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Train: Indian Pacific
Train Type: First-Class
Introduction/History:
Australia’s transcontinental Indian Pacific offers a twice-weekly service in both directions, from Perth to Sydney via Adelaide across more than 2,704 miles. Almost 300 miles of it is across the longest straight track in the world, the Nullarbor Plain. The journey takes three nights, and our travelers report it’s frequently a very jolly departure, with many Aussies traveling the route, especially around holiday periods. In 1849, Australia’s first railway lines were built—but on three different rail gauges. The beginnings of modern-day Indian Pacific can be traced to 1917, but the first unbroken journey of the new Indian Pacific departed Sydney Central Station on Feb. 20, 1970, arriving Perth five days later to a welcoming crowd of 10,000.
Accommodations
IRT recommends Gold Kangaroo service, which is set for two persons. Most of our single travelers recommend booking sole use of a double. The reason: double cabins have private, ensuite sink, toilet and shower. Single compartments’ shower and toilet are down the hall. Smoking is not allowed on the train. (Note: Red Kangaroo class is also offered at a lower cost.)
Twin Cabins feature a three-seat sofa which converts to upper and lower sleeping berths at night. It includes private, ensuite toilet, sink and shower.
Single Cabins feature a lounge chair converting to single sleeping berth, with shower and toilet facilities located at the end of each carriage.
Dining
Dining is in the private Gold Kangaroo restaurant. All meals are included in the cost of the ticket; drinks are extra. IRT Society members last on this train felt that the dining service was rushed, with all courses served at once. Hopefully, this criticism has been addressed and service has improved.
Lounge Cars
IRT Society passengers report that the lounge cars can be jammed. There just isn’t room for more than a fraction of the travelers to sit and enjoy a drink. Alcoholic drinks are not included.
Other
If you want to go all out, book The Chairman’s Carriage, which accommodates up to eight people. It has two double bedrooms sharing a two-way bathroom and two twin-bedded cabins with adjacent bathroom facilities. There is a spacious lounge with CD player, DVD and video system; private dining room, fully equipped kitchen; dining in the Gold restaurant on the train at no extra cost; or, dine in your private car’s dining room with meals prepared by your own chef at extra cost. Pricing starts at about $7,000 AUD for Sydney to Adelaide.
Journeys Available on this Train
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