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Title: Australia - railways, fares and incidents (merged posts) Post by: grahame on May 26, 2016, 05:30:21 The Ghan - from Adeaide via Alice Springs to Darwin - is a train of extremes. How does it sit in each of these?
* Least frequent (realistic) commercial passenger service ? * Longest journey ? * and, it would seem, longest train - see The Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/oceania/australia/articles/the-ghan-runs-one-of-world-s-longest-ever-trains/?) Title: Re: The Ghan Post by: Oxonhutch on May 26, 2016, 05:54:34 Also highly recommended. Did Alice Springs - Darwin in Gold Class in 2013. Very memorable.
The trains coaches used up most letters of the alphabet but my main problem was that they were not in alphabetical order! Title: Re: The Ghan Post by: bobm on May 26, 2016, 06:37:17 I am not a huge fan of overseas travel, but that *is* one train I would like to experience.
Title: Re: The Ghan Post by: jdw.wor on May 26, 2016, 17:47:47 According to Wikipedia (the font of all knowledge!) The Ghan does not make it into the top 40 longest direct train journeys. The Trans Siberian being the longest at over 10000 km
Title: Re: The Ghan Post by: PhilWakely on May 26, 2016, 19:11:04 Also highly recommended. Did Alice Springs - Darwin in Gold Class in 2013. Very memorable. The trains coaches used up most letters of the alphabet but my main problem was that they were not in alphabetical order! I am not a huge fan of overseas travel, but that *is* one train I would like to experience. I was lucky enough to spend some of my redundancy payment back in November 2009 on Gold Class trips on both the Ghan and Indian Pacific trains. Operated by the same company, the on-train experience on both is pretty much the same, but naturally the geography of each trip is very different. Either trip definitely comes very highly recommended, but if I had to choose one over the other, I would go for the Indian Pacific rather than the Ghan. Title: Re: The Ghan Post by: JayMac on May 26, 2016, 19:24:32 On my bucket list too, when I win the lottery.
Getting there would be the main problem for me. Not a fan of such a long flight. Perhaps over land as far as possible. Title: Re: The Ghan Post by: eightf48544 on June 07, 2016, 15:02:54 Bnm try container ships.
One way would be. Ship UK to USA East Coast: train to West Coast: ship Japan/China: ship Australia Darwin the start of the Ghan. You may even get one direct to Australia from UK. Title: Australia - railways, fares and incidents (merged posts) Post by: ChrisB on November 08, 2017, 09:57:44 Quote Following six years of planning, restoration of a 1949 heritage train and 3km of railway line, the construction of two platforms and a train shed and the upcycling to produce the world’s first solar train, the two carriage rail motor has today arrived in Byron Bay. The monumental project comes from not-for-profit heritage rail organisation Byron Bay Railroad Company. Their Byron Bay train will take locals and visitors between Byron township and the burgeoning North Beach precinct incorporating the Byron Arts Estate, the Sunrise residential community and Elements of Byron resort. The 3km journey along the coastal track will cost just $3 for adults with some concessions provided for children. (http://www.byronbayblog.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/DJI_0057.jpg) This is another big milestone for the project and we’re just glad to see our beautiful train in its new Byron home. Even more so, we’re really looking forward to running first passenger services and sharing this experience with residents and visitors soon. The train, which has been fully refurbished in its heritage colours, seats 100 passengers with additional room for standing passengers and luggage including prams and bicycles. While there are some trains throughout the world with technology that allows them to run parts of the train like lights and air conditioning on solar power, this is the first real train to run fully on power from the sun. “This is an exciting world first, powering a train with solar power, day, night and in every type of weather” said John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Australian Solar Council. “It shows Australia’s fantastic sunshine can be harnessed in smart ways not just to power our homes and businesses, but to address another pressing problem – cutting emissions in the transportation sector.” Byron Bay Railroad Company is hopeful that passenger services will commence pre Christmas. In the meantime they will begin training the nineteen new local staff, undertaking test runs and commissioning the new solar equipment. “Solar doesn’t stand still” said Dan Cass, Strategist at The Australia Institute. “It has been growing exponentially for a decade and more solar PV generation capacity is being installed than any other technology internationally. This train demonstrates that Australian solar scientists and their innovations are changing the world”. For more information visit www.byronbaytrain.com.au Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: broadgage on November 08, 2017, 12:19:47 Interesting, but not perhaps as exciting as it appears initially.
It would seem to be a primarily battery powered train, with a limited contribution from train mounted PV modules. The train is plugged into the mains at the depot to charge. The fact that the depot is equipped with a large roof mounted, grid tied PV array is good for sustainability, but nothing remarkable these days. I expect to see more use of battery powered trains for branch or secondary routes, and perhaps also for short sections of main lines that are problematic to electrify, such as the sea wall at Dawlish. I have previously suggested that PV modules be fitted to lightly used rolling stock on heritage lines, but that is to keep seldom used batteries in good condition, not to propel a train. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Red Squirrel on April 24, 2019, 10:38:27 The Byron Bay Railroad Company has now carried over 100,000 passengers between North Beach and Byron Beach. Trains run hourly from 10.00 to 17.00, taking about 10 minutes for the 3km trip; speeds are similar to those achieved on a British heritage railway. The route is mostly very straight and very flat.
The company describes its operations as 'carbon positive'. Solar panels on their operational buildings produce up to 30kW, and those on the roof of the train can provide an additional 6.5kW; there is a significant energy surplus. The train also recovers about 25% of its energy through regenerative braking. The 77kWh traction battery holds sufficient energy for 12-15 runs without recharging. The service is provided by a single two-car NSW class 600/700 unit, consisting of railmotor 661 and trailer 726. One of the Cummins NT855-R2 diesel engines has been removed from 661 to make space for the battery; the other is retained as a backup. These units may be particularly suitable for this mode of operation: they were built at Chullora Workshops (which had expertise in aircraft fabrication having built Bristol Beaufort bombers during the war) and consist of an aluminium body bolted to a lightweight steel frame. Could this technology, or a version of it, be used in Britain? Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Western Pathfinder on April 24, 2019, 11:07:34 For those who would care to see it in operation
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1SafVI7vKs4. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: grahame on April 24, 2019, 12:37:27 Could this technology, or a version of it, be used in Britain? Although since converted to 3rd rail, the locomotives on the Hythe Pier railway were originally battery operated, and the line is straight and flat like the Australian one ... the running time is not great - plenty of opportunity to recharge at either end of the pier. One even wonders if the boat could charge at both piers ... similar energy surplus once the train has run as there is in Australia? The only concern is the short days in winter and the fact it's a commuter service that runs in the dark; perhaps add a generator from wind, water or wave power under the pier too?? Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Red Squirrel on April 24, 2019, 12:56:39 That's the beauty of electric traction - once you've adopted it, the next question is not 'whether' you decarbonise it, but 'how'...
Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: broadgage on April 25, 2019, 10:56:31 Yes, similar technology could be used in the UK.
I am a little doubtful about fitting solar panels to an existing train as cost, weight, and complication is thereby added and the output limited by shading and often not facing the sun. A battery train charged from the mains might be better. Offseting the electricity used for charging by a large grid tied solar array on the roofs of depots or stations is better still. A wind turbine is a worthwhile addition in a suitably windy location. Ideally enough renewable electricity should be produced to offset ALL the electricity used by the transport undertaking, not just that used for traction, but also the electricity used for stations, depots, signalling and other purposes. Similar arguments apply to ferries or other ships that make frequent short voyages. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Red Squirrel on April 25, 2019, 11:15:26 Yes, similar technology could be used in the UK. I am a little doubtful about fitting solar panels to an existing train as cost, weight, and complication is thereby added and the output limited by shading and often not facing the sun. A battery train charged from the mains might be better. Offseting the electricity used for charging by a large grid tied solar array on the roofs of depots or stations is better still. A wind turbine is a worthwhile addition in a suitably windy location. Ideally enough renewable electricity should be produced to offset ALL the electricity used by the transport undertaking, not just that used for traction, but also the electricity used for stations, depots, signalling and other purposes. Similar arguments apply to ferries or other ships that make frequent short voyages. Actually I was being rather vague when I asked whether similar tech could be used here! What I meant was that I was wondering if any first-generation (sic) DMUs, as used on some heritage lines, would be particularly suited to conversion to battery-electric. Doubtless the carbon emissions of steam engines don't make that much difference in the round, but it can only be a matter of time before people start to point fingers and ask questions... Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: onthecushions on April 25, 2019, 11:26:07 The Class 503 unit at Margate would be ideal. It weighs in at only 77t for all three cars. OTC Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: stuving on April 25, 2019, 11:42:18 Actually I was being rather vague when I asked whether similar tech could be used here! What I meant was that I was wondering if any first-generation (sic) DMUs, as used on some heritage lines, would be particularly suited to conversion to battery-electric. Doubtless the carbon emissions of steam engines don't make that much difference in the round, but it can only be a matter of time before people start to point fingers and ask questions... Well, there is one at the Royal Deeside Railway that needs no conversion - though it is currently listed as "Electrically out of service". Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Red Squirrel on April 25, 2019, 11:49:54 Well, there is one at the Royal Deeside Railway... Oh yes... handsome brute it is too! Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Celestial on April 25, 2019, 12:06:24 I'm guessing that as Byron Bay is a similar latitude to the Canaries that both the strength of the sun and amount of it is slightly more than we might get in the UK. I certainly wouldn't suggest to TfW that they rely on it for the Valley Lines electrification.
Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: broadgage on April 25, 2019, 13:12:22 Whilst traction motors and batteries COULD be fitted to a heritage DMU, this would in most cases need a lot of re-design as the transmission is mechanical.
It might be easier to start with an old DC EMU, or a slightly more modern DMU that already has electric transmission. Yet another possibility would be a battery loco hauling heritage coaches. There is growing interest in use of same for shunting. A heritage line would be an interesting demonstration of any new or proposed battery locomotive. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: Red Squirrel on April 25, 2019, 13:18:13 I'm guessing that as Byron Bay is a similar latitude to the Canaries that both the strength of the sun and amount of it is slightly more than we might get in the UK. I certainly wouldn't suggest to TfW that they rely on it for the Valley Lines electrification. Maybe solar wouldn't work in the Valleys, but I'm told it can be quite windy atop the surrounding hills... Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: JayMac on April 25, 2019, 16:04:54 I'm guessing that as Byron Bay is a similar latitude to the Canaries that both the strength of the sun and amount of it is slightly more than we might get in the UK. I certainly wouldn't suggest to TfW that they rely on it for the Valley Lines electrification. Maybe solar wouldn't work in the Valleys, but I'm told it can be quite windy atop the surrounding hills... So, sail powered trains then? Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: SandTEngineer on April 25, 2019, 16:19:35 I'm guessing that as Byron Bay is a similar latitude to the Canaries that both the strength of the sun and amount of it is slightly more than we might get in the UK. I certainly wouldn't suggest to TfW that they rely on it for the Valley Lines electrification. Maybe solar wouldn't work in the Valleys, but I'm told it can be quite windy atop the surrounding hills... So, sail powered trains then? You should copyright that idea BNM. I'm sure our current climate change protesters would love that...... ::) Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: grahame on April 25, 2019, 16:41:58 So, sail powered trains then? http://douglas-self.com/MUSEUM/LOCOLOCO/sail/sail.htm I recall doing one as an "O" gauge project about 40 years ago - problem was it was too light and blew over ... looked rather like the Spooner example on that page linked above. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: JayMac on April 25, 2019, 19:42:49 So, sail powered trains then? http://douglas-self.com/MUSEUM/LOCOLOCO/sail/sail.htm I recall doing one as an "O" gauge project about 40 years ago - problem was it was too light and blew over ... looked rather like the Spooner example on that page linked above. Well... who knew? I thought I'd had an original idea. Turns out the idea's been around for nearly 200 years. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: stuving on April 27, 2019, 22:51:33 Well, there is one at the Royal Deeside Railway... Oh yes... handsome brute it is too! For anyone who likes pictures of that BEMU, I have just found a small heap of them showing it in service in the 1960s. The GNSRA covers (obviously) the whole GNSR in its picture gallery (http://www.gnsra.org.uk/gnsra_gallery_intro.htm). Title: Re: The Ghan Post by: grahame on November 17, 2020, 05:32:39 From the Daily Mail (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8956337/Ghan-train-turned-Northern-Territory-leaving-Adelaide-COVID-19-cluster-grows.html)
Quote The luxury Ghan train has been turned around after crossing into the Northern Territory from new coronavirus hot spot South Australia. A total of 221 passengers have had their travel plans thrust into chaos following the new border closures sparked by the COVID-19 cluster in Parafield in Adelaide's north. The Ghan, an iconic train for adventurers, was already in the Northern Territory when the state's borders were closed to South Australia. Still on my "bucket list", but I won't be taking any substantial risk of kicking the bucket by going any time soon. 2022 or 2023 perhaps? Title: Re: The Ghan Post by: broadgage on November 17, 2020, 14:37:13 Bnm try container ships. One way would be. Ship UK to USA East Coast: train to West Coast: ship Japan/China: ship Australia Darwin the start of the Ghan. You may even get one direct to Australia from UK. Agree, a friend of mine has made numerous voyages by cargo ship and highly recommends this mode of transport. Cabin-----excellent, would be called "super double emperor class" or some such nonsense on a cruise ship. Food------Limited choice but of excellent quality, included in fare. Drink-----Again limited in choice but very cheap, had to be paid for at "duty free" prices, not pub or bar prices. Soft drinks FOC. Entertainments and communications limited to satellite TV, radio, library, DVDs, and very expensive sat phone. Reasonably green. Ships use a lot of low grade and polluting heavy oil, but the EXTRA fuel used by adding a passenger is negligible. Most voyages were between the UK and the USA, but included one direct voyage to Australia. One voyage was in truly extreme weather, with the shipping weather forecast describing the sea state as "phenomenal" The very experienced Captain looked worried, and the officers kept checking the lifeboats. The crew were observed to be praying for deliverance. Other voyages have been less exciting. Title: Re: The Ghan Post by: JontyMort on November 18, 2020, 00:21:19 Most voyages were between the UK and the USA, but included one direct voyage to Australia. The crew were observed to be praying for deliverance. For one awful moment I read that as ?Voyagers? to Australia. It would explain the prayers for deliverance. Title: are you thinking of heading to Sydney(Australia) Post by: infoman on January 20, 2021, 11:01:50 The cricket ashe's will be taking place in Australia this coming winter 2021/22.
If you are a solo traveller,like me,or know any one who is,or unless you know some one to take you to or from the Sydney airport Can I offer a bit of advice if you are flying into or out of Sydney. The international and the Domestic terminals are connected to the Sydney central railway station area as well as the rest of Australia. The is an extra charge if you use the train from Sydney Domestic or International airport What I did last time I arrived at domestic is walked to Mascot which is a 20 minute walk away OR If you arrive at Sydney international walk to wooli creek which is a twenty minute walk away Wooli creek will take you into the central area or south bound and Mascott will take you into the central area. Title: Re: are you thinking of heading to Sydney(Australia) Post by: FarWestJohn on January 20, 2021, 18:17:33 Great minds, I always enjoy the early morning walk to Wolli creek. I usually top up my Opal card as I leave the airport too.
Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: broadgage on August 09, 2021, 20:01:42 This solar/battery powered train featured in tonight's TV program "Great Australian railway journeys" shown at 19-00 on BBC 2.
Title: OTD - 3rd Feb 2004 - First passenger train to Darwin on the Ghan Post by: grahame on February 02, 2022, 21:42:29 from Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ghan)
Quote Construction of Alice Springs–Darwin line was believed to be the second-largest civil engineering project in Australia, and the largest since the creation of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Line construction began in July 2001, with the first passenger train reaching Darwin on 3 February 2004, after 126 years of planning and waiting and at a cost of $1.3 billion. Title: Re: OTD - 3rd Feb 2004 - First passenger train to Darwin on the Ghan Post by: PhilWakely on February 03, 2022, 12:07:01 I can consider myself extremely fortunate in that I have experienced the Ghan on two occasions - once back in 2009 when I took a trip to Oz to celebrate my enforced early-retirement and again in 2018, courtesy of my late mother's last wishes.
It is somewhat pricey, but well worth it if you get the opportunity. My two lasting memories of the trips are a night-time stop at Tennant Creek to wait for a northbound freight to pass - absolutely no light pollution and the night sky was unbelievably clear; and further down at Manguri Siding after an off-train excursion to Coober Pedy, waiting for a couple of hours for an unscheduled freight train - what better way to while the time away than an 'unplanned' (or so they said!) BBQ..... (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ww255/PhilWakely/ghan-stop.jpg) Incidentally, just to prove what a small world it is in which we live.... the young couple with their backs to the camera in the foreground, accompanied me on an organised trip along the Trans-Siberian back in 2012 and I had no idea that they were on this trip! Title: Re: OTD - 3rd Feb 2004 - First passenger train to Darwin on the Ghan Post by: eXPassenger on February 03, 2022, 17:14:34 In 1969 I took the overnight train from Brocken Hill to Sydney. This was shortly before the current standard gauge line was opened. The train could have come for the western US in the 1880s. Heating was provided by a hot brick wrapped in a blanket and the only way to change carriages was to step between the open carriage ends over the couplings. The view from the carriage end over the outback was terrific.
I would love to do the Ghan but doubt I ever will. I have seen TV programmes on it. Title: Re: OTD - 3rd Feb 2004 - First passenger train to Darwin on the Ghan Post by: Mark A on February 03, 2022, 22:10:06 A couple of other options needed? 'Yes, but when it only went as far as Alice'... and 'Yes, but the original route via Oodnadatta'.
(Full disclosure, I've never been on the Ghan, but was once very nearly bitten by an unstable dachsund that was prowling round some disused sidings at Tarcoola Junction. I picked up a discarded track fastening spike in case I needed to seriously defend myself, and later carried said spike back on the aircraft, something that these days would probably cause the baggage scanning people to ask questions...) Title: Re: OTD - 3rd Feb 2004 - First passenger train to Darwin on the Ghan Post by: Oxonhutch on February 04, 2022, 11:26:39 I too have enjoyed a trip on the Ghan - 2013 sandwiched into a business trip conference in Alice Springs. The length of the train was most impressive - not so much was the lettered coaches (Mine was L) were not in alphabetical order! :o
Took the train up to Darwin with a great river tour in Katherine the following day. Prior to the trip, I went in search of the old Ghan and found my spike - sits alongside the barbed wire from a Siberian gulag. Title: Re: OTD - 3rd Feb 2004 - First passenger train to Darwin on the Ghan Post by: grahame on February 04, 2022, 12:48:51 A couple of other options needed? 'Yes, but when it only went as far as Alice'... and 'Yes, but the original route via Oodnadatta'. I think they come under "Yes - but not all the way to Darwin". Original routing option would be just too swanky and make so many members jealous! Quote (Full disclosure, I've never been on the Ghan, but was once very nearly bitten by an unstable dachsund that was prowling round some disused sidings at Tarcoola Junction. I picked up a discarded track fastening spike in case I needed to seriously defend myself, and later carried said spike back on the aircraft, something that these days would probably cause the baggage scanning people to ask questions...) ;D ;D Haven't I read somewhere that dachshund are the worst tempered of all dogs? Title: Re: OTD - 3rd Feb 2004 - First passenger train to Darwin on the Ghan Post by: Mark A on February 04, 2022, 18:43:47 This one was clearly under the instructions: "Should any passenger from the Indian Pacific attempt to strike up a conversation with you, advance two paces, bare your teeth and issue a loud bark immediately". It was effective.
Title: free train travel in greater Sydney area of new south Wales Post by: infoman on April 19, 2022, 19:47:54 if you have any relations visiting new south wales(until 26 april)
free train travel is on offer. BUT, it does not include trips to or from the Domestic or International airports. https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/tap-into-a-dozen-free-days-of-travel Title: Australia, air fares and XPT Post by: Trowres on December 11, 2022, 09:47:59 With the HST and derivative fleet here in decline, here's an interesting alternative view from Australia:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/11/flights-were-expensive-so-i-took-the-overnight-sydney-to-melbourne-train-it-was-cheap-and-cheerful-at-first (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/11/flights-were-expensive-so-i-took-the-overnight-sydney-to-melbourne-train-it-was-cheap-and-cheerful-at-first) Title: Re: Australia, air fares and XPT Post by: RichardB on December 11, 2022, 12:56:32 Thanks for this. A few years ago, I did the day train from Sydney to Melbourne. 10 hrs 50 mins. Obviously a long time on a train but I had a window seat and enjoyed it. Not expensive - $72 as I remember. Was tickled that the buffet offered a "Devonshire tea" around 11 00. It was indeed a cream tea with hot scones. Hope to do it again one day.
Here's the timetable https://transportnsw.info/documents/timetables/93-621-Southern-NSW-20190907.pdf (https://transportnsw.info/documents/timetables/93-621-Southern-NSW-20190907.pdf) Title: Re: Australia, air fares and XPT Post by: rogerpatenall on December 11, 2022, 14:32:52 'Morning Tea' is an institution - particularly so in New Zealand. I agree with your comments. I did Brisbane to Coff's Harbour some years ago, sitting on the left hand side, anticipating lots of lovely sea views. The sea was out of sight for every yard of the journey! But still very enjoyable.
Title: Re: Australia, air fares and XPT Post by: Noggin on December 12, 2022, 12:22:04 Might be worth noting that Melbourne to Sydney is almost exactly the same distance (as the crow flies) as Paris to Melbourne - would be a 3h trip on a TGV.
Two 5m+ population cities with Canberra in the middle, should be one of those no-brainers like Madrid <> Barcelona. Title: Re: Australia, air fares and XPT Post by: Witham Bobby on December 12, 2022, 12:55:22 Might be worth noting that Melbourne to Sydney is almost exactly the same distance (as the crow flies) as Paris to Melbourne SNIP / Pedant on I've read this a few times, and still think you're 10,000 miles out ;) Pedant off / Title: Re: Australia, air fares and XPT Post by: Bmblbzzz on December 12, 2022, 14:32:42 Might be worth noting that Melbourne to Sydney is almost exactly the same distance (as the crow flies) as Paris to Melbourne SNIP / Pedant on I've read this a few times, and still think you're 10,000 miles out ;) Pedant off / Title: Re: Australia, air fares and XPT Post by: Noggin on December 12, 2022, 20:30:26 ^^ My apologies Sydney (AU) to Melbourne (AU) similar distance to Paris (FR) to Marseille (FR) ;-)
Now you've got me thinking, Brisbane to Roma (both in Queensland) is in fact more or less the same distance as Paris to Lyon, with the couple of trains a week taking 10 hours, but I'm not sure the population really justifies a TGV service ;-) Title: Re: Australia, air fares and XPT Post by: Bob_Blakey on December 13, 2022, 09:56:21 We did the Sydney > Brisbane overnighter in September 2016. I don't recall exactly how much it cost but remember thinking it was pretty good value. A decent hot meal was served before bedtime. And before it got dark the scenery in and around the Hawkesbury River was absolutely fantastic.
Title: Re: Australia, air fares and XPT Post by: Mark A on December 13, 2022, 10:03:46 Thanks for this. A few years ago, I did the day train from Sydney to Melbourne. 10 hrs 50 mins. Obviously a long time on a train but I had a window seat and enjoyed it. Not expensive - $72 as I remember. Was tickled that the buffet offered a "Devonshire tea" around 11 00. It was indeed a cream tea with hot scones. Hope to do it again one day. Here's the timetable https://transportnsw.info/documents/timetables/93-621-Southern-NSW-20190907.pdf (https://transportnsw.info/documents/timetables/93-621-Southern-NSW-20190907.pdf) Fascinating. In another era I spent a few winter days in Adelaide, in the process visiting the Belair National Park - by train, the station being at the edge of Adelaide's suburban network. Forthcoming travels involved various ticket transactions both local and long distance as one of us was headed for the 'Ghan' at least one of the tickets had been booked and needed collecting. I recall a conversation at the ticket counter which involved the ticket person raising an eyebrow at our almost straightforward request, looking at paperwork, and responding, not unkindly, 'Well, since you're a pom we've *probably* f**ked it up'. Then, alone, a day marked by cold and occasional torrential rain, but an enjoyable explore of the national park - the line that carries the suburban trains has more distant ambitions as it's also the route to far-away Melbourne, winding away across and eventually through the hills to the south east of Adelaide. I walked as far as one of the tunnels, damp in the hills among the leaf-drooping eucalyptus. Returning to Belair station, which is thoroughly heritage, the trip back to Adelaide gave the opportunity to check out the various points at which the first iteration of the line had been improved by the easing of curves, new bridges and at one point I seem to recall a tunnel abandoned by the railway. At that time there was no through service to Melbourne, so when the time came to make the journey it was on to a coach for the first half of the trip to a small town called Dimboola, then at the outer reach of services from Melbourne, and basking in crisp cool winter sunlight. Ample time for the connection, so I walked up to Dimboola's main street as I needed a bank. While at the counter, a resident came in and slapped down a sheep's hide as though going to deposit it, which felt far too stereotypical for words. Back to the station, onto the train, and the journey to Melbourne continued, though not without incident as miscreants from Ballarat lobbed a brick at one of the carriage windows, breaking it. A quick inspection from the train crew, and on we went. On arrival at Melbourne, a team was waiting on the platform with a replacement window, so it can be said that Spencer Street Station people are well prepared for such happenings. Mark Title: Re: Australia, air fares and XPT Post by: Bmblbzzz on December 14, 2022, 08:28:30 Today there's a comparison of various modes on that journey. I expect the results would be rather different for a comparable journey in Britain!
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/10/planes-trains-and-automobiles-comparing-cost-speed-and-emissions-of-sydney-melbourne-travel Title: Australia bound for Christmas 2022? some good news Post by: infoman on December 21, 2022, 03:48:07 The state of Victoria wil have FREE rail transport on Christmas day and LATE New years day.
Might suit those who travelling alone. Title: Re: OTD - 3rd Feb 2004 - First passenger train to Darwin on the Ghan Post by: grahame on February 03, 2023, 07:45:35 I came across this worldwide railway map this morning when wasting time on an interesting maps page (https://news.beyondtheflag.com/en/world-maps-new-whole?ly=native_one) covering thins from what the Japanese think of each country in Europe to the official number of exorcists country by country.
Posting here because The Ghan is obvious even on the scale of a world map. And I think I can see the recent(ish) line to Lhasa too. (http://www.wellho.net/pix/totw23.jpg) Title: Australia - railways, fares and incidents (merged posts) Post by: infoman on April 18, 2023, 02:49:59 on the V-line services,suggest if your visiting the state of Victoria suggest "ride the rails" before you hire that car.
Title: If anyone is heading to Perth in Australia, good news. Post by: infoman on April 27, 2023, 07:36:19 from Sunday 4th June and every 1st Sunday of the month FREE rail transport in the metro area.
Title: Re: If anyone is heading to Perth in Australia, good news. Post by: Oxonhutch on April 27, 2023, 08:10:59 And a very nice metro system it is too.
Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: grahame on March 26, 2024, 09:26:50 Could this technology, or a version of it, be used in Britain? From the Totnes Times (https://www.totnes-today.co.uk/news/miniature-kingsbridge-train-appeals-for-volunteers-674371) Quote If all goes as planned, it will be the 10th year that the Kingsbridge and District Light Railway, known locally as ‘the little train on the embankment’, has run a service. During that time, the solar-powered railway has transported children to the park and adults halfway to the Crabshell. The train was originally steam-powered, but thanks to solar panels installed on the roof of the train shed, the service is now eco-friendly. Title: Re: World First Solar Train Arrives in Byron Bay [Australia] Post by: johnneyw on March 26, 2024, 11:52:06 I've been on it! A couple of times.... purely to accompany various grandchildren you understand!
I remember the old steam one too, on the other side of the quay. It closed back in the 80s and few traces remain. The new railway was funded by a "share issue" and has been running for a few years now from the "Ria End" station up towards the quayside Crabshell Inn.....a splendid destination for a sunny afternoon. Title: Melbourne Australia free transport in central area Post by: infoman on May 21, 2024, 04:49:09 If any one is heading to Melbourne in Australia the trams are FREE in the Central area,and its a big central area.
Maximum cost of using all the Bus,trams and trains in the state of Victoria is a maximum of ten dollars(approx six pounds) monday to friday and reduces to 7 dollars fifty on weekends. The state of Victoria is a very big place and these ten dollar fares are a bargain,with no commuter hour restrictions. If I have persuaded you to visit the state of Victoria,ALL Telstra public phone booths have FREE phone calls to anywhere in Australia. This page is printed from the "Coffee Shop" forum at http://gwr.passenger.chat which is provided by a customer of Great Western Railway. Views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that content provided contravenes our posting rules ( see http://railcustomer.info/1761 ). The forum is hosted by Well House Consultants - http://www.wellho.net |