...and journeying back

Well, not the best start to my journey back to Canberra. Firstly, I thought I was cutting it fine by arriving at Southern Cross less than 10 minutes before scheduled departure. Second, I didn't realise platform 13 was a regular Metropolitan platform. It didn't matter - a faulty radio meant a new engine had to be sourced with a 45 minute delay. Furthermore, a stopping all stations Vlocity service departed first.

I think it was an N-class loco plus five carriages. There was plenty of leg-room and the ride was superb. Not much noise at all, even while braking. The toilets all seemed to be backed up though.

Being a 'guaranteed-connection' the coach waited in the nice bus shelter at Bairnsdale. I think the bus shelter is quite decent, providing actual shelter!


View Larger Map

The coach barely fit in between the rumble strips. At times the driver was using the shoulder to ensure the safety of vehicles going in the other direction.
Lakes Entrance looks nice as ever. An old man tried to turn across the path of the coach. Tsk tsk.

Orbost was a hole.
210 acres for $198k near Coopracambra National Park.
Near the turnoff for Mila, heading towards Bombala there were some nice plains.
Bombala itself had nice old buildings and a river running through it.

I liked how Cooma unfolded as a hill town. It was impressive to see companies like Subway and Aldi there, and also the Chinese-Malaysians have invaded this far.

Australian mountains look half decent here.

The coach journey was a little uncomfortable as my feet did not touch the floor.



Total journey: 11.5 hours
Total cost:  $23.66 end-to-end