LAST CARRIAGE CLUB
The Last Carriage Club (LCC) is usually the first club activity undertaken by new and prospective members of Hawkesbury Probus.
We want as many new members as possible to join in these excursions, as this is the easiest way of getting to know our members. After all, we are a large club and large clubs can sometimes be daunting for new arrivals.
The key to the popularity of this event, held on the second Thursday of every month, is the fact that it is a mystery tour.
Members like the idea of turning up for a train, not knowing where they will be going until they receive an itinerary after they have boarded the train.
This is (almost always) the 8.52 am train from Richmond Station, or any other station down the line. As the name implies we always use the last carriage, especially on the upper deck.
Where we go on these days is virtually anywhere in Sydney or its environs, as far as can be travelled in one day.
The transport we use are the trains, trams, ferries and buses that are available to the public. Sometimes connections are not available where we arrange a chartered bus or boat. The travelling cost on the day trips is only the $2.50 Opal Card, unless there is a non-Opal Card expense. If that is the case, it is always advised in advance.
Lunch is a part of every day. This might be at a restaurant, club or even a picnic in a special spot. In most cases the lunch location will have been chosen and an arrangement made for the number of people expected. This is usually à la carte and there are always options available at club bistro prices. Sometimes we visit a location with so many possible lunch options we declare it to be “a free range” day, meaning break into small groups and pick around wherever you like. On other occasions it will be a set meal and the cost of this will be collected in advance.
Names for coming events are taken at a club meeting or by email or text to the conveners. Soon after that an acknowledgment email will be sent. Then in the week before the event a reminder email will be sent giving out any information which will be helpful, such as any walking or steps involved, or costs additional to the fare or lunch.
Occasionally, for variety, we will have a trip which involves a popular walk. In this way every trip will not necessarily suit every person.
Some itineraries require a maximum number due to limitations in the transport or dining availability. This will always be indicated when names are being taken. When the number is exceeded a waiting list will be started.
The Last Carriage Club uses various modes of public transport for the mystery trips
The destinations we have travelled to recently are:-
March 2025: New Carlingford Light Rain (Trip 102). Train to Westmead, then on Light Rail to Parramatta for morning tea, then Light Rail to Carlingford which is the current end of the line. Back to Robin Thomas station and short walk to the Albion Hotel for Lunch. Photos of trip on the members Photo Gallery Page.
February 2025: Harbour Diggers Club (Trip 101). Train to Circular Quay, ferry to Manly, bus to Harbord Diggers for lunch. Return home. Photos on the members Photo Gallery page
January 2025: Campbell Hotel (Trip 100). Train to Parramatta, then train to Campbelltown (via Glenfield). Lunch at the Campbell. Return home by train (via Glenfield and Schofields). Photos on the members Photo Gallery page
December 2024: Bare Witness Cafe (Trip 99). Train to Circular Quay, Ferry to Olympic Park, walk / bus to Rhodes, lunch at Bare Witness Cafe, return by train from Rhodes.
November 2024: Coogee Legions Club (Trip 98). Train to Circular Quay, Light Rail to Randwick, bus to Coogee for lunch at The Legions Club. Return by bus, Light Rail and Train.
October 2024: Manly Beach (Trip 97). Train to Circular Quay, ferry to Manly, Lunch at Manly, return home by ferry and train.
September 2024: New Metro to General Gordon Hotel (Trip 96). Train to Quakers Hill, bus to Rouse Hill, then the new Metro through to Sydenham. Lunch at the General Gordon Hotel next to Sydenham station. Return by Metro to Central and Train home.
August 2024: Ferry to Watsons Bay (Trip 95). Train to Circular Quay, then ferry to Watsons Bay, return by ferry and train.
July 2024: Bastille Day (Trip 94). Train to Central, bus then Light Rail to Pyrmont Bay, Ferry to Circular Quay. Bastille Day Celebrations on at Circular Quay so members wandered around and ate from the many stalls available.
June 2024: Ferry to Woolwich Hotel (Trip 93). Train to Circular Quay, ferry to Woolwich, lunch at the Woolwich Hotel.
May 2024: Metro to Chatswood (Trip 92). Train to Quakers Hill, bus to Rouse Hill, Metro to Chatswood for lunch, then train home.
April 2024: Brighton RSL (Trip 91). Train to Central, then to Rockdale, bus to Brighton-Le-Sands, lunch and return by bus and train.
Club Members can access all the current information in the
LAST CARRIAGE PAGE in the MEMBERS ONLY SECTION
(Just click on the OPAL card to go to the Last Carriage Club page)
Club Members can also access photographs of the Last Carriage Club Trips in the
CLUB PHOTO GALLERY section of the MEMBERS ONLY SECTION
(Just click on the photo to go to the Club Photo Gallery)
Club members can also access all the past trips details and printable itineraries in the
Last Carriage Club Itineraries page in the MEMBERS ONLY SECTION
(Just Click on the image to go to the LCC Itinerary page)