Transwa Prospector Train Perth to Kalgoorlie - The fastest passenger service in Australia

With Covid cases keep popping up on the east coast of Australia it took me a lot of effort to finally get into WA to film this train review! I'm so excited!
The Prospector is operated by TransWA, the current rolling stocks are Transwa WDA class, they entered service in 2004. The new railcars are capable of reaching 200 km/h (124 mph), but track conditions have restricted their top speed to 160km/h (99 mph). From Perth to Kalgoorlie, travelling at an average speed of 95km/h, no other passenger train in Australia can cover such distance in this amount of time. What does the train look like? How was the service and the food on this train? Let's go and find out together!
0:00 Introduction
2:37 The Prospector
4:59 The seats
9:16 East Perth, Midland, Avon Valley
13:29 Seat-back screen
14:39 The Buffet
16:18 Toodyay, Northam
18:52 Eastern Goldfields Railway Line
20:42 Merredin
24:12 Lunch
27:00 Southern Cross
29:07 Summary
30:29 Kalgoorlie
This video was filmed on 28 August 2021
Train type: The Prospector, Transwa WDA/WDB/WDC class
From East Perth Terminal to Kalgroolie
Travel time: 6h50m
Distance: 653km
Manufacturer: United Goninan
Entered service: 2004
Maximum speed: 200km/h (120mph)
Top service speed: 160km/h (99mph)
Track gauge: 1,435 mm
Seat: Car 2, 41
Cost: $93.65
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[@RoryDing]

1. The prospector is not the fastest train in Australia but it travels at an average speed of 95km/h that’s why it’s the fastest passenger service in Australia. 2. Urban Bushland Council WA called those yellow flowers oilseed rape or canola, as they put oilseed before canola so I used the name oilseed in my video, if that word made you feel uncomfortable, my apologies it wasn’t intentional. www.bushlandperth.org.au/weeds/oilseed-rape-or-canola/ 3. A major typo in the video. The distance from East Perth to Kalgoorlie is 653km, (not 553km as shown in the video), therefore: at Midland station, distance to Kalgoorlie is 639km (not 539km), At Toodyay station, distance to Kalgoorlie is 562km (not 462km) At Northam station, distance to Kalgoorlie is 535km (not 435km) At Merredin station, distance to Kalgoorlie is 371km (not 271km) At Southern Cross station, distance to Kalgoorlie is 252km (not 152km) At Kalgoorlie station, distance to East Perth is 653km (not 553km). I’m really sorry about this major error, in the future I’ll check my video more carefully before uploading it.

[@brilliantbutblue]

Don't stress we are not that wrapped up in the stats👍

[@rais1953]

I'm Western Australian, have travelled to Kalgoorlie numerous times (always by car though) and I didn't notice the error. The whole video was too interesting to get hung up on a distance error.

[@brilliantbutblue]

@@rais1953 : Agreed

[@RoryDing]

Queensland’s Electric Tilt Train is the fastest as it holds the Australian speed record of 210km/h The prospector is the fastest in terms of average speed, it travels 653km in under 7hrs. In comparison it takes the XPT 10.5hrs to travel 877km XPT Is probably the second fastest in Australia (behind the tilt train) but the poor track condition in nsw means it rarely reaches 160km/h. And in terms of my bullet train experiences, ive travelled on bullet trains in China Japan Russia Sweden Italy France UK Spain Germany and Morocco, so I know how fast bullet trains can be 😊

[@ayambo3281]

@Luke Jonah Samuel Matthew why don't you read his response properly before posting? You're making yourself look silly.

[@damienhills2004]

Thankyou My daughter went on a school camp to Kalgoorlie, and was very nervous about the long train trip on the Prospector. Your video put her mind at ease and made her journey so much easier.

[@watransprotobservations]

Well done for donating!!

[@mitchellgriffin914]

The prospector is certainly one of the most comfortable and enjoyable services. Who knew sitting in a train for 7 hours was so enjoyable

[@jacobmiller4705]

Hey footy buddy aha

[@1MrBryn]

Toodyay itself is also worth spending an afternoon in. Very pretty little town with lots of historical sights.

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing.... Although I currently live in Melbourne, I was born in Kalgoorlie in 1943 so I have seen so many changes to the railway system in WA....the WAGR was always regarded as being the most efficient rail system in Australia.... always great to see updates in the train systems... cheers 😀

[@ACDZ123]

80 yrs old in 2023..well done mate 👍🇦🇺

[@michaelhall8586]

I was so impressed with Perth’s train network when I went. Absolutely state of the art

[@tonyvu2011]

They also build trains in WA, unlike NSW & VIC with Chinese built trains.

[@rais1953]

Driving up from Mandurah to Perth city you get an idea of how good the trains are on that line because the railway is between the two halves of the freeway. Cars travelling at 100 km/h are regularly passed by trains moving at 120-130 km/h. Mandurah is outside the metro area but people living there can comfortably commute into Perth for work.

[@jamestk5079]

@@tonyvu2011 Vic builds trains! There is more to Victorias rail industry than just the HCMT, which still does have Victorian components and a large amount of local input into the construction.

[@happyhappynuts]

@@tonyvu2011 NSW gave it up because the libs hate unions, and Downer + UGL in Clyde and Newcastle had fairly solid safe Labour seats so just chose the cheapest option. Of course, those employees pay tax and stamp duty but who cares about that

[@happyhappynuts]

@@tonyvu2011 these were built in Newcastle NSW

[@c11p]

23:33 The next 30 seconds or so might be my favorite.... you may have started that kid's passion for cameras! Top class, as always, Rory.

[@jays2002]

Super detailed, well researched, very informative and a great advertisement for TranWA and Western Australia. Yes I'm biased, I'm from Perth 😊

[@atcay81]

Awwww you showing the Lil boy how to work the camera was the coolest ever lol.. I think you made his day ☺️👍

[@RoryDing]

“What the heck” 😂😎

[@atcay81]

@@RoryDing what 🤣

[@RoryDing]

Didnt you see that part?😅

[@BinkBricks]

@@RoryDing Oh yeah that's was funny! Loved it.

[@atcay81]

@@RoryDing Ah I get you now 🤣🤣 "I can see the moon" 😎☺️

[@kevinkong2178]

I always want to visit Perth, thanks for the video by Rory

[@terrybrown4400]

It’s interesting that you mention a long forgotten passenger service to Mullewa. It ran three nights per week between 1961 and 1974. I used the service once in 1972 to travel to Dalwallinu. Although it was only 300km it took the train nine hours to get there, hence the ironic nickname of the Mullewa Express. The rolling stock was pretty old dating from around the 1920s. It was even possible to travel on from Mullewa once a week to Meekatharra when they attached a passenger carriage to a goods train

[@skippymaster57]

Yes the 70's were a bad time for railways in WA. The Charles Court Liberal Government started the dissemination of the passenger services as a prelude to the dissolution of Branch Freight lines over the next 2 decades and beyond. This left only the 2 services of the Prospector ( a standard gauge rail service) and The Australind (a narrow gauge rail service) There used to be other mixed freight/passenger services to many parts of the Branch lines in the South West, but they were also cancelled. WA now has to use road freight for many of the bulk freight services such as grain and many minerals, thus putting a huge strain on the road networks in the country areas. The effort by subsequent Labor Governments to redress the metro passenger availability by increasing the reach to Mandurah and Yanchep has been a great progress for the people of Perth, but not for the people of the Country areas who also deserve a comparable service.

[@CityGunzals]

I just wanted to say how much I like to watch your Videos. As a High School Student who lives in Melbourne, When I do get to go film Trains, It's just the regular suburban or V/Line Trains and nothing too out of the ordinary. I've really wanted to travel on lots of Australia's Long-Distance Train Services like the Prospector. These Videos are great because I get to have a look at what the experiance is like and make a decision on weather I should go on this Train in the Future. Once Again, Thank You and I can't wait to see your reviews in the Future.

[@dwblurb]

Good on us cobber. Here's to many train journeys in your future, both in Aus and overseas.

[@CityGunzals]

@@dwblurb Thanks Mate!

[@bright0nsounds]

Hey, I'm a Sydneysider, your trains are certainly out of the ordinary for me. I'd love to visit someday!

[@jamesxiao5327]

Finally it's WA. And a few key highlights are the indigenous boy, the very helpful train crew, as well as the beautiful sceneries outside the window. Thanks for this wonderful video

[@sergianic]

Loved it. How to make a 'voyage of the damned' interesting : give it to Rory. I come from Perth so it was like a revisit. Rory, your videos are so comprehensive and little escapes your notice, helping to make them so watchable. We all want to know what an outsider thinks about our show but with balance - neither gushy nor brickbats. It's hard to believe that 95kms/hr is our present contribution to the high speed world of trains. But we can't get the bums on seats to make it pay - yet. One day. Thanks for this great video.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for the comment! 😊

[@ando8262]

i use to catch this train in the 1990s every school holidays. there were no touch screens with movies back then lol, thank god for my gameboy.

[@kyookatomeaki9600]

Excellent✨ I'd like to travel to Perth again on one day in the future🇦🇺 I'm intersted in taking the trains like this Prosoector🚈 I've watched some of your You-Tube, and I like this one very much❣️

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@lizcain2444]

THANX 4 GREAET VIDEO. I LIVED IN WA 1989-2007 ( KAL-PTH-LEINSTER-BUNBURY ..) NEVER BEEN IN A TRAIN. DONE EXTENSIVE TRAVEL & HOLIDAYS INC WILD NORT TO KAKADU. TRAIN LOOKS LIKE BOEING 787 :-))))

[@ozfam9365]

Surprisingly informative and in-depth video. Well paced for 30+min of content :)

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@inky3]

NOW THIS. THIS IS WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR. greetings from perth

[@whatthestuffisthis]

I always travel with a earphone extender cable. In fact I use one on the computer at home. Also, WA looks a lot like upper Texas USA. With more shapely trees and less Texans.

[@rais1953]

WA is 3.9 times the size of Texas with just over 10% of the population. The northern third is in the tropics with summer temperatures up there regularly above 40°C for several months. Much of it is red desert. In the southern winter our north is wonderful. In the far south the "Rainbow Coast" is good for fishing and a place to cool off in summer. Snow is extremely rare here even in the coldest winters. Visitors go north in winter, south in summer. US, Chinese and European visitors try not to drive on the right hand side of the road too much.

[@martinloney6322]

I love the Prospector and the scenery along the way.

[@HazptMedia]

Congratulations on finally posting this, must’ve taken a lot of work. Good job, this video was very interesting to watch.

[@grimbomaesai8311]

mate you are still MAKING VERY GOOD VLOGS REALY ENJOY THEM NOW THAT I NOW LIVE IN THAILAND I CANNOT DO THESE JOURNEYS IT IS SO GREAT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE SOME ONE VIDIO THEM SO I CAN SEE THEM THANKS THANKS

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@mediokay508]

I remember taking the Prospector during my school days. Fanciest train I've ever ridden on. Also, the Mrs Mac's pie is a classic that I'm glad you enjoyed.

[@YetMoreCupsOfTea]

I'm glad you got to see my home state. I'm stuck in Sydney at the moment, and I have no idea when I'll be able to get home to see my family and visit my country (I'm Noongar, from southern WA).

[@dwblurb]

Good on you mate, hope to have you back soon.

[@rais1953]

Hope you can come home soon Shaun. My roots in WA only go back to the 1870s when my grandma was born in Albany but I hope I might be able to feel a little of what you feel about country.

[@Vanajaschannel]

Wish you a quick return

[@janetsaxton3965]

Thank you so much for your informative review. It has given me the confidence to travel to on the Prospector by myself to Kalgoorlie. Being a much older person I wasn’t sure if I could manage this. I’m confident now that I can. Thanks so much Rory. 👍

[@rais1953]

Welcome to Western Australia Rory. I don't know how you got across the hard border but glad you did. I might try the Prospector myself one day, just for the outing!

[@johnwhorfin5150]

told me he follors all the guidelines man

[@RoryDing]

@@johnwhorfin5150 Australia isn’t just vic and nsw, WA NT SA TAS all open to each other :)

[@johnwhorfin5150]

@@RoryDing yeah ok i hear ya. soz but goes around comes around

[@bigworld5064]

@@johnwhorfin5150 What the fk are you saying mate?

[@7thNoteOfficial]

@@RoryDing 🧠

[@bigfella3243]

I used to take this train trip every 2 weeks for over a year. Brings back memories. Thank you.

[@atcay81]

Cute train and the staff were so nice and helpful and actually seem that they actually love their job which is great, thanks for the review love it 👊😀💕

[@chillimocha]

Good review. Very informative. Although there is no wifi, if you are with Telstra you will have phone reception throughout the whole journey. I took the Indian Pacific from Perth to Sydney about 8 years ago and was blown away to discover I had phone reception and fast mobile data service the whole journey over, even in the middle of the Nullarbor .

[@rayh.3478]

I've never seen anything that is this indepth online ... ever! great job man 👍👍👍

[@erroleabrown4317]

That was interesting and I really appreciate all the information you pack in to your videos, I’m amazed at how much vegetation there is between Perth and Kalgoorlie it’s really really pretty. Nice train to heaps nicer then the trains over on the east coast. I get to see more of australia on your videos then l do from my place. Thanks for sharing your video

[@richardmiller3839]

That was so cool giving that kid your camera.

[@joelsadler6019]

great video mate was looking forward to the next one perfect!!!

[@brilliantbutblue]

Thankyou Rory for all your effort in creating these wonderful, detailed and informative videos!! The views really are spectacular and we got the full experience on this journey. I couldn't believe the prices of the Buffet Car great price point!! That gorgeous little boy is Aboriginal, there are no shoes needed!! Really appreciated you taking the time to show him your camera and allowing him to have a hold and look through the lens, you will be an awesome Dad one day👍

[@katewilliams4876]

I agree. Your videos are so informative and interesting. Thank you.

[@shreychanchad2325]

Loved this piece. It was full of information and details, thank you for this RORY..💕

[@shanilw1218]

Another amazing video Roy!

[@robber_h]

Wonderful video as usual. Your research into the local areas, conditions and rail stock is magnificent. Always entertaining and well presented.

[@AussieAviation]

Thank you Rory for such a great video review, I really did enjoy this one!!

[@OmniaInNumerisSitaSunt]

Thank you, it was very informative and interesting! 💖

[@ThaiDan]

Great job, Rory. Very informative. Thank you very much.

[@lachlanscott7807]

keep doing these vids man i love watching them keep it up

[@superplatypus]

Lovely video, I always enjoy your reviews great amount of detail and good research.

[@robintan4099]

Thank you. Great video. I learn a lot. Keep the videos coming.

[@frankiedavisjunior9143]

Thanks Rory, love the videos bro

[@jonathanchester5916]

Wow, very original and interesting trainsploring. Brought back memories of Australia for sure. The vastness of the landscape never fails to excite, and look forward to more from!

[@michaelrm2317]

Luv the enthusiasm!

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Well done Rory on another great review. If I'm ever in WA i will be sure to travel on this train.

[@rodmarr6586]

You are doing good work!

[@kerilockwood7819]

You do a fantastic job with these videos!

[@lindavainomae3489]

Another excellent train review Rory - thanks :) I did this trip about 20 years ago, so good to see the new rolling stock. Agree that the Superpit is just AWESOME - I could not believe how big it was!

[@cliffordbarrycook2187]

Thank you for sharing. It is so interesting about your train trip to Kalgoorlie.

[@damienhills2004]

Very informative, and never boring. Thank you.

[@firdyk]

Thank you for a great review. Enjoyed all the extra information you provided. As a West Australian at least this is one train journey I can take the scenary looked amazing. Perth is a beautiful city to live it. Hope you got to see more of it.

[@nonconformist.]

Rory your excellent and cheerful reviews are very refreshing. Thank you.

[@ajithreddy5491]

Excellent video. LIKED the train journey

[@sallymay24]

Another awesome review glad you finally made it to Perth even though it’s another country 🤪 Reckon you made that kids day…so cute

[@psychedelicprawncrumpets9479]

WA. The best country in the country

[@akuyangbenar5897]

Thanks Rory for another well researched video. Though I don't travel much on regional trains, I find your videos interesting. The scenery is stunning too.

[@debramage739]

Rory, just lovely, thanks 😊

[@CSMIRC]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing

[@justkoz_AFL0738]

Greta video! Looks so amazing

[@williamcopelin4513]

awesome work rory

[@amtrakharry]

That was "Really " a great trip report Rory ! Thank you for the tips about the seats and the food... :):):) Thank you for sharing it with us...:):):)

[@brianmiles780]

Great video. One can only hope more people will use this service!

[@henrywhittaker2519]

Luv your work !!!

[@perthpete7906]

Great video. Captured everything about WA. A historical document for future generations.

[@TransportVideosAU]

Thank you for posting up this video, I hope those seating tips came in handy. Done this trip numerous of times when growing up in Western Australia, so many memories as well use to be a former rail attendant. The staff was ever so friendly which gave you a long last impression,job well done 👍

[@brilliantbutblue]

Wondering if you might be able to help me, for the mobility impaired should we book Car 1 as this seems to have the accessible toilet and space for wheelchair/walking frame or can you easily access that toilet from Car 2 or 3? Hope you don't mind me asking but you seemed to know your stuff👍

[@TransportVideosAU]

@@brilliantbutblue When making a booking to travel on the Prospector request to be booked in Car One as its more easier to use the accessible toilet, plus you’ll be close by the friendly staff who can help you with any enquire 😊. Cars 2 and 3 aren’t easily wheelchair accessible. Also if booking in person or over the phone just notify the customer service officer about your situation. Hope this helps you 😊

[@brilliantbutblue]

@@TransportVideosAU : Thankyou so much for your time and assistance with clarification on this. I truly appreciate it. Cheers👍

[@TransportVideosAU]

@@brilliantbutblue I’m happy to be of some assistance for you 😊

[@dwblurb]

Great video Rory. Haven't been on this route since the late 70s, must do it again.

[@InfiniteQuantum6109]

Nice video mate. I hope your channel gets bigger

[@klyvemurray]

15:55 "If it's not a Mrs Mac's...Take it back!!" 😄

[@RT038]

Nice video mate well done 👍😊🇦🇺

[@teddytheyorkielowellpenner777]

Hoping to be on this in late October.Great review

[@firstfreeone]

Nice journey again, Rory.

[@45641560456405640563]

Did that trip the other way around about a decade ago. Keep ém coming Rory.

[@intrusivethought]

Thats excellent Rory another great video. Would be interesting to see you looking around Kalgoorlie!

[@BZBDUZIT]

I drive this line almost daily and yet you taught me so much! Thanks pal!

[@DJ.LakeSea]

Very informative, thank you. I want to travel on this train hopefully soon.

[@skycruiser777]

The very great state Of WA. My home, such a beautiful city

[@davidparsons3432]

Love this video......Rory is so thorough.....

[@Rocky-Esq]

Excellent review

[@tinarankin9290]

Great video I love that part of WA with my journey with the Indian Pacific Boy you were very trusting to let that child handle your camera ! 😩 Great review on this train

[@philipppersonalityassistan5680]

super nice documentation. i was 7 years ago in WA for a roadtrip. Its always interesting what kind of trains are existing on this earth.

[@mightyvagabond]

Thankyou Rory to all the effort you have gone into bringing everyone this vlog, have followed all on instagram so great to finally see this, certainly a trip I want to do

[@BinkBricks]

These reviews just get better and better! Absolutely stunning review. I've never heard of Transwa before so thanks for showing me this amazing experience on this trip! And the scenery is just stunning. And the little kid filming was just adorable, I loved that bit so much. Again, amazing review Rory!

[@craigeaton5619]

Thanks for visiting us over here Rory. It is like another country. Looks like a great trip and not bad time of year to see the green after our extra soggy winter. I’m not keen on Mrs Macs pies after a few bad ones, will have to give them another chance.

[@Cryshalo]

No mean feat getting over that border these days, glad you enjoyed the train ride to make it worthwhile!

[@YWYWYY]

Nice video, very informative too! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@billw2126]

thanks mate, Perth resident and found this very interesting.

[@jsong3005]

Thanks, Rory! I have bought a ticket on the Prospector Train to Kalgoorlie after watching yr video. :)

[@sonjakrohn4303]

Did this trip to Kalgoorlie and back to Perth next day in 2018. Really enjoyed the trip. My map and driver cam did work then. 🙂 It’s so sad that train travel in Aus is not what it used to be Would have loved to do Perth to Albany by train.

[@robertbarnier45]

Well,done Rory. Enjoyed. Rob

[@anthonylemon9015]

A superb effort, a well produced and informative video. Thank you for putting in the hard work, very much appreciated.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Anthony 😊

[@blackcorp0001]

Watching your videos reminds me of my many train 🚆 journeys TY so much

[@blackcorp0001]

Great work recruiting new Aussie cinematographers

[@eddieandrews3335]

Absolutely fantastic and comprehensive review. I look forward to doing this ride and the Ghan soon. Thank you so much, thumbs up and a new subscriber

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for subscribing!!! And enjoy the Ghan! 😁😁

[@ironmaiden1236541]

What a great video. Hollywood level production 😅 👏👏👏

[@waqaskhi76]

Great Great video and audio 👏

[@Pebzzzzzz]

Great video, you got all the new interesting info from the trip in there and you definitely came at the best time of year and also just had record rains which made your trip so scenic 😁👌🌿🌱💧

[@RoryDing]

That’s good to know 😂😎

[@jasonfoster7403]

Great vid Rory. I agree with you - Mrs Macs pies are great. Surprised to see such good scenery on this train journey. Good to see that you get your own tv on the Prospector. Pity about the map and driver cam wasn't working. Look forward to your next vid.

[@megthornton1371]

Thank you for this

[@pppxtc]

Well done Rory.