The Australind train | Bunbury to Perth on an ageing diesel | Review

[@linhofmann4913]

Armadale suburban line is closing this month , for quite some time , as they get rid of level crossings. I'm guessing this will be the end of these rail cars for good . Bus replacements will be a fixture now until the line reopens and the new rail cars start operating. You will need to come back to WA in 2024 when all the new trains are in operation.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks for the update! Yes, definitely keen to check it out when they have new railcars.

[@louiserawle8999]

Lived in Manjimup for 3 years and travelled to Bunbury on the Australind loved every minute of the trip.Loved WA.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great!

[@diegohurwitz]

Hi Adam, this is my second video I watch for your collection and it is wonderful! I thoroughly enjoy the calm pace you narrate each portion, great editing and details. Love it .

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great - cheers!

[@FDLRandom]

The train is actually named after where it was built. Australia and india, its just a coincidence that it is named that. The australind is honestly a great train and i take it a lot and its great.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Good to know - thank you! Happy to hear you enjoy using it.

[@watrainfilms8520]

Ah, the alumina train you passed at Cookernup was led by Aurizon locomotive ACN4145, a varient of the Queensland 4100 class and it is my favourite locomotive as it has an amazing engine noise and horn!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ah, that’s cool to know. Thanks!

[@gcb4763]

Thanks, Adam. Good to know there is a viable alternative to driving.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Absolutely!

[@shannbar]

Hi Adam, have just found your videos this week. Started with Melbourne to Warrnambool and have not stopped. I love travelling by train, it's really relaxing and something romantic about it. Am really enjoying your channel. Thanks :)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you!

[@francisjacob8929]

Very nice video. Enjoyed the scenery. From Louisiana in the US.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s great to hear - thank you!

[@shanellstrehlow7110]

Your videos are so relaxing to watch. Also, I love how detailed and thorough your reviews are. They're extremely informative. Awesome job and excellent filming.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s so good to hear. Thank you!

[@richardc8738]

Very nicely done. I’ve got snow outside my apartment, so beautiful Western Australia is a real treat. Thank you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it. Snow? Wow … where are you?

[@PapaDante]

My Aunt is from Bunbury. Beautiful place but yeah the Australind is almost never working when I go and visit haha. Great video!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, it’s disappointing it’s so often out of service.

[@OisinMcGrath1916]

I feel as though the australind train is a terrible service out of the way of most people and arbitrary departure times not convenient to anyone, only runs twice a day and costs 30 bucks, pretty useless to most people. With respect to this video though amazing job, incredible quality. I couldn’t believe there was such a video for the little town of bunbury in western aus, really well done mate you covered everything well. Mention of price would have been relevant

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

The Australind is a train with loads of potential … with new railcars and ideally reduced journey times and better scheduling (as you say), it could be a great alternative to driving. It’s a pity though that it no longer reaches downtown Bunbury. Thank you for your kind comments… really appreciate hearing that! 🙏 I cover the fare at 17:24 😉

[@heathergrace7434]

Thankyou for the videos Adam, I am a gran and have travelled on many of these trips, and finally I have found someone who produces great content and you have a good clear voice! Keep going Adam!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That's so lovely to hear Heather - thank you!

[@patdoyle3686]

Lovely train journey well made video much prefer to travel by train than boat plane or bus It's the best way to travel the train

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It really is - very relaxing!

[@mohsensadeghi9482]

So good mate, thanks for sharing 🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks. Great to hear you liked it! 🥳

[@obi-wankenobi1190]

this is super cool back in 1987 I was at the opening of Wallaston Train Station, Bunbury when the Australind 1987 model was also launched for passenger use, the livery you have here is quite different from back then though, where the windows are that side strip was dark blue and the face of the front and aft car was also dark blue with AUSTRALIND in qhite bold lettering full upper case letters. There was an upper and lower red cheatline as well. Thanks to my autism I remember it all by detail, the launch program also had a slogan for this train which lead: "The Train that think it's a plane", top speed is 120kphs by a max cruise speed was 110kph, pretty much the same speed as the max highway speed you can travel by car. From what I can recall is that you could also do a non stop run from Bunbury to Perth without the stops, at 110kph you can do 181 KM in about 1 hour and 38 minutes from beginning to end. Not sure if this is still an option today though. IF you have the specs of the new Australind train cars that are going to be released in 2025, would be nice to see what differences there are, I expect that these will be electro trains than Diesels, if so I'd expect a top speed of 140 a 150kphz possible. Here in the Netherlands where I am now we do have the TGV - Thalys these can reach up to 350kphs, does Australia have a high speed train like the TGV -Thalys as well? Awesome video thanks for bringing back these golden memories.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much - appreciate you sharing all those details from the train’s history. Very interesting! I don’t have the specs of the new trains but I’d hope they can achieve higher average speeds … we shall see. 🤞 Unfortunately Australia has no proper high speed line or trains. Many politicians have spruiked a high speed railway between Sydney and Melbourne (one of the busiest air routes in the world) but nothing has come of it, sadly.

[@michaelbateman4906]

One small thing, the Hotham Valley Railway dont operate out of Pinjarra anymore instead now they run out of Dwellingup about 25km east of Pinjarra.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Good to know. Thank you!

[@2024-Traveller]

Great video ! thanks for sharing !

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

So glad you liked it. :)

[@fox-in-leeds5769]

Great! I have been on this train from Perth to Bunbury in 2020!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Nice!

[@Spookieham]

One of the problems of the Australind is it takes the long way to Perth and uses freight tracks. There is talk of extending part of the Perth Suburban network instead to Bunbury so to get a more direct routing. It's interesting that the major highway south to Bunbury has more than enough room in the median for two train lines for much of the way.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Graeme. Yes, I did hear the state government is investigating options to speed up the journey. Will be interesting to see what happens. 🤔

[@Spookieham]

@@FromtheWindowSeat it's 20 yrs away at least but the population on that corridor to Bunbury is only going to increase every year

[@kyookatomeaki9600]

Hello, Adam. I'm Tomeaki Kyooka from Japan. I don't travel on the trains very often but I do sometimes, I like taking the trains very much. Your You-Tube's "The Australind" train between Bunbury and Perth WA. is very good and very Interesting and very informative! Thanks a lot!! I'm looking forward to watch your next You-Tube's "The Prospector" between Perth and Kalgoorie, too.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s awesome. Thank you!

[@xxteknuwafflexx2689]

オーストラリアからこんにちは

[@maureen8966]

Hi Adam really enjoyed video scenery very beautiful. Thank you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi Maureen. Happy to hear that - thank you!

[@ianmorris7485]

Lived in Perth for over 50 years - currently live right near Cannington railway station - and have never yet travelled on the Australind. Every time I have booked to do so, it has been replaced by a coach service for a variety of reasons, but usually due to unavailability of the railcars. The current railcars are very distinctive in their sound and it is quite noticeable when they pass through Cannington. Running late is almost a hallmark of the Australind - if it is late into Armadale, it invariably gets pathed behind a suburban service to Perth, then again at Cannington behind a Thornlie to Perth suburban service. The new railcars will hopefully vastly improve the service when they enter service.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, they are unreliable and often late. Hopefully the new seats address these issues.

[@deltamx]

Imagine this ridiculous coach replacement in german or french railways

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Love the names of all the towns on the route. The train, although old, seems to be quite comfortable and in good condition ( except for the "artwork"😂)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, true! 😂😂 Thanks for watching!

[@TheDaf95xf]

Evening Adam. 👍🏻 For a 30 year old DMU it doesn’t look too shabby 😂 Like the fact the seats can swivel into the direction of travel 😆 As always your videos are very informative and top quality 🤩🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi Steve. Yes, it’s quite a classic DMU. Although my understanding is they’re no longer that mechanically reliable so regular passengers often find themselves on the dreaded replacement bus service. Thank you for your comments! ☺️

[@andreawoelke]

The short platforms look insane! Great video!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Andrea! 😁

[@Kcritchett87]

The short platforms actually speed up picking up passengers and dropping off passengers as passengers only come in and out one door. The short platforms make it easier to locate the door as they are lined up with the door. Check out Rory dings video of the Australind. Because the short platforms on average it takes around 20-30secs to set down and pick up passengers.

[@andreawoelke]

@@Kcritchett87 This makes no sense at all!

[@timallardyce1216]

You're right, Jacob's Creek wine is just FOUL!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

🤣 🤣 🤣

[@DiscoveryBalochistan]

This was nice. Thank you👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you liked it. 😁

[@Tanzadog1]

Bunburyite here. I doubt the train will be replaced in 2023. Their is a major line shutdown on the heritage line from Perth to Armadale starting late 2023 and continuing for 18 months with a lot of upgrades being done. I can't see them bringing the train out in 2023 only to put it away again a few months later. More likely, the old set will hobble along until late 2023 (when they will be 6 years past their use by date and probably breaking down more and more) and then a new train will hit the rails in 2025. They may even just cancel the service if breakdown are more common and just wait for the new train in 2025.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, you are probably right. When I made the video the government hadn’t announced a review to find ways to speed up the service so things have changed a bit since. 🤔

[@spangus10]

Watching this in 2024 missing the Australind train because they decided to close the train line between Perth and Armadale to make some major changes including removing all level crossings and building a few new stations including the Byford station that has been removed from the Australind line and added to the Armadale line

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, certainly seems to be out of action for a long time.

[@watransprotobservations]

You should totally do this again in 2024 when the new rail car arrives I jabe never been on the australind service but I've been on Avon Link, personally the busses are nicer I have also been on Prospector given it is named after my ancestor Patrick Hannan was a gold Prospector in Kalgoorlie given the train is gold called the Prospector and gos to Kalgoorlie

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I’d certainly like to try the new railcars when they’re in service. Cheers.

[@syc9675]

16:47 The train crossed the Denny Avenue Bridge in Kelmscott. The Denny avenue crossing was gone for good.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ah right - cool. ;)

[@PeteBrandy]

Nice video! it looks as a very nice journey. I like diesel units like this, the interior looks very nice and well maintained. And also I like the landscapes and I envy you the weather (here, we had first snow today). Greetings from Prague :-)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Pete - lovely to hear! Yes, I’m glad summer is coming although so far, spring has been very mild here. That said, a snow-covered Prague sounds dreamy. ⛄️😁 Greetings from Adelaide. ☀️

[@davo330]

I'm from Bunno, wish I'd known you were in town!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ha. Bet you’re looking forward to the new trains.

[@grantporebski7048]

I’m from Western Australia and done this trip few times, good video mate, train ride is bad could be worse 😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh cool. Thanks!

[@rileycummaudo8612]

Adam I think the trans wa australind and v/line Gippsland services have 2 things in common being stuck behind suburban and always being replaced by a bus

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ha! Fair enough. 😂

[@qfa330]

one of the rare running Australind Services ! lol

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ha! Yeah, it seems they get cancelled quite a bit.

[@lmlmd2714]

I know they're old and clapped out, but I do like the layout in these. There seems to be a fashion on new trains in Australia to have the same rock hard "ironing board" seats that the European operators are very fond of. I like the soft smooshy ones the old trains have, even if DMUs as a whole are a pretty terrible idea for longer journeys!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, fair point! Thanks for watching.

[@ryansofly]

I actually live not too far from Jacobs Creek! Haha... Top report, as usual. Pity about the graffiti, urgh. I'm holding off on booking my trip to WA. Gonna see what Uncle McGowan's gonna do with his border.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Ryan! Yeah, it’s a gamble to travel to WA now. As soon as we have any examples of community transmission, I’m pretty sure he’ll close the border (particularly given they live as if there was no virus over there). 🤓

[@angus987]

Wow those cars are almost identical to the NSW Xplorers. Just they’re standard gauge.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

There are similarities although The Australind railcars were built by Comeng in 1987 whereas Xplorer were built by ABB in 1993.

[@neilmansfield8329]

Hi Adam Like your videos

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Appreciate that - thanks!

[@ducky_the_helper]

The interior of these cars are almost identical to the XPT cars wich is nice

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh right. Good to know. The Australind cars have just been taken out of service and the line closed for upgrades. When it reopens, it will be operated with new railcars.

[@ausrailaction1348]

Hey mate just for a bit of info for when you said the South Western railways at 5:12 at the Bunbury depot or (Picton) aurizon only does Casutic Soda and Alumina trains which serve Pinjarra (Calcine), Yalup Brook (Wagerup) & Hamilton. However out of Kwinana aurizon depot they do bauxite, caustic soda and 1 alumina set all to Calcine then they unload/load at Alcoa Kwinana Anyways awesome vid mate big thumbs up keep the good work up!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh right - thank you! I had to rely on Google searches and Wikipedia to try and work it out so yeah, didn’t get it all quite right. Good to know! Thanks for the feedback. 🙏

[@amtrakharry]

That was excellent Adam... Have the new trains arrived yet???

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! I don’t believe so. The service has been suspended until mid-2025 to allow for various railway upgrades so the new railcars will begin operating then.

[@tangiers365]

well that train is gone now! i wish i caught it before , but i dont live in WA so its a long way

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, relegated to history. But at least it will be replaced by new DMUs.

[@tangiers365]

@@FromtheWindowSeat cool thanks for info

[@jasonhowe1697]

NOTING: this unit is refurbished prospector dmu retrofitted in 87 with a new aero nose, at refitment stage was 15-20 years old at 2023 40-48/50 years old at this stage, with the shutdown of midland's maintenance works westrail kinda shot self in foot. I suspect the DMU's running the shopper shuttle to merredin and longer units that service to kal most likely hit their service end of life within the next 5-15 years and see a shift to the australind line and work another 20-30 years in reduced service capacity assuming they don't get flogged to NZ or another country the citing of 2010-2015 most likely a motor and nose replacements and likely axle replacement as they started failing within 10 years of of being pulled from the shopper/kal service to/from merredin/kal the australind typically gets the hand me downs from merredin/kal to this day the australind hasn't had a new dmu since its inception into service

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Are you sure? Wikipedia says they were built by Comeng in 1987 for use on The Australind. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westrail_ADP/ADQ_class The old Prospector cars date from 1971 but were retired in 2005: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/WAGR_WCA/WCE_class

[@jasonhowe1697]

@@FromtheWindowSeat 0 .wiki says it's something comeng did the 87 refitment there was a big stink at the time covered in the news when it was found our the australind wasn't getting replaced all they did was built a new nose and stuck australind on it i typically take what wiki states with a massive plate of bullshit it was later noted that it was a old prospector unit that got a nose face lift and new livery decals somewhere in the mid-late 90's they refurbished the second, by 2012 it 1st unit had a undercarriage overhaul and newish aero nose added and the 2014 update was the second unit repair they still older prospector models whilst 1 unit was done they had issues scrapping and on-selling the older units due to the asbestos lining and that same problem also existed in the old diesel cars on the suburban lines step father drove trains for a living so had a first hand knowledge of most westrails rolling stock, noting westrail controls all rolling stock on rail even if they stencil transperth on it and wear transperth logo'd shirts as far as I am aware 85 was the 1 time they updated to the stage 1 aero kits on the prospector, 2 years later australind was done and i think stages 2&3 had like a 5 year gap befor happening on the australind service the 2-4 car sets on the on the shopper link 2 car typically stopped at merredin where the 4 car sets typically ran to kal don't remember seeing a 3 car set on the australind service either 2 or 4 can't really comment on the shopper shuttle from merredin these days.. though typically 3 car options that exist today are the through service perth to kal and the shopper service typically the 2 car variant leaves from midland for the afternoon run to merredin and the later 3 car service

[@ryanlansom7951]

That interior of that train is the same as the XPT nsw TrainLink

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, that’s right! Comeng won the contract using a similar body shell and interior fitout to the New South Wales XPT carriages.

[@rogertull8888]

LOCO 1701 I DROVE THAT WHEN I WORKED FOR WESTRAIL

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh wow - nice!

[@justinbartlett3733]

I’m 30k’s away. I live in Donnybrook W.A.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cool

[@justinbartlett3733]

@@FromtheWindowSeat where do you ilve

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@justinbartlett3733 Adelaide

[@matthewdempsey6583]

Hope the ex wagr 1700 class loco gets preserved 1701

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hopefully!

[@dangerboy1111]

bro any new update on fast rail??

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

No fast rail confirmed in Australia yet. Sadly.

[@dangerboy1111]

@@FromtheWindowSeat just listen wa planning to 180km/h speed

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@dangerboy1111 that’s cool although needs to be 250kmh before most international authorities deem it “high speed rail”. 🤔

[@perthtransportguyz]

in my opinion there shall be an un powered track just for australind

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That would be useful but I guess it would be a big investment for two trains a day in each direction.

[@perthtransportguyz]

@@FromtheWindowSeat true

[@rodorodo3060]

Hi!! Nice video!! What gauge is used in this service between Perth & Bunbury, is 1067 or 1435 mm?? I saw another videos related to The Ghan & The Indian Pacific, if you have the inforation I would like to know the brand of the locos and cars/ carriage of those services, where are they come from?? Best regards from Buenos Aires, Argentia.-

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hola! This train is narrow gauge … so 1067mm. Standard gauge is 1435mm, which is what the next train i take (Perth to Kalgoorlie) will be. The engines which haul The Ghan and the Indian Pacific are normally the standard gauge NR class. You can read more here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Rail_NR_class. The carriages are Commonwealth Railways stainless steel cars: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_Railways_stainless_steel_carriage_stock

[@rodorodo3060]

@@FromtheWindowSeat Ok. Mate!! Thanks a lot for your information!! Where can I get any video related to trains broad gauge 1600mm in Australia?? Here in Argentina is used broad, 1676mm, standard 1435, narrow 1000mm and still narrower 750mm... Regards, Rodolfo

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@rodorodo3060 Most of the trains in Victoria (Melbourne is the capital of Victoria) are broad gauge. Here's one video about broad gauge trains in Victoria: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIO7Zp6NpryLias

[@rawpowerinmotion]

Australind travel time is comparable to the Sydney to Newcastle travel time yet opal fare is less than the Australind fare....

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Interesting! 🤔

[@tonybaldwin1115]

Train staff should have removed the luggage blocking a door in the vestibule.

[@tonybaldwin1115]

I wonder why there’s no pax rail say up to gerldton or even more south coast destinations

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I got the impression that the staff had allowed the walker and luggage to be placed here because the door in the very next carriage was the one used at stops, never this one. 🤔

[@deltamx]

Ridiculous old diesel trains Reflects the backwardness of wa However perth suburban system is very good and expanding

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ha. Fair enough. The train was quite comfortable even if outdated. Thankfully these sets are being replaced. 👍

[@jeremyludlow4439]

As a Western Australian, I feel embarrassed watching this video. An old, unreliable, vandalised train departing only from a nondescript suburb 4 km out of the city centre. The train's named after a town it doesn't serve. A train hostess who who fluffed her lines. Vandalised freight trains to pass and be passed by. A driver who can't stop at the right place at the stations. Noisy, smoky diesel engines that need to be rebooted. South Australian wine instead of the local product. Toilets that overflow. Even more comprehensively decrepit and vandalised preserved rolling stock at Pinjarra. A cafe that closes before the train has reached Byford. A late running service and a very late arrival. A ticket that gets you free travel on suburban trains but not buses (why not the buses, I wonder?). At least the fares aren't very expensive and you enjoyed the trip. I was cringing while watching you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Fair enough … although coming from South Australia, I’m jealous nonetheless. We have no regional trains. The WA government has committed to replacing these trains and investigating ways to speed up the journey, so hopefully something good will come if that. Thanks for watching! Cheers.

[@grantporebski7048]

I’m from Western Australia and I’m embarrassed from your comment from someone that obviously knows nothing especially from someone that says his from Western Australia, appreciate what we have,

[@tonybaldwin1115]

SA gov should really consider reinstating some regional services

[@jeremyludlow4439]

@@tonybaldwin1115 Maybe. People who live in WA like the idea of having regional services (ours are the Australind, the Prospector, and AvonLink). So, eg, the main reason the Australind wasn't axed decades ago is that Bunbury is a marginal State parliamentary seat, and people who live there like the idea of being able to travel to Perth by train. But regional trains are very expensive to operate, and most people don't use them to travel more than very occasionally, if at all, so they're also very unprofitable.

[@codeeater0]

I feel embarrassed for you Jeremy.

[@Stokie99]

0:44 I can see my house

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Really? Nice spot!

[@Stokie99]

@@FromtheWindowSeat unfortunately don't live there anymore. but i do live in the trains namesake suburb now. 😂

[@gregj7916]

2.5 hours to travel 180km… just pathetic

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

They’re looking to replace the train.

[@Tysxno]

It is an old train, hopefully to be replaced with the newer C Series diesel versions

[@andyrob3259]

Amazing, King Canute, otherwise know as Magic McGowan that thinks he can stop viruses, spend so much money on things specially freeways yet can’t spend money on replacing these aging trains. And what’s with the totally inconvenient station designed to drive down passenger numbers.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That's sad but at least your state is investing in new trains and suburban tracks. :)

[@kmrstyle]

Hello Adam, thank you very much for your idea. I would like to train one of the train from Perth, would you mind letting me know which train ride did you prefer in terms of scenery between the Australind (Bunbury) and the Prospector (Kalgoorlie)? thank you very much.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hello. It's hard to choose because the journeys are very different. If you're short on time, then Bunbury is best because it's not that far and can be done as a day trip - and the countryside is quite lovely. However, the train is much older and often has mechanical issues. If you have more time, then the Prospector is a modern train and takes you to a very different destination (the Goldfields) via the pretty Avon Valley, soil you go there you'd want to spend at least a night or two in Kalgoorlie to do it justice.

[@kmrstyle]

@@FromtheWindowSeat thank you very much for your reply 😃

[@lmlmd2714]

The Prospector, tbqh, is a *really* long journey to do on a DMU. I've done the Bunbury trip and I enjoyed it, and Bunbury is a nicer and more varied town than Kalgoorlie, IMHO.