Hi folks, thinking along the lines of travelling from Sydney up to Newcastle via choo choo in the near future and was wondering as its approx 160 kms A to B and circa 2 1/2 hrs travelling time whether or not there will be toilets and buffet car of some description like what we used to have on intercity trains in Uk or will i just have to tie a knot in it

there will be a bog, but no buffet car or trolly. don't expect a quick journey though, the scenery should take your mind off the time

2 1/2 hours to go 160k's, really? There would have to be toilet facilities by law I would imagine especially for a journey of that length.

Thank you kind sir, the bladder is more important than the belly at my age even though the belly is a lot BIGGER than the bladder !

I know exactly what you mean, I hunt it out lol. have a good trip geeze

Well unless my eyes deceive me that's what this timetable suggests

http://www.sydneytrains.info/timetab...m#landingPoint

Depart 9:15 Arrive 11:51

Bloody hell. My brother is a driver on NSW trains and he doesnt sing their praises.

It's not that fast though is it - 160k's is a 100mile so about 40mph - bit like welsh trains (okay I know, welsh trains aren't really that fast but nearly )

The times you have are about right, the toilets stink and rarely have any soap, do not take alcohol on the train, you can get a big ticket. I usually take a flask of hot drink and a snack.

Yes exactly, 40 MPH. I'm surprised they dont have someone out front with a flag

Think it takes an hour or so to go Swansea to Cardiff - about 30 miles

It would be a necessity rather than a luxury

Plenty of people do it as a daily commute both ways. Kids even do the trip to Broadmeadow for the School of Performing Arts. There are toilets on the trains, quiet carriages if you prefer them and there is some nice scenery once you get out of Sydney. It's hardly an epic journey.

When I was in France last year, I was quite amazed to see people unpacking huge picnics to eat on the TGV, most with wine and huge amounts of cheese, along with all the relevant cutlery - one couple even had silver candlesticks and candles sat on their table!


S

ahhhh yes the Sydney to Newcastle train, also known as 'The Bogan Express' by those who use it frequently. Always thought this train should have one of those head boards of the front with the name on it.

The scenery around the Hawkesbury River is fantastic but expect to share your journey with people with mullets, a limited number of teeth, various assortments of badly done tattoo's and alcohol being swigged either from a bottle in a brown paper bag or even classier straight from one of those cardboard wine boxes!

On the last Sydney to Newcastle train I was on there was a group of them that had a wine box each! They were well pished by the time they got to where they were going.

They usually get on / off at places beginning with 'W', like Woy Woy for example. You usually get asked if you have any spare change also on this train.

It is a great train journey not just for the scenery but also as a view in to the social world of the bogan. But don't get the slow stopping train, make sure you get the limited stops one!

They are running the newer city trains up on this line now but could also get one of those old ones with the interior circa 1970. I wouldn't bet on there being a toilet and certainly not refreshments LOL Can you imagine a refreshment trolley on the Bogan Express ! The alcohol wouldn't last long!