Dinner on a train
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (341752)
Rockingham, Australia
November 17, 2024 2:59am CST
We are back from our train trip. Eight of us had a five-course meal while gliding slowly along on the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway. Because of the danger of a fire being started by sparks, the dining carriages were pulled by a diesel engine. In winter, a steam engine can be used.
The tourist railway is run by volunteers and, instead of five waitstaff on the night, there were only three. However, they did a magnificent job and we never had to wait long for the next course. Eight of us had booked in for the dinner. We stayed overnight in the motel at Dwellingup, a former timber town.
24 people like this
25 responses
@ptrikha_2 (47062)
• India
17 Nov
@xFiacre
Flights save time. Yet nothing like watching cities, towns and countrysides while traveling by a train.
Simply unmatched !!
2 people like this
@allknowing (137553)
• India
17 Nov
I can imagine the great time you guys had. Almost like a picnic
2 people like this
@allknowing (137553)
• India
18 Nov
@JudyEv That will be quite guessing game. Hope you will be pleasantly surprised. Enjoy.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (137553)
• India
18 Nov
@JudyEv Did you sing rounds? 2 come to mind 'Three blind mice' 'Grey sands and white sands'
@LindaOHio (181321)
• United States
17 Nov
That sounds like mega fun! ... and a 5-course meal sounds good too. Have a good day.
2 people like this
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@gnatsmom (2560)
•
18 Nov
I have never been on a real train, but have always wanted to take a train ride. About two hours north of us, there is a train that does a Christmas event called The North Pole Express. I had decided to book a trip with some of my grandkids, but the tickets are all sold out.
1 person likes this
@freelancermariagrace (28588)
• Philippines
17 Nov
Sounds like an awesome experience!
1 person likes this
@freelancermariagrace (28588)
• Philippines
19 Nov
@JudyEv I understand. I would like to try it sometime. The train systems here are not very good.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38562)
•
18 Nov
I love train trips. I used to take Amtrak back and forth from Montana to Illinois. I think one of my very favorites was the trip we made from Illinois to California a few times. Going through the mountains was an incredible experience, the train wound through them slowly and it was truly magnificent.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341752)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Nov
I can imagine how amazing that would have been. The trip across the Nullarbor would be very boring by comparison but it's something I always wanted to do. They say it's not nearly as upmarket as it used to be and I liked the clackety-clack of the steam-driven engines. It's also very expensive so I've given up wanting to ride it.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38562)
•
18 Nov
@JudyEv
Oh, I know that some of the specialty types of train excursions are really pricey. But I still do love those train trips.
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (2448)
• India
18 Nov
It sounds more fun when it is run by volunteers .I believe the ride would have been one of a kind. I hope you would have enjoyed the sights. Having a dinner in train and enjoying the ride -well thats adventure for me. The wind blowing to the face especially the cool breeze at night while travelling in night- I can only imagine how exciting it was. I just searched more on Hotham valley tourist railway and Dwellingup. Seems very interesting location and spot .In case , I have an opportunity will visit the place atleast once and enjoy the ride. You have a great day ahead!
@mykmari (30)
• Philippines
18 Nov
Wow, just the thought of going on a leisure trip by train excites me. Here in our country, there are lots of trains but one usually rides it when commuting to and from work location. Understandably, it's a hurried trip with thoughts of work deadlines on your mind.
Enjoy your travels & stay safe.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341752)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov
This one puttered along very slowly with bush on either side. Lights on the side of the train lit up the bush a little so it was all very pleasant.
@GardenGerty (160883)
• United States
18 Nov
I imagine that was a fun outing. I have never ridden any kind of train, but we have at least one in a town about two hours away.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341752)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Nov
No reason why particularly but I'm a bit surprised you've never ridden in a train but I guess you've never had a reason to. I really to stop assuming/presuming things. 
@ptrikha_2 (47062)
• India
17 Nov
Sounds like interesting Tourist ride!
I think some of the places you go to have been promoted a lot for tourists.
I think folks from here and can take notes on how to promote tourism more.
Are the fares for this Train Ride and Motel in Dwellingup reasonable enough?
Also I wonder if the touring Sports teams get to know about these places and tour them?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341752)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov
It was quite expensive really but I guess the overheads are quite high.
@JudyEv (341752)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov
I'm glad we did it as I think it is going to slowly die out through logistical problems and lack of volunteers.
@RasmaSandra (80635)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
17 Nov
Sounds like a great trip, Glad you enjoyed it,
1 person likes this
