Perth to Sydney by Train

Q: My sister and I would like to travel from Perth to Sydney on the Indian Pacific service. Could you provide me with cost and booking details?. We would prefer a two-berth sleeper cabin. Are there concessionary fares for pensioners? - Sylvia du Toit

A: Travelling from the Indian to the Pacific Ocean, this is one of the world's great rail journeys. Covering 4,352kms, it takes three days and three nights. The fare in a two-sleeper cabin (red service) is 1362 Aus dollars (about R9000) per person. The fares include GST and a fuel surcharge. There are concessionary fares for pensioners and students, but these are only valid for Australian citizens. Your cabin consists of two facing lounge chairs which convert into two sleeping births at night. There are wash basin facilities in the cabin, but the toilets and showers are located at the end of each carriage. Meals, snacks and beverages are on sale on the train. There are also premium gold service cabins on the train, which provide meals and additional perks. The price per person in a premium cabin (gold service) is 2008 Aus dollars (about R13,300). For further details you can telephone Great Southern Railways (Tel: +61 8 8213 4592) or book on their website (www.railaustralia.com.au). (18 July 2010)