My wife and I just completed the nearly 5500 Km trip from Perth to Sydney. This is definitely not a trip for anyone in a hurry, but it's an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and enjoy delicious meals, wines and cocktails while enjoying what is essentially a land cruise. Without question, the entire train staff from embarkation in Perth and throughout the entire trip was friendly, helpful and efficient. We enjoyed the extra space and perks of Platinum Service, but Gold Service should please just about anybody except a claustrophobic. Meals in the Queen Adelaide dining car were varied and delicious, and the staggered seating and advance reservation service meant no standing in line at any time.
On our journey
nearly all passengers were Australians. For many it was their first trip on The Indian Pacific, but there were also many repeat passengers as well.
While the scenery isn't like that of the Canadian Rocky Mountains or the Sierra Nevada, it's unlike anything else on this planet; it's 100% pure Australia.
Short stops in Kalgoorlie, Cook, Adelaide, and Broken Hill are less than inspiring, but guides at these stops are locals doing their best to show off their local history and community with great pride.
If relaxing rail travel is on your bucket list, don't miss this great travel treat. By the way, the few stops are best enjoyed traveling westward as the scheduled arrival times are more convenient. Also, you get the added benefit of moving your timepiece backward instead of forward over the span of the time zones!
Last (although not taken advantage by us), you can even arrange to bring your car along in special auto carriers on the end of the train. read more
