We thought we'd take advantage of the summer special and do something different to travel Melbourne to Sydney. Big mistake. After racing around to get there on time, the train was 2 hours late arriving, so 2 hours late leaving. They kept announcing a 10 or 15 minute delay. Not long enough to go anywhere. How could they not know it would be 2 hours late? They blamed track work detours.
First class was a joke. It wasn't as good as 3rd class in other countries. There was certainly no service. How was it different to economy? The train rattled and bumped so sleeping was difficult. Morning tea (scones) was quite good and unexpected so that was nice. With the delay, it would have been a nice gesture to give something to customers, but an apology was better than nothing.

Approximate cost: $89

Travelled between Brisbane and Sydney. Went to the QR shop at Roma Street to organise a seat to suit us and were told we would have plenty of leg space. This ended up not being the case as the QR person we arranged the booking through was apparently not aware that all the seats turn backwards to face the other way - we were right at the back rather than the front of the carriage. Keep this in mind.

Travelled down on economy and back on first class. On the way down, sleeping was an impossibility due to what I guess was a dodgy wheel that kept screeching every time it breaked, turned or made any change to its movements. That being said, the workers were pleasant and friendly and made the best of a bad situation and the train was clean.

On the way back, in first class, it was revolting. I could not believe I'd paid to travel in such squalor. I would have prefered to have slept overnight in a QR train and that's certainly saying something. The toilets were filthy and smelt sooo bad I couldn't even let the bottom of my jeans touch the floor when I was getting changed. The carpet outside was stained, threadbare and there was food scattered throughout the compartment and in my seat - I gather they hadn't been cleaned. The first class section was full of pensioners making broad judgements - if you're not a pensioner, save yourself the money and mental anguish and either go economy or just bypass Countrylink all together.

Bring your own food too - the people I spoke to were not impressed with the soggy 'fish and chips' available for $9. Hot water is free if you use your own cup/mug. I think it's $1 if you want it in a cup.

Approximate cost: $120