Re: Aussie Railpass

["Roderick Smith" <rodsmith@werple.net.au>]

I have just chased up this matter.
Yes,
Austrailpass is now economy only, valid for all government intrastate and
interstate trains, also urban trains.  With the spate of privatisation, I
assume that all former government trains are included (ie Ghan, IP,
Overland).  Puffing Billy Railway accepted the pass in the 1970s; I don't
know if the policy still applies.

Meals and berths are extra (as they were when Austrailpass was introduced
in the 1970s).

You may upgrade to first class when economy is full, at the difference in
sector fares.

There are various periods of validity: continuous, and flexi.  I recall
that a 21 day continuous is AUD705.

Queensland Traveltrain, Ghan & IP services have economy berths; XPT
services and the Overland do not have them (berths are first class only).

-- 
Regards
Roderick Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

H. Milton Peek <mpeek@swcp.com> wrote in article
<7adpn6$8v3$1@sloth.swcp.com>...
> Would some kind Australian please advise where can I find or get complete
> and accurate details of railpasses available for non-Aussie visitors. I
> would like to find Aussie sources for information rather than get skewed
> or filtered info from some travel agents in the USA who likely have never
> been to Australia and are prone to say anything they think might make a
> sale. 
> As an example, I have been told that rail passes can be made valid for
1st
> class travel, but only by buying an upgrade after arrival in Australia -
> agent didn't know the cost of the upgrades.  Another agent said, No Way -
> Economy only, and no accomodation except seats on overnight trains.