Last year I travelled on the Spirit of Queensland (Diesel Tilt Train) Premium Economy Class from Townsville to Cairns, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip therefore I wanted to travel from Cairns all the way to Brisbane one day. Select a Region you are interested in travelling to. We traveled from Hervey Bay (bus link to Maryborough West) to Cairns in the rail bed car with seats that convert to a flat bed. text; The bathroom was spacious and worth the experience of showering to the rocking on the rails. The staff certainly have not changed. Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. },

They have been designed to provide a smooth and relaxing ride. For the safety of customers with reduced mobility, our Onboard team members can assist by delivering meals and refreshments to yourseat or sleeperby request on all Queensland Rail Travel services. Your email address will not be published. Youll also get a free knee blanket! I was a little wary of the 2-1 configuration and sharing sleeping space with 18 other passengers. },

If you are thinking of going from Brisbane to Cairns, fly there! Looking for an airfare only?

if (!Mimi) var Mimi = {}; I thought that it had been upgraded. All Railbeds face the direction of travel and can not be reversed. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The journey to Kuranda passes by some of the most breathtaking scenery, plus 15 handmade tunnels and 37 towering bridges and offers a truly unique rail adventure. nice way to travel along the coast of Queensland, relax read a book enjoy a movie, have a coffee, eat a meal enjoy the view. If I had known about the collection procedure at Townsville station, I would have done this. That was also the experience of the others in our tour party. Oksana had the vegetarian noddle salad option. The seven carriages in between include two RailBed sleeper cars with airline style seats that convert to lie-flat beds. this.submit.className = 'disabled'; Our Railbeds are an Australian first designed to provide our customers with a smooth and relaxing ride. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. Menu Stay Updated: Onboard Dining and Menus A selection of hot cooked dishes, ranging from traditional roasts, pastas, beef, chicken, vegetarian and gluten free meals as well as fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps are available from our onboard kitchen. Rail bed being used prior to us using rail bed seat, used pillow evidence left of prior occupation. Let us customize a dream holiday for you. formUrl: function(format) { A fast moving slumber party. Another route through the Outback, this time going from Brisbane to Charleville, taking in the picturesque scenery of the. QLD trains, forget the hype NOTHING HAS CHANGED except the prices. thanks. a budget airline" was the reply from one of the assistants as the other two just laughed. var dropdown = dropdowns[i]; This traditional diesel train journeys through the diverse and ever-changing scenery between Brisbane and Longreach with coach connections to Winston, offering the perfect outback experience. Queensland Rail Travel is committed to supporting Queenslanders by preventing the spread of COVID-19. . Never again!.. }, In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. With the beds all made up, the lights dimmed and the curtains closed, the RailBeds feel like a fun slumber party. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The bathrooms were very big for a train and I didn't have to wait very long to use any of them, even with people showering in the morning. Tilt Train customers receive an in-seat Trolley Service throughout their journey. The spinach & feta quick was definitely our favourite! Thanks for sharing Nicki. } We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. BC Reg. It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. Hi Noel, they do indeed. Our Spirit of Queensland train is the newest edition to our fleet which combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of rail travel. This new train has allowed us to reduce the total travel time between Brisbane in the south and Cairns in the north from 31 hours on The Sunlander, down to 24 hours on the Spirit of Queensland. A FREE travel quote! I travelled from Roma St to Ayr and return on the Spirit of Queensland 'Rail Bed'. for (var i = 0; i < elements.length; ++i) { Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) Not Available. Dear Talknsmile,It is always great to hear about another happy customer onboard our trains. Your email address will not be published. Dear stevecau,It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your experience on board the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns recently. Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge. destination[prop] = source[prop]; Unbelievable prices. and were really impressed by its quality. We traveled from Brisbane to Cairns in RailBed seats and were impressed with the comfort and service level in RailBed Class. Instead, you flew from Sydney to Brisbane for $22 and from there took the train to Cairns for $389? There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. Since 2015, we have been traveling full-time with a mission to inspire others to follow in our footsteps. Whether you're travelling to see the natural wonders of the north or to catch the twinkling lights of the city in Brisbane, the Spirit of Queensland is an easy and sustainable way to travel between Brisbane and Cairns. For example, can I get the train and get off at Pomona, then after a few days get back on and continue to Whitsundays, get off for a few days then continue to Cairns? this.isValid = false; onSubmitCallback: function(response) { }); If there is one drawback with this type of sleeper it is lack of privacy. onSubmitSuccess: function(result) { Even though the train gets up to speeds of 160km per hour, its innovative tilt design allows for a really smooth ride even around those sharp turns, youd barely know you were moving at all! Ive spent a lot of nights sleeping on trains and its true this one isnt like the ones Ive been on before with private cabins. Thanks, If you are in the Sleeping carriage can you still walk through to the Dining / Club carriage for coffee etc. Tiny hessian bags full of travel comforts are waiting for you along with welcoming hosts. The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. textFieldError: function(input) { The customer service was fantastic - the staff very clearly enjoy doing a good job and the food that was served us was delicious. The Spirit of Queensland is a long distance passenger rail service running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. A staff member told me the beds cost $100,000 each. Hi LoisOK,We are sorry to hear that you were less than impressed with your recent trip on board the Spirit of Queensland.The Railbeds are an Australian-first innovation and are a modern alternative to traditional rail travel. Stay up to date with the latest travel info and destination deals! Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation, the newest addition to the Queensland Rail Travel fleet has two dedicated RailBed Cars, a shared Club Car and three Premium Economy Seat Cars. Let's jump onboard!0:00 Cairns1:49 Spirit of Queensland3:16 Luggage check-in4:10 Carriage layout9:05 Cairns, Morning tea, Gordonvale12:27 Railbed seat part 113:28 Babinda, Innisfail15:05 Railbed seat part 218:10 Lounge Car, Tully, Cardwell21:31 Lunch23:12 Ingham, Townsville25:12 Pizza of the day25:59 Giru, Ayr, Home Hill27:55 Bowen, Proserpine29:27 Dinner, Mackay32:44 Seat --- Bed35:16 Rocky!36:35 Shower38:30 Gympie North, Nambour40:24 Breakfast, Caboolture42:30 SummaryThis video was filmed on 10 and 11 September 2021Train type: Spirit of Queensland (Diesel Tilt Train)From Cairns to Brisbane Roma StreetTravel time: 24h45mDistance: 1681kmSeat: B/11Class: Railbed SleeperCost: $389$120 on Egypt's most Luxurious Night Train from Cairo to Aswan - Deluxe Sleeper Cabin: https://youtu.be/jCI7eZKYnCQFirst High-Speed Railway in Turkey - TCDD YHT Istanbul to Ankara Business Class Siemens Velaro train: https://youtu.be/c6Sxy5ZX3A8Night Train Across Turkey - $50 Private Sleeping Cabin from Ankara to Izmir in TCDD TVS2000 railcar: https://youtu.be/SwNhyngYBsc10 days, 7100km train journey across Australia, Cairns to Perth by Rail: https://youtu.be/C1BmtiI9dS8The INDIAN PACIFIC 2022: Adelaide to Perth in GOLD TWIN - luxury sleeper train across Australia: https://youtu.be/CIUnEnBQPHQChristmas on the Great Southern Train - Australia's newest luxury rail journey Adelaide to Brisbane: https://youtu.be/WwJLTROA7Z0The GHAN Platinum Class Adelaide to Darwin - 3,000km luxurious train journey across Australia: https://youtu.be/llxr70sFWB4SPIRIT OF TASMANIA ferry inaugural sailing from Devonport to Geelong - 23 Oct 2022: https://youtu.be/as3gxC8WH8kTravelling on every type of V/Line train in ONE DAY! If youre travelling solo, reserve a seat in the single bed aisle at the time of booking.

this.validate(); It is unfortunate to hear that you considered the Railbed seat by-day uncomfortable as many of our customers have advised us of their satisfaction with the comfort of the seats. We never got bored looking at the stunning scenery outside of our windows, but when it got dark, and we had to amuse ourselves before getting some shut-eye, the entertainment options on board the Spirit of Queensland were plentiful. We found out that while the menu was different in the Gallery Car, where Economy customers ate on their journey, everything served on the Spirit of Queensland Train was fresh with a paddock to plate focus. Movies, music, and audiobooks were on demand. You can easily plan your trip with the full Spirit of Queensland timetable. var _this = this; The spinach & feta quick was definitely our favourite! It was a very bad crossing on a ship without stabilisers, with screaming banshees all night. inputs[j].onkeyup = function() { Your entertainment system might not work or the content could be uninspiring. We got to sample both the spinach and feta quiche served with a fresh garden salad and the lemon chicken with rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables. else { For information on the site, please see the, Ride the historic railway to the hinterland, Sydney at its best: A self-guided tour of The Rocks, the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and points in between, Cycling around Uluru: the best way to experience Australias most recognizable natural landmark, https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Pages/Assistance-Animals.aspx, Whats the best use of Scotia Rewards? Second was evening Day One, and given we were going through the heartland of Qld's beef country, I had the beef cheeks. if (this.isValid) { Its also a good idea to pack your own entertainment. It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. if (dropdown.value) { Our brochures are loaded with great ideas. } Amanda Woods travelled on Spirit of Queensland and the Sunlander as a guest of Queensland Rail, and stayed as a guest of the Brisbane Hilton. You can take the Spirit of Queensland train to Proserpine and then take a RailBus Connection to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the, . this.submit.disabled = !this.isValid; This website contains some affiliate links, so if you click on a link and book something I will get a little something to help pay those blogging bills, but dont worry, its no extra cost to you. Queensland Rail Limited ABN 71 132 181 090. Before leaving home Id already decided I was going the PJs route and had packed my Singapore Airlines sleep suit. They then make the bed for you, providing all of the bedding as well as a towel for those who fancy a refreshing shower at high speed. We loved the experience, a few things could do with improvement such as the hot breakfast and it was a bit difficult to sleep in the railbed with the train movement and space station sounding like doors between carriages. Travelling between Brisbane and Cairns five times a week, the Spirit of Queensland redefines the modern rail travel experience with a comfortable and convenient way to access spectacular holiday destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns and everywhere in between. It arrives at 4:30 pm. However with unpredictable border restrictions and the train's popular demand, I had to reschedule this trip again and again! field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); The Sirromet Vineyard Selection Shiraz came from Queenslands Granite Belt. And Im with you and definitely want to do it again someday. } else { } The service and the food was very delicious not a leftover to be seen at each meal. This was one of the stops we made during our journey from Brisbane to Cairns by train. On the Brisbane to Cairns route, the views were interesting and varied. RailBed: A spacious and comfortable seat by day that converts to a lie-flat bed at night. What attracted me to the Spirit of Queensland was the RailBed class. Theres also a Galley / Club Car, and a carriage for luggage and crew. #1543989; CST #2016613-20. this.onSelectCallback(input); There are little things like bends and track conditions to take into consideration, and of course slowing to come into towns and stopping to let passengers on and off. textAndDropdownValidation: function(field, type) { elements[i].disabled = true; Check out the Queensland Rail site for options. } It has everything you need, from beds, showers, galley car, all-inclusive dining option, in-seat entertainment and much more! I took a Queensland Rail train form Brisbane to Maryborough and it was very affordable. Need help planning your holiday? Railbed: - 2 x checked in items of luggage not exceeding 20kg and a maximum of 180 linear centimetres (sum of length, width and depth). We are Oksana & Max, eco-conscious travelers on a mission to inspire responsible travel practices around the world. Required fields are marked *. this.isValid = false;

for (var i = 0; i < dropdowns.length; ++i) { I have used the rail beds twice in about 5 years, Bris. this.onSubmitSuccess(response.result); I suspect Queensland Rail assigns single bookings in this way but I wouldnt count on it. In other words, you traded a three-dollar business class flight to spend 24-hours on a train? revalidateOnChange: function() { The Staff on the Queenslander are EXCELLENT! Yes, some folks got and and off at different stops but most people seemed to travel the entire route on the RailBed. "what do you think we are? Well, one of my things. At the start of 2015, it replaced the diesel-hauled train The Sunlander . Great train journey from Brisbane to Cairns. However, with daylight, it was more interesting to enjoy the constantly changing coastal Queensland landscape. On our recent trip to Australia, we discovered the beauty of traveling around the East Coast of Australia by train and its now an experience that we highly recommend to others. The overhead compartment contained a towel, blanket, and inflatable neck cushion. Your email address will never be shared. For the main, I chose oven-roasted pork loin accompanied by an apple infused jus, chat potatoes, carrots, and beans. RAILBED Spacious reclinable seat Seat converts to a lie-flat bed at night All-inclusive in-seat dining experience including two course meals with complimentary beverage Linen, pillow, towel and amenities pack provided On-demand entertainment Tray table, reading light, drink holder, footrest and 240-volt power point A call button is available to contact the onboard staff for assistance We are storytellers, photographers, and videographers traveling the world full-time in search of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences and ways to make a positive impact on the destinations and communities we visit. At busy times, it was possible to buy a drink and take it back to the comfort of your seat. Join the mailing list for updates, and access to the Resource Library. For information on the site, please see the About page. . if (this.fieldType(fields[i]) === 'text_field') { document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { } Hop off the Spirit of Queensland train and hop on a ferry from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. }, The three meals were delivered on a trolley to each seat. Can't recommend the RailBed highly enough and would definitely do this sort of experience again. My young friend shook her head in disbelief at the absurdity of my travel choices. inputs[j].onchange = function(){ _this.validate() }; There are the non-RailBed carriages that might meet your needs. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-choose-list'); , or one of the many wildlife and nature experiences just outside of the city. Hi Joanna, Youll need to ask Queensland rail about that one in the lead up to your trip as the advice on this one could change. }, Details valid from 1st December 2021 and are subject to change. You can easily plan your trip with the full, Australia Travel Tips: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Australia, What Does a Trip to Australia Cost? By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. It took longer to get from Cairns to Townsville than it did fifteen years ago. The pod-like RailBeds provided a considerable amount of privacy, similar to business class pods on an aircraft. Not to mention its also home to over 350 species of birds, possums, wallabies, sea turtles, dolphins, and the famous dingo!

if (this.validEmail.test(email.value)) { But Ive never travelled on a train like this anywhere else in the world. For dinner, we once again had a choice of a 3-course meal. Did it represent good value? Spirit of Queensland Rail Service Townsville to Brisbane Sept 2015 Friendly and Welcoming Cabin Crew. } text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-invalid-text'); selected = true; submitForm: function() { if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) { Dear Aussieart,We thank you for providing feedback on your Spirit of Queensland journey with us recently.We are disappointed to hear that your experience was marred by one or more Queensland Rail Travel staff members. When it comes time to get ready for bed, the staff leaps into action, bringing out the hydraulics to flip the seat over to reveal a mattress. Yes, especially when factoring in the costs of overnight accommodation, three meals, and long-distance ground transportation. }, for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { var input = inputs[i]; if (input.name.indexOf('signup') >= 0) { formSubmitting: function() { Definitely will keep in mind for my next Australia trip (hopefully soon!). Though with things changing all the time its always best to have a mask on you these days so you can do the right thing. So really the choice is up to you, and whatever you feel comfortable doing. When: All year round. } I considered the cost of overnight accommodation when evaluating the fare. A light sweater or pashmina will help combat fluctuations in air temperature. } See queenslandrailtravel.com.au - Traveller An unanticipated problem. }, We found out that while the menu was different in the Gallery Car, where Economy customers ate on their journey, everything served on the Spirit of Queensland Train was fresh with a, We never got bored looking at the stunning scenery outside of our windows, but when it got dark, and we had to amuse ourselves before getting some shut-eye, the, Noosa is one of the most popular holiday destinations in all of Queensland and is home to the most visited National Park in the country. this.formSubmitting(); this.initialize();

input.className = 'required invalid'; After all, there are lots of great stops and things to do between Brisbane and Cairns. },

top.location.href = result.redirect; Shoes with a decent tread will keep you upright when moving throughout the train. Meanwhile the RailBeds are reminiscent of business class seats on an airline. var input = this; Individual flights to destinations such as Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach and Cairns would easily add up costing just as much if not more than a rail ticket. } Which is why an eye mask and earplugs are a good thing to have in your bag so you can do that plane-like sleep (as hard as its getting to remember what thats like!). By day the RailBeds are large seats that can recline 35 degrees and have a footrest that can be used as a seat if youre travelling with someone who wants to come and have a chat. Trip in August 2014 between Innisfail and Gladstone. Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Im glad you enjoyed your Spirit of Queensland adventure as much as I did. Sorry to hear yours wasnt what you were hoping for. With a high ticket price, many would wonder, is the journey on the train really worth it? There's a locomotive at each end. Another route through the Outback, this time going from Brisbane to Charleville, taking in the picturesque scenery of the Great Dividing Range and the Darling Downs farmland along the way. this.fieldAndListValidation(); For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge. How do you return from Cairns when trip finishes I believe it finishes at night. I travelled from Roma St to Ayr and return on the Spirit of Queensland 'Rail Bed'. } Planning to get the train from Brisbane? } Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. if (_this.validEmail.test(input.value)) _this.validate(); }, instance.onSelect = function(){ _this.validate() }; } else if(result.single_opt_in || !result.confirmation_html) { fields[i].style['display'] = 'none'; Cars B and C are becoming old. Cairns is an excellent base and launching point for exploring Far North Queensland. Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) . Most rows have three seats, with two on one side and another on the other side of the aisle, so if youre travelling solo as I was you may want to request the single bed aisle when you book rather than the double if youd prefer not to sleep next to a stranger. A direct flight back to Brisbane offers a quick return. We are Oksana & Max, a Canadian couple with a passion for sustainable travel. Book as early as possible to take advantage of saver fares and seat selection. } else { I enjoy train travel far more than flying but my overnight experiences were sadly not my favourites, even in a sleeper car, but this one looks pretty nice. Spirit of Queensland . It provides two new travel options for customers: State-of-the-art personal entertainment systems featuring a large screen with on-demand movies, music and audiobooks. The new Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel.

function extend(destination, source) { disableForm: function() { Its beautiful out there, and I feel lucky to be seeing this part of Queensland in a completely new way. if (invalidFields.length || invalidFields[0].className.indexOf('checkgroup') === -1) { If you enjoy train travel, it might be for you. I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. this.submit.value = text; https://youtu.be/FHcDorXrmWoMUST DO!! The main stops en route between Brisbane and Cairns are Maryborough (where you can get a connecting . Good luck! more. } - Packing Light Travel, 25 Tips on earning Aeroplan miles - Packing Light Travel, Sydney at its best: A self-guided tour of The Rocks, the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and points in between - Packing Light Travel.
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