Hi guys. Now reached Margaret River and commenced testing several wines from the area. So far they are all good.
The 'Indian Pacific' trip ?.... Well, there was a rockfall at Glenbrook so that section of the track was closed. We were diverted via Goulburn and the Riverina then to Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook, Kalgoorlie and Perth.
I truly feel sad to report, that the quality of track for a good percentage of the trip, really needs a good overhaul. This was the roughest train ride over 4 days, that I have ever experienced.
After travelling on trains in many parts of the world in total comfort, we were disappointed with the Aussie experience being tossed around like a rag doll in southern NSW and several sections of SA and WA. Very difficult to enjoy a meal, with drinks spilling across the dining table and then having a shower without getting bruised was near impossible. Many fittings within our Gold Class cabin were loose and to reduce the noise factor, we were obliged to squeeze wet-wipes and tissues into the openings.
As a comparison, commuters of our Sydney rail service (say the A Sets) are fortunate to enjoy an extremely quiet and smooth ride. It would be nice if our long distance train services could be improved.
Anyway, we'll get over it and move on.
Cheers,
Roy