A Journey Beyond Indulgence: Exploring the Great Southern Railway

Traversing the vast expanse of Australia by rail is an experience that promises both adventure and luxury. Recently, I had the extraordinary opportunity to embark on a four-day journey from Brisbane to Adelaide aboard the iconic Great Southern Railway, accompanied by my beloved mother. As a health professional and an enthusiastic advocate for wellness, I was curious to see how luxury travel could mesh with an active lifestyle.

Notably, our fellow passengers, mostly aged between 70 and 75, seemed to embrace a more sedentary approach to travel. The contrast between this relaxed demographic and the indulgent offerings of gourmet meals, fine wine, and champagne piqued my interest. I wondered: is it possible to enjoy such luxuries within the confines of a train while staying committed to health and wellbeing?

With that question in mind, I set myself a challenge. I decided to make health a priority on this journey by incorporating daily physical activity into the experience. My plan was simple yet ambitious: each day, I would walk 5 kilometres within the train's 1.64-kilometre length. Additionally, I wanted to incorporate resistance exercises, aiming to promote both strength and bone density. Armed with two 3-litre containers of orange juice and a laundry bag, I set out to transform our journey into a holistic health retreat on wheels.

Every morning, as the train glided across the breathtaking Australian landscape, I began my exercise regimen. With each step and every repetition, I felt a deep connection to both my surroundings and my sense of purpose. The train’s spacious corridors and panoramic windows provided a spectacular backdrop, making each kilometre walked a scenic experience. I took full advantage of the Great Southern Railway’s unique setting, finding solace in my routine amidst the plush interiors and beautiful vistas.

Incorporating resistance training into my regimen proved to be both practical and effective. Utilising the makeshift weights I had fashioned from orange juice containers and a laundry bag, I engaged in a series of strength-building exercises. From shoulder presses to squats, each movement served to challenge my muscles and fortify my bones, all while preserving the essence of elegance and sophistication that permeated the atmosphere of the train.

As the journey progressed, I felt invigorated by the synergy between health and indulgence. While others embraced the leisurely pace of luxury travel, I relished the opportunity to nurture my body. Conversations with fellow travellers often turned to wellness, with many expressing curiosity about my fitness routine. My commitment to health seemed to inspire a collective sense of vitality among the passengers and train staff, reinforcing the idea that age or location need not limit one’s dedication to well-being.

Interestingly, my fitness challenge attracted the attention of the Executive General Manager, who happened to be on board. As a fellow 40-something, he was intrigued by my experience and eager to understand my perspective on the journey. He initially held the notion that someone my age might not typically have the finances to partake in such luxury, but I countered that perspective. In my view, it wasn’t a lack of finances that deterred my demographic from such experiences; it was the perception that luxury rail travel is inherently sedentary, which might not appeal to those leading active lifestyles. I wanted to show that with a little creativity, even a luxury train journey could be invigorating and health-enhancing.

As our journey drew to a close and we arrived at our destination in Adelaide, I reflected upon the profound lessons gleaned from my time aboard the Great Southern Railway. In a world where indulgence often seems at odds with health, I had discovered a harmonious synergy, wherein luxury and wellness coalesced to create an enriching and transformative experience.

Indeed, my journey had been a testament to the notion that health knows no bounds – not even the confines of a luxury train. Through mindful movement and a commitment to holistic well-being, I had unlocked a newfound appreciation for the inherent beauty of balance, proving that one can savour life's pleasures without compromising on vitality. As I bid farewell to the Great Southern Railway and embarked upon the next chapter of my journey, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to health – a testament to the enduring legacy of a truly unforgettable voyage. Dr Vivienne Brimelow