Well the first day is always exciting as like any travel group (which this essentially is), it takes time to get used to the quirks of everything.
The day started well with check in for the Great Southern taking part at the historic Hanworth House; I arrived in my uber and within minutes my luggage was checked in as well as my cabin luggage (so no need to carry it with me thank the train jeebus!), and was offered beverage which thankfully was juice and offered some light refreshments consisting of mostly pastry’s and a lovely yogurt parfait!
Soon enough it was time to board coaches for our transfer to the Acacia Ridge Freight Terminal- for at 28 carriages long the train is simply too big for Roma St! Another interesting fact is that with a rough capacity for approx 223 guests plus staff, passenger wise we were running at 158- which you could tell over the coming days while at communal events such as lunch etc- it meant you could make friends and talk and have intimacy.
Anyway, first lunch was held on the train which like anything done by Journey Beyond was delicious and filling- the sign of things to come as you eat and drink your way across the country!
Soon enough it was time for our first off train experience- our first nights dinner at Coffs Harbour literally metres from the sea! God food was had and good company was had by everyone before we returned to out trusty seed for laissez les bons temps rouler!
