There are few journeys in Australia as iconic—or as endurance-testing—as the mammoth rail trip between Melbourne and Sydney aboard the New South Wales TrainLink XPT. Covering roughly 877 kilometres and taking nearly 12 hours end-to-end, this is the ultimate test of patience, nostalgia, and a true appreciation for slow travel.
On this trip, I boarded the northbound daytime XPT service from Melbourne’s bustling Southern Cross Station, bound for Sydney Central. It’s a route I’ve long wanted to experience, not only for the romance of cross-country rail travel but also to see whether the XPT still has a place in a world of ultra-cheap domestic flights and fast-paced lifestyles.
Departing from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station
Our journey began at the beautifully redeveloped Southern Cross Station, formerly Spencer Street Station. First opened in 1859, it’s now one of the busiest transportation hubs in Australia, handling more than 20 million passengers a year. With 16 platforms and 22 tracks, it’s the central artery for both Victoria’s metro and regional train networks, and also serves as the main departure point for interstate services such as the Overland to Adelaide and, of course, the XPT to Sydney.
Pre-departure was remarkably simple. Unlike the Overland service, there’s no formal check-in or ID verification required. Passengers can simply drop off checked luggage—up to 20 kilograms in economy or 40 kilograms in first class—and make their way directly to the platform. In true Aussie rail style, it’s a relaxed affair with minimal fuss and no airport-style security queues.
Boarding the NSW TrainLink XPT
The XPT (Express Passenger Train) is a true piece of Australian railway history. Built between 1981 and 1993 by Commonwealth Engineering and ABB, these diesel-powered trains were originally modelled on the British InterCity 125. Despite their age, they remain the flagship of NSW TrainLink’s long-distance network, serving routes as far north as Brisbane and as far south as Melbourne.
The first class carriage seats 50 passengers, with an additional small section of 16 seats adjoining the buffet car. Despite the “first class” label, the product is modest. You’ll find wider seats with a generous 40-inch recline and a footrest, but no charging ports, Wi-Fi, or entertainment screens. The ambience is pleasantly quiet—something regulars say is worth the upgrade alone.
Economy class, meanwhile, features 68 seats per carriage with slightly tighter legroom, but otherwise offers much the same experience. Considering the small fare difference—about $40 to $50—it’s really a matter of personal preference whether first class is worth the splurge.
The Journey North: From Victoria to New South Wales
At precisely 8:30 a.m., the XPT rolled out of Southern Cross, beginning an almost 12-hour rail odyssey. The route includes 17 intermediate stops, with key stations at Seymour, Wangaratta, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Yass Junction, Goulburn, and Campbelltown before reaching Sydney Central.
For much of the journey, mobile coverage is spotty at best. Once you leave the outskirts of Melbourne, reception disappears until Sydney comes back into range. With no Wi-Fi on board, it’s a good idea to download entertainment beforehand—or simply embrace the peace and enjoy the rolling countryside through Victoria’s lush farmland and New South Wales’ golden plains.
Crossing the Murray River into Albury marks the border between Victoria and New South Wales, a natural midpoint to stretch your legs. Here, you can explore the length of the train, including the small sleeper cabin section used primarily on the overnight service. These two-berth compartments convert into bunks at night and come with shared bathroom and shower facilities, offering a unique old-school rail experience.
Onboard Catering and Comfort
Catering on the NSW TrainLink XPT is entirely buy-on-board. There’s a modest buffet car that opens around lunchtime, serving hot meals, snacks, pastries, and beverages. Prices are surprisingly reasonable by transport standards—about $10 for a meal, with coffee and soft drinks around $3 to $4.
On this journey, I opted for a classic sausage roll and iced coffee for around $10 total. The food was simple but satisfying. For longer stretches of the trip, the buffet car becomes a social hub where passengers can chat, stretch their legs, and take a break from their seats.
Crew Change and Scenic Highlights
At the town of Junee, roughly halfway through the journey, the train pauses for a crew change, where Melbourne-based staff swap with their Sydney counterparts. This allows the crews to operate in alternating directions and return home the same evening.
From here northward, the scenery changes dramatically—from the flat agricultural lands of the Riverina to the hilly, eucalyptus-lined countryside approaching Goulburn. The small heritage towns, silos, and weathered farmhouses add an unmistakably Australian charm to the journey.
Arrival at Sydney Central
Just shy of 12 hours after departing Melbourne, the XPT finally rolled into Sydney Central Station, the busiest railway hub in Australia. Despite the marathon duration, stepping off the train in the heart of Sydney felt incredibly convenient—no airport transfers, no long taxi queues, no delays through security or baggage reclaim.
Final Thoughts: Is the XPT Worth It?
Having completed the full Melbourne to Sydney XPT first class journey, I came away both impressed and nostalgic. Yes, it’s long. And yes, the trains are showing their age with dated interiors, no Wi-Fi, and limited amenities. But what it lacks in speed, it makes up for in simplicity, affordability, and charm.
At around $117 for economy or $164 for first class, the NSW TrainLink XPT represents good value compared to often exorbitant last-minute airfares—sometimes exceeding $500–$900 between these two cities. You’re spared the hassle of airports and security checks, and you travel city-centre to city-centre in a single, uninterrupted trip.
The journey offers a rare opportunity to slow down, disconnect from technology, and take in the vast and varied landscapes of southeastern Australia. It’s not a trip for those in a rush—but for anyone seeking a classic long-distance travel experience, the Melbourne–Sydney XPT remains a uniquely rewarding adventure.
Disclaimer: This article has been repurposed from the original transcript of my own Youtube train review with the assistance of AI technologies. Please be advised whilst I have taken the utmost care to review and revise this article where necessary to reflect the upmost of accuracy at time of publication please be advised my reviews whether written or in video form are for entertainment and general information purposes only. They reflect the objective views in good faith of the person only whom is presenting them unless otherwise noted. Any decisions you make resulting from consuming my content must take into consideration your own circumstances, research and responsibility as I can not be hold responsible for any inaccuracies or future changes effecting the relativity of such reviews. All Rights Reserved by Aussie JetSetter from 2022 >
