Travel

by Kathrin_E Written Mar 24, 2015

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The town had two prison cells for a population of 100, one per 50 people - does this indicate the rate of criminality in former times?

by Kathrin_E Updated May 29, 2015

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Cook is a stop along the route of the Indian Pacific, Australia's longest train route which runs from Sydney to Perth and back twice a week. The full journey, all in all 4352 kilometres, takes three nights and two days.

All details about classes, fares, timetables, route, service etc. etc. etc. can be found on the website of Great Southern Railways so there is no need to repeat everything here.

We chose travelling Gold Kangaroo Class, the most expensive way but it was worth it. We had a two-bed compartment with ensuite shower and toilet to ourselves. First thing in the morning the conductor brought coffee or tea according to our wishes ("A weak tea with a drop of milk") to our compartment. Meals were served in the neo-Victorian restaurant car. Food was abundant and excellent.

The meals are taken in two shifts. You have the choice, the conductor will ask after departure and you'll be in either first or second shift during the whole journes. They have some fancier names for the two shifts but I forgot. The shifts will be called for meals over the loudspeaker. *Whispers:* Take the second shift if there are still openings. The first shift has to get up for breakfast very early and will have to leave the dining car immediately after finishing their meals while the second shift can take their time.

If we wanted company there was the lounge car with bar at our disposition, if we wanted quiet we had our compartment. The friendly staff also did some entertainment for the passengers in the lounge, including a quiz about the route and the places along which I did together with three Australians who were sitting at the same table. It was fun but we did not win.

Don't expect the trains to be very modern, this is more a nostalgic journey. Maximum speed is about 100-110 kph.

I have to admit, though, that we (40 and 53) were by far the youngest passengers in Gold Kangaroo Class.

Bill Bryson has, by the way, given a wonderful entertaining description of the Indian Pacific in "In A Sunburned Country".