Perth to Kalgoorlie - Indian Pacific

Sunday, 19 June 

The big day has finally arrived. We were up early for breakfast before an 8.20 bus pickup, taking us to the station. The checkin was quick and easy. Some people were having coffee and cake on the platform but we started the long walk to our carriage, carriage N, the last passenger carriage on the train. It’s in the same position as when I went on The Ghan.

We pulled out of the station around 10.20 and were soon out of Perth and travelling beside the Avon River. So were a couple of emus on the other side of the river. The Avon, which is very rocky, hosts an annual white water event which sounds like a pretty big deal. I think there are kayaks and some powered boats. We couldn’t imagine how a powered boat could negotiate the river. There would need to be a lot more water.

Later on we were in farming country - a few sheep and lots of wheat and canola. We have passed through some forest but certainly not the tall timber we saw in the south. There has also been a lot of scrub. We get occasional glimpses of the highway and also the pipeline taking water to Kalgoorlie, which seems to run beside the railway line. Every now and then we stop on a side section so that a goods train can pass.

So far all the passengers have been friendly and sociable. There was a trivia quiz, run by Andy the entertainment guy, in the lounge car this afternoon. We did pretty well but didn’t win. We are on the first sitting for meals so it was an early lunch and dinner at 5.30!!! However I think that’s because we’ll be getting into Kalgoorlie a bit later on for an off train excursion to the gold mine, so they have to get everyone fed in time. We should be back around 11.30 and tomorrow it’s a very early start to see sunrise over the Nullarbor. 

While we were at dinner they came and made our beds so I’m writing sitting on the bed with a cushion on my knees. Lorraine was looking very sleepy in her compartment and Judy is tucked up in hers. It could be a struggle to stay awake till we get to Kalgoorlie.

I’m hoping to have some internet while we’re in Kalgoorlie so that I can post this. If not, I have no idea when it will happen.