NSW train is past the use-by date, but at least offers nice views

The train: NSW TrainLink XPT

• Route Sydney to Dubbo
• Distance 462 kilometres
• Operator NSW TrainLink
• Class First class
• Frequency Daily, in both directions

The journey

Sydney Central to Dubbo on NSW TrainLink’s XPT, with a scheduled time of six and a half hours, aboard a six-car train, including a power car at either end to both pull and push. The XPT is the old British-designed diesel-electric workhorse of the rail system that came into service in 1982 to carry people also to Melbourne, Brisbane, Grafton and Casino, and was intended to be retired by 2023. Its retirement has been delayed until at least 2026.

The class

There are two carriage classes, economy and first, which, to the naked eye, look identical. When I ask an attendant what the difference is, she says, “You get a better class of passenger on first class.” In truth, there’s a slight, almost indiscernible, discrepancy in how much the chairs can recline and the amount of legroom. First is also about a third dearer ($102.95) than economy ($74.45) and is packed with seniors and concession card holders, all travelling for half-price. But better class of passenger? It’s in the eye of the beholder.

Boarding

The train leaves at 7.19am and most people arrive early with stacks of luggage that guards help to pile in the luggage compartment at the front of the train before they take their numbered seats. It’s orderly and pleasant with many carrying takeaway coffee and toasties from the kiosk by the platform, as the refurbished station cafe doesn’t open until a very languid 8.15am – shockingly late for a major city train station.

The seat

The seats in all cars are arranged in a 2-2 formation, and comfortable, with aircraft-like fold-down tables on the back of seats in front. There’s air-con and foldaway arms on the seats but, sadly neither Wi-Fi nor power points. Often mobiles don’t work as we roll through mountain tunnels.

Baggage

First-class passengers can take two big pieces of luggage, each weighing no more than 20 kilograms, while economy class allows one. You can also bring 10 kilograms of hand luggage. But I don’t see anyone check, even though some people have multiple cases and piles of laundry sacks.

Food + drink

The buffet car opens 30 minutes into the journey and offers a hot breakfast (and later dinner), tea, coffee, alcohol after midday, sandwiches, yoghurt, pies, cheese and biscuits, cakes, chips and lollies. It’s well-priced, but uninspiring. Food envy is only triggered by the many veteran passengers, who bring their own food, including one man with a feast of oysters, pickles and ham he slices on his “table”.

One more thing…

There’s a roomy accessible toilet by the buffet car which is a joy to use, in contrast to the other cramped facilities where you set off the hand-dryer as soon as you squeeze through the door. As well as the door close button, however, you must remember to also flick the lock button, as otherwise it can be opened from outside, promising endless entertainment for passersby.

The verdict

The XPT set a rail speed record in 1992 of 193km/h, but our journey is nothing like that. Because we have to climb over the Blue Mountains, twist around tight curves, and roll over self-certified privatised track maintenance, sometimes we drop as low as 20km/h over the terrain. But while the journey is long, some of the views are absolutely spectacular.

OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE

★★★1/2

See transportnsw.info/regional-travel

The writer travelled at her own expense.

Sign up for the Traveller newsletter

The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.