On my way to Australia from the US

[joelpk@usa.net]

Hi,

I am on my way to your fair country on Jan 15. I will be "based" in
Sydney at a friends for 2 weeks and then off to Tasmania for a 
tour.

During the first 2 weeks I thought it might be fun to take a train
somewhere interesting and be gone 3 to 5 days(or more)i. I love the
train, although in the US it is about 3 times more cost  for me to
take the train
than a plane (Atlanta to NY with sleeping accomodations).

Any suggestions? Where to go? What the trains cost? Is there a savings
if I book in advance?I have been to Australia before but both times 
were 15 years ago and I was on business so I did not see too much.

Thanks