Canberra to Melbourne by trains only!! NSW Xplorer + First Class overnight XPT via Goulburn

[@RoryDing]

A shoutout to Sydney Transport Films, go check out his bus and trainspotting videos: kzbin.info/door/SkukUN6tjamjnLMoEvqocQ

[@BeyondNegativeOfficial]

Once you went from Sydney to Canberra on Xplorer in May 2020

[@RoryDing]

I did!

[@jhowardsupporter]

Aren't we in lockdown right now?

[@RoryDing]

What’s your point?

[@jhowardsupporter]

@@RoryDing I thought you can't leave or enter Melbourne.

[@frederickgough3207]

Rory, I give you 10/10 for your assertive manner of handling Hamish (ie. you stood up for yourself, and still held respectful speech). That is a skill I admire! And believe you me, Hamish will meet his "Waterloo", in the not too distant future.

[@TMOC1977]

Rory, is an example of 100% class! Well handled Rory, you Sir are a Gentleman and an example to us all.

[@marcusprentice93]

Unfortunately there are Hamish's everywhere Well handled

[@Martindyna]

Hamish 6:38

[@Martindyna]

And, being a gentleman, he didn't tell the attendant the reason for sitting in another seat.

[@Martindyna]

I had the same thing happen to me on the IC125 in the UK but I regret to say I wasn't as assertive as Rory. Unlike Hamish the offender was a guy about 30 years old, tall with muscular physique who kinda wrong footed me by being friendly, totally ignoring he was in the wrong seat.

[@FlywithBailey]

Good to see Hamish getting named and shame 😅 I absolutely hate people that take your seat! I don't get why people are so rude and inconsiderate.

[@brentbiel5425]

Because they weren't taught decency or the importance of humility.

[@brilliantbutblue]

I was looking for this comment!! Shame on Hamish.

[@macka8884]

Couldn't agree more B Brown! What a terrible person.

[@lachlanholidayaccessibletr6758]

wididthatpersendoothatheemustbea arssoll

[@gold3084]

Should of been kicked off and have to take next train !

[@zagika]

7:29 Oooh Hamish giving you the death stare...at least his version of it anyway. Just move dude! The seat was allocated!!!!

[@chelciesugar]

How annoying. If I had sat in someone’s allocated seat and they asked for it, I wouldn’t question it. If it “didn’t make a difference” in his opinion, he could’ve gotten up to move. Good on you for handling it the way you did. I would not have had the same amount of patience. Such a great video!

[@letsseeif]

Thanks Rory for your memorable video review. [the first time I did this trip was 77 years ago. -- it was all steam then.]

[@johnnycop77]

Old Hamish was lucky you are such a gentleman. That Bastard Johnny not so much. As always love your work.

[@RoryDing]

I love your sense of humour 😂

[@MitchellBPYao]

There's still people like that

[@user-daddyuwu]

Don't listen to Hamish he is such an idiot.

[@Jerram89]

Mr Hamish gives the viewers an idea why first class might be worth the extra money, even if the seats aren’t any better. Sit in economy on any government run train in Australia and you will be definitely be amongst some of society’s less palatable individuals. Also a high chance of kids making a racket too.

[@MitchellBPYao]

Definitely sat in D

[@KaylaSale]

Agree, I never get economy when traveling by train in Australia. The instances I've had to because I booked late absolutely sucked

[@Andrew-jh5uv]

Yep the absolute pits

[@Ace_Larrakin_Productions]

For those curious, a VFT (Very-Fast Train) between Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne has been batting around since 1984, when it was proposed by Dr. Paul Wild of CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) in 1984. A private-sector joint venture was formed in 1987, however was abandoned in 1991 after a proposal failed to secure tax concessions from the Hawke Federal Government - Treasury had estimated the project would require $1.4billion dollars ($2.74 billion in today's money and adjusted for inflation) in tax offsets. Since then, it has remained a pipe dream. And to follow up on Rory's point about bullet trains, particularly in China and Japan - there are two methods by which railways can increase the number of passengers they move: (1) longer trains or (2) more trains. In countries where you see development of high-speed rail services, this is to meet the second criteria. The railway networks in China and Japan would be ground to a halt if they ran as our trains do in Australia, and would be unable to move the vast quantities of people required for the economy and society to function. Trains have had to get faster as a necessity. Due to our much smaller population, a VFT is more of a luxury. Enjoyed the video, Rory, and looking forward to seeing the result of the 3801 Trip in Orange contest when you have a chance (saw from the other comment you've been busy)!

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Hello Oliver, As you say to build a new HS (high-speed) line is very costly and it also takes a long time. I mean here in the UK (which doesn't have Australia's space) it will take decades if ever HS2 reaches Scotland. HS rail intended for moving vast numbers of people. Look at Eurostar now running from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. Although service frequency has all but collapsed (owing to the pandemic) it carried 11 million passengers in 2018. Each train is around 16 carriages in length and each one can accommodate 900 passengers. All Eurostar trains are this length because of the strict rules imposed by the Channel Tunnel authority.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Forgot to mention that I do believe Australia needs to improve the Sydney-Melbourne rail link but it would better if the existing line were to be upgraded for faster speeds rather than build a new HS line.

[@duffman7065]

Hamish is a prick. You’re a good bloke.

[@michaelrm2317]

Enjoyed this one as well. I was following your journey on each station thru Maps.

[@RoryDing]

Oh wow! Thank you 😬😬

[@sharynquinn6308]

Well put together and very informative, love the steak dinner.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you

[@ajadventures7490]

Hi Rory, my partner and I love your videos. You are so informative and we love the quality of every video you put up. This has to be my favourite video as of yet, the way you handled that rascal Hamish. Not everyone has the virtue of patience like you. Stay safe out there on your travels. Definitely appreciate your videos during these silly Melbourne lockdowns.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you ☺️☺️

[@alphonselee3564]

Wow Rory, another fantastic review! keep up the good work and be safe!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you

[@firdyk]

Loving these train journeys. Thanks Rory

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@carolyngrimson758]

I've always loved loved trains, having grown up in Sydney. I live in Qld now and your vids have inspired me to book tilt train To Cairns for Sept this year. I've been watching all your videos about other journeys here in Oz and am excited about my next one. Not sure where it will be though. I have watched other people's vids too but enjoy yours the most. Good work.

[@jameswaratah1085]

Hope you managed to travel out of Victoria before our 4th lockdown. Love the content mate, keep it up!

[@ryansofly]

Absolutely agree with you about the slow trains and why we cannot sustain an express train. I don't think Aussies realise how small our population is. Unless you've been to a mega city like Tokyo, it is pretty hard to grasp the concept of a city with 20million dwellers.

[@sxflyer5410]

but then again, how come SYD-MEL is one of the most frequently flown air routes in the world? Pre-Covid, there were even Qantas A330s, plenty of Jetstar’s A321, etc. Sydney to Melbourne is actually one of the most feasible routes for high speed rail in the entire world, especially with Canberra in the middle.

[@murielscott6224]

Ryan I watch your XPT train video's and I really like them so keep up the good work!!!

[@ryansofly]

@@murielscott6224 thanks for your support!

[@murielscott6224]

@@ryansofly No problem also I am a boy and using my grandma's account because she sadly passed away Just after My birthday :( but still I like your videos, hope you make another XPT video soon.

[@TransportVideosAU]

Really solid trip view once again, that Hamish passenger didn’t seem to care however the staff SYD-ABX crew from Goulburn treated you like a VIP. Job well done, look forward to seeing the next video.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@TransportVideosAU]

@@RoryDing your most certainly welcome.

[@johnlang4198]

Perhaps they heard that you were inconvenienced on the Canberra to Goulburn leg, and put in a quiet word. Customer service has improved out of sight on NSW Trainlink's services in my opinion.

[@edmundcarew7235]

Some NSW TrainLink trains can be very busy: the Tamworth/Armidale section of the combined train that splits at werris Creek (with the other cars bound for Moree) is a case in point. At times the Canberra XPlorers can be booked out but as you pointed out, that evening one from Canberra is not popular (although has more users on Fri and Sun). XPT Melbourne - Sydney patronage has been badly affected by 167 plus days of Victorian government lockdowns affecting Melbourne. or Melb and Victoria. The airlines are down at least 40 per cent too, so it's not just fewer on the XPT. Many are worried if they travel interstate away from Victoria that they'll either have to quaratine in another state, or be unable to return in time before another border closure. When in a sleeper, I've had that Albury-based NSW TrainLink lady who greeted you at Goulburn. She's pleasant, unlike your fellow passenger Hamish. He needed to move!

[@mjmjmj50]

Hamish annoyed me too 😊👍Great review .

[@vincentweatherly9991]

I wish the vlocitys had such things as reversible seats, power points at the seat and overhead luggage storage

[@jhowardsupporter]

In India they have rooftop seating.

[@edmundcarew7235]

@@jhowardsupporter Untrue for reserved sleeper and daytime AC (aircon) trains, as evidenced by my extensive trip there pre-COVID. Long distance Indian trains are pretty darn civilised and carry an immense number of passengers. There can be one or maybe two unreserved cars where there may be overcrowding, but for the rest of the train reservations are compulsory.

[@c.d.c9425]

@@edmundcarew7235 Just a shame that pretty much 95 percent of Indian trains are crumbling, spartan, sweaty tin cans from the 1950s. Not even a comparison with trains from the developed world, yes even our outdated trains in Australia

[@edmundcarew7235]

@@c.d.c9425 But long distance trains are fine. Yes, the cars look aged but they do a lot of kilometres. I had excellent experiences.

[@RoryDing]

Me too, if you travel in second class sleeper or higher, the trains in India are pretty good!

[@andrewheather1601]

You are a legend! Informative and entertaining. Thanks Rory.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you ☺️

[@thatkoalabear]

Another wonderful upload 😊👍🏻👍🏻 said it before I’ll say it again thank you for your content Rory mate. Really miss Australia and can’t wait to visit again soon 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@louiseanncooke1436]

Really miss train travel and thank you for your wonderful information. Love your food at the pub, you well planned your trip. Very interesting to see how you got around and loved that you caught the freight train going through. Yes it is fun seeing what you did while waiting. At least like recently you were not bored sitting in an airport with delays. This seems more fun with your well organising skills. Loved that you got some sleep despite the light. Yes sounds of a train can not be liked by everyone, very good comments and information you have given. Lovely how you and others were looked after. I love your attitude with regards to your first train seat situation that was not acceptable for you. I have made a comment on that. Thanks again Louise

[@chucay]

Hamish looks like the type that'll have a toss over sailor moon when he gets back home to his mum's shed after bumming some durries off her first.

[@mandrc5562]

In New Zealand the DC locomotives have a special compartment for that rude guy you encountered, it is where we keep the jumper cable and tool box 😂. We just watched all of your rail videos and thoroughly enjoyed them. Thanks.

[@RoryDing]

That’s very interesting to know Your comment made me laugh thank you 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tamworthtrainnut285]

I understand your frustration Rory because I had the same problem with an old lady and a dude when I went from Tamworth to Werris Creek on the NSW Trainlink Regional Xplorer on both the forward and return journey

[@coca-colayes1958]

I used to live at Werris creek when I was a kid, so it’s a explorer train now not a XPTthat goes through there to Tamworth? My Aunty and uncle still I’ve in series creek

[@tamworthtrainnut285]

@@coca-colayes1958 Werris Creek is serviced by the NSW Trainlink Regional Xplorer train from Sydney to Armidale and Moree

[@RoryDing]

My next Xplorer train trip will be from Sydney to Armidale 😬

[@tamworthtrainnut285]

@@RoryDing You'll be stopping at my home town of Tamworth on the way to Armidale after Werris Creek. Central, Strathfield, Hornsby, Gosford, Wyong, Fassifern, Broadmeadow, Maitland, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Scone, Murrurundi, Willow Tree, Quirindi, Werris Creek, Tamworth, Kootingal, Walcha Road, Uralla and Armidale

[@TheGreatLordDufus]

I've looked at doing this a few times, but the wait time in Goulburn has always put me off. Two hours or so would be fine, stretch the legs, have a feed and a wander. Personally I think 4+ hours is a bit much when there are other options.

[@RoryDing]

Yeah that’s fair enough, 4+ hrs is quite long if you’re don’t have things to do 😅

[@DCPImages]

Great commentary, Rory. Hamish is a jerk and his attitude tells me he will struggle in life.

[@gregrudd6983]

It tells me he will be a manager!

[@steverolan2239]

If i had a face like his I'd be a miserable git as well!

[@MitchellBPYao]

I'm alone too

[@macka8884]

Was excited to see another train video uploaded Rory! Once again you did another thorough video and it was very enjoyable! You might have to do reviews on the Ghan and Indian Pacific trains! Would be awesome to see you do Gold class or even Platinum reviews on both trains. Keep up the good work Rory. Cheers 😁👍

[@BTVBrendansTransportVlogs]

Hi Rory, This is a Great Video. At the holidays, I think I will go to Goulburn and have that steak. Also, I think I will go to Canberra Australian Capital Territory. The XPT is making time. Your videos are great and I liked how you travel between Canberra, Goulburn and Melbourne.

[@matthewbrown6163]

Paragon Cafe is legendary in Goulburn & been going for decades

[@johnnycop77]

Johnny had dinner there on a school excursion in 1971. Crumbed lamb cutlets, mashed potatoes, peas and onion gravy. Delicious.

[@matthewbrown6163]

@@johnnycop77 I used to go there every year for an event at the RSL Club & was taken to the Paragon to enjoy a meal with a colleague. He told me of being a kid with his dad as a boy stopping for a meal. We soon had a group of 20 as all the VIPs joined us. I stopped many a time with work for lunch too.

[@RoryDing]

I sure will go there for lunch the next time I’m in Goulburn! Thank you 😁

[@matthewbrown6163]

@@RoryDing 174-176 Auburn St, Goulburn NSW 2580 been going over 80 years +

[@RoryDing]

Thanks! 😊

[@chrisrice8609]

Thanks for another great video Rory! Informative and impartial as ever.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you

[@uues56]

Another amazing video!! Keep killing it Rory!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you

[@BinkBricks]

What a journey! Goulburn is a really nice place to stop for some time, I stayed for 2 hours once and it was great. The XPT part was great and it was personally in my opinion the best train review you've ever done! Thanks for showing what I can do from Canberra to Melbourne by train. If I could put my feet up in normal first I wouldn't waste the money to go on the sleeper. I would just bring my blanket. Are those Brownies the same that they used to serve in Virgin Australia business?

[@RoryDing]

I think it is my best train review too!! Thank you 😊 And yes the brownies are the same, that’s why I bought them 😂

[@lachlanholidayaccessibletr6758]

hiro\\ oy itwoos goodbecos meandmumardooingtthat trip

[@yvonne548]

I love your videos Rory. Keep up the great work.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you ☺️

[@brilliantbutblue]

Dude that 4.5hrs in Goulburn!! I mean the steak was awesome but to kill that amount of time🥱😫. Thanks so much for another great trip report appreciate all your hard work and attention to detail

[@RoryDing]

Yeah 4.5hrs is long hahah, but that pub is open till late, you can play pokies 😂😂😂😂

[@Martindyna]

Thanks for the awesome video. I didn't realise that some ? of the seats on the Xplorer & XPT are reversible. In the UK this facility is never available as far as I know although it was common for old trams and old light rail cars. Nice that the driver acknowledged the guy on the platform 16:47 and the darkness arrangements were cool for nightime XPT travel 17:32

[@comengsh]

saying "hello" or waving hi to strangers is very commonplace in australia. although there's also the slim chance that the driver knew this lad personally. a lot of people are friends with public transport workers.

[@tonymccarthy6713]

I live in Canberra and have encountered a few like Hamish on many trips to Sydney by train. I love rail travel and have been on many, including the Indian-Pacific, XPT and the Tilt train Brisbane to Rockhamton. I have also travelled in Europe and the US by train. Thanks for the interesting video Rory.

[@atcay81]

Awesome vid once again Rory 🤓😁 we all appreciate every upload 👍👍👍👍👍

[@RoryDing]

Thank you!!

[@atcay81]

@@RoryDing hehehehe love it 😻

[@holidaymail]

I’m really loving these videos Rory! Lucky fella being able to travel so much 👍🏻

[@estellechan8811]

Nice to see I'm not the only one who has done this trip, Canberra-Melbourne with the four hour layover in Goulburn. Last time I did sleeper on the way down and economy all the way back. You've convinced me to go first class next time, looks like a better value option with the same amount of sleep, and a better breakfast too. If I'm desperate for a shower in the morning I could always just pay for one at Southern Cross Station.

[@joaniesomerville4676]

You are so polite Rory, I have enjoyed your reviews, Thank you for sharing. Hamish is a POS though.

[@amtrakharry]

That was and excellent trip report Rory... I personally would take the sleeper. I know you were filming this video to show us the trip... :):):)

[@CrazyKoala1990]

As someone who catches this specific train often to go to Goulburn, I definitely recommend getting Train staff to either relocate Hamish or yourself lol there definitely IS a difference and clearly he doesn't catch much or her would realise the train staff do walk down to check people are sitting in assigned seats 🤣 but they are very flexible if seating arrangements are not satisfactory, especially if there are many empty rows.

[@christophermills99]

Fantastic Rory!

[@mohankumarr1925]

Excellent video. I have watched it many times because I was battling in my mind whether to travel by bus or train from Canberra to Melbourne and now after seeing your video, it is gonna be by train only. I am also going to visit the same restaurant you showed in the video. Thanks Rory

[@MarkRobert-BKK]

Nice vid...double thumbs-up!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you!!

[@jameshsuan-yiwu1659]

7:08 That literally happened to me once when I was on my way back from Brisbane to Sydney....lucky him I was also patient and nice. And bro, Hibernian Hotel serves one of the best steaks in NSW, good choice!

[@walover165]

Thanks for this, I love it! As a Canberran myself I've done the Canberra-Sydney train trip a few times, but I have considered Canberra-Melbourne. This gives me a good insight.

[@CJTheAllrounder]

6:55 and that’s the main reason why I dislike seats in a 2 and 2 configuration. You just never know who you’re sitting next to. At least there are a few stand alone seats on both the Xplorer and XPT trains. When I travel on them I’ll ring up and book one of them on the first day they’re available

[@anthonyholroyd5359]

Trainstaff here Not in Australia mind you. But I've dealt with a few Hamishes in my time. I take great pleasure in either making them move or, if they refuse even an order from rail staff, loudly offering the customer with the reserved seat a free 1st class upgrade in view of the rudeness and insolence they've just had to endure on board my train. 😅😅

[@joffdorling3562]

Great video mate😌👍👍

[@jeffreytam1514]

I never have a chance yet to ride on the (long-distance) train in Australia. Your video gave me a good insight into what it looks like. A nice video to see & you inspires me to take the train next time instead of planes or coaches.

[@RoryDing]

Yeah give it a go, it’s old but it’s not as bad as some people think 😂

[@nightowldickson]

Interesting video - I have to say it's pretty weird seeing all the NSW style signages in the ACT, but this is NSW government infrastructure :D

[@mrmalbigpond]

Did this trip from Canberra to Southern Cross several years back. I was lucky enough to have a sleeper on the XPT and slept like a baby after the big meal at the Goulburn Soldiers Club 😊. For us rail fans it’s a fun ride, and timed well to have a generous meal break in Goulburn. Got to be pretty keen on the return leg though, which sees you out of your warm sleeper bed at 3:15am to curl up in front of the fire in the Goulburn waiting room waiting for the 9:15am connecting Xplorer to Canberra 🤪🤪

[@RoryDing]

I doubt if anyone would do that on the return trip 😂😂😂 I would just catch the daytime XPT to Yass then catch the coach back hahaha

[@Bolted_C]

If Hamish really believed “there’s no difference” then what’s the problem in moving then Hamish? I wouldn’t have been nearly as nice.

[@paulvirgona4901]

Rory, thanks for another great video. You’re so informative & entertaining at the same time. I especially loved the seat muck up while still filming. You handled it beautifully while being also standing your ground. Next time I’m in a similar situation I’m gonna practice sticking up for myself for once. Just one question, could you catch the Melbourne xpt from Sydney Central or further up the line thus having less time to wait between connections. I always prefer train travel than flying. I do love trains and it just feels more convenient and less hassle. Maybe one day you can do a direct comparison of air-rail-road (coach), weigh out the pros and cons? Great job Rory.

[@RoryDing]

Hi Paul in terms of whether you can travel further up the line, this ticket was sold as Canberra to Melbourne with a connection in Goulburn, NSW TrainLink currently doesn’t offer connection on any the other stops. Theoretically if you don’t want the long wait time you can book your trip in seperate tickets such as Canberra to Moss Vale and Moss Vale to Melbourne. The price of course would be more expensive than a connection in Goulburn. In terms of the rail air road comparison, I’ve already done the rail and air comparison but the coach service from Melbourne to Sydney is $50 and it takes 10hrs. I’m personally not a fan of being cramped in a coach for that long. Especially when flying only cost $39 these days. The train is slower but at least the seats are more comfortable and I can walk around freely

[@paulvirgona4901]

@@RoryDing thank you for your reply. Looking forward to your next adventure.

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Ah....the colonial beauty of country train stations !🧡 That dinner looked good. It's nice to see a " normal" size serve of chips , instead of a meal where the chips dominate the meal 😂 Glad to see you missed the latest lockdown

[@RoryDing]

True haha, the portion was great! And I didn’t waste any chips 😬😬

[@lindavainomae3489]

Thanks for doing the train reviews Rory - they are great, so long may they continue! Adding my 2 cents worth on the high speed train debate. Taiwan has a very similar population to Australia - about 23.5 million - and its 2 largest cities are cnnected with high speed rail. The key difference is distance - that line is 350 km long compared to approx 900 km for Melbourne to Sydney. The population of the 2 cities here would sustain a service - but the cost and logistics of building such a line are huge. How much better for the planet it would be though to shift a significant proportion of Melbourne - Sydney traffic out of the skies and off the roads.

[@moestrei]

I rode that train and it was amazing, superfast, quiet and smooth.

[@MagicalCurrent]

There's a huge difference because Hamish knows no one is going to sit in the aisle seat because he booked it so you're stuck sitting next to someone when he has the luxury of a free seat next to him!!!

[@vk2ycj]

Another fantastic trip Rory. Well done and educational. Keep up the good work. Jamie C.

[@grantx3026]

What a wonderful channel, I find myself binge watching your videos for some reasons. Keep up the good work!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! 😊

[@michaelmacdonell4834]

What is it with Beef Pies? I liked the way you displayed the meals! That looked like a great pub, at the Hibernian, and Herself and I both /felt/ that "Yumm". Speaking of which, I would be supportive of a "Ding Food" channel - Yeah I know!

[@RoryDing]

Hahaha thank you!! Hibernian is a great pub, would love to go there again!!

[@nonconformist.]

Thanks Rory. You have a happy, appreciative attitude which shines out in your videos along with insightful and balanced commentary. This makes your videos informative and refreshing. What do you know about the new XPT / Xplorer train sets on order? Cheers, Craig.

[@RoryDing]

Hey thank you so much for watching them, and this is all I know about the new trains: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/regional-rail

[@nonconformist.]

@@RoryDing Thanks Rory!

[@braggabouttravel862]

Great video Rory!

[@haohao7575]

Is all about the beautiful views of regional Victoria for these train trip, 😝 why so rush for speeding right hahaha

[@RoryDing]

Exactly!

[@defaultmesh]

it is true that Victoria and NSW don't have a large population but Melbourne - Sydney remains one of the busiest air routes in the world with over 9 million passengers per year. that's #3 in the world. i'm just saying that the demand is there.

[@haohao7575]

I’m thinking about a train trip from Melbourne to other states after I have watched your video Rory, these vlog are so cool 👍

[@RoryDing]

Thank you ☺️

[@rowanmckeever7347]

Another great video, Rory, thanks! Not sure I'd have been so patient with ol' mate Hamish as you were. Car C is occasionally added to make a 4 car set in high demand periods. They keep A, B and D for the usual 3 car sets so that A and D are always a driving car. A car F (from memory) can also be added to the set that operates the Moree to make that a 3 car set.

[@dulcinealee3933]

How rude! I have encountered this situation and I've travelled countless times on the explorer and xpt. In fact I have actually swapped seats with several passengers who have been separated so they can be seated together however you can't just swap seats with other passengers you have to ok it first with the train officer(s). This is due to not just allocated seating as per manifest but for safety reasons and passenger alighting and boarding at different stops along the route. Usually if a passenger is in my seat the passenger has made a mistake as to which car they are suppose to be in - quite a few passengers have boarded first class when they had a economy ticket and on one ocassion a passenger got on the wrong train and it was too late to turn back ( they had a v line ticket from Melbourne to Albury train but boarded the xpt train Melbourne to Albury).

[@danielle7292]

Love the train reviews and I look forward to watching more of them . Thanks Rory :-)

[@semklm7579]

Ok im now hooked on your brilliantly done narration. High class all round and that douch bag will find out the hard way one day😁

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@FollowTheSunAustralia]

A lovely video , so much to see and do 😀🤩 I've seen that train at Central Station , not very expensive , very relaxing and no traffic or parking problems

[@BeyondNegativeOfficial]

Great vid Mr Ding i like When u go From Canberra-Melbourne

[@johncurtain2516]

It was worth the trip for the magnificent steak ! 😀. Regarding Hamish , you were very wise to follow the observe the saying " pick your' battles carefully" .He just wasn't worth the time of day .

[@willdurand4026]

Another great review Rory! Loved the hibbo review aswell🤙🤙

[@sergianic]

Your videos are excellent and very thorough. Your pronunciation is delightful to listen to, adding to the quality. The Hybo looks like a great deal.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@bluebandedbees]

Going home from boarding school in the early 90's I use to catch the train to Goulburn or the bus to Yass. Thanks for the memories. I remember going into Goulburn to pick up flowers that came up from Melbourne back in the early 80's. Go the Dande Train! By the way heading to Warrnambool on the train next week thanks to watching your videos 🙂

[@cygil1]

Yes and it's exactly like the 90s, nothing has been upgraded since then. They haven't even added some cheap wifi, let alone power points.

[@bluebandedbees]

@@cygil1 Simple solution, start making MP's take the train home instead of flying then watch the upgrade happen!

[@chrishopkins8987]

Really comprehensive and good review - I'm a UK train driver looking to do this route and your review has been most helpful. I'll definitely be on the lookout for Hamish to deliver him a nice plate of karma...

[@rickycavalier964]

Once again a wonderful informative video absolutely love your food reviews and your comments especially the yum as you had your meal. Enjoy your videos so much have put the bell on so as not to miss your videos thanks mate

[@RoryDing]

Omg thank you so much! ☺️☺️

[@scottietheshark]

Sounds like a rough night😵‍💫 At least you get a decent meal this way

[@petergraham2229]

Great video again. Looking forward to the V/line ones when Victoria is open up once more

[@RoryDing]

Was gonna do it on 8 June, now I won’t have time to do it until august 🙁

[@matthewbrown6163]

I went once to Lismore by XPT - in the early 90's. It was horrible & I swore never again to use the XPT. My dad & a friend travelled on the route - SYD - CAN every June Long weekend for an event for 20 years. They learned to bring a thermos of hot water for tea & make their own bread rolls to save some $$$$$ as they found was poor quality - try airline food I told him.

[@prohacks1674]

6:41-7:10 u were so calm man!! honestly if i were there i would have forced him to leave my seat or would have fought(not physically)....but the way u handled it good too see u moving forward mate!!! loved it...😉😉

[@RoryDing]

The main reason I didn’t fight was because that seat has limited view due to the window frame haha So he can have it 🤫

[@prohacks1674]

@@RoryDing hahahahaha mate u are hilarious😂😂😂

[@nonconformist.]

@@RoryDing hahaha

[@glenstransportvideos]

Awesome video!

[@RoryDing]

Thanks!

[@henrywhittaker2519]

I remember traveling to Meld on the old SYD-MELB express in the old Southern Aurora carriages.

[@DavidJones-pi8rl]

After watching your video, I am tempted to try the first class service from Melbourne to Canberra and back! I used to live in Canberra 35 years ago and I once caught the train to Sydney and it took 5 hours from memory, of which the first 2 plus hours was to get to Goulburn. I have also taken the bus from Melbourne to Canberra and back, which was a bit hairy at the time because of low standard of buses.

[@enzoscarp]

car c on the xplorer id assume was just not there. but... every wednesday, there's a service from central to canberra (12 noon service) and griffith. once the train gets to goulburn, the back two carriages split off and head to griffith, whilst the front 3 continue to canberra. on saturdays, there's another griffith service, but it begins at goulburn and not central, and is entirely independent from the canberra train. id assume that that's where car c is, on the train to griffith

[@vegemiteonscones5580]

Can you please do the Queenslander train in their railbed from Brisbane to Cairns

[@RoryDing]

I’ve already booked a ticket on that!

[@henrywang815]

Can't wait

[@vegemiteonscones5580]

When? I can’t wait!

[@swift_aus]

Thanks for trying to outline where the powerplugs are. I wish it was clearer

[@omjesustakethewheel]

You inspire me to try out all the cool train rides in Australia

[@neilmansfield8329]

Your videos are so great mate

[@AidenHowlett]

Great video as always, however I believe it's unsafe for devices to use that powerpoint on board the Xplorer as it's not regulated like those in buildings or on planes. It's meant for cleaning staff. So you don't risk your device, I'd steer away from using those powerpoints.

[@RoryDing]

That’s right! I’ve never thought about that! Cuz I saw the train stuff charge their phones using the plugs in the buffet all the time, and they never discouraged passengers from using those plugs on the train so I thought it’d be nice to point them out! 😅

[@DCPImages]

Perhaps only use the power sockets to charge your batteries and then run your devices off the batteries?

[@tamworthtrainnut285]

All even numbered seats on the Xplorer and XPT are Aisle seats, odd numbered seats are window seats

[@tarzzyk8105]

Legend has it Hamish is still in 36c

[@arokh72]

Wow, that's one heck of a trip :) Have you chosen who's joining you in Orange? Edit: Sorry forgot to mention, that the Soldiers Club in Goulburn is another good dining option, also easy walk from the station. I recently took our social group there for lunch, after visiting the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum (that's the tower you see on top of the mountain in Goulburn), and the food was delicious. I had a double beef burger with bacon, and chips, for $20 and was quite happy with it. I was there on the Wed of the same week as you :)

[@RoryDing]

I’m so sorry I haven’t got time to check my mailbox yet My past few days have been really busy! I’ll send you an email and let you know my decision when I read everyone’s emails/messages. Sorry about that!!

[@arokh72]

@@RoryDing all good :)

[@rishih5121]

Great video! Love all the helpful tips! 😊👍

[@j_blinkster97]

Car C is used on the route to Armidale as an extra Car B.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you