Scenic train to Sydney

After an amazing day at the HARS aviation museum, it was time to take the train up to Sydney for the night. I made the short walk to Albion Park station and waited about 10 minutes for the train that would take me most of the way. Unfortunately, there are track works today, so instead of going to Central, I need to change trains a few times. Google predicted a journey time of just under 3 hours.

I’ve taken the train from Wollongong to Sydney before as a kid. I remember doing it with my mum, who was excited to share the journey with me. I recall she wanted to travel on a specific train for some reason, which I can’t remember. The route from Wollongong to Sydney follows the coast initially before going through parklands. It’s a beautiful journey.

The first part of the journey hugs the coast on the hills between the water and the rugged escarpment. The train stops at many small towns, collecting passengers who have spent the day at the beach. Many bright red, sunburnt passengers board, some with surfboards. It seems like quite the leisure route.

As we go slightly inland, the forest thickens. I don’t know what you call it, but it has ferns, so I’m calling it a rainforest. It’s lush, green, hilly, and relaxing to stare at as we slowly weave around corners, sometimes on single track and pass through several tunnels. Tiny stations appear in the middle of the forest, seemingly only serving nature walking tracks or tiny towns. It’s beautiful.

The train terminated at Hurstville. “All change, all change” announced the guard as we arrived. While Google Maps suggested I take a train one stop to Wolli Creek, then take the airport line to the city, I decided to try the new metro line instead. I transferred from Hurstville to Sydenham and then moved across to the metro line to Gadigal. Unlike most Sydney trains, the metro is single-level and has seats facing the aisle like the London tube (but wider). A nice, cool breeze flowed through the carriages as we zoomed under Sydney towards Central.

I arrived at Gadigal station, a nice open space that looks really fresh and spacious. I like the piece of art on the wall when heading up the escalators. While technically this station took longer to get to my hotel, the walk from there was downhill so much easier. I was knackered (a technical term) by the time I reached my hotel. I stayed at Hotel Morris, a cute little hotel on Pitt Street. Once checked into my upgraded room, I tried to have a little nap.

The aim for tonight was to check out what the gays have to offer on Oxford St and surrounds (who even am I). However, after a mini nap and a quick Thai dinner, I was so tired that instead, I called it a night and was asleep by 10 p.m. The bed and pillows were so comfortable that I slept through the night. Much needed for another day of exploring.Leggi altro