Reader Pauline Watts explores Australia in style on the Indian Pacific train It was our first Australian holiday and we had enjoyed two wonderful weeks of sightseeing and family time in Perth and its surrounds.We had decided to round off our trip by travelling from Perth to Sydney by train - 4,352km - a trip of four days and three nights. Despite all the research we had done, nothing could match the anticipation or dampen the spirits of two pensioners setting off on an adventure.Right on schedule, we glided out of Perth station at 10am on a Sunday. The train crew were brilliant - at Perth station, where we had checked in with ease, and also on the train.story_article_left1Each coach had a hostess who met with us soon after departure, checking our needs and advising us of the off-train excursions during the trip.The dining and lounge facilities are designed for great views of the passing landscape and a good place to meet fellow passengers, who were mostly from Australia, New Zealand and Europe. The cuisine was varied and delicious, with fine wines from Australia and New Zealand.The journey allows for several stops on the way, giving the traveller an opportunity to see something of Australia.Our first stop was late on Sunday evening in the gold-mining town of Kalgoorlie, home to the 3.6k long, 512m deep Super-pit, the largest open-pit gold mine in Australia, where operations continue 24 hours a day.We were amused to discover that women are also employed to drive the huge trucks that bring out the ore, as they are far kinder to the vehicles.We returned to the train on a chilly but wonderfully clear and starry night to find our compartment transformed, with cosy beds waiting. The gentle motion of the train soon had us in the land of nod.On Monday morning, it was wonderful to see the sunrise over the Nullarbor Plain - vast areas of absolute flat vistas going on for miles, nothing but red sands and the odd kangaroo, windpump and, funnily enough, a few camels.Later that morning was a stop at the deserted town of Cook, once a thriving place with 200 or so people, a school, clinic and library.Sadly, it all closed down and only four permanent residents remain - one hopes they get on with each other.Tuesday morning brought us to the town of Adelaide, where we opted for a tour of the Central Market, home to the best of South Australian fresh produce.block_quotes_start Our journey was over, and we so envied the folks who would be boarding the train for the return trip a few hours later block_quotes_endThe fantastic fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and baked goods were a feast for the eyes. Breakfast was included and we were able to sample some of the wonderful fruit and breads, as well as a welcome cup of coffee. After a brief tour through the streets of Adelaide, we went back to our train.From Adelaide, the trip took us through the beautiful and fertile Barossa valley, home to some of Australia's finest vineyards and farmlands.Before supper on our last evening on the train, we stopped at the silver-mining town of Broken Hill. This town is home to the Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air.It may be a tough Outback mining town, but it has a touch of glamour at its heart. Made famous by the 1994 movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the local Palace Hotel is a must-see attraction on the town's main "drag".We enjoyed champagne and snacks in the colourful bar, entertained by the most gorgeous drag queens.story_article_right2Back to the train for our final supper, we were beginning to feel slightly melancholy that this wonderful trip was nearly at an end.We woke on our final morning to find ourselves in a whole new landscape in New South Wales - with amazing views across the beautiful Blue Mountain range.It was a real treat to find smoked salmon on the breakfast menu and only right that we paired it with a glass of chilled champagne to celebrate our trip of a lifetime.The last few hours went quickly. Beautiful country towns and villages could be seen in the forests and valleys and eventually we were on the outskirts of Sydney. Then the city skyline came into view and we pulled into the station.Our journey was over, and we so envied the folks who would be boarding the train for the return trip a few hours later. But now, Sydney was waiting to be explored.• Share your travel experiences with us in 'Readers' World'. Send your photos - at least 500KB - and a story of no more than 800 words. ALL winners receive R1,000. Only winning entrants will be contacted. E-mail - travelmag@sundaytimes.co.za..