Indian Pacific Train Day 2 : Off Train Excursion - Cook

Off Train Excursion: Cook

After about five hours and a having a tasty brunch on board the train, we arrived in Cook.

Cook, The middle of Nowhere

We were riding on the world's longest straight rail line and we certainly looked forward to a chance to 'exercise' our pair of legs.

Cook Australia - Map

I was eager to explore this remote town, which without doubt had 'The Middle of Nowhere' feel to it. Cook would be the last stop before arriving in Adelaide.

Cook - The Middle of Nowhere

Tour of Cook

The official population of Cook is 4. There were several houses around the area; more buildings and more trees than I'd seen since leaving Kalgoorlie. 

Cook Australia Indian Pacific Off Train Excursion

Cook Train Station

In true 'middle of nowhere' fashion, there was no waiting area, platform or ticketing office/machine, just a sign to show you which town you've reached. 

Cook Train Station Australia

Information Plaque 

There are plaques that provided information on landmarks in the area and gave us a glimpse into Cook's history. Now, I know why there are many more trees in Cook : Memorial Rock, MEN OF THE TREES
Despite used to being a small town, it had a public swimming pool : Cook Sports and Recreation

Indian Pacific Train Cook Australia

a school with rules spelt out for the students : Cook Area School

Cook's School Australia

a general store, post office and a telephone booth; General Post Office and Repeater Station

and most interestingly, individual jail cells, split for males and females : Jail Cells.

As with most small towns in the past, it was a tough-sell to entice new residents to live in Cook. If you're crook, come to Cook

For now, the Town Managers' Houses houses are occupied by its inhabitants. My admiration for those who stay and work in Cook, as when the train departs, they'd be all by themselves again. Town Managers' Houses

Riding to Adelaide 

At this point, the train had travelled around 1522km from Perth. Another 1138km to Adelaide - we're more than halfway there! How time flies.
There were 10 plaques around town, each providing interesting insights into the town. As you'll probably notice, we couldn't find the one numbered 9. I wonder what it was...

The train set off again, across the Nullarbor Plain to Adelaide.

Indian Pacific Train Ride:
Perth and Start of Indian Pacific Journey   (Day 1)

Kalgoorlie Excursion  (Day1 evening)

Breakfast at Rawlinna  (Day 2)

The journey and the Nullarbor Plain  (Day 2/3)