The “Delayed Honeymoon” Big Rail Tour

[Greynomad]

We’re on our way!
Up at 0500 to ensure that Melbourne’s peak hour traffic would not make us late for the 0730 XPT book-in.
Departed 0830, just passed through Albury where the NSW Rail crew replaced the V/Line crew.
Lunch is an hour away.
So far, all good.

[Dot]

Choo Choo and off you go.

[T1 Terry]

Are the meals included Ray, like on a boat cruise, not that I've ever been on one of those .... Might be one of those things to put on a bucket list .... we could tell Brian how great it was

T1 Terry

[homeless]

That would be right. No photos etc, just a brag and a "wish you were here"

[T1 Terry]

That would be right. No photos etc, just a brag and a "wish you were here"

But we'd add the music clip https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/r ... ajaxhist=0

T1 Terry

[Greynomad]

Day 2:
The train trip was a long scenic ride, but nothing like the next leg will be.
Meals were NOT included! We paid premium prices — $13.50 each — for “airline food”!
The stewards came through the carriage to take orders, but we had to go through two carriages to collect them when the announcement came over the PA to say they were ready!

IMG_6147.jpeg

A minute serve of pulled roast lamb with steamed (not roasted) potatoes and pumpkin which had been cooked within an inch of their lives, to the point they were tasteless. The bread roll was so tough it was probably baked last week!
Not my idea of a First Class meal.
A sausage roll (footy quality) cost me $8.50, and I passed on paying $9.50 for a small glass of Sav. blanc, (no brand displayed)! No red wine on offer.
The train is about 38~40YO, and the ‘refurbishment’ stopped at reupholstering the old seats.
New trains were promised for 2003, (not 2023!) but still not delivered. Our First Class seats were distinguishable from ‘cattle class’ by the slightest of increases in legroom and the greater angle of reclining.
Our carriage creaked and groaned all the way, so loudly I feared the front end would fall off!
Apart from the better view of the countryside compared to the freeway, it was so underwhelming I didn’t bother with photos.
Next time we want to travel to Sydney we’ll fly.

Today’s plan is a day at the Maritime Museum, a couple of km up the road. Coincidentally the Museum is hosting the display of all the category winners in the World Nature Photographers competition. Looking forward to seeing them.

Two nights in our hotel (very nice, and 250m from Central Station) before we board a Harbour Cruise (included in train fare) then the Indian Pacific for four days of pampering — meals and drinks included!
No pix of the hotel room — it’s a hotel room like all other hotel rooms.

[supersparky]

Ray, I can assure you that the meals on the Indian Pacific and the Ghan will far surpass the stuff you were served up on the XPT. But, you probably already knew that.

[Greynomad]

Certainly did, Dave!
I was unpleasantly surprised at the quality of XPT food, after riding The Ghan seven years ago.
In more pleasant news:
We’re at the Maritime Museum of Sydney.
This is the reason for our 2-night layover in the Big Smoke.
More specifically, I wanted to see the Krait.

IMG_6152.jpeg

I have read the story and admired the heroism of its crew.

[Wimmera Jack]

Ray, I presume the book you read was "The Hero's"
Those blokes did a Stirling job and were so close to getting caught.
On the second attempt by others as per the second section in the book, they were not so lucky and were beheaded. My Father refused to read the second part, as he had some involvement there. He would never tell me what.

Regards

[Greynomad]

I had a similar reaction reading the eyewitness account of the WWI battle at Bullecourt. An absolute slaughter on both sides.
No wonder my uncle was declared MIA rather than an official casualty. There were many soldiers whose bodies were blown apart by the intense artillery barrage.
Still, the history must be preserved for future generations.