Rail Journey to Bowral.
One great benefit of the Southern Highlands is access by train on the main southern line. In fact Bowral first existed as a ‘railway town’ due to the need to dig a long tunnel for the railway about 1865. Mount Gibraltar and surrounding terrain made a formidable obstacle. In 1919 a ‘modern’ twin-track parallel tube was built which remains to this day. The old tunnel is now used for growing mushrooms while little if anything has been done to the tracks since the line's duplification and by-passing of the winding and single-track Picton loop line just after the first world war.
I could not use the train initially with so much to do after selling the penthouse and moving into the 6th floor apartment in Kings Cross. There were goods and chattels being ferried from one place to the other, new purchases, hardware, kitchen utensils, garden equipment, dog and other items unsuited to the train. But now for visits, with just a lap top and a dilly bag, the train is a logical alternative to an hour and a half on the freeway (in good traffic).
I have now taken the train many times when visiting Bowral, first experimenting with the complex country versus city timetable. Although a slightly longer journey, it is far more relaxing on the train and it allows one to sit back and take things easy. My city destinations of Kings Cross and Redfern are easily accessible from the Central Station terminus.
The choice of trains has been an education. The fast Canberra and Melbourne trains have some advantages, with buffet cars and shorter travelling time - and the first class option can be a bonus. However, a big disadvantage is that on the way into Sydney the trains are often late due to many issues in the hundreds of kilometres travelled already. This does not occur in the reverse direction as trains usually leave Central on time. In the case of country delays, a slow train may have to run in front of an express, thus negating the time advantage. More traps for young players!
There is also the matter of booking and paying on-line for the express trains which are only for reserved seating and more expensive than the local train. The fastest ‘local’ of the day is the 8.18am from Bowral which stops in only two or three places before Central, arrival right on 10am (and it usually does I am told by regulars - allow minor delays for rain, track work, etc). [NEW TIMETABLE FROM OCT 2013 8.49am IS THE 'FAST' TRAIN] And this is an air-conditioned, comfortable rail-motor giving ample room, having four carriages rather than the usual two. For most of these ‘twin sets’ during the day it is necessary to change to an electric train at Campbelltown or Macarthur. Then there is the choice of going to Sydney via the East Hills and Mascot line (which is slightly faster) or the Homebush and Strathfield line. These trains run approximately hourly during the day, stopping at most of the country stations, including the local, Burradoo which must be one of the smallest railway sidings in the state (room for only two carriages and no staff!). The trains from Campbelltown to Central are all expresses of varying degrees.
The scenery on the line is delightful. While there is no Grand Canyon, Chesapeake Bay or Swiss Alps to admire, the Highlands towns of Bargo, Picton and Tahmoor are all charming, along with the crossings of the Nepean, Georges and Cooks Rivers.
And my recommendations? The noon Canberra express train (daily) from Central and in the reverse direction, the 8.49am from Bowral direct to Central (M-F only). The first is reserved seats only, $19 for economy (which is perfectly comfortable) and $25/$35 for first class (both have access to buffet car). The return train is $8.20 for adults and $2.50 for those holding concession cards (no booking necessary).
Story written by Andrew Byrne.
Link to Andrew's story on New York subway: New York subways
