Can’t afford the Indian Pacific? Try this bargain outback train instead

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The train: Prospector, WA

The journey East Perth Terminal to Kalgoorlie Station, Western Australia
The operator Transwa
Frequency Daily, twice-daily Monday and Friday
Travel time Six hours, 35 minutes to cover 653 kilometres
Class One class

The Prospector, on track from East Perth to Kalgoorlie.

The journey

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Indian Pacific, Australia’s famous transcontinental journey traversing the breadth of the country from Perth to Sydney, the Prospector Train offers a cheaper, truncated version. While it won’t get you the high-end service for which the Indian Pacific is renowned – or across the border, for that matter – it does deliver identical scenic views. The Prospector Train travels from Perth to the gold mining town of Kalgoorlie on the same rail line as the Indian Pacific, passing through the picturesque Avon Valley and the state’s Wheatbelt. To explore Kalgoorlie’s gold rush history without all those hours behind a steering wheel, the train is a pleasant alternative with a comparable journey time.

Amid the landscape aboard the Indian Pacific.

Boarding

There are only two carriages on this Monday afternoon service. Mine is at the head of the train and has 40 passenger seats in a forward-facing, two-by-two configuration. The carriage also has a buffet, chilled tap water and an accessible bathroom with baby-change facilities. The train is spotless, but they’re a little overzealous with the air-conditioning.

The seat

Seat size is generous and so are the features.

Seats are randomly allocated and mine is 23, by the window on the right-hand side of the train. The upholstered recliner seats have a footrest, armrests, drop-down tray table, storage pouch and window curtain. I’m surprised by their generous size and features. More akin to premium economy on a plane, my seat is spacious and has headrest entertainment with disposable headphones, dual power points (but no USB), a reading light and adjustable air vent. There’s a small selection of movies, TV shows and music channels to choose from, as well as an information portal, real-time route map tracker and a driver cam (although this isn’t working properly). The free on-board Wi-Fi is patchy.

Baggage

Passengers are permitted one piece of hand luggage up to 7kg that can be stowed in overhead compartments. I’m naughty and have a small carry-on suitcase in the compartment and a backpack at my feet, although there’s plenty of room for it up top. Larger bags, up to 20kg, can be stored in a luggage compartment at the front of the train and one of the attendants will gladly take this from you on the platform.

Food + drink

The buffet has various snacks and a small range of hot and cold ready-made meals. I’m on an afternoon/evening service (3.15pm to 9.50pm) and opt for a simple Mrs Mac’s meat pie ($4), a step up from a Four ’n Twenty. Also available are sandwiches and wraps, microwave meals, salad, yoghurt, packet chips, chocolate bars and muffins. Beverages include hot drinks, juices, soft drinks, beer and wine. The prices are refreshingly cheap, given the train has a captive market.

One more thing

East Perth Terminal is an easy 15-minute train journey from the airport (included in your ticket). The station has some interesting historical displays and artefacts to enjoy, including an 1876 railway carriage used on Western Australia’s first rail line, the Northern Railway, from Geraldton to Northampton. Be sure to check out the Super Pit gold mine in Kalgoorlie (kalgoorlietours.com.au).

The price

Typically $201.70 return for adults. A summer half-price special was available on my journey.

The verdict

A surprisingly comfortable journey on a scenic route to the West Australian Goldfields, with friendly and attentive service.

OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE

★★★★

The writer was a guest of Transwa. See transwa.org.au

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The Sydney Morning Herald