Orient Express - 'REGAL ROLLIN'

The Orient Express! What other name conjures up such visions of romance and exotic legend? Developed during the extravagant first class train travel of the 1930's, this rare form of luxury rail travel has been revived and refined on the Orient Express lines, of which there are four in the world; the newest one running from Cairns in northern Queensland to Sydney.

For the journey, as with most work trips, I took books, I took my laptop, I took work...but they all fell into a convenient box from the moment I boarded the train. Everything else in my life disappeared to make room for a breathtaking world of stately Edwardian and Victorian décor. A world of stained glass, glossy Red Cedar, Mahogany, Jarrah and Myrtle Burl. A world of handcrafted, handcut and handlaid compartments, dining and lounge cars and a world of 24 hour, efficient and discreet service.

Intricate marquetry, embossed mirrors, leadlight windows and antique brass luggage racks graced my compartment, a mid-range State Room. Less spacious is the Pullman with bunks instead of beds, while up there in the pinnacle of luxury is the Presidential suites which take up half an entire carriage!

Many forgotten rituals were revived on the train. A pianist playing a baby grand accompanied the flautist in the main lounge car during pre-dinner drinkies. During dinner, held over two sittings, Craig Wheate, the executive chef, helped by an army of cooks and kitchen hands, created five course masterpieces served on French silverware, while wine kept flowing into handcut crystal glasses.

Back in my moving bedroom, I found that David Crossland, my personal steward had made up my bed, switched off the main lights and put chocolates on my pillow. (I begged him to come home with me.)

On the second day we enjoyed a helicopter ride to the Great Barrier Reef and went snorkelling in the clear blue water from a floating pontoon. On the third day, we rolled into Brisbane for an overnight stop before the two day journey to Sydney. Whatever you do, don't relax your standards now or you invite a rude shock. The only place for me to continue the five star service was the Sheraton Hotel. After a bubble bath, the bed was strangely very big and very 'still' as I peacefully watched a darkening view of the twinkling lights of Brisbane from the window.

During the night engineers modified the train to roll on New South Wales standard gauges after three days rattling along Queensland's narrow gauge rails and the ride became smoother. The six day journey unfolded the beautiful east coast of Australia on a gleaming silver platter and it never looked better!


Author: Phoenix Arrien

DETAILS

Great South Pacific Express. Telephone +61 (0)7 3247 6555 Reservations 1800
000 395 Website: www.orient-expresstrains.com

Brisbane Sheraton Hotel Telephone 1800 07 3535 email
Sheraton_Brisbane@Sheraton.com website www.sheraton.com