Planes, Trains and Automobiles

[Daver6]

Forever and a day I've wanted to go on the Indian Pacific. My dad is getting on and it's also been something of interest to him. Finally, my brother had an idea that the three of us do the trip. He lives overseas while my dad lives in Perth too.

The plan is my dad and I will fly across to Sydney and meet my brother there before taking the train back to Perth. We booked this all about 10 months out.

I used points and WP status to get two J seats released for my dad and I on the 737 across the continent. We've managed to snag row 1 at T-80.

Accommodation wise we decided to book the Pullman Mascot. My dad and I arrive around 4pm and my brother off an international flight at 6pm. The next day we need to be at Central Station, so an easy Uber ride there. Originally booked flexi rates but a few weeks ago red hot rates were available for executive rooms. So saved some money and improved the benefits.

As for the train, my brother and dad will share a gold twin cabin, while I'll be in a single cabin. The twin has a little en-suite bathroom while the singles have shared ablutions. Having spoken to @JohnM I'm not concerned about not having an en-suite. We'll be in different carriages but it's been arranged that we'll be in the same section, using the same dining and lounge carriages. Details of the trip here Sydney to Perth 2025 - Journey Beyond Rail



My dad has pain walking at the moment (something that should be rectified with back surgery soon) so that somewhat put a limit on the off-train experiences we'd go on to select. For Broken Hill we went the milk bar option (would have done the drag walking tour otherwise) but for Adelaide we've gone the cheese and cider tasting in the Adelaide Hills followed by a German dinner (would have selected that regardless). More details about the experiences is here Indian Pacific Off Train Experiences - Journey Beyond Rail

 

[Daver6]

You're probably wondering about the title. Surely the Uber to/from the airport doesn't count as the automobile. You're right! A few days ago we received an email stating that we'd be on a bus from Sydney Central Station to Lithgow where we'd meet the train. Turns out the train strikes in Sydney are the cause of this. So less than ideal sitting on a bus for 2.5 hours but not much we can do about that.

My dad and I fly out tomorrow and are all checked-in for the flight.

I suspect most updating of this trip will occur when I'm back in Perth due to lack of phone coverage, but I'm sure I'll be able to post a few pictures at some points. Having said that, I do use Vodafone...

 

[VPS]

Udder delights have some good cheese. I'm not that keen on Ambleside gin but they do have a great cellar door. Enjoy

 

[henleybeach]

Enjoy! I actually prefer the showers at the end of the carriages for the single cabins,
Nice and spacious and better pressure.
Your first night on the train will be rough, as the track from Sydney to Broken Hill is deplorable.
It will get better after broken hill.

 

[JohnM]

Bussing from Sydney Central to Lithgow is not uncommon. It happened to me.

They break the bus trip with a stop at Katoomba, so you get to see the Three Sisters from Echo Point.

 

[Daver6]

And we're almost off. HLO only so quickly into the J lounge for breakfast and a coffee. The lounge unusually empty.

 

[Daver6]

On the way with an on time departure closely followed by a bloody Mary

 

[Daver6]

Lunch is served. Brisket which was quite tasty. Not sure what's happened to the cheese log wrapped in baking paper though. The old Y cheese