Hope you enjoy this video! It’s been a long time coming! Have you ever ridden the Indian Pacific, or would you like to? For ticket information and costs, see the website - journeybeyondrail.com.au - costs vary significantly by season, whether you choose some at-cost extras, and whether you are sharing, which is why I haven't indicated prices in the video.
I’ve done this trip 5 times now and I plan on doing it a lot more as I’m not a big fan of flying🤦🏻♂️. I was so disappointed when I got to Hahndorf both times that we got there too late in the day and everything was shut as there some pretty awesome looking shops there. And I absolutely loved the Adelaide market part of the trip that was really interesting👌🏻😁🇦🇺🍻 Edit: The only reason the kangaroo tastes good is because its marinated or has its actual flavor covered up with spices and stuff. Kangaroo is definitely not a nice taste in my opinion ,that's why 95% of kangaroo is made into dog food in Australia.
I guess that's a matter of opinion and preparation. We've had friends over who have said that they didn't like lamb and we never say what meat we're serving. After eating what they thought once were marinated and grilled pork chops but was actually lamb we were asked could they have another. My wife and I did all we could to keep from being heard laughing while we were in the kitchen. That time was over a decade ago and we've never told.
I never knew about the dual gauge in WA. This would be an amazing trip but it's just way too expensive. Not sure how it can survive without the tourists who seem to be avoiding Australia in 2022. I was in Sydney CBD yesterday and the city is dead, QVB building empty and so many boarded up shops. I really think many top tier tourist attractions will fail or be heavily scaled back. It's still early days of this nightmare.
I was a Perth based locomotive driver and worked that train for 23 years until my retirement in 2020,it was part of my roster along with the interstate freight trains,my employer Pacific National provided the Locomotives and crews to haul the train on a " hook and pull" basis as Great Southern Railways don't have their own Locomotives or drivers, Pacific National had an agreement, where possible to use Locomotives painted in the GSR livery as about seven were painted in the IP scheme, I never travelled on it as a leisure passenger ,although I did travel on it once travelling back to Perth when it had terminated in Kalgoorlie due to flooding on the Nullarbor plain,I did 43 years as a locomotive driver and loved the job.
@ BooBoo61 I did enjoy the job,but it's nice going to bed every night knowing that I'm not going to get a call from crew callers asking me to come to work,we have a shortage of train crew here in Australia our massive iron ore mines in the North West of Western Australia,the Pilbara,offer attractive salaries and bonuses and attract a lot of Drivers causing a shortage for the other operators,so as I approach my 70's I could probably still go back if I wished.
@Alf Garnett Thanks for your reply. I hope you get to the U.S. If a train ride is on your bucket list, I suggest the California Zephyr from Emeryville (San Francisco) to Denver. It passes through some of the most beautiful country in the U.S.
@Paul Smith Yes I see the Amtrak drivers work exclusively for Amtrak,here the Indian Pacific,The Ghan,which goes Adelaide to Darwin and the,Overland,which goes Adelaide to Melbourne are owned by GSR Great Southern Railways,as I mentioned before they don't own any Locomotives or have train Drivers, they do own all the coaches and provide the on coach staff,my employer had what's called a hook and pull contract to provide Divers and Locomotives to haul it hence why I worked both freight and passenger services, railways have a way of being in your blood and while I enjoyed the job the irregular hours time away from home can be tiring but would I change anything no I wouldn't,thanks for your interest I would like to get to the states one day to have a good look around.
It sounds like you simply wanted to watch a different sort of video than the one I made I’m afraid. 3.2M views means I don’t need to defend its quality.
@neutrino78x You would be surprised, Trains are a big transport mode in India. Probably the largest. Being a relatively poorer nation, trains offer some of the cheapest mode of transport. Also the railways have a huge track network. The trains here are yet to come to the standard you experience in the West. But it is happening now. Better coaches and cleaner stations. Do travel to India. Here the plus is the people especially the poorer ones. If you can handle some touts who pester you at the tourists spots, you would be surpirsed with the warmth of the people here.
@neutrino78x Another thing to add is that in the case of China outside of the major cities the rail is more of a political move than an economic one and is for the most part a money sink.
I whent on that train Sydney to Perth in early 1990 great fun there was a big flood the train company put us up in a hotel for the night then flew us out to Adelaid then a bus tour of Adelaid on the wat to get the train no extra cost for my $90 ticket.
In 1987 I drove from Perth to sidney, four days it took us. We slept in the car at night and ate under the stars. I use to think London to Coventry was a long way great memories.
It was good to look around Cook again. My brother and I worked on the Nullabor railway in 1963/4. We were in the Special gang, that moved up and down the track, maintaining it, where necessary, renewing sleepers, wood back then, etc. We lived in movable carriages, that were shunted off onto a siding. We were based in Fisher just along from and smaller than Cook. Supplies were brought to us on the "tea and sugar" train. I remember seeing Donald Campbells Bluebird going across on a train, for an attempt at a speed record. Ha! Ha! not many people in England can say that.
I’ve crossed the US twice by train - there is such a marvelous sense of you don’t get in a plane. And I quite agree, a leisurely dinner with fellow travelers is usually a highlight. I shall certainly add this journey to my dream list. Oh, love that tiger shirt!
Born in Sydney in May 1946. Departed as a 2 month old for the U.S. with my U.S. Army American dad and Aussie mom. I've never returned. Will be visiting in 2024 for 2 months. The Indian Pacific is one of the great adventures on the itinerary. This is just a great video!!!! Thank you so much Paul!!
If you would like to see a much longer video SBS Australia has a very good, sometimes boring, one available through streaming on SBS On Demand. The full trip condensed to around three hours. Good for hibernation / isolation / rainy day...Best.
29:30 The markers are not for a pipeline , but are for the "Optical Fibre" I was involved in installing in the late 1980's and 1990"s. The large rocks you can see close to the line are from the "Rip Line" where we used a D11 Bulldoser to carve the trench for the laying of the fibre. Water for Cook is brought in by train.
Those airstrips you see randomly are for the Royal Flying Doctors Service. In case a passenger requires immediate treatment they can land next to the train.
Paul, this was incredible. Your content, like a lot of others (Nate and Kara; Audrey and Sam; Divert Living; Action Kid; Sergei Baklykov; Endless Adventure, and others) is way up near the top. Just amazing.
10 minutes or so in and I can tell this is going to be the best video anyone's done on the IndPac. This is a definite 'bucket list' thing for me. Awesome.
@Siegrid Thomas Try the California Zephyr, Chicago to San Francisco, a bit of agricultural land aty first, then the rockies, canyons, deserts, Sierra Nevadas, and return on the Empire Builder on the northern route
A very impressive train and journey. I'm astounded by its length. The cars are similar to the ones used on the Santa Fe Super Chief and Burlington Zephers.
I absolutely love this video,it’s as though I was physically there on the train. Hopefully I will do one of these trips to experience what so many people love to do.
As a Yank, I thoroughly enjoyed my two long distance train journeys in Australia. These were the Sunlander (Brisbane - Cairns) and Ghan (Alice Springs - Adelaide). In addition to the chance to see the less developed areas of the country, the highlight was the chance to spend time with both Australians and fellow visitors. No one likes to swap stories over a cold stubbie more than Aussies, at least that I have experienced, and it adds a major new dimension to one's visit.
I lived in Perth for three years, at the end of my street was Meltham station, around midday on a Saturday I would often watch the Indian Pacific trundle past on its way to Perth, it seemed to take about 5 mins to pass through, I’m sure the engine would be entering East Perth station while the rear would still be in Mount Lawley station
An unforgettable adventure across Australia!! Awesome scenery. Delicious cuisine. Interesting off train excursions. Thanks Paul for sharing your journey.😀💚💚
In my whole life living in Sydney, I never thought of the Indian Pacific highly as I just wanted to get to my destination sooner (always flew to Perth). But as I grew older, and watching your other train videos for the last 2.5 years, you've finally convinced me to do this epic train journey. Once this pandemic is over in Australia, I will gladly do this trip! Fantastic and informative video Paul, this is probably your best train video yet!
We did this trip from Sydney to Perth then cruise ship back (pre-Covid, of course). Instead of kangaroo curry, we had camel curry. Probably the best way to serve camel meat but it was lovely. Great relaxing holiday without worrying about suitcase (or my own) weight. Forgot to add: Paul didn't mention this but train noises and bumps can make for a disturbed nights rest. But with short daytime naps to catch-up, all good
@Mariposa Papillon 6mnths ago yes AUS did have covid,By end of 2020 AUS practically covid free, Reason why? Our very hard lock down,of 120 days( 4 mnths) in MELBOURNE,,ALL STATES AND TERRITORIES, HAD THEIR OWN HARD LOCKDOWNS ,EVERY STATE DID EVERY THING THAT WAS ASKED OF THEM,THE PREMIERS OF ALL STATES ,WERE IN IT WITH US ,,NOW WE HAVE THE FREEDOM,WE ALL CRAVED FOR, PITY OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD HAVEN'T GOT WHAT IT TAKES,,,
@Manpreet Singh the pandemic is ENDEMIC, it's here to stay, part of life on earth forever (like all flu's etc) mutating and changing all the time, even if there is a 'vaccine' it won't prevent everyone from getting it, just like existing flu jabs, namaste
My wife and I took the Indian Pacific with our daughter in February 1980, from Perth to Brisbane via Adelaide and Melbourne. We'd booked two Austrail passes before arriving in Australia, thinking we'd buy our daughter's ticket as she was coming up to four years old and not knowing the drill, as we had been living and working in Central Africa. When we went to the station the very nice ticket office gentleman asked how old she was . We replied that she was a leap year baby and her first real birthday would be the second day on the train. He smiled broadly and said "In that case, being under one then she travels free of charge." Oh bless you, Austrail. The crew made her birthday a really wonderful time and I recommend the trip to every one.
I did this trip in 1987. It was quite an experience. I remember stopping off in Cook, where surprisingly there was a light, misty rain. Would love to do it again in the other direction.
Awesome video. It's interesting too see how the train is like a 'cruise' where you can get off and explore at different stops. I hope I can take the Indian Pacific someday!
I've always scoffed at our trains such as the Indian Pacific, and the Ghan. Most footage that I've seen present the trip as an antiquing trip full of retirees. Your video is probably the first one that has made me consider doing the trip via train one day. Thank you.
@Red Hammer The is a universal phenomena. Once we reach middle age and start to see that life is not eternal, that is when Wisdom dwells. Another reason is the struggle to get financially settled. It is getting harder amoung the young. So they have less and less time to actually listen and observe. This age of materialism has its benefits, but we are now seeing the negatives of it too.
Up your's lad. Ever tried to talk to an oldy, better still have you ever tried to listen. The vast majority who are on these trips is because they lived a full life and now enjoying something special. Ever heard of the Berkeley women, the small group of Brits who were producing code through WW2. I met one who retired in Perth, what a fascinating personal account of how it all worked and what that small group of women contributed to the war effort. Or the 85 year old nuclear physicist who worked in British ordenance I also met in Perth. I asked if he'd ever seen a nuclear bomb go off and his reply " Well have you ever heard of Maralinga?' People work hard all their lives. Many never had the chance nor means for such a journey. Amongst them you will meet some of the most interesting people you will ever meet. But it's good to see more and more young people are reconnecting with their elders, that's a good thing.
@Tri Arb Yes, I just looked it up. Over $2100 (and that's one way, presumably you'll need some way to get back too). It seems like a great experience, but whether it's worth the whole budget for a holiday, I'm not sure...
Thank you for such experience! Besides that I am from Russia, too far from Australia, but thanks this video I could feel that atmosphere of traveling across Australian infinite desert.
Outstanding, entertaining and well presented. The cuisine and accommodations looked superior. Bit of departure from your usual airline trip. I have to add this to my wish list. Furthest I’ve traveled by train was from St. Petersburg to Moscow. I think train travel allows one to see and experience more than air travel. Do more videos of thus caliber
You must have filmed this during 2019/2020 summer of bushfires. It was terrible. Constant choking smoke for 2 months and many lives lost. Glad you enjoyed your stay in Australia!
Did this trip from Adelaide to Perth on Boxing Day 2019, brilliant. Car on train and plans to do bucket list drive from Perth to Adelaide but bush fires had other ideas. Got as far as Esperance and had to turn back to Perth and fly home (car sent by train). Bush fires were horrendous, view from the air was bad so how the towns and villages looked must have been a nightmare 😢
Really superb to watch and as rightly said ... A wonderful experience on board during this long journey. Many thanks for the commentary which has provided an insight to Australia's hinterland. Regards ..
Great presentation. Thanks for taking the time and sharing. I've lived in Australia for 62 years now; and lived in the Blue Mountains and worked on building Lithgow Hospital extensions when I was a bricklayer in my teens. I'm now thinking of doing a run on this iconic train. Once again thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed.👍 It sits direct in line with our legendary singer, Slim Dusty sang in his song - "The Indian Pacific" a great song sung by a great Australian bushie.
Hi Paul, This kind of trip in Australia has always been on my bucket list, but disability and age has always prevented me from doing it, so now I'm vicariously having my dream trip throuģh you, Thank you so much.
My parents (from the US) took that train westbound a number of years ago. It was an incredibly memorable experience for them. They talked and talked about it.. They made some good friends (from Perth) on the trip that they still stay in contact with, years later.
I have travelled on both the Indian Pacific and The Ghan trains and have watched and read a lot of material regarding these train trips and I have to say your video was one of the best I have seen regarding this trip. You have great attention to detail (for example pointing out the pipeline markers and bush airfields along the Nullarbor Plain), and your commentary was accurate and relevant with touch of good humour. Many thanks for producing such a nice travel blog. I think you have a real talent for this. Keep them videos coming. I hope one day you could do a video about The Ghan train (Darwin to Adelaide or vice versa) but that might be a while yet given Australia's crazy COVID restrictions. Cheers!
Watching this video I want to thank you. I'm an aussie living in New Zealand and it has been a dream unrealized to take this train journey.. Seeing it thru your eyes just made me miss and love my home country even more. Thank you for this x
I loved my trip on this train but was disappointed not to be able to do the broken hill trip due to the train being on diversion. Other than that, it was amazing.
Absolutely loved this video. I'm an Aussie & we have been undecided whether to do this trip or not. Decidedly a yes after watching this. Just sorry that due to Covid it will be delayed further now & maybe won't be with the people I'd originally would have liked to do this with. Thank you. Really showed what this trip would be like. Looked fantastic. I think we'd also do the exact tours you chose.
Anyone who frequents the Central Station such as myself will recognize the bloke at 4:19. Maintains the tracks and carriages and every now and then almost gets crushed but yet survives. Wonderful fella.
He would be a "Shunter" with the green high vis shirt, He is a railway worker, someone who controls the movement of trains within a stabling section of Yard.
I really enjoyed this train ride - would absolutely love to do this one day myself before I return to dust. I really liked all the shots of food - both before and after (kangaroo lounging in the dust, kangaroo curry). I usually stick to cab rides but your presentation was superb - I am now a subby, thanks! 💖 🇨🇦
Very nice journey compilation. Love the interior and facilities to the passengers for such a long journey schedule. Wish to travel a once on this route...
Very well researched. I thought you were aussie at first until I checked your profile out and you're from UK! Thanks for doing aus justice and creating such great content
I have visited Australia twice (Perth in 2017 and Sydney in 2018). I wish I would have taken the time to take this train the first time I was in Australia; it would have been a nice way to travel back from Perth to Sydney to catch my flight back stateside.
I would really, really, REALLY like to do this trip. I've been to Australia before and I would like to explore further. I have saved this video in the hopes that it will be a useful reference for actual travel plans.
Bem que eu gostaria de ter um trem assim aqui no Brasil. Nós temos um país gigantesco e a melhor forma de percorre-lo seria por este meio. Congratulatios !
Living in Australia for more than 15 years didnt know anything about this indian Pacific Train . Thanks so much for sharing your experience, means a lot.
One of my favorite videos of all time. Love your content Paul. I had to watch this gem again and again. Safe travels from Reading, Pennsylvania in the USA!!!
I was in Germany in 1959 with the USAFSS. It was a great year for me, I was at Sembach AB near Kaiserslautern of West Germany at that time. I flew into Berlin Templehof & used a single person elevator onto which a person would get on and when the floor is reached, step off. Interesting elevator (lift).
They’ve updated the bathrooms and changed the stops since I did the trip in 2011. We had old style train tip down stainless steel toilet and basin. We didn’t stop at Rawlinna, we stopped at Kalgoorlie and did a tour of the super pit and around the town.
Dear Paul, it was nice to travel with you in this lovely train,though I had to see this video in some breaks. You have inspired me to travel some day at this route. Australia is one of my favourite countries. Lastly I visited it in 2010. Now waiting for the clearence of Covid. Shall visit again soon. ❤
The way you shoot all of these videos, it feels like it's me who is travelling. Watching your videos are my best moments in this lockdown. Lots of love Paul. God Bless.
A wonderful train trip to put on my bucket list. Should pass on hints to the Via Rail "Canadian" cross country train to up their service (and reliability).
In 1981 I made the Perth to Sydney trip the hard way by hitching across the Nulabor Plain, I was lucky enough to get a lift from Coolgardie all the way across in 5 days. I loved Australia but alas had to leave because my visa ran out. Great video.
Hi Paul. My wife and I have done the Indy Pac many times - both ways - the west bound used to stop at Kalgoolie for 3 or 4 hours arriving about 7pm. It must have changed in recent years maybe because it was often late after nearly 3000 miles and caused problems with booked tours, meeting friends etc. cheers
Excellent review Paul. Well done. I imagined it would be usual tourist thing. This is the cabin etc. But you did a lot of extra research here. Very informative
Thanks, Paul. We also have a trans-continental train here in Canada and crossing the prairies is just as mind-numbing in its sheer size as the Nullabor. Speaking of which, I really feel for the poor buggers who laid that track, 500 km of straight line in murderous heat. Respect to them all. Cheers.
Hope you enjoy this video! It’s been a long time coming! Have you ever ridden the Indian Pacific, or would you like to?
For ticket information and costs, see the website - journeybeyondrail.com.au - costs vary significantly by season, whether you choose some at-cost extras, and whether you are sharing, which is why I haven't indicated prices in the video.
Awesum ,mayte!! How much , should one
Bring to ,u.k.,and austrailia £,A.d.$?
Ah! Lovlie,lovelie!!
Ghan, indian pacific.
An island nation!
G’day Paul 😊 Just wondering if you were fortunate enough to see any kangaroos on your trip please?
I’ve done this trip 5 times now and I plan on doing it a lot more as I’m not a big fan of flying🤦🏻♂️. I was so disappointed when I got to Hahndorf both times that we got there too late in the day and everything was shut as there some pretty awesome looking shops there. And I absolutely loved the Adelaide market part of the trip that was really interesting👌🏻😁🇦🇺🍻
Edit: The only reason the kangaroo tastes good is because its marinated or has its actual flavor covered up with spices and stuff. Kangaroo is definitely not a nice taste in my opinion ,that's why 95% of kangaroo is made into dog food in Australia.
I guess that's a matter of opinion and preparation. We've had friends over who have said that they didn't like lamb and we never say what meat we're serving. After eating what they thought once were marinated and grilled pork chops but was actually lamb we were asked could they have another. My wife and I did all we could to keep from being heard laughing while we were in the kitchen. That time was over a decade ago and we've never told.
Harden up and fly. Kangaroo tastes fine.
I would rather fly in a single engine buzz box than cross the Nullarbor.
You are so wrong about kangaroo meat. Delicious.
And export to Asia as one of the substitute meats to make more money.
I never knew about the dual gauge in WA. This would be an amazing trip but it's just way too expensive. Not sure how it can survive without the tourists who seem to be avoiding Australia in 2022. I was in Sydney CBD yesterday and the city is dead, QVB building empty and so many boarded up shops. I really think many top tier tourist attractions will fail or be heavily scaled back. It's still early days of this nightmare.
@leokimvideo unsure whether vaccine mandates have affected their industry
@Ellebee So they are not affected by chronic staff shortages like the airlines, schools, hospitals?
I called to book for May, no vacancies until September!!! They have a backlog of bookings since before lockdown.
I was a Perth based locomotive driver and worked that train for 23 years until my retirement in 2020,it was part of my roster along with the interstate freight trains,my employer Pacific National provided the Locomotives and crews to haul the train on a " hook and pull" basis as Great Southern Railways don't have their own Locomotives or drivers, Pacific National had an agreement, where possible to use Locomotives painted in the GSR livery as about seven were painted in the IP scheme, I never travelled on it as a leisure passenger ,although I did travel on it once travelling back to Perth when it had terminated in Kalgoorlie due to flooding on the Nullarbor plain,I did 43 years as a locomotive driver and loved the job.
@ BooBoo61 I did enjoy the job,but it's nice going to bed every night knowing that I'm not going to get a call from crew callers asking me to come to work,we have a shortage of train crew here in Australia our massive iron ore mines in the North West of Western Australia,the Pilbara,offer attractive salaries and bonuses and attract a lot of Drivers causing a shortage for the other operators,so as I approach my 70's I could probably still go back if I wished.
You lived as many can only dream about. Well done!
♥️👍
@Alf Garnett Thanks for your reply. I hope you get to the U.S.
If a train ride is on your bucket list, I suggest the California Zephyr from Emeryville (San Francisco) to Denver. It passes through some of the most beautiful country in the U.S.
@Paul Smith Yes I see the Amtrak drivers work exclusively for Amtrak,here the Indian Pacific,The Ghan,which goes Adelaide to Darwin and the,Overland,which goes Adelaide to Melbourne are owned by GSR Great Southern Railways,as I mentioned before they don't own any Locomotives or have train Drivers, they do own all the coaches and provide the on coach staff,my employer had what's called a hook and pull contract to provide Divers and Locomotives to haul it hence why I worked both freight and passenger services, railways have a way of being in your blood and while I enjoyed the job the irregular hours time away from home can be tiring but would I change anything no I wouldn't,thanks for your interest I would like to get to the states one day to have a good look around.
It's nice seeing the Indian Pacific portrayed properly by a travel blogger.
It sounds like you simply wanted to watch a different sort of video than the one I made I’m afraid. 3.2M views means I don’t need to defend its quality.
MichaelKingsfordGray Why?
You realise that Australia is indeed a continent on its own when you get an idea of its size. A train journey from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean!
You realise that Panama is indeed a continent on its own when you get an idea of its size. A train journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean!
@IdeaBoxful India has a much higher population density and is geographically quite a bit smaller than USA, Canada and Australia.
@neutrino78x You would be surprised, Trains are a big transport mode in India. Probably the largest. Being a relatively poorer nation, trains offer some of the cheapest mode of transport. Also the railways have a huge track network. The trains here are yet to come to the standard you experience in the West. But it is happening now. Better coaches and cleaner stations. Do travel to India. Here the plus is the people especially the poorer ones. If you can handle some touts who pester you at the tourists spots, you would be surpirsed with the warmth of the people here.
@neutrino78x Another thing to add is that in the case of China outside of the major cities the rail is more of a political move than an economic one and is for the most part a money sink.
I took it in 1989 from Perth to Sydney. It was really amazing journey, took 66 hours. I still remember after 30 years.
I whent on that train Sydney to Perth in early 1990 great fun there was a big flood the train company put us up in a hotel for the night then flew us out to Adelaid then a bus tour of Adelaid on the wat to get the train no extra cost for my $90 ticket.
I also took it from Perth to Sydney, but in the late 70s. Great trip.
In 1987 I drove from Perth to sidney, four days it took us. We slept in the car at night and ate under the stars. I use to think London to Coventry was a long way great memories.
High respect to train staff and railway employees who make this happen
I felt for those in the pants and shirts serving food in 37 degrees out in the open
Sweet and great.
Watching this made me realise all the hard work behind the scenes that must go into making these trips possible. Cudos to them all.
It was good to look around Cook again. My brother and I worked on the Nullabor railway in 1963/4. We were in the Special gang, that moved up and down the track, maintaining it, where necessary, renewing sleepers, wood back then, etc. We lived in movable carriages, that were shunted off onto a siding. We were based in Fisher just along from and smaller than Cook. Supplies were brought to us on the "tea and sugar" train. I remember seeing Donald Campbells Bluebird going across on a train, for an attempt at a speed record. Ha! Ha! not many people in England can say that.
What a great experience.
I’ve crossed the US twice by train - there is such a marvelous sense of you don’t get in a plane. And I quite agree, a leisurely dinner with fellow travelers is usually a highlight. I shall certainly add this journey to my dream list.
Oh, love that tiger shirt!
Hats off Sir! This is one of the most definitive train trip reports in the history of KZclip.
Born in Sydney in May 1946. Departed as a 2 month old for the U.S. with my U.S. Army American dad and Aussie mom. I've never returned. Will be visiting in 2024 for 2 months. The Indian Pacific is one of the great adventures on the itinerary. This is just a great video!!!! Thank you so much Paul!!
Oh how exciting. I hope it is a marvellous trip. Australia really has such a lovely vibe about it.
This has to be one of the best trip reports ever! Magnificent! Cheers from Sweden!
When even a 38 min trip report seems too short...thoroughly enjoyable vlog and worth the wait.
Its actually short
If you would like to see a much longer video SBS Australia has a very good, sometimes boring, one available through streaming on SBS On Demand. The full trip condensed to around three hours. Good for hibernation / isolation / rainy day...Best.
Wow, Australia is indeed a very large country in fact a continent itself. Train journey of over 4000 KMs is really incredible.
29:30 The markers are not for a pipeline , but are for the "Optical Fibre" I was involved in installing in the late 1980's and 1990"s. The large rocks you can see close to the line are from the "Rip Line" where we used a D11 Bulldoser to carve the trench for the laying of the fibre. Water for Cook is brought in by train.
Those airstrips you see randomly are for the Royal Flying Doctors Service. In case a passenger requires immediate treatment they can land next to the train.
Just came to see if anyone had made this comment. 🙂🛩🚨
Adam Tresorio Yeah i drove across it back in 2009. Worked on a few sheep stations up north as well. Plenty of them around
Paul, this was incredible. Your content, like a lot of others (Nate and Kara; Audrey and Sam; Divert Living; Action Kid; Sergei Baklykov; Endless Adventure, and others) is way up near the top. Just amazing.
As Aussies, we would love to do this iconic journey. One day.
10 minutes or so in and I can tell this is going to be the best video anyone's done on the IndPac. This is a definite 'bucket list' thing for me. Awesome.
@Dallas Bittinger it depends on the time of year and the ticket type but for Gold class approx 2.5k pp one way
@Dallas Bittinger I was thinking the same thing. I believe it costs too much to ask. :/
How much does this cost?
So many memories of Australia, especially Perth ❤️.
Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I really felt on-board 😂
We got "The Canadian" going from Toronto to Vancouver covering the 4466km distance in about same time period as the Indian pacific. It's magnificent
@Siegrid Thomas Try the California Zephyr, Chicago to San Francisco, a bit of agricultural land aty first, then the rockies, canyons, deserts, Sierra Nevadas, and return on the Empire Builder on the northern route
I took that one 8 years ago, LOVED the first part, through the Rockies...the rest was bad and BORING
A very impressive train and journey. I'm astounded by its length. The cars are similar to the ones used on the Santa Fe Super Chief and Burlington Zephers.
That was incredible, thank you Paul. That was filmed as well as a professional documentary!
This is definitely one for the bucket list!
I absolutely love this video,it’s as though I was physically there on the train. Hopefully I will do one of these trips to experience what so many people love to do.
As a Yank, I thoroughly enjoyed my two long distance train journeys in Australia. These were the Sunlander (Brisbane - Cairns) and Ghan (Alice Springs - Adelaide). In addition to the chance to see the less developed areas of the country, the highlight was the chance to spend time with both Australians and fellow visitors. No one likes to swap stories over a cold stubbie more than Aussies, at least that I have experienced, and it adds a major new dimension to one's visit.
Good to hear you enjoyed yourself, mate!
Es interesante como se organiza saludos desde argentina
I lived in Perth for three years, at the end of my street was Meltham station, around midday on a Saturday I would often watch the Indian Pacific trundle past on its way to Perth, it seemed to take about 5 mins to pass through, I’m sure the engine would be entering East Perth station while the rear would still be in Mount Lawley station
Cudowna podróż z kapitalnym przewodnikiem. Oczywiście subskrybuje Twój kanał Polska Kraków !! Pozdrawiam !!!!
I took this trip back in 2006, although I went Perth to Sydney. What an amazing experience!
I love your commentary. Thank you for giving us a glimpse of the Indian Pacific. I will surely save it as a bucketlist once I go to Australia (:
An unforgettable adventure across Australia!! Awesome scenery. Delicious cuisine. Interesting off train excursions.
Thanks Paul for sharing your journey.😀💚💚
In my whole life living in Sydney, I never thought of the Indian Pacific highly as I just wanted to get to my destination sooner (always flew to Perth). But as I grew older, and watching your other train videos for the last 2.5 years, you've finally convinced me to do this epic train journey. Once this pandemic is over in Australia, I will gladly do this trip!
Fantastic and informative video Paul, this is probably your best train video yet!
🙏🙏🙏
We did this trip from Sydney to Perth then cruise ship back (pre-Covid, of course). Instead of kangaroo curry, we had camel curry. Probably the best way to serve camel meat but it was lovely. Great relaxing holiday without worrying about suitcase (or my own) weight. Forgot to add: Paul didn't mention this but train noises and bumps can make for a disturbed nights rest. But with short daytime naps to catch-up, all good
@Mariposa Papillon 6mnths
ago yes AUS did have covid,By end of 2020 AUS practically covid free, Reason why? Our very hard lock down,of 120 days( 4 mnths) in MELBOURNE,,ALL STATES AND
TERRITORIES, HAD THEIR OWN HARD LOCKDOWNS ,EVERY STATE DID EVERY THING THAT WAS ASKED OF THEM,THE PREMIERS OF ALL STATES ,WERE IN IT WITH US ,,NOW WE HAVE THE FREEDOM,WE ALL CRAVED FOR,
PITY OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD HAVEN'T GOT WHAT IT TAKES,,,
@Manpreet Singh absolute rubbish.
@Manpreet Singh the pandemic is ENDEMIC, it's here to stay, part of life on earth forever (like all flu's etc) mutating and changing all the time, even if there is a 'vaccine' it won't prevent everyone from getting it, just like existing flu jabs, namaste
So cool 😎 to see more people that enjoy filming trains❤❤❤❤
Thats very impressive, the attention to detail and cleanliness. A lot of good work by dedicated staff.
For rail travelers this is one of those must do trips. I liked it so much I didn't want to get off the train at the end.
My wife and I took the Indian Pacific with our daughter in February 1980, from Perth to Brisbane via Adelaide and Melbourne. We'd booked two Austrail passes before arriving in Australia, thinking we'd buy our daughter's ticket as she was coming up to four years old and not knowing the drill, as we had been living and working in Central Africa. When we went to the station the very nice ticket office gentleman asked how old she was . We replied that she was a leap year baby and her first real birthday would be the second day on the train. He smiled broadly and said "In that case, being under one then she travels free of charge."
Oh bless you, Austrail. The crew made her birthday a really wonderful time and I recommend the trip to every one.
I did this trip in 1987. It was quite an experience. I remember stopping off in Cook, where surprisingly there was a light, misty rain. Would love to do it again in the other direction.
Awesome video. It's interesting too see how the train is like a 'cruise' where you can get off and explore at different stops. I hope I can take the Indian Pacific someday!
I've always scoffed at our trains such as the Indian Pacific, and the Ghan. Most footage that I've seen present the trip as an antiquing trip full of retirees. Your video is probably the first one that has made me consider doing the trip via train one day. Thank you.
@Red Hammer The is a universal phenomena. Once we reach middle age and start to see that life is not eternal, that is when Wisdom dwells. Another reason is the struggle to get financially settled. It is getting harder amoung the young. So they have less and less time to actually listen and observe. This age of materialism has its benefits, but we are now seeing the negatives of it too.
Up your's lad. Ever tried to talk to an oldy, better still have you ever tried to listen. The vast majority who are on these trips is because they lived a full life and now enjoying something special. Ever heard of the Berkeley women, the small group of Brits who were producing code through WW2. I met one who retired in Perth, what a fascinating personal account of how it all worked and what that small group of women contributed to the war effort. Or the 85 year old nuclear physicist who worked in British ordenance I also met in Perth. I asked if he'd ever seen a nuclear bomb go off and his reply " Well have you ever heard of Maralinga?'
People work hard all their lives. Many never had the chance nor means for such a journey. Amongst them you will meet some of the most interesting people you will ever meet.
But it's good to see more and more young people are reconnecting with their elders, that's a good thing.
@Tri Arb Yes, I just looked it up. Over $2100 (and that's one way, presumably you'll need some way to get back too). It seems like a great experience, but whether it's worth the whole budget for a holiday, I'm not sure...
Largely because it is eye wateringly expensive.
Thank you for such experience! Besides that I am from Russia, too far from Australia, but thanks this video I could feel that atmosphere of traveling across Australian infinite desert.
What an amazing trip. This looks like the ideal train journey. Absolutely loved the video.
Outstanding, entertaining and well presented. The cuisine and accommodations looked superior. Bit of departure from your usual airline trip. I have to add this to my wish list. Furthest I’ve traveled by train was from St. Petersburg to Moscow. I think train travel allows one to see and experience more than air travel. Do more videos of thus caliber
i been on the mighty Indian pacific 2 times ,last time 2016 ..i loved it to bits ..adore Perth as well where we stayed for a wonderful holiday!!
This was a solid A+ video, the kind of thing that could easily be a PBS travelogue here in the USA. Amazing job!
I agree to you 🤟
You must have filmed this during 2019/2020 summer of bushfires. It was terrible. Constant choking smoke for 2 months and many lives lost. Glad you enjoyed your stay in Australia!
Did this trip from Adelaide to Perth on Boxing Day 2019, brilliant. Car on train and plans to do bucket list drive from Perth to Adelaide but bush fires had other ideas. Got as far as Esperance and had to turn back to Perth and fly home (car sent by train). Bush fires were horrendous, view from the air was bad so how the towns and villages looked must have been a nightmare 😢
Lindo viaje, perfecto para conocer Australia.👍👍
Really superb to watch and as rightly said ... A wonderful experience on board during this long journey. Many thanks for the commentary which has provided an insight to Australia's hinterland. Regards ..
Great presentation. Thanks for taking the time and sharing. I've lived in Australia for 62 years now; and lived in the Blue Mountains and worked on building Lithgow Hospital extensions when I was a bricklayer in my teens. I'm now thinking of doing a run on this iconic train. Once again thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed.👍 It sits direct in line with our legendary singer, Slim Dusty sang in his song - "The Indian Pacific" a great song sung by a great Australian bushie.
Hi Paul, This kind of trip in Australia has always been on my bucket list, but disability and age has always prevented me from doing it, so now I'm vicariously having my dream trip throuģh you, Thank you so much.
My parents (from the US) took that train westbound a number of years ago. It was an incredibly memorable experience for them. They talked and talked about it.. They made some good friends (from Perth) on the trip that they still stay in contact with, years later.
"Australia's energy policy is a source of lively debate" - That's definitely the most polite way of putting it!
@Among Us Well Well Well. So do I. Santa Cruz V10 CC. No car.
@Rhett Corbett I use a bicycle mate.
@Among Us Why don't u ? On your EV or Solar powered vehicle.
@Rhett Corbett Go away
@Sam Jennings Yes. But this is about a train journey. Not the climate/energy.
Now on my list to do within the next few months. Looks absolutely brilliant
One of the best KZclip travel Videos I've ever seen. Thanks for taking us on this amazing journey. This is now on my bucketlist❤
I have travelled on both the Indian Pacific and The Ghan trains and have watched and read a lot of material regarding these train trips and I have to say your video was one of the best I have seen regarding this trip. You have great attention to detail (for example pointing out the pipeline markers and bush airfields along the Nullarbor Plain), and your commentary was accurate and relevant with touch of good humour. Many thanks for producing such a nice travel blog. I think you have a real talent for this. Keep them videos coming. I hope one day you could do a video about The Ghan train (Darwin to Adelaide or vice versa) but that might be a while yet given Australia's crazy COVID restrictions. Cheers!
I have been there in 2002 and did the part from Adelaide to Perth. It was an amazing experience! Great presentation of the trip. Congratulation!
I’m an Australian and have never seen this part of my country until now, so thank you for producing this wonderful video.
Actually people in general in any country didn't actually saw their own country (in big countries)
Watching this video I want to thank you. I'm an aussie living in New Zealand and it has been a dream unrealized to take this train journey.. Seeing it thru your eyes just made me miss and love my home country even more. Thank you for this x
I loved my trip on this train but was disappointed not to be able to do the broken hill trip due to the train being on diversion. Other than that, it was amazing.
Very proud of our WW1 heritage Paul, and thankyou for pointing it out along the way.
Such a beautiful trip, I felt I was traveling well documented....thank you!!
Absolutely loved this video.
I'm an Aussie & we have been undecided whether to do this trip or not.
Decidedly a yes after watching this.
Just sorry that due to Covid it will be delayed further now & maybe won't be with the people I'd originally would have liked to do this with.
Thank you.
Really showed what this trip would be like.
Looked fantastic.
I think we'd also do the exact tours you chose.
Anyone who frequents the Central Station such as myself will recognize the bloke at 4:19. Maintains the tracks and carriages and every now and then almost gets crushed but yet survives. Wonderful fella.
He would be a "Shunter" with the green high vis shirt, He is a railway worker, someone who controls the movement of trains within a stabling section of Yard.
Very well done indeed! Looking forward to more journeys!
I really enjoyed this train ride - would absolutely love to do this one day myself before I return to dust. I really liked all the shots of food - both before and after (kangaroo lounging in the dust, kangaroo curry). I usually stick to cab rides but your presentation was superb - I am now a subby, thanks! 💖 🇨🇦
Very nice journey compilation. Love the interior and facilities to the passengers for such a long journey schedule. Wish to travel a once on this route...
Very well researched. I thought you were aussie at first until I checked your profile out and you're from UK! Thanks for doing aus justice and creating such great content
I have visited Australia twice (Perth in 2017 and Sydney in 2018). I wish I would have taken the time to take this train the first time I was in Australia; it would have been a nice way to travel back from Perth to Sydney to catch my flight back stateside.
Hi Paul, this has to be your greatest video to date. The production quality was that good, it felt like I was watching a documentary.
Agreed - I can't help but compare this with a Michael Palin travelogue - and it took him 5 crew, plus several dozen cases of equipment! #BackInTheDay
Indeed!
Ikr ! I've seen some of his other train videos too after seeing this. This one's definitely best !
Agreed. Like watching a BBC travel doc
Yes first of his videos I’ve watched and I wasn’t sure if it was professionally done or a vlog
I would really, really, REALLY like to do this trip. I've been to Australia before and I would like to explore further. I have saved this video in the hopes that it will be a useful reference for actual travel plans.
It's crazy how informative your videos are! Great job, I aspire to this kind of quality!
Thanks a million for this vid!! This is what I call a real train trip from coast to coast. Have Fun!! Keep them coming!! Cheers,
I did this from Perth to Sydney, was excellent. Food and service was incredible * edit the cabins haven’t changed lol 😂
Beautiful australia countryside...beautiful train😍🇦🇺
Bem que eu gostaria de ter um trem assim aqui no Brasil. Nós temos um país gigantesco e a melhor forma de percorre-lo seria por este meio. Congratulatios !
Living in Australia for more than 15 years didnt know anything about this indian Pacific Train . Thanks so much for sharing your experience, means a lot.
One of my favorite videos of all time. Love your content Paul. I had to watch this gem again and again. Safe travels from Reading, Pennsylvania in the USA!!!
I was in Germany in 1959 with the USAFSS. It was a great year for me, I was at Sembach AB near Kaiserslautern of West Germany at that time. I flew into Berlin Templehof & used a single person elevator onto which a person would get on and when the floor is reached, step off. Interesting elevator (lift).
They’ve updated the bathrooms and changed the stops since I did the trip in 2011. We had old style train tip down stainless steel toilet and basin. We didn’t stop at Rawlinna, we stopped at Kalgoorlie and did a tour of the super pit and around the town.
Dear Paul, it was nice to travel with you in this lovely train,though I had to see this video in some breaks. You have inspired me to travel some day at this route. Australia is one of my favourite countries. Lastly I visited it in 2010. Now waiting for the clearence of Covid. Shall visit again soon. ❤
The way you shoot all of these videos, it feels like it's me who is travelling. Watching your videos are my best moments in this lockdown. Lots of love Paul. God Bless.
excellent narrative. I took this trip 40 years ago. It really does give one a perspective of size and diversity of life
A wonderful train trip to put on my bucket list. Should pass on hints to the Via Rail "Canadian" cross country train to up their service (and reliability).
This is an amazing video!! the voiceover just provides everything I want to know, and well written script! thanks so much for sharing your experiences
Nice video! Extremely happy to experience the train travel which seemed to me as if I had been travelling in the majestic train.
Amazing train and route. Very beautiful, the nature and landscape on this continent.
Your story put this once in a lifetime journey, into my bucket list making my trip to Australia that much more enjoyable! Thank you...
I only get to see these in Perth with freight
i've been in Perth for 16 years and never knew this thing exist.. this is cool! dropping it in my bucket list!
love it! beautiful Australia
the Rawlina stop always gives me goosebumps. so fricken wonderful and awesome. !!!
In 1981 I made the Perth to Sydney trip the hard way by hitching across the Nulabor Plain, I was lucky enough to get a lift from Coolgardie all the way across in 5 days. I loved Australia but alas had to leave because my visa ran out. Great video.
Hi Paul. My wife and I have done the Indy Pac many times - both ways - the west bound used to stop at Kalgoolie for 3 or 4 hours arriving about 7pm. It must have changed in recent years maybe because it was often late after nearly 3000 miles and caused problems with booked tours, meeting friends etc. cheers
Over half a million views in just over a week! outstanding documentary/trip report mate, you deserve it!
Beautiful and peaceful country Australia 👍👍😎
💕love from India
Excellent review Paul. Well done. I imagined it would be usual tourist thing. This is the cabin etc. But you did a lot of extra research here. Very informative
Well documented train ride, one of the best I have watched!👍🤓
4000+ kms absolutely amazing, Sydney to Perth, and also the Ghan express from Adelaide to Darwin.
I'd love to experience this wonderful journey ond day. ---- Love from India.
Thanks, Paul. We also have a trans-continental train here in Canada and crossing the prairies is just as mind-numbing in its sheer size as the Nullabor. Speaking of which, I really feel for the poor buggers who laid that track, 500 km of straight line in murderous heat. Respect to them all. Cheers.
Thank you for the video, I hadn't known that the Indian Pacific was an excursion train. Looks like a lovely trip.
In 1976 when my mother and I went on this train it was just a normal passenger train. It looks fantastic now.