Passengers were invited to take the blanket and cushion with them at the end of the journey. BC Reg. 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. Another route through the Outback, this time going from Brisbane to Charleville, taking in the picturesque scenery of the. It must have come from a very happy cow who smiled a lot because it was very tender. I may have grown up on a farm where kangaroos were commonplace but the sight puts a big smile on my face. 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. Copyright 2022 Adventures All Around |, London to Paris in Eurostar e320 business class style, Travel to Machu Picchu in style on Belmonds Hiram Bingham train, Read: 20 incredible Queensland holiday homes and Airbnbs, Read: Farm stay fun in Guyra, New Englands highest town. You can easily plan your trip with the full Spirit of Queensland timetable. onSelectCallback: function(input) { Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. The Spirit of Queensland fleet will provide guests with a fast, value for money modern rail experience. this.submitForm(); A call button is available to contact the onboard staff for assistance Tea and coffee were also provided. for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { The next morning I wake up, look out the window and smile. The Spirit of Queensland runs between Cairns and Brisbane five times a week. Surely for that amount of money something more comfortable must have been possible. Enjoy 35 degrees of recline and a wide flat 18.5 inch screen with on-demand . }); Hi Amanda, could you tell me what items are included in amenities bag on Spirit of Queensland please. On the plus side the staff and meals were excellent. } } else if(result.single_opt_in || !result.confirmation_html) { I had never thought about train travel in Australia, until reading In A Sunburned Country. 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. Its also a good idea to pack your own entertainment. There are slightly different food options depending on your ticket type, but there is a good general selection of seasonal dishes, with gluten free, dairy free and veggie options. } else { The magazine for world travellers. We look forward to welcoming you onboard a Queensland Rail Travel service again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. Spirit of Queensland - Brisbane << View all Brisbane City Centre tours & cruises. }, }, } } Since 2015, we have been traveling full-time with a mission to inspire others to follow in our footsteps. You can spend a few days just exploring Airlie Beach with its palm-fringed beaches, bars and restaurants before going island hopping or, sailing around the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, Not only is Cairns a hub of vibrant city life full of great cafs, markets, art galleries, and nearby beaches, but its also. As my train / airline experience blurs a little I sometimes forget where I am, and think oh, a little turbulence as the train moves. } } RailBed customers aboard Spirit of Queensland receive inclusive meals served directly to their seat. Orders were taken in advance of the meal. Water Fountains - Drinking fountains are located at the end of all passenger carriages. Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. },

Lie Flat With RailBed The first two passenger carriages on Spirit of Queensland are dedicated to RailBed. if (instance.wrapperEl === dropdownEl) { The bathroom was kept impeccably clean throughout the trip. } There are the non-RailBed carriages that might meet your needs. before arriving at your final destination of Cairns. 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. For anyone who loves train travel, Queensland Rails Spirit of Queensland is a fabulous choice. It is operated by a diesel powered [3] Tilt Train that runs five times a week on the North Coast line between Brisbane and Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 mi). My experience started when the luggage gestapo screamed that my luggage was overweight. Website: www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au. Not as far as Im aware, but youre best to check with Queensland Rail about that one to be sure. } Customer service is one of our highest priorities and the vast majority of our staff take great pride in their customer relationships. One of Australias best travel blogs, Adventures All Around has a sense of fun and a love for life, with a little luxury along the way. Most people seemed to have pyjamas for sleeping. - 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. I was just wondering if towels were provided for the showers or if it was byo? for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { var input = inputs[i]; if (input.name.indexOf('signup') >= 0) { Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) Not Available. The train makes the 1681km journey five times per week. The main stops en route between Brisbane and Cairns are Maryborough (where you can get a connecting . Ride the historic railway to the hinterland or take a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef. But even then it felt like such an old-fashioned thing to do. Movies, music, and audiobooks were on demand. Youll also get a free knee blanket! } else { My bag weighted 20.1kg, 100 grams over weight. For breakfast, there was a choice of hot or cold option served at around 7 am. A fast moving slumber party. Our brochures are loaded with great ideas. I am sure the passengers at the other end of the platform were all now awake. Luckily, it is possible to get around Australia without flying, especially on the East Coast by taking the Spirit of Queensland train! 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. } else { The final product was among a number of options put to testers and was selected as the most comfortable option. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. One of the advantages of train travel is that travelling between city centres is usually more convenient and less costly than getting to and from airports.

validate: function() { Heres a quick look at the other trains and their destinations. My wife and I have just returned from a trip Brisbane to Cairns and returned Proserpine to Brisbane. Spirit of Qld Rail Bed. Enjoy the trip! } The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options. this.isValid = false; }, var instance = instances[i]; 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. What attracted me to the Spirit of Queensland was the RailBed class. After leaving the urban sprawl of Brisbane, we passed by pineapple farms, rainforests, and the Glasshouse Mountains. On the Brisbane to Cairns route, the views were interesting and varied. this.textFieldError(email); The food was better than what Ive encountered in economy-class cabins on international airlines. this.callbackName = 'jsonp_callback_' + Math.round(100000 * Math.random()); After all, there are lots of great stops and things to do between Brisbane and Cairns. },

At busy times, it was possible to buy a drink and take it back to the comfort of your seat. } The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); A speedier trip isnt the only change between the two, as while the Sunlander had private sleeping compartments, the Spirit of Queensland has two classes and both remind me of something youd usually see in the sky. Features Our toolkit is a great place to get started. The premium economy carriages feature leather seats, entertainment systems with on demand movies, TV and music in the back of the seat in front of you and a 30 degree seat recline. window[this.callbackName] = function(response) { text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-invalid-text'); I would speculate that most travellers spend time in Cairns to explore the hinterland, the reef, and surrounding areas. It has everything you need, from beds, showers, galley car, all-inclusive dining option, in-seat entertainment and much more! , or one of the many wildlife and nature experiences just outside of the city. We're looking forward to more trips with Queensland Rail. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. this.htmlEmbedDropdownValidation(field); onSubmitSuccess: function(result) { Dear stevecau,It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your experience on board the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns recently. var _this = this; There was an extra seat that folded down under the TV. I hope you get to enjoy the train and sleep easily. Staff were noisily rushing from one end of the carriage to the other all through the night, talking loudly and jangling keys, and bumping from side to side as the train lurched along.There is no dining car. We experienced USB ports that didnt work, and ear-hone jacks that didnt work. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. }

} Speaking of sleeping, if you suffer from sleep apnea and travel with a machine, you should let Queensland Rail know that youll be bringing one onboard so they can take care of you. if (result.has_redirect) { The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation(); Sleeping to the rocking and rolling of the train and soothing sounds of rail travel added to the enjoyment. 50+ Reasons Why to Go Downunder with Goway, All main meals served directly to your seat, Personal entertainment featuring a large screen with on-demand movies, music and audio books, Seat features include reading light, footrest, drink holder, 240v power adapter and USB charging, Towel and personal amenity pack with Queensland organic and sustainable products, All bed linen provided (sheets, duvet & pillow), RailBed customers may check in two (2) items of luggage not exceeding 20kg each (44 pounds), plus one item of carry on hand luggage free of charge, Carry on luggage for under-seat or overhead compartments is maximum size of 23cm x 34cm x 48cm and a maximum weight of 20kg. The other point is, although lights are dimmed or turned off at night, you still have people walking in and out of the carriage so you still bright light shining from each end of the compartment. For anyone who loves train travel, Queensland Rails, The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). Toilet seats have become loose and generally a good refurbishment program would work wonders. 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. this.submit.className = this.isValid ? There's a locomotive at each end. Let us assist with your travel documents. Spirit Of Queensland. } else { But, theres also the train thing. Guests will be able to select different options from the menu (a-la-carte) with orders taken prior to the meals times. } else { The journey takes roughly 25 hours. } else { if (invalidFields.length || invalidFields[0].className.indexOf('checkgroup') === -1) { this.formSubmitting(); (function(global) { this.form = document.getElementById('ema_signup_form'); TERRIBLE Service bad attitude from Supervisor so no point complaining. The entertainment schedule changes regularly, but you can check it ahead of your trip via the Spirit of Queensland entertainment guide. Dear TDK1962,Many thanks for your kind review. I suspect Queensland Rail assigns single bookings in this way but I wouldnt count on it.

if (!Mimi) var Mimi = {};

if (this.validEmail.test(email.value)) { There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. 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. },

Thank you for taking time to write a review of your trip on the Spirit of Queensland, we look forward to welcoming you onboard one of our services again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. I considered the cost of overnight accommodation when evaluating the fare. 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. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. 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. But she does feel fast. return name; }, Im glad you enjoyed your Spirit of Queensland adventure as much as I did. more. The Spirit of Queensland train is quite possibly, But the best thing is, that you can really take your time and make a few pit stops along the way, the. Details valid from 1st December 2021 and are subject to change. #1543989; CST #2016613-20. 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!

for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { } else { and were really impressed by its quality. #833-0; TICO Reg. do the single railbed seats at the front and back of the carriage have a window? this.isValid = true; } else { Join the mailing list for updates, and access to the Resource Library. It was more expensive than flying but an attractive option, all things considered. We look forward to seeing you again onboard someday.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. The Spirit of Queensland is a Queensland Rail long distance passenger rail service. for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { submitForm: function() { A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as The Ghan, it has two locomotives and just seven carriages. Your email address will not be published. The three premium economy cars have adjustable leather lounger seats in a 2 2 configuration. var elements = this.form.elements; var input = inputs[i]; Our Railbeds are an Australian first designed to provide our customers with a smooth and relaxing ride. Planning your next trip? 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. I highly recommend it. this.isValid = false; Cons Unlike the Sunlander where meals are all freshly prepared in the kitchen, here theyre more airline food style. Not only are the RailBed sets much more comfortable and spacious than seats in Premium Economy, but we found them to be more comfortable than First Class air travel. } else { Before leaving home Id already decided I was going the PJs route and had packed my Singapore Airlines sleep suit. We regret that you were not informed beforehand that you are able to store the luggage yourself if you prefer. } this.updateSubmitButtonText(this.submit.getAttribute('data-thanks')); In my opinion the Rail Beds are a dismal failure. return name += ' mimi_invalid'; One hand on the grab bars at all times added to the challenge. Here in Australia Ive gone north to south on the Ghan and east to west on the Indian Pacific, travelled out to Longreach on Queenslands Spirit of the Outback outback and was able to experience The Sunlander train before she became an Australian travel memory. Disembark here to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters on the shores of the Noosa National Park. Cost: 390 dollars for a rail bed fare at time of publication.

for (var i = 0; i < dropdowns.length; ++i) { The Staff on the Queenslander are EXCELLENT! top.location.href = result.redirect; On 10 September 2021, I finally boarded this train once more and experienced Railbed Sleeper from Cairns to Brisbane. _this = this; We left from Cairns, around 8.30am, heading for Brisbane. The. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This nature lovers paradise is definitely worth a stop along your Spirit of Queensland journey. The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes. Are people forced to wear masks on the train? The drawstring bag included shampoo, conditioner, face mist, lip balm, body lotion, face cloth, eye mask, earplugs, and headphones. At night, theyre a comfortable bed with a thick mattress and beautiful bedding consisting of a sheet, two pillows, and a duvet. See queenslandrailtravel.com.au - Traveller An unanticipated problem. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-choose-list'); if (this.isValid) { What is the food like in the Railbed section? Your feedback on the noise within the sleeping carriage has been relayed back to our Onboard Customer Service Team for monitoring. }, if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid'; } else { Your trip your way! This was one of the stops we made during our journey from Brisbane to Cairns by train. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. this.submit.disabled = true; var input = this; var script = document.createElement('script'); For $389?. input.className = 'required invalid'; My partner and I chose to do Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland. I also wonder why I cant find the call button to contact a member of staff, and then realise this isnt a plane and there isnt one, except for wheelchair customers. Thanks for sharing Nicki. We do appreciate your honest feedback and thank you for taking the time to review our train. 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. }, However, the average speed is more like 80 kph. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. 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. },

First meal was around mid-day on Day One, quite a serviceable chicken noodle dish with a sticky-date pudding for dessert. Another is that its an opportunity to take in the scenery. }, Theres also a Galley / Club Car, and a carriage for luggage and crew. The Club Car is licensed to sell alcohol from 10am - 12 midnight.