LAST CARRIAGE CLUB

Ettalong - Central Coast

Circular Quay

Freshwater

Abbotsford

Bastile Day Circular Quay

Parramatta

Manly

Sydenham

Ferry

Wentworth Falls

Luera Blue Mountains

Woolwich Pier

Northern Beaches

Harbord

Watsons Bay

Randwick

Harbour Trips by Ferry

Kirrabilli

Cronulla

Sydney Harbour Ferry

Sydney Harbour

Mosman

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:-

9th October 2025: Trip to South Sydney Juniors. (Trip 109). The group travelled by train to Circular Quay where we had morning tea. Then boarded the L3 Light Rail and travelled the whole line to Juniors Station. (The club has its own light rail station). Lunch was enjoyed in the Glass Bowl Bistro which food ordered from either the seniors menu or the full menu.

Click here for photos of the trip on the members photos gallery page.

11th September 2025: Lunch at The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay. (Trip 108). The group travelled by train to Central for morning tea. Then train to Wynyard Station and Bus 173X and B1 to The Oaks. A bit of rain on the way but cleared up at lunchtime, but not dry enough to site outside under the old Oak Tree.

Photos of this trip and itinerary can be found in the members section.

14 August 2025: Lunch at Hotel Bondi. (Trip 107). Train to Circular Quay and morning tea at City Extra. Then Bus 333 to Bondi Beach. Because it was such lovely weather most of the group had lunch at Hotel Bondi instead of down at the beach. The Hotel was able to cater for the group despite the short notice. (we just turned up, and they happly served us).