Heading South: Far North Queensland to Western Australia by Rail

Freelance travel writer and Lonely Planet guidebook contributor Tim Richards decides to shake up his life by taking an epic rail journey across Australia. Jumping aboard iconic trains like the Indian Pacific, Overland and Spirit of Queensland, he covers over 7,000 kilometres, from the tropics to the desert and from big cities to ghost towns. Tim’s journey is one of classic travel highs and lows: floods, cancellations, extraordinary landscapes and forays into personal and public histories – as well as the steady joy of random strangers encountered along the way.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘Giant crocs, commando publicans, the ghosts of Burke and Wills. Tim’s long and winding rail trek is a perfect escape.’ John Birmingham, author of He Died with a Felafel in His Hand

‘All the way it’s clear that this is a man in love with train travel, a true rail fan.’ Tony Wheeler, co-founder of Lonely Planet

‘… Tim takes us on an epic 7,000-kilometre voyage across Australia by train. Tim’s engaging portrait of Australia’s people, places, history and great trains is guaranteed to give you itchy feet …’ Mark Smith, The Man in Seat 61

‘Richards’ new book Heading South is an ode to the great rail journeys in Australia and like any form of travel, its highs and lows.’ Sydney Morning Herald

‘This is not just one for railway fans … Richards has a good eye for fellow-travellers along the way and is keenly aware of not only passing through an amazingly changing landscape, but also the land’s history, dark and colourful.’ The Age

‘Perfect for the armchair traveller …’ Readings

‘The author’s love of train travel and history imbues this book making for an interesting and delightful read.’ Good Reading