the train trip from Perth to Sydney is a long one, Brett. It took me three and a half days, and every 10 hours or so i got to see the excitment of a bush or something. its basically just one long horizontal line through the desert. The one from Darwin to Alice Springs could be an interesting one, its not so long (maybe a day and a half) and takes you to the red centre. they have a folk festival somewhere there in June. but my trip was over twenty years ago now - who knows what they've worked out since then?

you should try and get here for April/easter next year. the National folk festival is not to be missed. and if you decide to do that one, its worth trying to book accomodation in Canberra ahead of time, like in the next couple of months, to ensure you have it, unless you and Wakana are comfortable in a tent.

best wishes

amalina