cairns booked that evening and there was no guarantee that I'd get back to Sydney in time to connect to the flight if I did the Blue Mountain tour. In gold (single) I found the accommodation cramped and we had to share showers. The food was great, I enjoyed the other passengers both Aussie and International. Would I do it again? Yes but in the direction you did it and I'd upgrade to Platinum.
I enjoyed your video, and will look out for more. PS I'd also like to do the Ghan some time.
As a rail fan, and someone interested in Australia, I really enjoyed this video both as a review and as a daily diary of your trip. I know your cruise reviews are generally summations of the overall experience, but I do get vicarious pleasure from the "diary' approach.
I'm really looking forward to a video about your upcoming voyage on the Queen Anne. It looks like a real departure from the styles Cunard has referenced since the Queen Mary2 was introduced, and I'll be interested to know if you think it is successful. (We are already booked for Summer, 2025).)
Nice review. I also did platinum class on the Indian Pacific - but Perth to Sydney as a solo traveler. Regrettably our Rawlina stop was cancelled due to traffic scheduling (which we were advised about in the weeks prior). This was a real shame. Additionally, same as you but in reverse, we had to bus it from Lithgow to Sydney due to weather/flooding. Both of these combined took a bit of the shine off the journey infortunately although I'm aware these issues are outside of the control of Journey Beyond. Still a very memorable trip and on the back of that I'm doing the Ghan Adelaide to Darwin in June - but doing the substantially cheaper Gold Class single this time around.
Two items: I always bring a power strip because, like you, I have been in accommodation with very few outlets. Finally, I'm surprised there wasn't an outdoor viewing car at the back of the train. Those cars are fantastic for seeing the scenery (and for smokers having a light during designated times). As for the cost, yes, start saving because it isn't just the train, but the planes (or ship) and hotels getting there and back.
I think a cruise from the US to AU and then another to the UK with a train trip would be wonderfully delicious.
oh nice nice the tracks are almost fully repaired then - when I did this early last year, the tracks were washed out all the way to broken hill, so we actually bypassed it and went to Adelaide via Mmelbbourne
Great review
Did the return trip in about 1972 with my mother and older brother and sister visiting our WA relatives from Melb, I was about 10yo and the only young one, there were plenty of people middle aged but I still enjoyed it.
Adelaide to Perth is the best part as it is the real desert not just pastoral paddocks, I suggest fly to Adelaide and skip the rest and it'd be cheaper too.
Also looks like price fluctuates a lot depending on the month.
My husband and I would love to do this trip but at present it is beyond our reach financially. We receive the age pension as sole income. Pleased you are fortunate enough to experience the trip and others. It really does look lovely. Relaxing. My daughter worked on the Country Link trains many years ago when she was 18. She is now 46. Thank you for this very informative video.
Skoonma looks good for 80.
My partner and I are doing the Perth to Sydney trip next month in platinum as well.
Holding thumbs for a good trip.
Just a note on the time: WA, NT and Queensland do not use Daylight Saving Time whereas everywhere else does. Under normal circumstances Perth is 2 hours behind Sydney and 90 minutes behind Adelaide. Your video was obviously during DST, so those times extend by an hour. Currently there is no DST in Australia.
I travelled on the Indian pacific 35 years ago first class. Thank you for your video, it’s wonderful to see how much it has changed, so much more luxury now.
We loved that trip from Perth to Sydney. We hope to be on Al Andalus in Southern Spain next year and are already booked on Golden Eagle Danube Express in Eastern Europe in 2026. Expedition cruising with Lindblad (our favorite), we get a nice mix of transport and experiences. Rail in Spain will be combined with land-based exploring in Morocco.
Fantastic video
Thank you Gary!
Thank you for pointing out the vegetarian options on the train! I do hope you, your partner, and your dear Mother had a lovely trip.
This was a great review. I did the trip between Perth and Adelaide in 1969 with my family when it was cheaper than flying, and have wanted to do it ever since, but it's too expensive these days. I'd love to hear about your experience in Perth,
A tip you can use for cruises trips hotel stays
We always take a power board and if overseas an adaptor as you found on the train only had one outlet.
Handy for multiple devices
As Australians we had to travel their Ghan and Indian Pacific. Our budget only ran to Gold class though... Like your trip we found it a truly great experience and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am sorry that you missed the leg between Sydney and Lithgow. It is a wonderful trip and I recommend that you do it if you're ever back in Australia even if you have to use one of the interurban trains.
Our trip was Perth to Sydney. The Sydney urban network is very busy and they could not hold the train for us while we did an off train tour of the Katoomba area. The main train continued down into Sydney and and we were put on one of the interurban trains (specially hired for us) for the final leg after our tour.
You commented that there is only one power point in the cabins. The carriages were built in the early 1980's when people used far fewer devices than we do these days so it was no surprise that there was only one in our cabin. We were glad of a trick we had adopted while travelling in Europe especially in the heritage B&B's in England that we favoured where we ran into this problem frequently. We always carry a power strip in our luggage and an adapter to the local power points.
What an informative review thanks. We’ve been looking at this trip for a while. Btw, Rawling is pronounced as spelled - not row-leena.
I’m surprised that most guests weren’t drinking the wine at the Central Market … when I did this tour (admittedly in gold), almost everyone on my table did the wine tasting. I appreciate that not everyone drinks or is interested, but as you say, Adelaide is known for its wines and just because you don’t choose a wine tour doesn’t mean you don’t want to try food matched to local wine. 🤔
Agree with you on this. When in Adelaide it’s what you do.
Thank you very much for all your comments. No stop in Kalgoorlie?
Gary, you have some travel budget between this trip and all of your cruises. Glad you can make it work for Mark and yourself.
My husband and I went on the ghan last year, Darwin to Adelaide, it was the most amazing experience, including Kathryn gorge, Alice Springs and Coober pedy
Thank you for an enjoyable video on this train and its journey . It's a trip that i wish to take .
Will have to save quite a few more pennies though lol !
Cheers .
Glad it was helpful!
I live near the railway line that goes from Sydney city to Lithgow. It often has to close for maintenance. As it is also a very busy commuter train line during the week, these maintenance times are usually scheduled for the weekend and at fairly late notice. The trainline that goes between Penrith and the Blue Mountains needs regular maintenance due to the topography of the area. Plus recently we have had a lot of rain n flooding.
I am very certain that had the provider been able to travel from Sydney city via the train they would have. The trip via the Bus between the City to Penrith can be high traffic on the M4. However, when you cross over the Nepean River and get on the Great Western Highway and go through the Blue Mountains. It is actually quite lovely. Can't say the train trip from the City to Penrith is all to scenic, so you aren't missing much. When the train gets to the mountains it often runs parallel to the road so most of the view from the train or bus would be pretty much be the same. Yes you don't have your own cabin on a bus, but it isn't a long trip time wise in comparison to the whole journey to Perth. I personally love the drive up the through the Blue Mountains.
Thanks for showing us your travels, it sounded lovely.
I did The Great Southern owned by the same American company.
Pluses: food great, unlimited drinks.
Minuses: single cabins tiny, had to get through 6 carriages to reach the bar and dining carriages, high price.
Ive been on both The Ghan and Great Southern Gold Class. I wouldn’t waste my money on Platinum. We had a dedicated bar carriage as well as the Queen Adelaide dining car. The service on all Journey Beyond trains is fabulous. The best part for me is meeting people and it seems to us the the Gold Class passengers had the chance to mix a lot more with other passengers. We met some lovely people on both trains. I’m from Adelaide btw, so I suppose I’m a bit biased.
We have done both the Ghan and the Indian Pacific...thoroughly enjoyed both...but preferred the Ghan...only went Gold class though and cabins are very squeezy....also on the Indian Pacific we went Perth to Sydney...would much prefer going the other way as tours are at a better time...thanx for the great video..
Pretty good breakdown, thanks. I'd looked at a couple of different Australian train trips and was disappointed with their prices. One thing to conclude is the prebooked, prepaid seasonal trips seem to offer reasonable discounts. Flown over the country a few times for work and the red centre is always striking.
Wow! Train has changed a lot since we traveled in 1999. Back then, Gold class was first class. Very comfortable bunk beds with en suite. Bar car didn't have leather seats but restaurant was the same. Looking at your video, I can see the food has changed A LOT. There were no off train meals back then either.
Hi Gary, enjoyed the video very much. I could not find the link to the video you mentioned at the end of this video were talk about other train trips to do. Do you know where I can find that link? Thank you.
It's very scenic on the train going up through the Blue Mountains which you missed out on going by coach to Lithgow. I think the views from the train are probably better than the road.
The kangaroo usually tastes better than the like best beef, so I wonder if it just wasn't a good recipe, cooking or piece of meat. It looks okay in the picture.
The Barossa Valley in South Australia is very picturesque and peaceful, i loved it even though not a big wine drinker, we went to the famous brand wineries and looked around the lovely establishments.
I also bought a small coffee table made of old wine barrels at a great wood crafts shop.