XPT over the Blue Mountains | Sydney to Dubbo by train

[@jaydanjm9589]

There are many channels with millions of subscribers who don't put this much effort and detail in their videos. The Blue Mountains are my favourite part of Australia, and this whole video made me feel like I was on the train too. A top tier video that 110% deserves a like and sub!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It’s so wonderful to hear that - thank you! I was very excited about making this video because I love the XPT and the Blue Mountains are beautiful. So I’m glad that showed. 😊

[@asherouk7308]

The Blue Mountains are vastly underrated. Sydneysiders only do a quickie trip to the Three Sisters maybe two or three times in their lifetime, when in reality the entire Blue Mountains is vast and mostly unexplored. Imagine having secret gorges as stunning and steep as the Grand Canyon on your doorstep and knowing nothing about it. Not to mention the artistic communities that abound.

[@jaydanjm9589]

@@asherouk7308 yeah I love it up there!

[@asherouk7308]

@@jaydanjm9589 💪🏽👍🏽👌🏾

[@jamesrowlands8971]

@@FromtheWindowSeat have you done a video on the train in the snowfields of NSW?

[@dontown1531]

I went to Australia in 1987 & spent the entire month of May traveling on trains (mostly long-distance sleepers) I did not have any time to take the XPT to Canberra unfortunately. Since 1955 I have logged 250,000 km by train mostly here in Canada but also in UK & Australia. It's amazing that 'The Candian' transcontinental train is still operating after 67 yrs. Cheers from Vancouver.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow. That sounds like a wonderful experience. Thanks for watching!

[@ronaldwhite5670]

I did enjoy this video. Very professionally presented, informative, visually and audibly appealing of high standards. Probably the best I’ve seen, thank you…..from Bathurst!😊

[@brianb8516]

There are no XPT service to Canberra any more. The trains there are DMUs, usually 3 cars.

[@kurvaceous]

@@brianb8516 before the XPLORER trains entered service the Canberra run was run by locomotive hauled trains temporarily.

[@brianb8516]

@@kurvaceous there was a Canberra Monaro Express operated by DEB set DRCs, and loco haule Canberra Day Trains. XPTs operated to Canberra in their early days, then replaced by the XPLs.

[@RonLucock]

As an aviation enthusiast, I honestly didn't expect I'd sit through 38 minutes of a guy on a train. But this is arguable one of the most engaging & interesting videos I've seen in a long time. Well produced, good editing, appropriate background music & highly informative &, as I said, engaging. Well done! I also noticed you got the flight back to Sydney, which probably cost 4-5 times as much! I remember my father taking me to see the XPT when it was first introduced & on display to the public at Central Station. I was 14 & it looked like something out of the future. Now it's almost a thing of the past. Quite amazing really. I live on the NSW Central Coast & see the XPT come through Wyong regularly on it's way to / from Brisbane.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s wonderful to hear Ron. Thank you! If I recall correctly, my return flight was booked through to Adelaide using a flight credit, so not too bad although yes, many times more than the train. Yes, you’re quite right, the XPTs seemed very futuristic in the 1980s and they’re certainly showing their age but still a classic train.

[@timkelly2901]

As a former XPT Crew Member, I wish to congratulate you on an excellent trip report.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi Tim. Thank you! Wonderful to receive that feedback.

[@michaelantony107]

Adam, you are a legend. I had been in Melbourne for 30 years, travelled XPT many times. But never bothered digging into the history of the train, stations, or places. Your video enlightened me. Thank you. Your abilities will help a lot of students.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Super happy to hear that. Thank you!

[@FelixLeeeeee]

I live in The Blue Mountains 😁 I usually go on a train to katoomba or leura to look at some scenic views

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Nice. Both beautiful places!

[@everyhandletaken]

I was there last week- it was 6 degrees at 3pm 😦 & then 4 degrees soon after, with apparent temp of 1 degree, along with heavy fog & intermittent rain.. at this time of year?!?! Could not.

[@davidrome6066]

Hi Adam, I just stumbled across your page as I was searching for something on KZbin. What a great informative trip report on the Western XPT you did and the footage was picturesque. On behalf of the crew, I'd like to thank you for supporting our service and enjoying the trip as I'm Dave from that crew set.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi Dave. Thank you so much! I’m always chuffed when crew come across my videos and like them. I really enjoyed the trip - so thank you to you and your colleagues for a great journey!

[@richardcaldwell9160]

Thanks Adam, the thing I enjoy most about your clips are the facts & figures of each place you pass. & of course your excellent commentaries.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I’m happy to hear that. Thank you!

[@NowGetThere]

Great video. I remember when the XPT first started back in the early 80s. I was at Parramatta station seeing it go past for the first time. Looked so modern back then! Still pulling its weight after all these years.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, it’s an impressive train even all these decades later.

[@BelindaBishop-x8p]

Hi, I'm travel agent in the US specializing in trips to Australia and New Zealand. Thank you for taking the time to put together such comprehensive videos. Loved them all. I send them to my clients so they have a good idea about what to expect.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you!

[@oceansRising]

Wow. I have 0 interest in trains and put this on to have something to watch with lunch and I was struck by this video. Your delivery and the sheer effort and research made this video fascinating AND enjoyable. Wow!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Jess. Stoked to hear that!

[@amtrakharry]

Just bought my ticket finally to ride this awesome train next month !!! Thank you for the inspiration !!!:):):)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@robertmainerd7145]

Very nicely produced video, and because I'm vision impaired I appreciate the clear descriptive commentary. Thanks.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@TANSW1]

I love these travel videos from Sydney to anywhere in Australia

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@TANSW1]

@ np, i really enjoyed the Indian Pacfic, great southern, overland and ghan vids that i want to travel on those trains

[@nanniecath528]

Just wonderful!! I love train travel.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you so much! It’s a great way to travel.

[@Martindyna]

I've just rewatched the video and I think i must have been half asleep the first time when I commented `Nice video'. It's a stunning video with so much information included about the train and the route, the best XPT video I've seen, very well done!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Brilliant to hear - thank you! 🙏

[@sarbaazchabahar]

This was a thrill to watch. I enjoyed watching the sceneries and the beauty of Australia, its a beautiful country. Thank you for sharing your videos✌️🍻

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! 🥰

[@ralphbyles142]

Loved your commentary, both for the train and the country

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear - thank you!

[@anjummirza1452]

Excellent. A very descriptive vlog regarding the train journey and history weaved into one another. Thanks for showing us this wonderful Australian landscape and its beauty...

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@aussiejohn5835]

Hi Adam, I really enjoyed this presentation and have travelled the line for many years. I remember the locomotive hauled night train with its sleeper cars and with windows that opened. I remember the Central West Express with lunch served at your seat or in a designated dining car. I remember when the Central West Express was terminated at Orange and it was necessary to catch the Rail motor to continue the journey to Dubbo. I remember when the Wellington road bridge was damaged and the traffic had to share the rail bridge with the trains which was a very strange experience. Thanks Adam for the memories of the days when train travel was a magical experience.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much John. Wow - you’ve experienced the journey in such a variety of ways. Glad my video could bring back good memories.

[@dapto234]

Hi Aussie John I grew up in Orange and well remember as a young boy the steam locomotives pulling the Central West Express...and the later conversion to Deisel Loco's...The Rail Motor alternated between Parkes one day back to Orange then Dubbo and back to Orange.....The line to Perth went through a station (for pickup only) called East Fork.

[@aussiejohn5835]

@@dapto234 I am so sorry for my delay in replying to you. I remember the Rail Motor being the Silver City Comet and it was very much in need of some TLC. I also remember a Rail Motor service between Dubbo and Gilgandra. The railway has taken a backwards step in some cases.

[@stephencurtis2282]

I stumbled on your channel and have watched at least half a dozen videos in 24 hours. You're one of a kind, Adam. You should be very proud of your material. It's factual, reasoned, and informative. Lovely stuff.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s very kind of you to say. Thank you!

[@stephencurtis2282]

Still watching... Last video I watched was the Warrnambool train - I live in Warrnambool :)@@FromtheWindowSeat

[@Mozair831]

Never thought I'd enjoy this type of video but I really liked it lol. I love the old school trains. This XPT looks like an enjoyable ride. Hopefully I can take a ride on it before they go. Thanks for the video!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad to hear that. Yes, the XPT is a classic. 👌

[@peterkwiatkowskiNZ]

I have an autistic son who loves trains. As you know passenger trains in Sth Island NZ are very limited so really likes watching your videos. For me it's the detail and information you provide for each trip giving an insight on video of the areas. Keep them coming!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Im really happy to hear that. Thank you!

[@malcolmrobertson7127]

Really good video. Very interesting and informative - and well done for such thorough research.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Malcolm!

[@krisjustin3884]

A nice relaxed journey with engaging commentary and well selected footage. The information at various stations giving altitude, population and distance from Sydney added to the interest value of this entertaining video. Very well done!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much - great to hear that! 😃

[@hansvanderhaar3629]

Another great video Adam! It has been many years since I’ve done the XPT to Dubbo, some things have changed others look very similar. Great footage and informative. Look forward to the next video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear that. Thank you!

[@DeanCosgner]

Another awesome video Adam! This one's inspired me to do this leg of the XPT's before they're replaced.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Dean. Yes, that was part of motivation too … will be interesting to see what the new trains are like.

[@exploreearth6275]

Really nice video production Very enjoy to watching

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelhart3410]

What a nice way to end my weekend by seeing you've uploaded a new video, Adam. Great one. I enjoyed watching this one.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Michael. 😊

[@BB-xm8bs]

Watched quite a few of Adams train videos these are great and super informative, makes one want to visit AZ / NZ!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Really glad to hear that. Hope you make it “Down Under”! 🇦🇺 🇳🇿

[@glucid4222]

Thank you for this video. As a Bathurst local who made the 'tree-change' from Sydney almost 15 years ago, and always relying on the car to visit Sydney, it's very easy to forget that there's another, more relaxed way to get there. Seeing all the unused stations along the way is a sobering reminder of how far we've gone the American way in glorifying the almighty car as the only way to go anywhere fast. And that goes hand in hand with how empty that XPT was for most its journey. I can only wonder how things would've been when trains stopped at all those beautiful but unused stations. What a shameful waste. Imagine if all our collective superannuation would have been spent on building decent infrastructure, like high speed rail, to make long distance road transport that much less attractive, instead of being spent to fatten super funds and inflate house prices. Imagine.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you. Yes, I couldn’t agree with you more about our car-centric society and all the ways this money could have been better spent to benefit a greater number of people. 🤔

[@brianb8516]

Most of the unused stations resulted from locals not using the trains when they did stop there.

[@JaseC80]

Growing up, my father was a Guard for State Rail. I used to regularly go to work with him in school holidays. XPT from Orange to Dubbo, stay in Dubbo all afternoon and back to Orange on a freight train late in the evening. Being in the drivers cabin of various trains, will forever be a fond memory.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh wow - that sounds great!

[@gman837]

6 XPTs depart Sydney daily the Dubbo is the only one to return the same day, great video really appreciate the length and 4k!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

True. Thanks so much!

[@samueljohnston2516]

Very well made video! I'm from Dubbo and have taken the XPT between Dubbo and Bathurst to go to boarding school dozens of times. Thanks for putting it in a video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@jb7591]

This video was well done. I've subscribed!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Awesome, thank you!

[@robthatsme9831]

Great attention to detail. Love the on screen and obviously researched info and overall style. 👍👍👍👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@theresefreeland3762]

Wonderful video. I loved the view from the train. I can only dream about that train journey.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! ☺️

[@dianacalder9614]

Wonderful video, you've inspired me to holiday by train, something i would never have contemplated. I'm looking forward to watching your other videos 😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Brilliant to hear that. Hope you enjoy it!

[@Taipan108]

I’m glad you put subtitles for the announcer. I would have had no idea what he was saying! He had such a weird voice.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I think part of the issue was that he spoke so fast … it was a struggle to work them out for the subtitles. Might not be 100 per cent accurate. Haha.

[@steveplanesnlego9055]

Another great video. I like your balance of information and personal experience. On Wednesday I travel on the Indian-Pacific and buzzing with excitement. Thinking of doing my first video, but thinking it might get in the way of enjoying the moment. I like your style. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Steve. Very jealous … the Indian Pacific will be incredible!

[@steveplanesnlego9055]

@@FromtheWindowSeat if I’m game enough a diary of some description will be posted here. 🙀

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@steveplanesnlego9055 There’s an Indian Pacific Appreciation Group on Facebook … that could also be an option. 🤔

[@steveplanesnlego9055]

@@FromtheWindowSeat already a member. Watching with anticipation 👍

[@sharonhaasbroek7464]

Informative video. Thank you. Appreciate it.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DoDgEball86]

For between $43-$68 and only two hours more than by car, doesn’t look like a bad way to go. Especially when flights cost $400 and probably takes 4hrs including transit times. Nice review mate 👌😎

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yeah, I think it’s reasonable value and a relaxing way to travel.

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

It depends on what the traveller’s preferences, expectations and time pressures are. Let us get real for a moment: a domestic journey, within the same state, taking 6.5 hours for only 300km of distance is a bloody long time. Flying internationally to Bali, Indonesia, takes the same time for a 4620km flight. As for the Dubbo flight, even with accounting for taxis, airport check in, and, the actual flight, the total journey only takes 2.5 hours. The return Rex flight can be had for as little as $314. The return first class XPT fare is a substantial $195, so is hardly cheap. For many, the massive 9 hour time saving with flights is well worth the $119 premium over the very slow and obsolete 40 year old XPT. Indeed, the closing shot of Dubbo by air strongly implies that the channel host did not care to repeat the arduous train ride again, sensibly opting for the flight back to Sydney.

[@DoDgEball86]

@@user-kc1tf7zm3b I’m not comparing first and regular fares… in terms of budget, it is cheap per km. In terms of time, flights will always be quicker. If you’re on a budget, would be a great option. I don’t think you can suggest going back by air implies anything … he does review different modes of transport.

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

@@DoDgEball86 The XPT economy fare is still $141, so is hardly cheap. The return travel time is still an excruciating 14 bloody hours. Plus, travelling in XPT economy can be a very rough experience indeed, as the economy passengers are often not the most urbane and considerate types. For a good number of passengers, the $141 outlay is a huge chunk of their bank savings. If the host did take the flight back to Sydney, it means he did not sensibly care to spend _another_ 6.5 hours on the train. The host has better uses of his time. With all things considered - long travel times, noise, obsolete 1980s train and unruly economy passengers - the Dubbo XPT is far from being a ‘great’ option.

[@DoDgEball86]

@@user-kc1tf7zm3b clearly you’re not a fan of the XPT. If I was a budget traveller, $140 return is better than $400-$500 return via air, irrespective of time.

[@jackhuynh1916]

Really well produced journey video! Love the little indicator showing where you are on the train! Very fine touches!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Thanks for sharing. I didn't realise there were so many closed stations.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, it surprised me too.

[@philipjp01]

Thanks for your fantastic videos and great commentary. Love your work!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@LoanNguyen-ze9pl]

Clear, quality, informative video. Like it!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@leea1988]

I thoroughly appreciate the level of detail throughout this video. Very well done to you!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Great to hear. 😊

[@mickeybro2]

i just came across this great video. Thank you sir

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

You are very welcome. Glad you like it! 🙏

[@patriciag5683]

Great presentation. I enjoyed the mix of facts and history..... after a stressful shift at work, this video has helped bring my blood pressure down 😁

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Really glad my video helped. 😊

[@timstarr1316]

Stumbled onto your site by accident. Brings back fond childhood memories of XPT travel between Brisbane and Sydney. Love the scenery put into the videos and bits of information. Top job.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@brianmiles780]

All your videos are superb Adam. Well researched with lots of history and excellent narration. Also appreciate the geo markers to understand the route and where the train is at. The music REALLY enhances the viewing experience!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Really appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

[@livandstephrock]

For someone who has done this particular trip hundreds of times growing up it is amazing to learn some of the interesting facts you have given.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Awesome to hear that. Thank you!

[@ronsmith2241]

I always enjoy your videos. I'm envious.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear that. Thank you!

[@noahwon9253]

My first time here but what an amazing video! I learnt a few things and have travelled this a few times. Very relaxing and "first class" is generally less busy.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Very glad to hear that.

[@jaikalvani]

Very well made video Adam. Your videos are getting better and better.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Jai! Glad the work is paying off. 😊

[@elsongs]

Thanks for this! I've watched the whole thing. I'm from the US and have been to Australia before (2009) but have never been on the intercity trains. The experience is a lot like USA's Amtrak, except for the Australian accents on the PA system and what looks like fewer track delays (US intercity rail generally shares track with freight trains). But the train interiors and food service is very similar. I've also never been west of the Blue Mountains and didn't know the landscape looked like that so far in - I always thought the outback started on the other side of the Blue Mountains.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, there certainly are some similarities with Amtrak. The outback begins a lot further west but that said, a lot of the scenery covered in this video is often much drier but there has been a lot of rain recently.

[@nickhayley]

Haha.. yes, a lot of people have no idea of the beauty of the Aussie landscape beyond the mountains. The outback is WAY out back. Nowhere near Sydney.

[@AUmarcus]

The red dirt and gun barrel straight roads start west of Dubbo. I believe this is as far east as the road trains can travel. The area west of the Blue Mountains including Bathurst and Orange is known as the Central Tablelands and still has some elevation....they usually get a dusting of the white stuff every winter but it doesn't hang around for long.

[@johnoakes6772]

Very informative. Well done.👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@two2hills]

Great presentation. Really enjoyed the train journeys.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you very much!

[@HugoBrown]

The scenary from Katoomba onwards is so beautiful , love the countryside and what about that Adam the journo in Bathurst cool!!!. I always try to guess the meals you choose haha

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, the scenery is wonderful. Haha - thanks!

[@maureen8966]

Hi Adam thank you for the video really enjoyed the XPT ride. Can't wait till your next video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great! Thanks Maureen! 😊

[@baobo67]

Excellent well produced video. As a Tour Guide I will reccomend it to Tourists. Thanks and cheers.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s awesome. Thank you!

[@kymmoulds]

Congratulations and many thanks for making a very informative and entertaining video. Well done and a BIG thumbs up.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@VladAuTravel]

Very professional video as always! Deserved many likes! I love railways it's my job in the past, hope to see more similar railways videos! Thanks 👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@tonyjakotv]

Good Morning Adam, Love the Content. I really do enjoy your Train Journeys. Cheers Tony

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Morning. Thanks so much Tony!

[@fidomusic]

I really enjoyed this, as I do all your train videos. I've only been as far as Lithgow myself. I will dry to get to Dubbo before I die. I am impressed by the cheap fare. Thank for posting!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It’s definitely worth the trip further west. 👍

[@aussiegal5644]

Great vlog thanks for sharing it was very enjoyable

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@Maddy33356]

Thanks for the cool video I really enjoyed it

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@ChrisH-1952]

Really interesting. The commentary is most informative and complements the images perfectly. One of your very best videos.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Chris!

[@Southy96]

im heading to Dubbo on Tuesday from Blacktown Station and watching this video has given me an idea on wht i can look forward to on Tuesday

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Awesome!

[@graemeorr8121]

Lovely. Somewhere your window mounted camera is clearer than the windows I've stared through! Highly recommend Sydney-Orange, for the wines, chill and heritage there. With an overnight at Katoomba on the way back, for the mountain scenery, alt-cafes and restaurants and quaint n cool acccommodation options.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Good suggestions! I used to live in Bathurst so know the area well.

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

Great video. I grew up in western Sydney in the 80s, Moved to Katoomba in the 90's. Now in the central West. Was great to see the area's I travelled by road for many years. I haven't been on a train since about 1981, but remember those days well, when the old Red Rattlers were popular.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@julietaylor1452]

Really enjoyed this and hope to do this journey soon 🎉

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Great to hear.

[@jaikalvani]

I really like your choice of the new background music. Looking forward to more videos from you Adam.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! I’m trying a different music service (Artlist) rather than KZbin’s free audio library.

[@blink4711]

OK I'm in.. I have to do this trip. Great video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 😊

[@VictorianRails2025]

It's really great to watch a video like this, as I'm going up to Sydney in Early January. Nice Video

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy the trip!

[@PharaohDeathMask]

Thank you for an excellent video. You put lots of interesting information in it, too.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@RiverDanube]

What an absolutely gorgeous trip.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you liked it!

[@shortybond7546]

Great video Adam, I am old now and love the 44 and 442 class locos that used to pull the trains around NSW back in the 60's, 70's and even the 80's. I saw the flash of the Western Advocate and I went to boarding school in Bathurst with your photographer Chris Seabrook back in 70 to 75. I love the old trains and have a model railway of NSW trains locos and rollingstock.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh wow. Thank you! What a small world. Chris Seabrook was a great photographer and I always enjoyed going out on jobs with him.

[@petercunningham3469]

Great presentation and excellent information for travellers looking to see more of our beautiful country on a budget, thank you. 👍🙂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@hieronymusboschful]

The same thing happened with landslides back in February and March. I visit Orange regularly and coaches often substitute for trains under those circumstances. It’s worth noting that such changes lengthen the trips ASTRONOMICALLY..

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, coach replacements are never a good prospect.

[@mim0381]

Great video Adam!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! 😊

[@Currym0n]

I loved everything about your production. Your comment on the distance from the meal tray is valid. I'm reminiscing here however indulge me - I'm 82 in a couple of day. I used to regularly take the North Coast Mail to Casino then change to a rail motor for Byron Bay in the 60s to take advantage of the uncrowded surf break at Wategos in the long-board days. There were 2 ways to get a 1st class sleeper on the mail - Pay full price at booking or, when there was a ticket check at Casino in 2nd class, enquire of the conductor if there were any vacancies in 1st class. He would reply 'I'll check if there is any 1st class bookings from Coffs Harbour. He would return and a £5 would be exchanged and he would say 'follow me sir'. The meals were fabulous 3 course on white table cloth and NSWGR silverware. Breakfast was equally great, cereal and anything you like from the frypan. Makes the XPT meal choices prosaic. And the added bonus, a hot show and shave in a proper bathroom. Arrive at Central before nine to start work in the city and leave the surf board in storage for later pick-up.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow. That sounds like a wonderful experience! Pity you can’t catch a train to Byron Bay anymore.

[@Currym0n]

@@FromtheWindowSeat The other bonus was the rail motor to Tweed Heads through Murwillimbah that branched off the Byron line or, was it the other way around. Anyway, the Tweed train would have many young 17/18 year old women in pairs or quartets who would hunt in packs looking for surfy boys like me (fantasy). They would stay in Gold Coast guest houses and have a fling away from parental censure. There were very few bars but meet-ups were casual on the beach stuff or in milk bars. Those were the days however it was before the pill was prescribed and one had to be very careful. The train was a great place to socialise. I believe Katoomba and the Medlow Bath guest houses had similar social activity's.. The grand Casino you mentioned was an art deco ballroom where I learnt to dance the Waltz, Military Two Step Ball in the Jack etc. . My cousins and other family friends would stay there over the Autumn holidays over my early teenage years and use the guesthouse's bikes to explore the valley with a packed lunch to take on our unsupervised explorations. We always traveled to the guest house by train. The good old days of long haul passenger trains pulled by bull nosed Commonwealth diesels. Anyway - loved to reminisce but off today with a PA, mixer and a couple of cameras to do the set up for another Pioneers SA presentation down at Christies Beach.

[@gerdavogel5287]

Used to do that on the North West Mail to Moree, sometimes it didn’t work 😀. And once we lost the driver down an embankment at the Central Coast in the dark when he left his cabin to check if there was a washout after a heavy storm. There was. We had to wait for a replacement driver to come from Sydney, such fun!

[@warrencarl9797]

Thanks for an excellent video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@burnsy9865]

Interesting and informative, started out to watch 5 minutes or so because I have been on 50% of the route several times but ended up watching the whole video thanks to the interesting facts included in the video. Well done and thank you. If NSW rail aren't giving you a discount on your travel they should be ashamed because this is a good promotional video for them.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! That’s great to hear. No, I paid full price for my ticket, which to be honest, I don’t mind. It means my review cannot be seen as biased by being offered a discount and also, I’m happy to contribute towards the upkeep of the rail network (appreciate my fare is insignificant in the scheme of things though). 🤓

[@kollboy50]

I appreciate your work sir, in detail precise to the point, and being a viewer before a question arises in the mind you have answered them. I normally don't comment, but here I had to. I subscribed, liked, and pressed the bell icon as well. looking forward to your upcoming videos. Editing, information, and graphics, everything is on point sir. I loved your work. By any chance, I can learn from you.?

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you! 🙏

[@arokh72]

Took this trip to Tarana today. My bum was sore before we got out of Sydney, and I found my legs were cramped, as I couldn't stretch out. This was in first class, I'm 183 cm tall. I had seat C15, one of those window divider seats, as you showed at 3:15. Not fun, but then I did book Tuesday evening for Thursday morning, on a full service, so I was lucky to get a window seat at all. Breakfast was nice, a triple cheese and tomato relish toastie, quite tasty, plus a tea and apple juice, not a bad price at $17.50, as of 18 April 2024.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh no … sounds uncomfortable. Glad you got a decent breakfast!

[@ch64621]

Great scenery

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It is. 😍

[@carolinehewlett6951]

More videos please we love your commentary

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@adel-711]

Hello Sir, I would like to mention that I have certainly enjoyed watching your videos, because I am also planning on coming to Australia for the first time in my life in the next few months . I have 3 weeks vacation. The train is the best way to see Australia.. Greetings from Montreal Canada 🇨🇦. I will soon start to prepare for my vacation and I hope that I will return to Australia every year .

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you. That sounds great - hope you enjoy Australia!

[@Sydneytransitspotter]

look back at 14:40. I just love how the guy doing the announcements announced the arrival of Katoomba even though its pick up only lol

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

But it’s still information that passengers may appreciate so they know where we are. 🤔

[@thomasellis1814]

Wow omg I go past the Maitryi every single week a couple of times a week and I never knew that but I always wondered what it was. As for the electric transit I just saw the first one two days ago well I was waiting for the train in Strathfield and i though it looked so amazing, so I am absolutely thrilled to hear first time from here that I will be able to get to ride those chains as I am on the CCL line

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ha. Happy to help. 😃

[@Northisbest]

Excellent review. I enjoyable watch this video. I never train Sydney to Dubbo. I gotta try one day. Thanks. I have subed you

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@rajaramank3290]

Wow....I enjoyed feeling very happy bro...tku

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Happy to hear that. You’re welcome! ☺️

[@patce8094]

excellent videography and information on this vlog. you have inspired me to take this trip. thankyou

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you so much. That’s lovely to hear! 😊

[@alexking8610]

Hey Adam , I'm finding your videos great , I live in regional Victoria and use train's quite often . Your inspiring me to do many more trips on trains in Australia, am now watching XPT to Dubbo , want to do it next time I'm in NSW . Thanks mate great work 👏👏👏👏👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hey Alex. That’s brilliant to hear - thank you! You’re quite lucky living in Victoria … at least you have a lot of places still served by trains compared to most other states. 😊

[@wizeoldfart26]

The narration is perfect, easily understood by a deaf person like myself. Information is very concise and to the point. Very well presented video. I use a polarizing filter to eliminate window reflection. Well done.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you - great to hear. Good tip re the polarising filter.

[@zonarium4320]

I liked seeing the landslide! I live right near there but havent been able to walk to see it as they still have the road closed.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh right, interesting. 🤔

[@sebastianacandelaria7170]

Train not noisy, if only I could afford travelling, I would love to experience train travel in Australia, I liked your video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@kirsteencampbell6489]

I used to live at Woodford. This video made my heart happy. ❤

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wonderful to hear that. 😊

[@Nae395]

Great fun. Great review.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks!