jacketwatch

We have a cruise planned out of Sydney for Dec. 2017. Our niece was living in Canberra which isn't too far but now they are relocating to Brisbane for job reasons. That is further of course so my question is how is the train from Sydney to Brisbane in terms of scenery especially. I imagine it would be comfortable but would a train ride allow us to see some nice scenery along the way. I am not sure what to expect.

Thank you.

Larry. .

BigRuss

Fly.

Seriously, fly.

You're not going to get enough good scenery to justify stapling your derriere to a train seat for 14 hours (half of which, or more, may be in the dark).

jacketwatch

Ok. I did see a train schedule which showed like 0600 departures so that was debatable but if it's not breath taking scenery then flying seems to be the best option. Thank you!

michelhuebeli

Depends how many days you have for the Brisbane side trip.

Flying is the most expedient.

The train is an option - leaving Sydney Central at 07:11 gets you to Brisbane at 21:34, with a switch in Casino. But I can't recommend the train, it's just not up to the standards you might remember from Europe. And it doesn't follow the most scenic route, it goes where the engineers managed to build the tracks with the least up-and-down cost and on land that the government was able to secure.

Driving is the most rewarding, but it requires a lot of time if done right.

jacketwatch

Actually I'm from the US so maybe trains in Oz are better. .

I'd like to give it about a week and spend time in both Sydney and Brisbane and I imagine Sydney would have more to see so I was thinking of a 4/3 split.

It seems definite that flying is the way to go.

Thank you for your input. We can't wait to see Oz. It will be our first trip.

Cheers, Larry.,.

michelhuebeli

While in Sydney, plan on getting around by bus, train, and don't forget the Sydney Harbour FERRIES - hop on a ferry just for the heck of it, they all get you back to Circular Quay where buses and trains connect. The ferry trips will probably remain the most vivid of all your memories!

The best way to do this is by getting an Opal card, loading it up with maybe fifty bucks for a few days, and go anywhere, by any means of transport, also out of town to the Blue Mountains for example.

See https://www.opal.com.au/en/about-opa...ors/?=carousel

cathies

If your trip is going to be lengthy, more than the week you mentioned, then a day off your feet isn't such a bad idea.

jacketwatch

By that time who knows though I see your point. I am retired but my better half is working PT. I hope by then she will have given it up so time off from work is not a factor.

wallaby

The 07:11 train from Sydney switches to a BUS in Casino
for a 3.5 hour ride to Brisbane.

The only through-train from Sydney is the 2:40pm train.
That trip is mostly in the dark and arrives in Brisbane
around 4:00am.

From Brisbane to Sydney the through-train departs around
5:00am and arrives in Sydney around 8:10pm. This trip is
mostly in daylight.

wallaby

And no jacketwatch, the trains in Australia are not better.

jacketwatch

Thank you. Seriously looks like the train is out. We are in the US but our train ride experience hasn't been here. It's been in India as she is from there. And that's been quite an experience. .