Remote

Tim Richards

@timrichards@aus.social

mastodon 4.7.2

Travel writer living and working on Wurundjeri land in Melbourne, Australia.

Rail travel expert, current books on sale include Heading South, Ultimate Train Journeys: World, and Train Europe. My book The Kick of Stalin's Cow is a travel narrative about post-communist Poland. I also have a novel out in ebook form, Mind the Gap.

See my published writing at iwriter.com.au, and become a patron of my Patreon at patreon.com/timrichards.

2957 Followers

1151 Following

50 Posts

Joined November 04, 2022

Website:

https://www.iwriter.com.au

Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/timrichards

Heading South:

https://www.fremantlepress.com.au/products/heading-south

Train Europe:

https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/train-europe-by-tim-richards/9781741179385

Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 1w ago

Boosted by @trending@homestead.social

Today is the publication day of my new book from Hardie Grant, Train Europe, so I dropped by Readings Emporium to see if it's in stock yet. It is! Nicely placed facing outward on the shelves too; I approve. Please pop by your favourite bookshop and pick up a copy. Perfect Christmas present IMO. :) #train #trains #Europe #book #books #train #trains #Europe #book #books @bookstodon

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 3w ago

I just bought staggeringly expensive business class flights to reach my next big Interrail trip across Europe next year. I'll be travelling south this time, from Helsinki to Sarajevo, ending in Belgrade. So naturally the first set of flights is listed in the airline's app as: MEL → HEL From Mel to Hell! I like it. Though I suspect Helsinki is much cooler than Hell. #travel #TravelWriter #TravelWriting

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 3w ago

I don’t understand what the Israel government's apologists in the West think they're gaining via this relentless campaign of censorship against anyone who even mildly expresses sympathy with Palestinians. The backlash against this overt manipulation will eventually undermine Israel's future, IMO. #Israel #Palestine

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 1mo ago

Boosted by @trending@homestead.social

You are all invited to the launch of my new book Train Europe, a colourful collection of 20 great rail itineraries across the continent. It's at 6pm on Thursday 1 October 2026 at Readings Emporium, on Level 1 of Emporium Melbourne, 287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne CBD. It's free to attend, but please register via this link: https://www.readings.com.au/events/train-europe-by-tim-richards Readings requires at least 20 people to register for the event to proceed, so please sign up and come along! Would be great to see you there. #travel #train #trains #Europe #book @bookstodon@a.gup.pe

Train Europe by Tim Richards

We are delighted to host the launch of Tim Richards' travel guide, Train Europe. Europe is known as the home of great train journeys, but more than that, great train itineraries. Rail enthusiast Tim Richards brings his expert advice on the full range of rail options, from commuter trains that…

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 2w ago

Good to see us helping the Ukrainians more. Putin must not be allowed to win. "Australia has inked a historic pact with Ukraine that commits Canberra to sustained defence and security cooperation with Kyiv while stopping short of a NATO-style guarantee to come to each other’s defence. "Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the deal on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday (US time), with the government announcing a further $60 million in support." #StandWithUkraine #auspol https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/my-friend-emotional-albanese-hugs-zelensky-as-historic-ukraine-deal-sealed-20260924-p61006.html

Australia-Ukraine relations: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hugs Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as they sign 10-year defence pact

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 3w ago

Couldn't imagine travelling with a grandma, but I could imagine travelling *like* a grandma. Already doing some of that - I don't go out much at night anymore when I'm travelling. #travel https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/grandma-maxxing-is-travel-s-big-trend-thanks-to-my-gran-i-m-an-expert-at-it-20260916-p60xvu.html

‘Grandma-maxxing’ is travel’s big trend: Thanks to my gran, I’m an expert at it

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 3w ago

RE: https://mastodon.social/@IndyMediaAus/117270810202965930 Well put. Sad to see the decline of a once inspirational nation. "The US used to be a role model. It stood for democracy, economic opportunity, and other values that appeal to many countries. Now, it is a model of what not to do – a cautionary tale of extreme inequality, democratic erosion, corruption, and social division. The rest of the world should develop a new appreciation for the value of cooperation and the rule of law, both domestically and internationally. A world that casts off American leadership, at least for now, promises greater stability, security, and prosperity for all." #USpol

Quoting

Independent Media Australia.

@IndyMediaAus@mastodon.social

Trump is hastening the decline of American power https://pearlsandirritations.com/e/daily/2026-09-14/477967/ #Auspol

Open quoted post

mastodon.social

Independent Media Australia.: "Trump is hastening the decline of American power …" - Mastodon

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 1mo ago

Boosted by @kcarruthers@infosec.exchange

Interesting read. There are lots of stretches of Melbourne's tram network which could be sensibly extended to make it even more useful. #Melbourne #tram #trams https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/a-1923-map-to-extend-melbourne-s-tram-network-could-still-prove-a-transport-solution-20260829-p60sp0.html

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 2mo ago

Something needs to be done about companies denying access to human customer service reps when something goes wrong. It's a practice which should be banned. https://www.smh.com.au/technology/queer-venues-locked-out-as-meta-suspensions-hit-melbourne-and-sydney-20260729-p60jia.html

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

A point made in 'Life After Cars' is that back in the 1920-30s there was a big backlash against the upheaval cars were causing as they took over cities, particularly re the huge road toll. The authors mention - surprisingly - an early Superman comic book story which had the Man of Steel pitted against irresponsible drivers and dodgy car manufacturers. I had a look in the DC app, and it was there! So here are a few choice panels from Action Comics #12 (1939): #TheWarOnCars #Superman #comics #ComicBooks Cc @TheWarOnCars@mastodon.social

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 2mo ago

RE: https://ecoevo.social/@benlockwood/116964893643461218 I think this is called "threatening us with a good time". #USpol

Quoting

Ben Lockwood, PhD 🌎

@benlockwood@ecoevo.social

Uh yes actually that’s exactly what I want for America

Open quoted post

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 2mo ago

RE: https://social.chinwag.org/@abc_bot/117005777898167797 [tuts at waived fine]

social.chinwag.org

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

Seems ironic to be reading 'Life After Cars' in a Fitzroy bar while trams regularly slide past a few metres away. But as I walked here I passed obscenely huge SUV-type cars barely fitting into parking spaces - even in this human-scale, highly walkable neighbourhood. They get everywhere. Cc @TheWarOnCars@mastodon.social #TheWarOnCars

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 2mo ago

Replying to

@danielbowen@mastodon.social Now I'm hanging out for account-based payments so I can ditch my Seniors Myki card. Canberra's new system did it perfectly when I was there last month, so it is possible.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@kaffando@mastodon.social @sister_ratched@toot.community It is awful. I maintain my IG account for work reasons but refuse to post more than the minimum as the algorithm hides everything anyway. That's partly why I never want algorithms at work here.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@golgaloth@writing.exchange looks like he's leopardsplaining

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 4mo ago

Replying to

@nihilistnomya@aus.social @SeaFury@aus.social @joannaholman@aus.social Yeah I think "Whatever works". Plant-based does sound less confronting to meat-eaters.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 4mo ago

Replying to

@SeaFury@aus.social @joannaholman@aus.social I think they decided "vegan" was an unpopular word.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@TimWardCam@c.im @FloatingOnion@cyberplace.social @BenartyComputer@mastodon.scot I guess it's a bit of both, they reinforce each other. You vote partly because you're required to, and at the save time you get used to voting. It becomes a social ritual.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@sister_ratched@toot.community @kaffando@mastodon.social Yeah that's it, I'm not interested enough to make an effort. I've noticed recently that cafes whose only online presence is IG seem to have given up too.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@MsDropbear42@blahaj.zone @caity@bne.social @TheWarOnCars@mastodon.social I think we all guessed that tho ;)

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@dgar then it gets to be tomb much

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@haruki_zaemon@aus.social Clearly they're not thinking that far ahead. All they care about is saving money by sacking ppl now.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@TimWardCam@c.im @FloatingOnion@cyberplace.social @BenartyComputer@mastodon.scot It's a $20 fine. It does work, turnout on election day is over 90%. I guess most ppl think it's worth hanging onto that twenty bucks by turning up.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@jessta@aus.social Sometimes I've been on a long-distance train journey in the USA and one of my American fellow passengers is having their first train trip ever! Amazing.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@sister_ratched@toot.community No idea. Has to be a May the Fourth thing, right?

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@FormularSumo@social.vivaldi.net @TheWarOnCars@mastodon.social I found the Superman comic book in the DC Universe Infinite app, we have a subscription.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@maartje So what/where is it?

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@david Nice. Would love to do that myself.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@cmconseils@mastodon.social @TheBreadmonkey@beige.party I endorse this opinion. Effing annoying, especially when you're dining with friends. We don’t need more reasons to be on our phones when in company.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@catsalad@infosec.exchange @jpm@aus.social Why the long face, kitty?

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@kaffando@mastodon.social Thursday looks very unappealing

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 2mo ago

Replying to

@danielbowen@mastodon.social oh yes indeed

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@jessta@aus.social Nice take.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@hannah@posts.rat.pictures @stufromoz@aus.social @acarsdrama@live.acarsdrama.com Fair call

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 2mo ago

Replying to

@isol@mastodon.au TBF that antiquities book looks like hard going, would probably take weeks to get through

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@feijoa@mastodon.org.uk I suppose because that would require admission that the great neoliberal economics cult was WRONG re privatisation.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 2mo ago

Replying to

@plzupgrademe@fedi.txw.ca Where are you heading?

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@cathywilcox@theblower.au Well done Cathy, says it all

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

New at my Patreon... I've taken 47 overseas trips since becoming a freelance travel writer in 2004. That's a lot of international travel, and it might help to explain something I've noticed in recent years: the feeling - sometimes - of being jaded:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/jaded-by-travel-156645807

#travel #NewZealand #Europe #nature #city #museum

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@si_fuller@aus.social I'm always amazed that anyone eats Dominos pizzas; when I occasionally taste them they seem super-bland. Basically an undifferentiated flavour of hot bland cheese, no matter the type.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 4mo ago

Replying to

@danielbowen@mastodon.social Has there been any movement re extending Melbourne tram lines to more useful termini? So many of them seen to stop dead a couple of kilometres from a train station or other landmark. Eg I visited Chadstone last week and noticed the number 3 tram terminus isn't far away.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 3mo ago

Replying to

@joeress@mastodon.social @rob@fedi.webworxshop.com Completely nuts. No one will use this. Searching for a product is one thing, allowing the agent to buy it sight unseen is another.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@kaffando@mastodon.social I'll be writing in the library that day, and I have a business lunch to go to. So I will have to brave it!

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@TimWardCam@c.im @FloatingOnion@cyberplace.social @BenartyComputer@mastodon.scot In Australia we have the extra prompt to go and vote: "Or I'll be fined." It works.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@ombialik Hi. I write about travel if you're interested in that, and @NarrelleMHarris is a fiction writer.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 4mo ago

Replying to

@jedsetter@aus.social @danielbowen@mastodon.social Buses are horribly uncomfortable though, I much prefer trams for that reason. And having a big array of 24 tram routes does make Melbourne's tram network very useful.

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 5mo ago

Replying to

@Gargron@mastodon.social Please add 4XL and 5XL options, then I will vote :)

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Tim Richards @timrichards@aus.social

· 4mo ago

Replying to

@DeliaChristina@sfba.social I have long thought that the billionaire tech bros are the worst possible people to be influencing human behaviour. Clearly they're all emotionally immature, and were not hugged enough as children.

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