Australia by Rail

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£12.99

Australia by Rail is Colin Taylor’s Trailblazer guide to exploring Australia by using its comprehensive network of trains and railroads. The guide explores a range of rail routes from the vast emptiness of the Nullarbor Plain on the world’s longest straight rail line to the twisting tracks of northern Queensland and the rainforests of the north. The author advocated travelling by train as the ideal way to explore the continent. This 5th edition also includes the new Ghan rail extension to Darwin.

The guide is structured in 6 main parts – Planning your Trip, Australia, The Railway System, City Guides and Plans, Route Guides and Maps and a section For the Enthusiast – combining both practical information with details about Australia’s railways and how to make the most of travelling by train. Part I provides comprehensive information about getting to Australia, pre-trip considerations, rail passes, major routes and services, the trains and tour and itinerary options. In the second section there are factual details about Australia as well as practical information on getting around, accommodation and eating out, electricity and culture and leisure activities. Part 3 introduces readers to the history of Australia’s rail network and possible future developments.

Detailed route descriptions are accompanied by 70 unique rail maps showing all main lines and branches and what to look out for as you travel. The guide caters for travellers of all budgets, from the luxury of Gold Kangaroo class on the Indian Pacific to reclining Daynighter seats for budge travellers, as well as full details of the Austrail Flexipass and other ticket choices. Additionally, city guides and plans to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Darwin, providing information on accommodation and food and drink, help travellers plan their route accordingly and make the most of their rail trip. There is a further small section detailing trips in all corners of Australia for fervent rail enthusiasts.

About this series:
Trailblazer Guides are highly practical, informative and portable guides designed with the adventurous traveller in mind. They include trekking guides, rail guides, budget route guides and driving guides as well as guides to popular British walking destinations and adventurous world-wide destinations and activities. They are strong on practical information and also cultural background. The guides provide details of the best accommodation and eating options as well as advice on what's worth seeing and what's better to avoid. There is comprehensive background information on history, climate, food, and the people. Detailed sections are included on the environment, particularly in the trekking guides, each of which has a detailed Minimum Impact Trekking chapter.

According to The Sunday Times, ‘The Trailblazer series stands head, shoulders, waist and ankles above the rest. They are particularly strong on mapping.’