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Optional Train Bookings for OzSky "Classic"
Making your Train Booking
For those of you opting to fly (or drive all the way from Sydney to Coonabarabran), please feel free to disregard this entire document.
For those of you intending to travel by train from Sydney to Dubbo, enroute to Coonabarabran for OzSky 2027, NSW TrainLink online bookings typically open 6-months ahead of your travel dates.
Also, please remember you are more than welcome to head to Coonabarabran earlier than the scheduled start date of OzSky – This is becoming a more popular option in recent years as a way of familiarising one’s self with the area before the rest of the group arrives.
The NSW TrainLink Express Passenger Train (XPT) usually departs from Sydney Central Station at 07:19am, arriving at Dubbo early afternoon where you can collect your rental car (which most of you will hopefully have already booked by now) and then continue the drive to Coonabarabran and The OzSky Star Safari.
We suggest securing your seats on the following services – however your individual travel circumstances may differ.
| Date: | Saturday, April 3rd, 2027 | |
| Train Service: | Western XPT Train 427 | |
| Scheduled departure: | 07:19 (from Sydney Central) | |
| Scheduled arrival: | 13:46 (from Dubbo) | |
| Date: | Saturday, April 10th, 2027 | |
| Train Service: | Western XPT Train 428 | |
| Scheduled departure: | 14:15 (from Dubbo) | |
| Scheduled arrival: | 20:45 (from Sydney Central) | |
| Book online: | NSW TrainLink – Book Online - Bookings for this date will open on Saturday October 3rd, 2026 | |
| travel.services@transport.nsw.gov.au | ||
| Telephone: | +61 2 3814 0210 | |
Note: Cancellations of train bookings for overseas travellers sometimes may need to be done by telephone. Office hours are usually 7:00am-10:00pm daily (Australian Eastern Daylight Time: UTC+11).
Catching the train is just one of many ways to travel
from Sydney to Dubbo enroute to the OzSky Star Safari
Consider sharing a Rental Car
Regardless of whether you’re catching the train or flying to Dubbo or Tamworth and then driving the last two hours to OzSky – or driving all the way from Sydney to OzSky, you’ll definitely need a car for the week, so you can get around easily while you’re at OzSky.If you haven’t already done so, now would be a great time to contact other OzSky folks and consider trying to organise sharing of rental cars.
Not only will it result in a significantly lower rental cost, but it’s also a great way to share the driving and to make new friends along the way.
Important note: Many car rental agencies in Dubbo close early on some days, and some do not open at all on Saturdays, so please consider this restriction when planning your itinerary and ensure your selected rental agency will be open when you arrive.
Consider sharing a Rental Car with another OzSky colleague
It’s a great way to share the costs and make new friends!
Oh, and just remember... we drive on the LEFT side of the road here in Oz!
OzSky 2027 Group Mailing List
Feel free to use the OzSky 2027 Group Mailing List to contact the other OzSky folks heading to OzSky in 2027 – If you want to drive, but also want to share the costs of rental and fuel, there are likely several other people in the OzSky 2027 group who might prefer to be a passenger, or vice-versa.
The mailing list address is contained within your welcome email and other official correspondence.
Spread the Word about OzSky
Please remember, these OzSky Star Safaris are enhanced by the group of wonderful folks who are present at each event.
If you have any experienced friends or colleagues who might be interested in joining us at the 2027 OzSky "Classic" Star Safari (or a future OzSky event), please let them know about this unique observing opportunity.
Previous Editions:
- Overview, Trip Planning, Bookings & Logistics
- Observing Expectations at OzSky "Classic"
- "Eye Candy" and Suggested Observing List Resources
- Weather & Climate Expectations
- Suggested Day Trips & Activities
- Driving Directions & Guides
- Optional Train Bookings
Next Editions:
- Introducing your OzSky Volunteer Hosts
- Pre-OzSky "Meet & Greet" Dinner in Sydney
- Optional On-Site Catering & Meal Options
- Schedule of Events & Activities
- OzSky Solar & Lunar Astro Almanac
- Last-Minute Reminders & Packing Lists
- Final Wrap-Up Report
