A lucky group of 16 travel agents from around Australia have completed their transcontinental journey on board the Indian Pacific to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The energetic group enjoyed a celebratory concert in Kalgoorlie as well as outback stops in Rawlinna and Cook on the Nullarbor plain before touring in Adelaide, Broken Hill and the Blue Mountains.
Chief Commercial Officer for Journey Beyond, Peter Egglestone, said it was important for trade to experience the Indian Pacific.
“The Indian Pacific is one of the world’s great rail journeys and is celebrating a big milestone this month,” he said.
“It’s great for the travel trade to experience the product that they so often book as it will help them speak to clients with first-hand knowledge.”
Chief Commercial Officer for Journey Beyond, Peter Egglestone
“They also experienced a premium dinner cruise on board Journey Beyond’s newest product, Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney once they arrived in Sydney”.
“The agents saw how well a harbour cruise with Journey Beyond complements a trip on the Indian Pacific.”
Jenny Cooper from Queanbeyan City Travel said the trip was a blast.
“This is my first time on the train and I absolutely I love it,” she said.
“My clients all love it so I wanted to experience what they were all talking about because they rave about it and now, I can see why. Each destination brings a different experience and the team over-deliver on everything.”
“The concert in Kalgoorlie was a hoot and holler, so much fun. They got everyone up dancing and it really was an experience for all ages young and old.”
Having departed Perth on Sunday, 23 February – 50 years to the day the inaugural Indian Pacific left Sydney in 1970 – the celebratory train is three days into its four-day crossing.
Over the past 50 years, more than 500,000 guests from around Australia and the world have embarked on a journey on the Indian Pacific.
The full journey takes 65 hours over 4352 kilometres, taking four days and three nights.
The Indian Pacific is now an all-inclusive premium rail journey with regionally inspired menus and wine lists and Off Train Excursions and stops in Kalgoorlie, Rawlinna, Cook, Adelaide, Broken Hill and the Blue Mountains.