Category Archives: Seniors Card Travel

Bundanoon railway station by night

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How disappointing, when you pass by a country railway station, one you’ve known as a child, only to find the old weatherboard building has been demolished and in its place, a modern glass and steel shelter. Gone are the ticket office, the waiting room, and even the toilets. Some stations even had a signal box, you could stand there while you waited for your train and watch the signalman pull the levers back and forth. Those days have gone. Now signalmen and signalwomen sit in front of computer screens, in air-conditioned offices in the city, and control the whole rail system from a keyboard. They call it CTC or Centralised Traffic Control.

At Bundanoon on the NSW, Southern Highlands, the station master, station assistant, and signalman have long gone. But the beautiful old weatherboard station is still there. So is the signal box, which is a part of the station. Just near the station, the goods shed still stands. The station still has a waiting room, toilets, and a picture gallery of yesteryear.

A local told me that the people of Bundanoon fought hard to save their station from demolition. Not only did they save it, but the station has also been beautifully restored back to its original splendor. At night it’s a sight to see. My guess is that a lighting designer was called in to work alongside the electricians. The station is the centerpiece of the town.

Recently we were on our way to Queanbeyan for the National Morris Minor Rally, to celebrate the 70th year since the first Morrie rolled off the production line. We caught the 16:01 Opal service train (M-F) from Central to Bundanoon, arriving there at 18:29 for dinner in the local Chinese restaurant. After dinner, we explored the station, then continued our journey to Queanbeyan aboard the Sydney to Canberra service that departed at 20:17.

Bundanoon Chinese Restaurant

If you plan to catch the train and stay overnight in Bundanoon the closest accommodation to the railway station is the Bundanoon Hotel. There’s also a selection of Airbnbs and BnBs. All accommodation is popular, as Bundanoon lies about halfway between two major cities – Sydney and Canberra. So book early.

Seniors Travel: Visiting Sydney? Don’t leave home without your GOLD Senior/Pensioner Opal Card

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Don’t confuse the Concession Opal Card and the Seniors/Pensioner Opal Card – there’s a big difference.

If you’re leaving for Sydney soon, don’t think you can arrive there and pick up a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal Card from a ticket office when you get there – you can’t. You can show your Seniors Card and buy a Concession Opal Card which will give you a 50% discount on all your train, bus, ferry and light rail trips. But the card you really need is the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card .

With the Gold Senior/Pensioner card, you’re entitled to the $2.50 travel anywhere in the Sydney Opal network deal. Go back and forth to Manly all day on the ferry, or take a train to Katoomba AND a ferry ride to Parramatta, it all caps out at just $2.50 for the whole day. Like your shopping, you can travel around Sydney until you drop! All for just $2.50. (excluding the shopping)

To get a Gold Senior/Pensioner Card you’ll need to prove you’re eligible. Once you’ve convinced them you’re eligible, they’ll send you your card in the mail.

NSW and ACT seniors

The place to start is the Opal site card order page. Or, give TransportNSW a call on 13 67 25 (13 OPAL)

If you call, just be certain to have your NSW or ACT Seniors, NSW War Widow/er card or your Pensioner Concession card ready.

Interstate seniors

You’ll need to apply 2-3 weeks before your departure to Sydney as the card will be posted to your address.

Only Pensioner Concession card holders can apply online or over the phone. Go to the Opal site card order page. Or, give TransportNSW a call on 13 67 25 (13 OPAL)

If you hold an Australian State or Territory Government issued Seniors card, you need to fill out this application form Interstate Seniors application form (pdf 270KB)
and post or email it back. They’ll then send you your card in the mail.

More at the Opal site card order page.

Suggestion on how to top up your Opal card

Do yourself a favour and link your Opal card to your credit, debit or EFTPOS card. When the card gets low on funds Opal will automatically top up your card with $10 from your account.

Don’t get caught like the people in the image below, standing in line at an OPAL top-up machine waiting to top up their cards. I’ve seen these machines with long lines of people – especially in peak hour at places like Town Hall and Wynyard stations. And when you need to top up, the line will most certainly be a kilometre long. Your time in Sydney is too precious to waste standing in line.

 

Save time and skip the line

If this is your one and only trip to Sydney, don’t worry, as, after a certain amount of time, any unused money will be refunded back to your credit or debit card. The whole system works very efficiently. I have my Opal card to automatically recharge $10.00

More Opal top up info at Opal Card top up.

Explore Sydney: Day Trip to Ettalong via Manly, Palm Beach and Woy Woy

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This trip takes you to Manly from Circular Quay, then bus to Palm Beach. From Palm Beach it’s a ferry across to Ettalong, then bus to Woy Woy and train back to Sydney.

Apart from the ferry from Palm Beach to Ettalong the rest of the trip can be done using your Opal card. The fare from Palm Beach to Ettalong aboard the FantaSea ferry is $5.90 for seniors and concession card holders and $11.80 for the rest of us. These fares are one way. Here’s the link to the fare page

Circular Quay to Manly

This trip can be done almost any time of the day. The only limiting factor is the last ferry leaves Palm Beach for Ettalong at 5:00pm and 6:15pm DLST.

May I suggest departing Circular Quay on the 10:00 am service from Circular Quay to Manly. Here’s the full Manly ferry timetable.

Manly to Palm Beach

Once you arrive at Manly the buses to Palm Beach depart from near Gordon Park just a two-minute walk from the Manly Wharf. Here’s a map.

The bus you’ll need to catch is bus number 199, Manly to Palm Beach. The service runs every 15 minutes (M-F). Here’s the full timetable.

Palm Beach to Ettalong

Alight from the bus at the Palm Beach Wharf, 1151-1153 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach. There are restaurants opposite the wharf and also a fish and chip shop if you’re feeling peckish. Here’s a map of the local area.

Fantasea Palm Beach Ferries has an office just across the road from the bus stop where you can buy your ferry tickets. Here’s the timetable for the Palm Beach to Ettalong ferry service.

Here’s a video that starts at the bus stop nearest the Palm Beach wharf, includes the trip over, a quick look around Ettalong, bus to Woy Woy and train back to Sydney.

Ettalong to Woy Woy

There is a half hourly service from Ettalong to Woy Woy (M-F) during the day. Here’s the timetable for the Ettalong to Gosford via Woy Woy bus service.

Woy Woy to Sydney

There’s a half hourly service from Woy Woy to Central.

Finally, before departure from your home or hotel, call and check with Fantasea that the ferries are running.

Have a fun day!

Seniors Card Travel: Broken Hill to Sydney for $7.50

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This trip is the return of the Monday service from Sydney to Broken Hill. The train stays in Broken Hill for the night and then heads back to Sydney the next morning (every Tuesday).

The trip from Broken Hill to Sydney for $7.50 is broken down into three section train/bus/train. The trip can be done Monday to Friday.

Before your depart call NSW TrainLink on 13 22 32 and book an economy seat on the following Tuesday departure of the 07:45 service from Broken Hill to Bathurst. With your Seniors card the fare will cost you $2.50. While still on the phone, book a seat on the NSW TrainLink Coach Service (service # 568)  from Bathurst at 18:15  to Lithgow.

Broken Hill to Bathurst

The train you’ve booked on leaves Broken Hill at 07:45, Tuesdays and arrives at Bathurst at 18.02. That’s a little over ten hours on the train. Don’t worry there’s plenty to eat and drink from the buffet car and lots of toilets. 🙂  Here’s the Broken Hill to Sydney timetable

Bathurst to Lithgow

Once you arrive into Bathurst (M-F) you’ve got 60 minutes before the coach departs for Lithgow at 18:15 from the Bathurst Railway Station. If you’re traveling on a Sunday the coach departs from the Bathurst Railway Station at  17:50.  Here’s the full timetable for Western NSW  The coach service is shown on page 22, so just scroll down the PDF (service # 568).

Lithgow to Central

Once you arrive at Lithgow 19:15 you’re back in Opal territory, so get out your trusty Opal Gold Card and tap on at Lithgow Station. The next Opal service to Central departs Lithgow at 19:30 and arrives Central at 22:21. Here’s a link to the Blue Mountains Line (Lithgow to Central) timetable.

It’s a long trip, a little over 18 hours, but it’s a memorial adventure. Enjoy.

Sydney Ferry leaving Manly

Seniors Travel: Tweed Heads to Sydney for $7.50

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Due to a recent change in the timetable, this trip for $7.50 is now not possible. Unfortunately, you’ll now need to pay the regular fare – Yikes! That’s not much fun!

We’re working on finding a way back to the $7.50 fare, so check back here from time to time and hopefully, we’ll have found a way around the change.

Happy travels.

Sydney ferry

Seniors Card Travel: Canberra to Sydney for $5

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This travel hack involves leaving Canberra by train, changing for a bus at Bundanoon to Moss Vale. Then take a diesel train to Campbelltown and finally changing at Campbelltown for a train to the city. Sounds like fun? The trip takes an extra hour compared with staying on the Canberra to Sydney train and traveling through to Sydney.

Before you leave Canberra call NSW TrainLink on 13 22 32 and book your seat on the 12:00 from Canberra to Bundanoon. Quoting your Seniors card number to the agent the fare should be $2.50. You can pay by credit or debt card. Or if you only deal in cash you can pay on the train in the buffet car. You’ll be given a reservation number and you can have your ticket emailed to you. Here’s the Canberra to Sydney timetable

Canberra to Bundanoon

The train departs Canberra at 12:00 and arrives at Bundanoon at 14:05. Alight here and find the bus stop near the station.

Bundanoon to Moss Vale

The bus to Moss Vale departs at 14:24, so don’t go wandering around town. You’re in Opal country now, so just tap on when you board the bus. You’ll arrive at Moss Vale at 14.44. The bus terminates here at the station. Here’s the full timetable for Opal services Goulburn to Sydney

Moss Vale to Campbelltown

The train departs Moss Vale at 15:06 and arrives into Campbelltown at 16:26.

Campbelltown to the City.

The train to the city leaves Campbelltown at 16:32 and arrives Central at 17:31

Have fun!

Wooloomooloo

Seniors Card Travel: Eden to Sydney for $5

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This trip is in three sections, coach/train/train. From Eden, the trip takes 10 hours to Central station. The trip can be done any day of the week. Before your departure date, call Premier Coach Service on 13 34 10 and make a booking to Bomaderry Rail. Make sure that they know you have a Seniors card and make certain the amount you pay is just $2.50. The agent will ask you for your Seniors card number. You can pay on the coach, but give the poor coach driver a break, he has enough to do driving the bus and dealing with passengers, let alone scratching around for change. So pay for your ticket using your credit or debit card when you make the booking.

Eden (or any town in between) to Bomaderry

The Premier coach service leaves Eden at 06:05 Monday to Sunday. Here’s the full Eden to Bomadery timetable

Arrival at Bomaderry Rail is at 12:20. You have nearly an hour before the train departs, there is a cake shop, cafe and fast food outlet across the road from the station. Here’s a link to Bomaderry Rail on Google maps

Bomaderry Rail to Kiama

Lunch at the Bomaderry Hotel

You’re now in Opal country so don’t forget to tap on using your Seniors Opal card. The train departs Bomaderry Rail for Kiama at 13:16. (M to F) Here’s the full timetable Bomaderry Rail to Sydney

If you’re doing this trip on the weekend or a public holiday the train departs Bomaderry Rail at 12:29. That’s only 9 minutes between the arrival of the bus and the train departure. If you do miss the train, there is another Sydney bound train at 14:29. Take a walk down to the Shoalhaven River or settle in somewhere for a long lunch if you miss the 12:29.

Kiama to Sydney

If it’s a weekday you’ll arrive in Kiama at 13.43 and change trains to the Bondi Junction bound train which departs at 13:55. You only have 12 minutes here in Kiama, so there’s no time for scenic tours or cappuccinos.

Arrival at Central is at 16:04. From Central the train proceeds to Bondi Junction.

Seniors Card Travel: Broken Hill to Sydney via Wilcannia and Dubbo for $7.50

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This Seniors Card trip can be done for $7.50 M-F and on a Sunday. It’s a long trip, a total of 19 hours from start to finish.

The Saturday before you leave Broken Hill, call NSW TrainLink on 13 22 32 and book a ticket using your Seniors card on the 03.45 bus/train service from Broken Hill to Bathurst via Wilcannia and Dubbo. The fare will cost you $2.50. The full Broken Hill to Sydney timetable

While on the phone also book Bathurst to Lithgow on the NSW TrainLink coach that leaves Bathurst bound for Lithgow at 17:50.

This trip is divided into four sections. Bus from Broken Hill to Dubbo, train from Dubbo to Bathurst, bus from Bathurst to Lithgow and finally a train from Lithgow to Sydney. That brings the whole fare to a total of only $7.50.

Broken Hill to Dubbo

The bus departs Broken Hill at 03.45 and makes a refreshment stop at Cobar for 30 minutes and then proceeds on to Dubbo where it arrives at 13:25. The bus terminates at the Dubbo Railway Station where you’ll alight for the train. There is an air-conditioned railway refreshment room at Dubbo Station.

Dubbo to Bathurst

The train departs Dubbo at 14.15 and arrives into Bathurst at 17.05. There is a buffet car on the train for refreshments.

Bathurst to Lithgow

The Victoria Hotel opposite Bathurst Railway Station

Once you arrive into Bathurst you’ve got 60 minutes before the coach departs for Lithgow at 18:15 if you’re traveling M-F from the Bathurst Railway Station. If you’re traveling on a Sunday the coach departs from the Bathurst Railway Station at  17:50.  Here’s the Bathurst to Lithgow timetable.

The coach service is shown on page 22, so just scroll down the PDF (service # 568).

You’ll be able to get a drink at the Victoria Hotel opposite the station, but that’s about it. They also offer accommodation and meals.

Lithgow to Sydney

The coach from Bathurst arrives at Lithgow Railway station at 18:50.

The Opal train service leaves Lithgow at 19.48 and arrives at Sydney Central at 22.41. Here’s the Lithgow to Sydney timetable.

You’ll have close to an hour in Lithgow. Here’s a map of the eateries in Lithgow with their opening and closing times. You’ll see from the map that there’s not a lot open in Lithgow on a Sunday night. So, good luck.

Seniors Card Travel: Sydney to Byron Bay or Tweed Heads for $7.50

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If you're out for an adventure, you've come to the right place. This inexpensive version of a train trip to Tweed Heads takes a few hours longer than just boarding a north coast or Brisbane bound XPT. Plus, it's fun, inexpensive and a lot to see along the way. The trip is broken into four segments of train/bus/train/bus.

Sydney to Broadmeadow

To start the journey, you can travel from anywhere bound by the Sydney Train and NSW TrainLink Intercity services using your Opal Seniors card which you can get online or by calling 13 67 25.

If you're starting from Sydney, catch the express Newcastle train, Opal service, that leaves Central at 11:15. (M to F). Here's the full timetable for Sydney to Newcastle line.

Broadmeadow to Taree

Alight at Broadmeadow at 13:41 and walk under the subway to the main station entrance on the east side of the station, Platform 1. Here you'll find a taxi rank and a coach stop. The good thing here is that the area and the entrance to the station are all new, as of August 2018. The coach you're looking for is the Taree bound coach which is operated by Busways and departs the coach stop at 14.24. The service is the Newcastle to Taree via Forster service - number 150. The service runs daily. Here's the full timetable for the Newcastle - Taree via Forster service

Broadmeadow is the most popular pickup stop on the service. So you should find other people waiting at the bus stop who you can ask to reassure yourself you're in the right place. Nearby on the station, there's a small kiosk with drinks, cigarettes, ice-creams and papers. There's a toilet on the station near the waiting room on platform 1. Near here you'll also find the station attendants. Here's a map of the Broadmeadow station area showing the coach stop

To board the bus you'll need your Seniors card and $2.50 in cash or EFTPOS for the fare all the way to Taree.

It's important to note that you can only get the $2.50 fare on the bus. If you try to call NSW TrainLink or book online you'll be charged half fare. Yep, it happened to me. First time I paid half fare and my error was picked up by the TrainLink travel agent at Taree who refunded my fare and told me to pay cash when boarding the bus. It just goes to show that NSW TrainLink is somewhat like the British Navy - tough but fair.

Also, be warned that this service can be very busy on school holidays. There's a way around this. Catch an earlier train up from Sydney and go through to Newcastle Interchange and catch the coach from the coach/bus stop near Newcastle interchange.  You'll get a seat if you're lucky the one upfront near the driver for a perfect view ahead.

Once leaving Broadmeadow it's a 5 hour run through to Taree. You'll pass along the shore of the Myall Lakes, the beaches along the coast from Pacific Palms to Forster Keys and into Forster and Tuncurry. The final stop is Taree Railway station where you'll arrive at 18.20.

Taree to Casino

There are various places to eat in Taree town but nothing near the station which is about 1km from the centre of Taree. If you want to eat in Taree, ask the bus driver to let you off near town. There are numerous pubs, cafes, restaurants, fast food and clubs open. But keep an eye on the time. Leave town at least 20 minutes before the train departure to walk up to the station. If you have a bag and ask the driver nicely he'll deposit it at the luggage check-in at the station for you. Once you arrive in Taree you've got until 20:08 when the train departs for Casino.

You'll be greeted by a delightfully clean, air-conditioned waiting room and toilets at Taree Station. The station master is on duty and you can also buy a ticket and check your bags in. Although tickets are available at Taree, I advise you to buy them online or over the phone especially if it's school holidays or close to. The ticket from Taree to Tweed Heads will cost $2.50 with your Seniors card. You can purchase your ticket, called a Country Senior Excursion (CSE) up to 7 days before the day of departure. Here is the full timetable for the XPT train/bus service to Tweed Heads. The train is the Sydney to Brisbane XPT service and departs Central at 14:14. This is a daily service.


Book online or call 13 22 32 to book over the phone. Have a credit or debit card ready, Visa, MC, Amex or Diners Club accepted, and your Seniors card.  You can also elect to pay in the buffet car when you board the train. On board, only Visa, MC and cash are accepted. So if you don't have a debt or card you can pay by cash on the train. You can also pay for your ticket at the post office.

Casino to Tweed Heads and Byron Bay

You'll arrive at Casino at the unlikely hour of 02:19. There are an air-conditioned waiting room and toilets at the station. The coach to Tweed Heads, Byron Bay and all stops in between departs Casino station at 02:35 and arrives at Tweed Head at 05.48. The coach arrives at the main bus stop in the middle of Tweed Heads. If you're heading further along the Gold Coast or up to Brisbane, the local Surfside Buslines depart on a regular interval through to Southport or Varsity Lakes Station for the train to Brisbane.

What about places like Bangalow and Ballina?

Don't worry, they're also covered under the CPE at just $2.50 ticket from Taree. Just check the timetable and let the agent know when you're making your booking.

Bon Voyage!

Seniors Card Travel: Sydney to Canberra for $5

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The regular service by train from Sydney to Canberra is by the NSW TrainLink Explorer service. The standard full price one way fare for adults is $52.00. The one way fare for Seniors card holders is $26.00.

I’ve used this service on numerous occasions and have found the comfort and service aboard the train to be very good. Even the hot meals served from the buffet have been imaginative and prepared with some love. Furthermore, the meals are less than $10.00. A glass of wine is $7.50. Light beer is $6.50.

But there is a cheaper way for Seniors Card holders. Here’s how; Sydney to Canberra for just $5.

Before leaving home call NSW TrainLink on 13 22 32 and make a booking using your Seniors card on the Goulburn to Canberra service that departs Goulburn at 20.29 (M-F). Your Goulburn to Canberra ticket will cost $2.50. Click here for the full NSW TrainLink Sydney to Canberra timetable

There’s a NSW TrainLink booking office at Central station, but don’t think you can walk in there and buy a ticket from Goulburn to Canberra for $2.50 – you can’t. You’ll be told that these tickets can only be bought online or over the phone. They’ll then offer you the half price tickets. Even a “know it all” like me got caught here. When I was offered the half price fare, I declined. I then went out of the office and called 13 22 32 on my mobile phone and made the booking on the same train for $2.50. Lesson learned.

Sydney to Goulburn

Once you’ve got the Goulburn to Canberra ticket covered, head to Central station to catch the Central to Goulburn Opal service which departs Central at 16.01. Click here for the full Sydney to Goulburn timetable

Since this is an Opal service, just tap on as usual and take a seat on the train. Sit back for a ride through the beautiful Southern Highlands. Find yourself a seat on the left side of the train to avoid the afternoon sun.

The service arrives in Goulburn at 19:13.

Goulburn to Canberra

The Canberra train departs Goulburn at 20:29. Since you’ve arrived at 19:13, this gives you an hour and sixteen minutes to duck uptown for a bite to eat. There are numerous takeaways and restaurants along the main drag, a couple of minutes walk from the station. Our favourite is the Paragon Cafe. It’s a Goulburn institution with half price pizza on Tuesday nights and half price schnitzels on Wednesday night. Keep an eye on the time, as it’s 5-minute walk back to the station for the 20:29 departure.

Arrival in Canberra is at 22.03. Last time I arrived on this train there were plenty of taxis on the station rank. Since Murphy’s Law says there won’t be any when you arrive, you can call (02) 6280 0077 or visit their website ACT Cabs.