A Celebration of Australia’s Finest Train

 

By Tony McIlwain and John Lacey

 

 

The Southern Aurora was introduced in April 1962 and was promoted in publicity material as  “ The Finest train In the World”.  It certainly introduced a completely new standard  of travel to Australia’s rails, and  it made possible a through journey between Australia’s two largest cities in a style and comfort not achieved before, or since.  Prior to 1962, the journey involved a break of gauge at Albury, and the Southern Aurora reduced the travel time from sixteen hours southbound to thirteen hours.

 

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The historic first train on its southbound journey

 

 It is 7 o’clock and the Southern Aurora has docked. The Dining Car has opened to allow passengers to have dinner with their guests before the departure time at 8 pm. Click either Here or on the photo of the Name Board below to start your journey on the “ Finest Train In The World.” on the photo below to commence your journey on Australia's Finest train.