Catch your booked local bus in the afternoon from Wollongong to Campbelltown; this places you close to the Campbelltown train services for your evening leg. Confirm the exact departure time with the local bus operator before travel.
Pick a relaxed café or pub close to Campbelltown Station (many options are open until ~8–9pm). If you prefer minimal sensory input, ask for a quiet table or take a takeaway sandwich to eat on the platform — check local opening times before you go.
Board the regional train from Campbelltown to Goulburn in the evening. Check the exact timetable for your specific service and allow extra time for station lifts/ramps if needed. You’ll reach Goulburn before your overnight XPT connection.
Arrive in Goulburn and use the station waiting area or a nearby cafe/quiet spot to rest. You have time before the overnight XPT; keep medication and your travel documents easily accessible and charge devices if possible.
Board the overnight Sydney>Melbourne XPT at Goulburn (you’ve already booked an accessible seat in the quiet carriage and requested boarding assistance). The train is booked to arrive at Albury early next morning.
You arrive at Albury in the early hours. Use station seating/quiet areas to rest; keep your medications, cane/crutches and an easily reachable snack and water with you. Consider pre-arranged station assistance if you need it between platforms.
Many station kiosks or nearby cafés open early (around 6:00am), but opening times vary — if uncertain, buy or pack breakfast to eat on the platform or on the next train. Eating before the next leg helps manage migraine triggers (avoid strong smells if sensitive).
Board the morning regional service to Melbourne (you mentioned the likely 6:45am service). This trip takes most of the morning — book an accessible seat/assistance now if needed; seats can fill up. Bring earplugs, sunglasses and hydration for migraine and sensory support.
Arrive mid-morning at Southern Cross. If your hotel check-in isn't available, request early check-in or luggage storage on arrival so you can freshen up and drop your backpack. Southern Cross has lifts and accessible facilities; ask station staff for help if needed.
Book an accessible room near Southern Cross/CBD for convenience — suggestions: Novotel Melbourne on Collins, ibis Melbourne on Spencer or a centrally located serviced apartment with lift access. Request ground-floor or accessible-room amenities in advance and ask about quiet-room options.
The State Library café is a calmer lunchtime option (library generally open 10:00–18:00 weekdays); it's accessible and good for recharging devices and energy. Check the library and café hours before you go.
Spend a quiet, low-sensory afternoon strolling the Royal Botanic Gardens (park open early morning to dusk — typically 7:30–18:00 in spring). Paths are accessible and benches are frequent — good for migraine- and mobility-friendly time outside.
If you have the energy, visit the NGV (open usually 10:00–17:00) for a calm indoor cultural experience; otherwise find a quiet café to relax and charge devices. Check NGV exhibition times and accessibility services online.
Choose a quieter restaurant by the Yarra with table service and space (many open from 17:30–22:00). Ask for a corner table away from loud music; ordering something light can help manage migraine triggers.
Have a steady, familiar breakfast at your hotel or a low-noise café (many CBD cafés open 7:00–9:00). Bring medications (on your usual schedule) and a small snack for later — protests can run long and access to food/water may be limited.
Pack a small protest kit: water, snacks, ID, medications, earplugs, sunglasses, portable charger and a copy of any important medical info. Check protest start time and route with the organisers and identify accessible access points and quiet fallback meeting points (Federation Square, State Library steps are often useful).
Use tram or train to reach the assembly point; tap on/off with a Myki and use lifts/ramps where available — Flinders St and Federation Square both have accessible access. Leave earlier than the crowd to secure an accessible position.
Participate in the protest — stay near accessible exits and identified safe spaces. If crowds or noise become overwhelming, step back to quieter areas; inform a protest buddy of any support needs and consider wearing a medical alert card with your conditions and meds.
After the protest, retreat to a known quiet spot — the State Library reading room (open 10:00–18:00) or a calm café for a low-stimulus lunch and rest. Keep taking your regular medications and hydrate slowly.
Choose a low-effort activity: a short accessible walk along the Yarra, a quiet gallery room, or time back at your hotel to rest and reduce stimulation. Check opening times (many galleries close 17:00).
Opt for a calm dinner environment or order room service to avoid noisy public spaces. If dining out, call ahead to request a quiet table and minimal background music.
Have a steady breakfast and check out policies — request late or luggage storage if needed because you leave on the midday regional service. Confirm your train booking to Albury and accessible seating/assistance if not already done.
If you have time, walk a short accessible route (Emporium Melbourne or Melbourne Central open from ~10:00) or relax at your hotel — avoid strenuous activity to reduce migraine risk before travel.
Grab a quiet takeaway or a light meal near Southern Cross before boarding — many station cafés open early but check times. Eating calmly ahead of the train helps settle your stomach and medication schedule.
Board the regional afternoon service to Albury (you mentioned the likely 12:04 service). Book an accessible seat and assistance now if you haven’t; the journey takes a few hours and arrives in Albury in the late afternoon.
Arrive in Albury mid/late-afternoon. You have time before the overnight XPT; pick a calm place to rest and keep your boarding documentation and meds ready for the overnight leg at 23:07. Many Albury cafés and riverside paths are accessible and pleasant for a short stroll.
Choose a relaxed dining spot near the river or the Dean Street precinct — call ahead to confirm quiet seating and opening hours (many restaurants serve dinner from 17:30–21:00). Finish medications on schedule and have a small snack before your overnight departure.
Return to the station early to rest and board the overnight Sydney>Melbourne XPT to Campbelltown. You have assistance requested on the booked segment; keep your cane/crutches assembled and ready and your electronics charged overnight.
Board your booked overnight XPT. You have an accessible seat in the quiet carriage and assistance arranged. Set your alarm and medications for the morning arrival; keep essential meds with you in the carriage.
You’ll arrive in Campbelltown early morning. Use station assistance if needed to disembark with your mobility aids and backpack. Keep to your medication schedule — take morning meds that require dosing early in the day.
Catch the local bus back to Wollongong in the morning. Confirm the exact departure time and arrive a little early to load your crutches/cane and settle into a seat near the door for easy boarding and disembarkation.
You’ll be home mid-morning — rest, hydrate and return to your normal medication routine. Unpack essential electronics first and give yourself a low-stimulus day to recover from travel and the protest day.