Good news : Bad news….

Well now what shall I tell you first the good news or the bad news?

OK the good news is that we are going home…..

The bad news is that Matilda is staying here….

When the mechanic replaced the part it still did not fix the problem. SO the gear box will need replacing again (#!@!<>*^\)

It took 2 weeks for the first gear box parts to get here and at that time we went into the backpackers hostel next door to the garage.

Adventurers Backpackers Hostel

This time we have decided on plan B…. to go home….

As pensioners in Australia, we are given 4 rail vouchers each year, to use in the State we live in, in our case that is Queensland, but it is only for a basic seat. The journey from Townsville to Brisbane will take 24 hours (this is a BIG state), that is a long time to be sitting up in a small train seat, day and night. To upgrade to a sleeper will cost $260. It will be well worth the extra cost, after all that is only what we paid for one weeks accommodation in the backpackers. It certainly is a no-brainer!!

So we are going home. The Sunlander train leaves the Townsville station at 4-30pm tomorrow, Saturday, and arrives in Brisbane at 4-00pm Sunday.

The Sunlander has been chosen as one of the Worlds Top 25 Rail Journeys by the Society of International Railway Travellers. Take in the Queensland scenery as you relish the comfort of a traditional train service, offering overnight sleepers, buffet and club cars, use of exclusive dining and lounge cars are also available in the Queenslander Class section of The Sunlander. Our guests tell us The Sunlander is the highlight of their holiday, with the social atmosphere onboard ensuring you meet plenty of new friends along the way.

I love train travel…..

I wonder if it will have internet connection?????