Thanks to the new regional fare cap in Victoria, in addition to the NSW TrainLink Country Pensioner Excursion (CPE) and the NSW Seniors Opal card, seniors can now travel by train from Tweed Heads to Geelong for as little as $14.40.
In order to benefit from the discounted price, it is necessary to switch trains on seven occasions. If a senior were to pay the standard fare from Tweed Heads to Geelong, the cost would exceed $100; however, only three train changes would be required.
The trip costs $11.60 and spans two nights and one day. However, you have the option to break your journey at any point along the line for an additional cost of approximately $2.50. If you choose the regular fare of $100, you can expect the journey to take one night and one day. The $14.40 trip is for a Monday to Thursday departure.
To ensure the smooth booking of your XPT trip, it is advisable to steer clear of peak holiday periods.
Tweed Heads to Dungog
To begin your journey to Dungog, catch the NSWTrainLink coach departing Tweed Heads at 05:15 or from Byron Bay at 05:53. A change from the coach to the XPT at Casino is required. You can find the timetable at https://transportnsw.info/regional-north-coast-line.
You’ll need to book this Tweed Heads or Byron for the Dungog section of the journey either online at https://transportnsw.info/regional-bookings/ or by calling 13 22 32. The ticket you need is a Country Pensioner Excursion (CPE) ticket. The cost will be $2.50. This ticket will take you all the way from Tweed Heads (or Byron) and anywhere in between to Dungog. When you call, have your Seniors card or Pensioner card and a credit or debit card ready to pay. You must make your booking seven or fewer days before departure as Country Pensioner Excursion (CPE) tickets are only available seven days or less before departure. It is essential to book your CPE tickets online or over the phone as CPE tickets cannot be purchased at railway stations or NSWTrainLink booking offices in and around the Sydney area, not even at Central Station, can they be purchased.
You arrive at Dungog at 16;38
Dungog to Hamilton
Once you arrive at Dungog you are inside the Opal card boundary. The Opal card reader is near the exit of Dungog station, tap on here. The train to Hamilton departs Dungog for Hamilton at 17:05. The timetable for the service can be found at: https://transportnsw.info/routes/details/intercity-trains/hun/76HUN
Hamilton to Sydney (Central)
Your scheduled arrival time in Hamilton is 18:26. Upon arrival, make sure to cross over to the other side of the line where Sydney trains depart. You can catch the next train to Sydney (Central) at 18:38. However, in case your train from Dungog is delayed, there are alternative services departing at 19:27 and 19:45. If you take the 18:34 train from Hamilton, you will reach Central at 21:29.
Your upcoming departure from Central Station is scheduled for 06:11 am the following morning. Luckily, the area has plenty of accommodation options, including several hotels and a Youth Hostel located just across the street from the station.
Sydney (Central) to Campbelltown
The journey starts aboard the 06:11 Opal train service from Central to Macarthur. You can find the timetable for this service at:
https://transportnsw.info/routes/details/sydney-trains/t8/020T8
Campbelltown to Goulburn
Alight the train at Campbelltown (one stop before Macarthur) and board the coach bound for Goulburn. The timetable for the coach service can be found at:
https://transportnsw.info/document/4211/goulburn-to-sydney-timetable.pdf
The Campbelltown to Goulburn coach is a regular Opal service, so just tap on when you board the coach and tap off when you alight at Goulburn.
Goulburn to Albury
Upon your arrival at Goulburn railway station, you will have an hour and thirteen minutes to enjoy a quick cup of coffee before boarding the Melbourne-bound XPT train at 10:13. The train will arrive at Albury station at 15:10. The timetable for this service is available for your reference at:
https://transportnsw.info/regional-southern-line
You’ll need to book the Goulburn to Albury leg of the journey either online at https://transportnsw.info/regional-bookings/ or call NSW trainLink on 13 22 32. The ticket you need is a Country Pensioner Excursion (CPE) ticket. The cost will be $2.50. Have your Seniors card or Pensioner card and a credit or debit card ready to pay. To ensure a smooth trip, it’s advisable to book your train tickets seven days prior to your intended departure, particularly during public and school holidays when the train is in high demand.
Albury to Melbourne (Southern Cross)
The last leg of the journey to Melbourne is aboard a Victorian V/Line service which departs Albury at 17:20. You’re going to have a couple of hours to enjoy the sights of Albury. The main drag is just a block and a half from the station – a 5-minute walk.
You’ll need to book the Albury to Geelong leg of the trip, either by calling VLine on 1800 800 007 or booking online at:
https://www.vline.com.au/Plan-trip-buy-tickets
The fare for Seniors (Concession) cardholders from Albury to Geelong is $4.60. You’ll arrive in Melbourne (Southern Cross) at 21:45. The timetable is at: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/timetable/1706/albury-melbourne-via-seymour/
Melbourne to Geelong
With a 21:45 arrival at Southern Cross, the next train to Geelong is at 22:30 which will land you in Geelong at 23:32. The timetable is at: https://www.vline.com.au/getattachment/892e2d02-e62c-463f-834f-b3bae129b47c/Geelong-Melbourne