New South Wales XPT Train - Melbourne to Sydney First Class "Daysitter"
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2022
- NSW XPT Train - Melbourne to Sydney First Class "Daysitter"
My exploration into the trains of Australia continues in this video. This service has been operating since 1982. The journey normally take just a little over 11 hours to cover 16 stops. But due to track works in Victoria, the train was running slower than normal and by the time we reached Sydney, close to 12 hours had elapsed. That's a long voyage.
Nevertheless, I had thankfully booked myself and hubby into the Daysitter sleeper cabin which made the journey slightly comfortable.
Come with me to explore this fascinating aspect of Aussie rail travel.
Cheers
Other related videos for this trip include:
Virgin Australia | Adelaide - Melbourne | My First Experience on Economy X
• Virgin Australia | Ade...
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I think the embarrassing aspect to this 70's design 80's build XPT 'fast train' is the 12 hour trip between MEL to SYD. I don't understand the mentality in locking the beds away. Nothing better than a daytime nanna nap. Your brave face against very standard meals was incredible. No wonder the airlines are laughing all the way to the bank in Australia. Only in Australia we run museum age trains as actual 'fast train' services.
Nay sayers would say we don't have a population large enough to warrant HSR, and of course the associated costs to build. Although I feel we need one badly between the city centers of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
@@ryansofly Investigate the idea that Japanese companies have had for a very high speed rail link between MLB. CBR. SYD. BNE. They have looked at the problem in a very different way that doesn't intersect with each city's complex layouts. BUT bringing this idea to reality here in backwards Australia is never going to happen. All we see in Australia is a choking of an alternative that is a viable solution. When you have a Government invested in high priced air travel here were never going to see a fix.
@@leokimvideo COVID was a very good litmus test into how states work together. They don't. So I don't imagine this project taking off, if ever.
@@ryansofly I'll never see HSR in my lifetime, I'm 51, but I'd like to see at least a track realignment so we can have VFR or very fast rail, so the XPT, and upcoming new trains, can fulfil their potential. IT'd be cheaper than a full HSR at least.
@@arokh72 I've just returned from a 2 week jaunt through Europe and half of this was by train between 2 countries. This has underlined just how behind we are here with our prehistoric trains.
The be very very careful bit about the toilet killed me 😹 hilarious
Haha people must be warned! Thanks for popping by!
Ryan the silver train behind you when you arrived in Sydney was the Heritsge Southern Aurora which was the Premier overnight sleeping Car train between Melb and Sydney. It was about to leave on a Cruise Express Charter to Melbourne, the meals on this train were 1st class as was the drinks in the lounge car and it ran on time mostly.Lovely Video many Thanks,Shayne
Yes! I had a glimpse in there and man... It was so classy! Table linen was crisp and silverware placed like dining in the Titanic... Don't think I can afford to go on THAT train! Hahaha...
Dear Ryan, You have inspired me to record a bunch of train videos on my mobile account and i would like to thank you for all of the inspiration for these videos. I have subscribed to you and hope to see more XPT video in the future. I love you and your channel and hope you become super duper successful on youtube. have a good year in 2024 and i can't wait to see more videos from you. 😁
Glad you enjoyed, and thanks for watching! FYI I've got a couple of train videos in Europe coming up in the next few weeks so keep a look out! Cheers!
Hi Ryan, thanks for the excellent video. As my family and I lived in Sydney until 1981, then we moved to Melbourne after that, I have done this train journey on quite a number of occasions. If only they would run frequent XPT trains like this between Melbourne and Adelaide. The last time that I was in Wagga Wagga was back in May 2012. Years ago, the interstate trains used to also stop at Strathfield, though these days it seems that Campbeltown is now the stop closest to Sydney Central Station. Wishing you the very best. Rob in Melbourne Australia.
Thanks for watching! Yeah well unfortunately our rail network is pretty 3rd world. I'm just waiting for the new XPT trains to come on, eager to see how they're like. Until then, I got on the sleeper service few weeks back before they're gone. It'll be next week's video so I hope you'll enjoy! Stay tuned!
Absolutely outstanding...A good and impartial report on a railway system that is in desperate need of an upgrade! I am about to take the XPT from Taree to Melbourne. Wish me luck.
Hahaha you'll be alright. In fact, I'm back on the XPT to try their sleeper service this weekend, just like I said in my closing of this video. Looking forward to it!
Thanks Ryan. Very informative.
Thanks for popping by!
Thanks for this video Ryan! I know its quite dated but I will be visiting Oz in a few months time. Being an avid trainspotter, riding this train is one of my priorities, so I have been watching these reviews for a long time to get myself familiar with Aussie railways. I guess Daysitter seems like the way to go when I ride it.
Hey man, here's an advanced welcome to Australia! From an ex-Singaporean (me) to you, hope you enjoy Aussie rail travel! There's also The Overland which is also featured on my channel, which you might like to check out in my "Trains Playlist".
@@ryansofly Oh wow, great to hear that you were Singapore mate! I have heard about the Overland before- might give it a go if my budget permits.
Thank you so much for sharing your trip. I am considering doing this after having done this by road. The passing countryside is no different to the road. I would not have known this without your video, thank you. I will definitely bring my own food and might go for economy for a larger table. Really appreciate this, thank you! Safe travelling!
Enjoy your train trip! Thanks for watching...
@@ryansofly hyrinemeandmumargoingtonswonthexptistheranuthroomtolpushtogetfood
weniuplodemyvidfeosonlineihopeyouhavalook
Thanks for the Video Ryan. The narrow storage cabinets you wondered about are a good fit for a suit bag, plenty of overhead storage in the day sitter sleeper for luggage without checking in.
The sleeper cabins have only been running since 1990 not part of the original 1980s train orders, and although they might not be true express services, and we no longer enjoy a Lounge and dining car, they did cut about an hour or two off those services they replaced.
The food might not be on plates and glasses, but I can still enjoy a wine with dinner and in comparison to other interstate services, the fare reflects this.
Hopefully the new NSWs trains include the Qld style Railbeds.
Ah yes... Suit bags, of course. I did not know sleeper cars were only added later. I'm eager to see how you're new trains look. Thanks for popping by!
Thanks for the informative video
You're very welcome! Thanks for popping by... Cheers! 🙏🙏🙏
I'm a big fan of double deck higher speed trains like the ESh2 Eurasia / Stadler KISS.
Would be nice to have spacious, comfortable seating and travel at up to 200kmph between Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide.
I believe Melbourne-Sydney would be approx 9 hours instead of 11+ hours aboard the Stadler KISS
With the exception of Perth, Darwin and Hobart, most of Inland travel should be done via rail to reduce carbon footprint and increase passenger comfort.
Sadly the tracks cannot take such speeds. If it was faster, travel between these city centers would be so convenient.
Ridden the XPT a fair few times, I love riding it. Going on it again next year..
Hopefully by then you'd get the new train!
Nice video.
I’ve grown up with the XPT. As in addition to taking multiple trips when I was a kid. But also it passes my home early in the morning. Heading to and from Brisbane.
Thanks for watching, mate!
great video! love the population numbers on the towns etc.
Ha thanks... I can get nerdy with facts like that. 😆
Thanks for an informative & humorous trip. We are hoping to go on this trip in reverse in 2023. We have subscribed, as we really enjoyed your video 😊
Well thanks for your support! Enjoy your XPT trip and I'm eager to hear your thoughts about it! Have a great trip...
I did the XPT Daysitter and Sleeper trips from Sydney to Casino last Christmas and loved it. Will be doing the same trip in a couple of weeks. Because of covid restrictions I have the whole Daysitter cabin to myself and I dont have to wear a mask whilst in the cabin.
Indeed it is a lot more private in the Daysitter. Pity they don't allow us to flip the beds down! Would be nice to lounge on them eh?
@@ryansofly haha that’d be perfect, hey? I’m taking a pillow with me so I can lay down. Should be comfy enough with the arm rests up and out of the way 👍
Quite interesting, Thank you, it was nothing like I had expected. Sadly, our trains certainly need to be updated. But I'm sure I would enjoy the journey.
Thanks for watching, mate! Yeah our train system has pretty antiquated trains chugging about. I'm waiting to see how the replacement trains would be like though. I recently went back on XPT so try the sleeper service. You can check it out on the link below.
czcams.com/video/dQoGxJAJcM0/video.html
Hello Rayn..i like train journey video superb take care bro...by
That was really interesting, the food didn't look too impressive but cant expect too much I suppose. Thanks for the video
You're very welcome! Yeah rail travel within Australia is a little sad. 🤣
nice video thank you
You're very welcome!
Fantastic video so accurate. It is a by gone relic from the 80's! Just wish you could have travelled on the XPT's first class predecessor...The Southern Cross...all sleeper train WITH restaurant and bar...I am now...well...and I remember it so well! Thank you for a great video! :)
I won't write off the XPT as a relic just yet. I'm waiting for the new trains to come online next year! Hehe... Thanks for popping by.
@@ryansofly sadly the new trains wont have a sleeper service.
@@ryansofly But no sleeping car on these new CAF railcars.
@@davyfella that's a shame
willthaystillhavaovernighteserves
I did the same route in the same compartment in early June.
I did the night sleeper though.
Dont be tempted to fall asleep with the curtains open looking up into the stars though.
Because when you stop at random stations in the early hours of the night you wake up to see people on the platforms staring in at you.
(The heating was turned up really high and i was sleeping nekkid) 😧
Hahaha that's hilarious! 😂😂
Thanks Ryan. I’m going to catch the train to Sydney in a few weeks and couldn’t decide which seat option to get. Your review was exactly what I need to decide. 1st Class here I come 😁
Oh wow the timing is perfect then! Haha... If the journey is long enough, I highly recommend the Daysitter cabin as its a lot more private... Plus you don't have to wear that dreaded mask..
Sat at that exact seat
@@MitchellBPYao great minds think alike! 😏
@@ryansofly it was around May
itookavideoofthefruntkofthetraoen
so true
Really
Vry interesting video Hopefully we are also willing for this journey Thanx vry much 🙏😍
You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed!
I had intended to do the XPT as an experience in 2023 but even the exterior is off putting! Thanks for the video
Hahahaha! You're very welcome. Its all about managing expectations, my friend! Thanks for watching!
I've just travelled Goulburn -> Melbourne -> Goulburn (with "connections" from and to Canberra at Goulburn) in first class on the XPT service on daylight runs.
The seating was similar to economy class on a jet flight. There was a bit more legroom than the aeroplane economy seat, but unlike with the plane seat, there isn't enough clearance under the seats to store a small bag under, nor to put the front of your feet under. The retracting footrest is useful up to a point, but its narrowness means that you will likely tire after a while of keeping your feet in the same narrowly-defined position on it. As on a plane, the floor space for the passenger by the window is a little narrower because of intrusion on the "wall" side.
I found the armrests too high to rest my forearms on comfortably without pointing my elbows out like bird wings, and sometimes raised the armrest (the one exclusive to me) altogether for greater comfort. On the other hand, they're at a good height if you'd like to rest your elbow on the armrest and rest the side of your head on your open palm and try to doze off.
I felt a touch of envy when I walked through the daysitter carriage and saw how the "other half" were sitting!
The small buffet area offers an (understandably) very limited selection of snacks, confectionery and drinks. You can pay electronically most of the time, but they warn you to have cash on you in case the train is currently in a dead spot for mobile data reception.
At the appropriate times, staff walk through the carriages to take orders for hot meals, which are just small reheated frozen meals, but be prepared to wait 90+ minutes before you will be called to the buffet area to collect and pay for your meal. I only bothered once to order a meal, namely, the butter chicken. A description along the lines of "prison food" comes to mind, although I have no experience of the latter nor know anybody who has! Maybe I could best describe it as palatable and functional - but that's it.
To keep yourself hydrated drip-feed style, I'd suggest bringing a screw-top bottle of water or other drink with you - but not alcohol; it's forbidden to BYOG!
Staff armed with a big garbage bag make periodic trash runs through the carriages to collect rubbish that you're bound to accumulate along the way.
Between Goulburn and Junee, the progress was slow. The loco driver mentioned on a PA announcement that there are speed restrictions in force, but I suspect that it could also be due to the moderately tight curves in that area, and climbing to a high point while crossing the tableland. What I was not expecting was how ROUGH the ride was in parts through that area. Without wishing to provoke an outbreak of interstate rivalries, it was noticeable that the speed and the general quality of the ride were better on the Victorian side of the trip.
You know you're on an ageing train stuck in the 1980s when there's no WiFi and no charging points for your phone / tablet / laptop. I'm with Telstra mobile, but still couldn't get a signal on my smartphone most of the time outside towns. If you're (say) reading a news website, I would suggest that, while you're at a town or going through one and getting a signal, look for the links for all the articles that you want to read, and open each one in a separate tab on your browser. Then you can read them while you're travelling through a mobile data dead area. You might also consider bringing along a fully-charged power bank to recharge your device from while in transit.
The XPT service between Sydney and Melbourne has no pretensions of being a luxury travelling experience like (say) the Indian Pacific. It's just a workhorse train ferrying people from A to B, and seeing that people are on it only for a daytime or an overnight, it only has to be adequate, and in that respect it does the job.
Lastly - for anybody repeating what I did, travelling from Canberra via Goulburn to further south on the XPT, and having to do the long "connection" wait at Goulburn - the friendly staff at Goulburn station will secure your luggage in the luggage room on the platform, leaving you free to kill some time wandering around Goulburn and maybe having a feed (which I did at Subway and Hungry Jacks).
It sounds like you had a pretty decent experience by the sounds of it. Suppose as long as you know NOT to expect a luxurious 5 star experience, you'll be fine. In case you're curious, I also did the XPT Sleeper Service recently. Link below... Please enjoy!
czcams.com/video/dQoGxJAJcM0/video.html
I am trying to plan a return trip from Southern Cross to Wauchope NSW with stopovers. Can't for the life of me find how to book First Class Sleeper. I really enjoy your videos and the honesty of your reviews. Thank you Ryan
Thanks for your support! Well the Daysitter isn't bookable online when I did it. You book a first class ticket, and then call them up to ask if the Daysitter is available. You then get assigned accordingly after payment. Pretty old school, I know. 😏
@@ryansofly Thank you Ryan. Really enjoy your videos
@@billmoore5399 you're very welcome! I have a XPT sleeper video going to air on Thursday, see you there! 😏
I love that my two favourite aviation channels are now branching into train travel. I have equal love for planes and trains. Heck, i also like automobiles so maybe a roadtrip? I don't want to be judgey, but your lunch looked like a microwave lean cuisine. "Bland". The pork dinner actually looks so much better. I am seriously considering taking the XPT the next time I'm Sydney bound, without any time restrictions. I will pack my own chilli sauce though.
Trains are an absolute must do for someone who enjoys the journey more than the destination. I cannot wait for the new trains to be introduced next year! Yeah I wasn't expecting a gastronomical adventure, the meals were fine with managed expectations. Hahahahahaha.... I laughed with that "chilli sauce comment" because when my friend visited from Singapore and we sat down for a pub meal, from her handbag out came a bottle of Maggie chilli. Not jist ANY chilli, but the one with garlic. Oh! Even I was grateful. 🤣
@@ryansofly iagreethefoodwosfine
Jeez, cannot believe the scenery I missed out on! Barely feel like I went on this train.Maybe I will be able to try it out again during the day. Nice video :)
Indeed... That's why I suggest doing this in summer where the daylight is a lot longer. Next year the fleet gets replaced so we can do another trip report on the new trains!
@@ryansofly is the fleet really being replaced? I’ve traveled on it many times, not recently however. I’d love to see a new version of the XPT introduced.
@@Melb1 yes, according to NSW Regional. Again, this is Australia so take that news with a pinch of salt!
A great video. As you say, it's the journey, not so much the destination, I'm not sure if I'd do it during the daylight service but I'd definitely do it overnight. It's a long journey during the day and not being able to "sleep" properly, or even recline the seats would be a no-go for me.
Indeed... In pre covid times, you'd get 2 random strangers assigned to your cabin if you're travelling solo. That's a little iffy. But they've stopped that because of covid. And they'd make sure if two pax are in the cabin, that they're travelling together. Which is good. It's a lot more private than the open main carriage. Yeah, I'd really wanna try the sleeper service!
meandmumwentupindaytimethayslodthespeeeddownbecosoftheranbecosofthewettrackwewerlategetingtonsw
Cool stuff. I’ve been on this train (before I started making train videos) but didn’t realise you could book the daysitter cabins. I recently learned that in some Aboriginal languages, repeating a word, creates emphasis. So Wagga means dance but Wagga Wagga means place of many dances. 🤔
Hey ya Adam... Yes pretty much like Bahasa Indonesia. Book = buku... Many books = buku buku. 🤣
@@ryansofly Ha - well there you go!
Taking the XPT overnight services between Melbourne & Sydney and also between Byron Bay & Sydney in June, using the Discovery Pass. I'll let you know what it was like on my return!
I'm excited for you! Meanwhile, true to my word I really returned to ride the sleeper service some months later!
czcams.com/video/dQoGxJAJcM0/video.htmlsi=lccqPhnCyQue7nwS
@@ryansofly Thank you. I just watched this and will be booking my pass and sleeper reservations today ( I live in the UK). Used to work on Cross Channel ferries and the rocking motion meant I slept like a baby. Will be requesting a lower bunk though
17:33, you can see P22 that's preserved at Seymour Rail Heritage Centre and was used the next day with the carriages at 21:55 to Melbourne
Right! I've been wanting to ask someone in the know. What is that train at 21:55? That really piqued my interest and I forgot to take down the name of that. It seems like it had sleeper cabins in them!
yeah. I heard that P22 isn't permitted on the Sydney rail network apparently
@@ryansofly it was used on the "Southern Aurora" from 1962 until 1980's when it combined with the "Spirit of Progress" to make the Melbourne/Sydney Express with 1 carriage being a "Gold Coast Motorail" FAM type sleeper
@@ryansofly and the Melb/Syd Express got retired by 1993 when it was replaced by what you took
In the background at Sydney Central was the once famed, preserved 'Southern Aurora' train being operated as a special by St James Rail to Melbourne.
Ah was that what that was! I couldn't find any information on that train!
@@ryansofly czcams.com/video/HvKJ4kpBa_0/video.html
@@ryansofly hyrienweniuplodevideosonlineyoushoodcumandhavalook
Thank you for this preview of the XPT service. I'm in Canberra, and will soon have to make a couple of short-term visits to Melbourne. As flying is uncomfortable for me in a couple of ways, and seeing that I have time on my hands (I'm retired) and prefer train travel if available, I've decided to try doing the trip by train despite the long changeover wait at Goulburn (where I'll find ways to kill time). I'm happy to pony up to travel in first class, but I'm disappointed that the train has not at least been updated to provide wifi. As for the food - well, it's not a luxury service, and my expectations of the food were in line with your experience of it.
Enjoy the train! Not having reception between stops is actually a blessing. Enjoy the views! Lemme know how it goes. I'm eager to hear about it.
@@ryansofly I made a note in my reminder system to get back to you, seeing that you took the trouble to prepare a useful and substantial review of the XPT. My reply has turned out to be a review in its own right, and possibly useful to other readers, so I've posted it as a separate (rather lengthy) comment instead.
Been watching your videos for a while now but this is my first time commenting, I live in Albury we are very lucky here with what we have available with transport I get V/Line to and from Melb a lot and fly to Syd a lot and some times QLD we use to also have Virgin but the pandemic ruined that we are getting the new airline Bonza that will fly to the Sunshine Coast, I can’t wait till Transport NSW get new country trains and funny thing is I will be getting the TrainLink XPT from Albury to Sydney tomorrow day where I will be in the day sitter myself, would love to meet you one day 🙂
Howdy Zach! Thanks for your support. I absolutely love visiting little towns all over Australia because I'm fascinated by the people who live there. Always very curious why they live there and what they do for a living etc. Ah, I didn't know VA served Albury! What a/c did they use? The ATR? Yes, us avgeeks are waiting excitedly for Bonza's launch. Cheers...
@@ryansofly Sorry for the late response I only got back from Sydney I'm not sure what a/c Virgin used I didn't know but forgot but there were flying 78 seat Embraer jets was such a sad day after Virgin stop flying to Albury after 12 years no thanks to the C word, definitely looking forward to Bonza myself can't wait! we also use to have JETGO till they went into administration. I have lived in Albury all my life it is where I was born apart from 2 years where I lived in Sydney that I hope to move back there soon
@@AussieZach88 no worries! May our paths cross on Bonza!
The sleeper cars were built at Dandenong around 1990.
so I'm catching the XPT from MEL - SYD in November and having just seen your food review I'm thinking that perhaps I'll pack breakfast/lunch/snacks before I leave home..thanks for the heads up..
Hahahaha yes that's a good idea
I live in Japan, where we have the fastest train network in the world. The Shinkansen here, is always updated. Improved. Short story. We are a small country with many many people. (I’m Australian living here..over 25 years). Australia is a big country with a lot less people. A high speed network, like we have here, will take ages to make, support and be able to use, as well as here. Airlines know this, so just fly, in Australia, in such a big beautiful country that it is.
Agree 100%... Thanks for watching!
Japan has about 5 times the population of Australia but surprisingly, Australia has more rail laid.
fact. when u get to Sydney central. they get you off the xpt real quick so they send the train back to Meeks road in Sydenham
Your final thoughts are correct. And I honesty think you hated it. It's relentless. I did It 7 days ago. 50kms hr out of Melbourne for 30kms. Speed restrictions. The trains are a meat freezer. Cold. Late. Outdated. Piss poor.
No WiFi. Was very hard trip. I cannot understand how the government hasn't replaced those trains considering one of them de railed and crashed in Wallan vic. Take care.👍🏼
In 2023, there are replacement trains coming from Spain. So XPT will be modernized, long overdue. There is no confirmation about sleeper cabins so we can assume that will die a natural death. I have a new XPT video coming up next Thursday so look out for it!
@@ryansofly thankyou Ryan!!🙏
The XPT was one of the many biggest mistakes of the NSW railways from the 80's. I remember being on the platform at Unanderra in uniform when the first loco and 2 cars went on a demonstration tour of NSW, politicians on board extolling the virtues of this "worlds best practice" train they had purchased on our behalf. The removal of such classics as the Southern Aurora and the Brisbane Limited replaced with these long buses was a huge mistake, the level of service and the quality of the ride fell dramatically with the only bonus of a couple of hours shorter trip time as the bonus. It also gave the LNP governments an excuse to reduce services further by removing trains altogether from many lines in their push to privatise the NSWGR.
Sadly for a first world developed country, Australia isn't known for great infrastructure. Every project is always over budget and late. Just look at the XPT replacement fiasco. Just absolutely embarrassing...
In most situations, passengers would be delighted with a 2 hour reduction in journey times. I'm not sure the push-pull nature of the XPT is necessarily "world's best practice", but having a cab at each end certainly reduces turnaround times, plus the separate power cars offer good redundancy. No one in the UK considers the HST to be a glorified bus, so I'm surprised that you consider the Australian variant as such.
Nice video Ryan - we call the XPT "Extra Painful Transport" as its so slow and rocky. I don't mind travelling on it as you can sit back and relax and take in the countryside. Meals are hit and miss, but usually good enuough to shut your stomach up for a while. Where are you and your hubby from? First time watching your video production and until you mentioned he was your hubby, I was thinking "gee he's gonna piss that fellow passenger off filming all the time!". Good stuff :)
Thanks for popping by! We're both Aussies. We live in SA. The XPT is actually not that creaky, wait till you get on The Overland! Now that's old!
It would be amazing to have an actual express train from Perth to Brisbane hitting Adelaide, Melbourne Canberra and Sydney on the journey. Decent tracks and decent rolling stock it would be so popular
Enjoyed your review including the honest review of the food.
Howdy Wayne, thanks for popping by. Perth to Brissy via Adelaide? Well, you have Journey Beyond (Indian Pacific and Great Southern) for that... Hehe. For some reason, Aussie train travel isn't a popular option so not a lot of investment is put into it which I feel its such a shame. Perhaps its naive of me to think that if the product is decent enough, people will come. 🤷
@@ryansofly the oft cited issue is population density. With 80% of Australia's population on the east coast, I feel an Amtrak style cross country service just wouldn't get the ridership numbers to justify the cost, especially vs flying. In a nutshell we are 80%, roughly, the landmass of the contiguous US, with only about 1% of the population, and thus, generally, rail travel is not a cost effective option...as much as I'd love some Amtrak style cross country services.
Unless it was super cheap and convenient, two big doubts. Plane travel is so easy, cheap and convenient for the distance between cities. Trains don't work.
iwosserpriztthatthefoodwossogoodtheparstarwosrealegowienwosgood
@@stopsallmelb Trains actually work fine for people with patience who have time to go and see something of the country. Planes serve their purpose too but while you get a bird's eye view you don't get much time to take it in. I guess that's not overly important when one has a schedule to meet!!!!
6:57 I’d like to see a high speed rail connect all capitals of each state and territory, except Tasmania of course…
Brisbane -> Sydney -> Melbourne -> Adelaide -> Perth
A spur of the HS line could go from Adelaide to Alice Springs, Katherine and Darwin.
A fast and greener way to get from one end of the country to the other, and will compare Australia nicely with the likes of Japan, South Korea, China, Germany, France and to some extent the UK.
Australia is a funny country. Because we're a federation, each state is run independently and uniquely like it's own sovereign territory. These states can't even get their own infrastructure projects done properly, like an airport rail in Melbourne (stalled)... Let alone a cross country high speed rail network spanning state lines.
@@ryansoflyyou only got to look deeper into Australia’s politics to see why that’s the case, haha!
Trust me, it’s so toxic I don’t think you or I could breath it in to our minds 😂
@@ABTrainsYT I live here... I see these bloody pollies on the TV, makes my blood boil. 🤣
I'm doing exactly this on October before the new xpt. Heads up though is that there won't be sleeping on the new trains.
Yes so I've heard. So I better plan a sleeper trip before the new trains come online.
iwoodliketonowotnewxptsarlike
Gosh, its embarrassing that the train hasnt had an upgrade since 1982. Australian govt hate spending on infrastructure. Great video!
Actually at 10:40 wagga wagga was named twice because
The name 'Wagga' is derived from the local Wiradjuri Aboriginal language on whose land the City of Wagga Wagga now grows. It is widely accepted that 'Wagga' means 'crow' and to create the plural, the Wiradjuri people repeat the word. And also now it has increased the population to 70,339 according to google.
Thanks for the review Ryan 👍
As you say it’s not “Journey Beyond” but it could do with an upgrade.
You’re paying a bit extra for a cabin why can’t the bunk be available, even without bedding some do like a day nap 😴
Although the meals maybe tasty they’re only microwave that takes an hour 😳
I believe both Country Link & Journey Beyond need to review there services quickly, I will prefer to fly.
Even the new V/Line VLocity service is temporary suspended on the Albury run due to issues 🤔
@Impulse Rail, thanks for popping by! I just think the ENTIRE train network in Australia needs an overhaul... Period. As I mentioned in my video, even the trains in Indonesia are of better quality. The meals are as tasty as microwave TV dinners can get, if you know what I mean. As long as you don't expect silver service from a Michelin star restaurant, you'll be alright. Haha...
It would be great if we had a train from Melbourne to Brisbane direct. To do that journey at the moment I have to change in Sydney with a very long stop over before the Brisbane train leaves.
Well, one can always hope. 😏
‘Be very very careful in the shallow daysitter toilet’.
So you did it too huh 😂😂😂😭💀
Hahahahahahahaha.... Punching last night's Italian degustation wasn't ideal, no.
@@ryansofly consider it an initiation of sorts😂awesome video by the way
@@Gray_Vox thanks for popping by! 😃
Australia in the future needs a hyperloop train to link all the capital cities. It is a huge project and of course, costs a lot of money but it needs to be done.
Hyperloop sounds 22nd century, but I agree, Australia is well overdue for a High Speed Rail from Melbourne to Sydney via Albury-Wodonga and Canberra and maybe even Bendigo.
In the library at Albury there is a bible thick book on feasability studies of running the HSR, so it has always been a forethought though little political will to do it. Albanese mentioned it during the election campaign, albeit a short hop from Sydney to Newcastle (?) but that's a start I suppose. The naysayers always bring up the 'it's too expensive' line but High Speed Rail has never been cheap, of course it's expensive but the benefits are many. People can live in the sticks and commute to Sydney or Melbourne or Canberra where rents are expensive,...so many economic benefits too, not just for a few wealthy people but the wider communites along the route. LET'S DO IT!!!!
This sounds so cool and I'd love it! one way ticket for a cross-country trip 🥺❤
Sadly hyperloop doesn’t work and it’s been proven multiple times the technology is a fad and dumb.
If anything it would make sense to build a maglev network as we got the distance to reach those 550km/h speeds without being inside a vacuum tube, also maglev are larger trains for space compared hyperloop therefore more economical for the company that runs it.
dooyouthingktheguvwilldooit
Just need HS rail. Technology already available.
Great video!! Thank you. :) Can I ask how you went about getting an upgrade to the Day sitter Cabin? Did you just book a first class seat, then got offered the option to upgrade on the day? Or you able to somehow pre-book the Day-sitter cabin?
When booking a day time first class ticket online, the sleeper cabins are actually greyed out and unbookable. After paying for the tickets, I called up NSW Rail and they manually assigned us to the sleeper cabin for a fee. 🙂
they hardly ever update anything in nsw as you say journey beyond it is not. still a good trip and review keep it coming
Thanks mate!
I been on the XPT train to Melbourne and returned on First class it was very good. The XPT is a good train to travel but needs a bit of retrofit like having power outlets and USB ports in order for people to charge their phones or devices but disappointing how the government doesn’t spend money for this retrofitting of the XPT and Xplorer. A lot of people like the new high speed trains but there is already been issues with the new train will not have sleeper cars for any run like to Melbourne or Brisbane also it’s been delayed due to the specification haven’t been made right. Currently these new trains are just been delivered but not running in service yet as they will have to undergo testing.
Such a pity they've decided to do away with a sleeper service. I did another video on that and it was rough.
@@ryansofly they are resolving the issue but they are terrible replacements of the XPT because also the driver compartment and the engine is going be on the passenger part of the carriage which makes it very uncomfortable because hearing all of these diesel noise the whole time on the entire journey for Melbourne or Brisbane runs and it makes people harder to sleep on the train. But the train may be a good replacement for the Xplorer like Canberra runs as the trip only takes 3 hours. But no matter what the XPT and the Xplorer are way better than the new high speed trains because they are built well and they are not made overseas unlike the high speed trains which has a poor design and terrible manufacturing.
10:35. fact. Wagga Wagga is also on the way to Adelaide via the Sturt Hwy
wellididnotthat
Ryan, I noticed that your husband went into another cabin towards the end of the video. But can I ask, if the two of you are tired and want to sleep, could one person sleep across the bottom seats (with armrests up), and also another person sleep on the bunk above? Do you know if the above bunk is sturdy and strong? If not a daysitter trip, could this combination of top and bottom sleeper in the same suite be done on an overnight journey? I plan to go with my wife to Melbourne sometime soon, and this layout would be ideal. Thank you Ryan. I enjoyed your video, it was very informative.
Howdy Anthony... On Daysitter service, the beds are locked and can't be deployed. One average height person is able to fit laying length wise with the arm rests retracted. In normal pre covid times, up to 3 people can be booked into the sleeper cabin for daysitter service, which explains the individual numbers. But these days, max of 2, and you have to be traveling together. Thanks for watching the video!
Imagine if this was HSR... or Maglev... dreaming is free 😔
nice natural video,well done,noticed when you got tired you stretched out on your lounge,could you not take your shoes off to save dirt going onto the seat,i am sure these are not cleaned regurlary,a little bit of thought helps the next person that sits in that cabin,cheers,bralen
Hello ryan, i saw destination is campbell station instead of central station, can we choose the station? Since i didnt see the options, thank you
I'm not too sure actually. Suppose during the booking you can select the destination and they will stop accordingly when needed.
There are 2 xpt trains a day one in the morning and one at night
I got a good laugh thank you!! Definitely needs a fix up hey, a bit lame but fun nonetheless
Ha thanks for popping by!
Best part of the trip is definitely the ride out of Melbourne
Junee is pronounced Joo - Nee
Is it only first class that gets a bed?
Is is one person per cabin or can you fit 2 individual people?
Like of you brought one ticket you'd get one sleeper cabin to yourself?
This cabin that I'm in, its known as a Daysitter. It is not first class. For day service, you can have up to 3 pax in that cabin. For night, its 2. So book at your own risk because XPT cannot guarantee you'll get the cabin to yourself. I just completed the night sleeper service this morning and I had one other pax on the upper bunk bed. Thankfully we got along.
I live in Australia and travel to Europe a lot. Australia needs to really upgrade its rail. Paris to Marseilles is 5 hours on the train. 7 hours if you drive.
Well Australia is a lot more fractured politically than it seems. Each state is almost its own country. So investments in rail traversing state lines are a pipe dream. That being said, XPT will have new trains in 2025.
@@ryansofly Europe works it out.
Ryan so fly.... fly
I took this journey many times over the space of 18 months from 2010-2012. I would advise anybody doing the full 11 hr journey to bring cash because sometimes the buffet car card machine wasn't working. Mostly the journey didn't feel that long but one time there was an incident on the track & the journey became 18 hrs long - That was tough! I never took the night time version of this journey because a man sitting beside me on the train warned me against it. He said it was obviously pitch black outside & this made the journey seem brutally long. The difference in comfort between 1st & Economy class is negligible but in 1st class you have a higher chance of the seat beside you being empty & also less chance of kids running around & being noisy etc. I experienced both & economy is fine (I generally travelled by economy) but there was a couple of occasions in it when things got a bit crazy. Over all, this is an ok journey but 11 hrs can be taxing. The train for large parts of this goes really slow (although this gave us some beautiful views of Roos hopping along beside us as we travelled through the countryside). I'm back home in Ireland now but I miss Australia a lot.
Thanks for popping by! You know, I cannot remember when was the last time I used cash! These days I do not even carry a wallet with me anymore. The difference between Daysitter and the main cabin is vast. I'd genuinely wanna try the sleeper before its gone permanently.
@@ryansofly A girl went up to the buffet car to order breakfast in the train & the card machine was broken. She had no cash & walked away. God knows what she did for the next 11 hrs & through 3 meal times 😳. I'm Irish & we are still a very cash-centric nation so I guess that's why I always carry cash 💵 👍😂
wenmumyoutthecardmersheenhercardwoswerking
Do you think the daytime train view was worth it? Or would you recommend the night time train in first class and try and sleep during?
It was worth it for the space in the day time. As for the overnight, I did it few months later, follow the link below to watch it.
czcams.com/video/dQoGxJAJcM0/video.html
hi Sir Ryan, is it safe for a lady to travel by that train at night? Planning to leave Melbourne to Sydney?
It is safe on the XPT, yes it is.
When will we get some new XPT trains ? They are definitely needed. And I reckon there should be some difference between 1st Class & Economy. They are the same. I don't call more leg room any difference. Just different price. There needs to be better & more comfortable seats. And maybe some single seats as well. A food carriage in 1st Class. So you don't have to walk all the way through the train to get food. I wouldn't tt mind paying a bit more for a better service.
The new trains have been delayed indefinitely due to the dispute between NSW government and the Spanish train manufacturer. Because we keep changing the plans of how we want to fit out the cabins, the Spanish have had enough and told NSW to go sort themselves out before resuming discussions. 🤣
@@ryansoflyIt's a bloody shame we can't build our own trains to our conditions.
Ford factory in Geelong not broadmeadows and the sleeper cost $234.00 and its i$150 more then first class sitter
Hi Ryan I wasn't trying to be a smartass about it .. thought I let you know insactly course im doing my third trip to nsw on the xpt sleeper and did security work at fords factory
I did a bus journey from Melbourne to Sydney with Greyhound it was much faster haha but I would like to take the train if I get a chance next
You know, I've never thought of Greyhound! You've just planted a seed in my head. Thanks! :)
@@ryansofly I personally liked Murrays better
Yes, it's dated, but these trains are being replaced by new trains in the next year or so.
Also, the rail distance to Sydney is around 90km longer than by road.
Can't wait to get on the new trains! Thanks for popping by!
thatswotisedtomumiwoodliketogoonthenewtrain
I believe Wagga means crow in the local Aboriginal language. Wagga Wagga means many crows.
Ah right! Indeed, I was told that, and also someone else told me it means "dance". So it could probably be a town of many dancing crows... 😁
@@ryansofly 😂
A Very Fast Train from Brisbane to Melbourne cannot be justified because the passenger numbers simply aren't there.
Unless you steal them all from the airlines including low cost carriers. So prices will need to be very cheap for the high speed train to work
Will never ride that cranky ol’ train again!!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 it was that bad, was it?
The word Kangaroo comes from the Guugu Yimithirr language which is spoken in far north Queensland. The word is also one of the first Aboriginal words ever recorded by British explorers. When spelling the word with traditional pronunciation, the word would be spelled as “gangurru”.
Thanks for this fascinating fact. I spent some time in Cape York last year speaking to the folks up there, learning about languages lost etc... Wonder if this would be one of them?
The Melbourne to Sydney passenger train service should run through Gippsland with pick up/drop off stops at Traralgon Sale Bairnsdale Mallacoota Bega Merimbula and so on. It's the true scenic route! Let the freight services take the current route!!!!
The train would only stop at any station enroute if there are passengers wanting to get off or on there!
Suppose we can only dream... I'm eager to see how the new trains would look like though!
Hard to say. If the main service was switched to the Gippsland route there'd still have to be passenger services on the current route for those needing to travel that way.
@@ryansofly Here's a thought. Run the fast train along the current route for those in a hurry and run a slower service along the Gippsland route for those who wish to travel at a leisurely pace and enjoy the views.
@@Eleina1951 suppose it's all down to what makes money
The new XPT's won't be hitting the rails until 2026-27 due to delays.
Hello Ryan, I watch you sit in First class Sleeper in Daytrain. How to book it? Because I cannot find Sleeper site on the website.
Once you buy a First Class ticket, you'd need to call XPT up for them to manually assign you into a sleeper cabin
@@ryansofly thank you
@@choiXlo enjoy your trip! Let me know how it goes!
We are doing this trip in February 2023 the other way round sydney to Melbourne
Oh cool! I wonder if you'll get the new trains by then? 🤨
?? New trains when 🤔
@@stebear58 all that's said is "beginning 2023"
@@ryansofly what new train like any ideas
@@stebear58 www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/regional-rail
6:20 aaaand it’s also the butt of all the jokes in Melbourne as it’s a complete dump.
I suppose a lot of parallels can be drawn with Elizabeth in South Australia after the closure of Holden. I live 20 minutes from there, actually. Thanks for popping by.
Tbh i used to work for countrylink :3 trains are pretty old rn.
Lol yes they are embarrassingly old. Can't wait for the replacements!
@@ryansofly waiting for last 6/7 years :’3 not anytime soon i reckon. I left 2 years ago so if they made any plans got no idea.
fact. at Junee there's a driver change
wenwestoptgewinethaydidnotsayenythingaboutadriverchanes
Mate, what is the price Melbourne to Sydney ? Is lunch with the ticket? How about coffee?
Is the day or night train the same price ? Food included with the ticket?
@@iqbalbhuiyan3350 for January it is $164 one way in first class. Then you'd need to call xpt to get a daysitter assignment. You pay an additional fee on top of that. Night time train in sleeper is roughly $240. These fares are only the seat and does not include food and drinks. For sleeper service, fares include breakfast.
If I wanted a high speed rail, I’d fly.
I take the train for the journey, not the destination.
There is nothing wrong about trains in Australia. Look at crazy high property price that is going to overseas investors but has made it impossible for many Australians citizens.
How much was the cost??
Price of the first class ticket is seasonal. From there, I topped up roughly about 15-20 dollars per person to get the Daysitter cabin.
I Miss Being On The XPT. I Haven't Been On The XPT Since 2019,2020 Way Before COVID. I'll Be Going Back On The XPT In October
Great! The XPT is surely a great way to travel, expectations managed of course. Thanks for popping by!
Yep. Your Welcome
11 hours from melbourne to sydney is just ridiculous... nothing express about that...
Hahahaha, I know right? That's why take "express" with a pinch of salt.
thatsrit
Subscribed.
Cool video 📹
But the etymology of kangaroo is not right. Its a common mytho but it comes from the aboriginal name "gangurru".
Best wishes ❤
Small meals
XPT May be dated and bit shabby compared to many other countries but you’ve never travelled by train in the US!
Hahahaha... I actually have done Amtrak waaaaaay back in the late 80s. Hinting at my age, ahem 😂
ididnotthingkthexptwosshabie
The XPT is a dinosaur of a train, there suppose to revamp the XPT with a larger long haul passenger train with more space, wifi and modern comfort.
They won’t put the money into faster trains for long haul due to the old Victorian windy style layout of the railway and it’s far cheaper as well faster to fly in Australia, as planes fly point to point and require less infrastructure.
Australia hilly environment and very long distance between large cities sadly makes it pointless to build high speed rail.
It would be nice if they went maglev for the long distances as we have a lot of land to go straight on to reach the 500km/h speeds.
I'm waiting for the new trains to be launched. But alas, they'll have no sleeper cabin.
Thanks for the review of your XPT trip. Unfortunately it was a rather negative review ..... the train is old fashioned looking inside (does this matter really as long as it's comfortable & safe; the XPT has just celebrated it's 40th Anniversary) ..... it is slow (people already know this from the schedule, it is due to lack of investment in the tracks so that even the design speed of 160 km/h cannot be maintained (the low design speed is due to the long gradients the XPT has to traverse which dictated lower power car traction motor gearing)).
Of course HSR would be more energy intensive, especially with all those stops.
You did mention some good things like the food was quite acceptable, the train was quiet (you were lucky in this respect because sometimes the suspension creaks due to lack of maintenance) and the Scenery was wonderful.
I understand that a vast amount of money would be needed to straighten out the route and get rid of the steep gradients so that HSR was possible (also all level crossings would have to be replaced by bridges or tunnels). For long journeys the Sleeper is the way to use the XPT imo.
I'm in the UK and haven't been on the XPT but I imagine those toilets between the cabins are probably the worst feature of the XPT, they have virtually no water in them and anybody who has used a `washout' or `shelf' toilet will know how stinky it is likely to be when used (unless there's some very clever extractor system). The main toilets are modern vacuum operated air plane style with effluent retention tanks from day one (unlike our old BR IC125 in the UK that had discharge on the tracks toilets for most of it's life).
Wow thanks for your detailed response! Sometimes I'm really embarrassed at that state of Aussie rail travel. We have such beautiful scenery but really shit rail standard. Even the so called luxury rail like Ghan the works are so old and creaky. But I tend to look at the glass half full. It's full of character and charm. Hahaha.... Yeah but the XPT trains are scheduled to be replaced with more modern ones next year, so I'm looking forward to that. Thanks for popping by!
@@ryansofly Thanks for your quick response. I forgot to say that the new CAF Civity bi-mode trains will have the same design speed as the XPT (160 km/h) but will almost certainly accelerate a lot quicker so journey times should improve. Unless there's a change of heart Sleeper accomodation is not going to be offered; meaning the new trains will no longer offer an alternative to air travel ..... madness !!
weniyoutsthetoyletitwosfine
@@ryansofly New trains delayed for 3 years. Great news for XPT lovers but I expect you will be disappointed.
I wanted to include a link to The Sydney Morning Herald article but unfortunately you do not allow it.
The XPT was big news in 1979 everyone was saying the next big thing in australia was the train service being upgraded to the XPT, I have travelled on the train for years now and the shazy wobbles like it is going to fall over, and the gas that leaks up through the floor is a menace to breathing and put me to sleep on more then one occasion, the train service should be charged with negligence it’s in real bad shape, and this video must be very old because my last journey was only a year and a half ago, this is not even the same seating as the old one I was on.
Sorry you had such a sub par experience. Yeah I went in with my expectations well managed it would be what it is. The video was filmed in April this year so it's fairly recent.
@@ryansofly I can’t believe your video is that resent and for your to be so different the train service must have left those carriages off, the nice ones that you were in. I’m going to start videoing my travels so I have proof of what I’ve seen. Thanks for the reply.
ididnotnotsenygasy
Your dream for high speed rail will remain a dream. You have two cities that are too far apart for rail to complete with planes and not much in between. It would require over $100 billion of public money for very little benefit. That $100 billion can provide much bigger benefit to the community on other projects.
Have you travelled by plane recently... France has banned short plane trips... but I agree Trains will never work in Australia
@@JJ-vy2rh France has banned trips on three lines that can be made in under 2.5 hours by train from Paris. The cut off point where trains beat planes is generally considered to be 3 hours. Unfortunately Sydney to Melbourne is going to be well over 4 hours and even more with stops. It’s just not viable on time as well as cost.
@@gregessex1851 but the sites are amazing. Watching the landscape is a part of the experience, it isn't just for speed, convenience and practicality.
@@anarchyfork2676 I have seen those sights many time. You don’t need to spend $100 billion of taxpayers money so that people can see them.
There are xpt trains a day not 4
How much money for one ticket?pls
This video is 2 years old. Best to head to the website of NSW TrainLink to get the latest fares.