[uktrail]

I have been looking at fares on Australian trains. There is a Great Southern Railway pass (with YHA discount) of A$590, for 6 months travel anywhere on several cross-country lines -- very good value. But this appears to be for standard seating only. How comfortable is that?

There appear to be upgrades to Red Kangaroo Sleeper class, which for a single journey Adelaide to Alice, for example, is an additional $481. Have I read that right? That's A$481 (about £200) for a bed for one night!!

Is it possible to get a bunk or similar for a more modest price than this?

Are meals included with any of these fares, if not, what do they typically cost?

[Tim Uden]

The Great Southern Railway pass is excellent value. It will let you travel from Melbourne and Sydney to Perth and from Adelaide to Darwin, but it is no good for travel up the east coast (it is not valid on NSW Countrylink trains or Queensland QR trains).

The pass is only valid for regular seating and yes, you did read that right. A sleeper on the Indian Pacific or the Ghan is very expensive. There is no alternative like the couchettes that you have in Europe.

[gregausti]

Standard seating on trains is not so bad, room generally being more generous than on buses and there usually being a bit more legroom (and pretty sure you'll find seats to be of a reclining type) to allow something of a sleeping position.

I'd expect Tim would have made frequent trips to the lounge carriage and had enough jars to get a reasonable sleep.

And of course you have more freedom in moving about to the bar and/or buffet carriage where you could get snacks and/or meals, about $10 - $15 at a guess and good idea to take some fruit and nibbles aboard.