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. this.htmlEmbedDropdownValidation(field); The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). 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. Spirit Of Queensland. disableForm: function() { 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. 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. This feedback has been passed on to the relevant area for review.We understand your frustration RE luggage limits, however these have been implemented with the safety of our staff in mind, as well as being in line with the luggage limits of our interstate neighboring rail operators. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. While the cold option included a choice of cereal with greek yogurt, berry compote and a freshly baked pastry. The service included a welcome drink of ginger beer, lime, mint, and ice. Tiny hessian bags full of travel comforts are waiting for you along with welcoming hosts. . 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. Surely for that amount of money something more comfortable must have been possible. I imagine so, but presumably it will cost more and will require paying for each segment. For anyone who loves train travel, Queensland Rails Spirit of Queensland is a fabulous choice. But she does feel fast. 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). 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! We look forward to seeing you again onboard someday.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. If I had known about the collection procedure at Townsville station, I would have done this. if (this.fieldType(fields[i]) === 'text_field') { You can take the Spirit of Queensland train to Proserpine and then take a RailBus Connection to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the, . Can you take the train from Brisbane to Cairns but get on and off overnight in various places en route? 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. 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. It took longer to get from Cairns to Townsville than it did fifteen years ago. The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. I am sure the passengers at the other end of the platform were all now awake. With a high ticket price, many would wonder, is the journey on the train really worth it? The Sirromet Vineyard Selection Shiraz came from Queenslands Granite Belt. 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. var _this = this; You feel connected to the rails, and as the train tilts, so do you. My partner and I chose to do Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland. The route was dotted with coastal towns, each with its own character. 'submit' : 'disabled'; What a cool way to slow travel and see more of a country. Reviewed 18 August 2017. Onboard Payment Options page. We look forward to welcoming you onboard a Queensland Rail Travel service again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. 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. Im glad you enjoyed your Spirit of Queensland adventure as much as I did. I will definitely taking another trip in the future with qld rail thank you for a memorable trip away. It worked just fine. The couple behind me also suffered the same screaming about being overweight. 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. The food was better than what Ive encountered in economy-class cabins on international airlines. } But Ive never travelled on a train like this anywhere else in the world. I travelled from Roma St to Ayr and return on the Spirit of Queensland 'Rail Bed'. if (name.indexOf('mimi_invalid') === -1) { Sign up for my weekly newsletter: travel tips, inspiration and a chuckle or two. Thanks for sharing Nicki. } else { The Spirit of Queensland fleet will provide guests with a fast, value for money modern rail experience. Glad the story helped with your travel dreaming and planning . Please advise us if you require meals to be delivered to your seat at the time of booking and confirm these requirements with onboard staff when you join the service. QLD trains, forget the hype NOTHING HAS CHANGED except the prices. The Spirit of Queenslands RailBed experience was one of the most relaxing journeys Ive ever had. 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. RailBed: A spacious and comfortable seat by day that converts to a lie-flat bed at night. The Spirit of Queensland train journey is a 1681 kilometre route taking about 24-25 hours from Brisbane to Cairns. 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. All Railbeds face the direction of travel and can not be reversed. 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. inputs[j].onchange = function(){ _this.validate() }; if (format === 'json') action += '.json'; this.submit.value = text; for (var prop in source) { takes you from bustling Brisbane to some of Australia and Queenslands most popular destinations, including the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Capricorn Coast, Bundaberg, and Fraser Coast. } Cons 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. Since 2015, we have been traveling full-time with a mission to inspire others to follow in our footsteps. },

A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as The Ghan, it has two locomotives and just seven carriages. instances = Widget.BasicDropdown.instances, As for what to wear to bed? this.updateSubmitButtonText(this.submit.getAttribute('data-thanks')); We left from Cairns, around 8.30am, heading for Brisbane. Ride the historic railway to the hinterland or take a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef. The journey to Kuranda passes by. } 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. This three-day itinerary describe these suggestions and a host of other ideas. } else { Customer service is one of our highest priorities and the vast majority of our staff take great pride in their customer relationships. }, We do appreciate your honest feedback and thank you for taking the time to review our train. I was a little wary of the 2-1 configuration and sharing sleeping space with 18 other passengers. field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); Next. Guaranteed. A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field.required');

Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. } What was missing from the RailBed experience? I hope you get to enjoy the train and sleep easily. Queensland Rail Travel is committed to supporting Queenslanders by preventing the spread of COVID-19. This map takes a look at some of the hotels and Stayz home rental options nice and close to the station. } 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. Its beautiful out there, and I feel lucky to be seeing this part of Queensland in a completely new way. Australias impressive size and long distances between its destination make traveling by plane the most popular way to see Australia. There are also savings from the cost of getting to and from airports, and baggage and seat selection fees associated with air travel. Its still all fresh Queensland produce but its mostly been prepped on land before its finished on board. Our FREE AUSTRALIA Travel Guide is a great resource for planning a trip to Australia! We apologise that the comfort profile of the Railbed did not meet your expectations.With regards to noise I am sure you understand that things like train movement and occasional noise related to this are beyond our control. https://youtu.be/FHcDorXrmWoMUST DO!! Pack shower shoes (e.g., thongs/flip flops), and comfortable sleepwear. 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. RailBed passengers also receive a lip balm, hand sanitser and hand cream from Queensland skincare brand, Bubbles Organic. var dropdowns = field.querySelectorAll('.mimi_html_dropdown'); It must have come from a very happy cow who smiled a lot because it was very tender. if (selected) { updateFormAfterValidation: function() { Hi Tom, Im glad youve experienced this one for yourself and that you love the staff on the trains. Even the 2nd Class Sleepers in Thai railways have curtains. } 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. Each one can recline to thirty degrees. if (input.value) { }); this.fieldAndListValidation(); Here are just a few of them: 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. A Railbed, on the Spirit of Queensland, offers most of the benefits of a seat at the front of a plane with the bonus of scenic views, rather than clouds, through the large windows. At the start of 2015, it replaced the diesel-hauled train The Sunlander . There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. I have just returned from my first trip on the spirit of Queensland Brisbane to Cairns. } this.form.className += ' mimi_submitting'; }, }, textAndDropdownValidation: function(field, type) { if (input.value.length === 1) _this.validate();

for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) {

extend(Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation.prototype, { 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. The Spirit of Queensland is a modern tilt train that runs the length of the Queensland coast between Brisbane and Cairns. var dropdownEl = input.parentNode, is definitely worth a stop along your Spirit of Queensland journey. My experience started when the luggage gestapo screamed that my luggage was overweight. }, if (this.isValid) { 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. 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. This route is slightly less traveled but is by no means less impressive as it crosses the rugged terrain of North Queensland, past Charters Towers, through the Great Dividing Range and into the heart of Queensland. } It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. this.submit.value = this.submit.getAttribute('data-submitting-text'); } else { };

}, Please ask the onboard staff or check today's selections board in the Servery/Caffor the fresh selection on your day of travel. Take advantage of the coach connections at certain stops to explore parts of the Australian countryside that many tourists miss out on. } else { I suspect Queensland Rail assigns single bookings in this way but I wouldnt count on it. } else { for (var i = 0; i < instances.length; ++i) { 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. Take your pick from the Great Barrier Reef. this.revalidateOnChange(); A call button is available to contact the onboard staff for assistance Where: Brisbane to Cairns, Queensland, Australia. At night, theyre a comfortable bed with a thick mattress and beautiful bedding consisting of a sheet, two pillows, and a duvet. We do thank you for your feedback regarding staff moving through the carriages noisily, this information has been passed on to our Onboard Services Team.The Spirit of Queensland does provide a Club Car with a limited number of tables and seating which all customers are welcome to use throughout their journey. document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { You also get an amenities pack which included all organic products. },

selected = false;

document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The entertainment schedule changes regularly, but you can check it ahead of your trip via the Spirit of Queensland entertainment guide. 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!). One hand on the grab bars at all times added to the challenge. },

Tasmania West Coast Wilderness Railway Strahan - Queenstown Complete Review: https://youtu.be/yPo_fWHSCWMTranswa Australind Perth to Bunbury: https://youtu.be/m6GLBrtwH4gTravelling on the Old Ghan Railway - Pichi Richi Afghan Express Port Augusta to Quorn return https://youtu.be/nuFYBlh9KWMThe Inlander Townsville to Mount Isa: https://youtu.be/l97k6Rk8mR8Fastest Train in Australia - Tilt Train Business Class Brisbane to Rockhampton: https://youtu.be/n3ZDMh1JLDMTranswa Prospector Train Perth to Kalgoorlie - The Fastest Service in Australia: https://youtu.be/FhFQfeUvKaIThe Westlander Train Toowoomba to Queensland: https://youtu.be/V39L8pP5dZgRiding on Locomotive 3801, a legend of steam: https://youtu.be/wvuymG4Er90The Overland train Red Premium class from Melbourne to Adelaide: https://youtu.be/QsGZZdbAlcQFirst Class Spirit of the Outback train from Brisbane to Longreach: https://youtu.be/Lb4snTmxreUPremium Economy Class Spirit of Queensland from Townsville to Cairns: https://youtu.be/ewj5HyNUxw0NSW XPT First class sleeper from Sydney to Melbourne: https://youtu.be/WrXUf0Q7pUMNSW XPT Economy class from Canberra to Melbourne via Yass: https://youtu.be/7j-K7NAxvNoCanberra to Melbourne by trains only, Xplorer + XPT: https://youtu.be/Ck-TWprVodIFirst Class V/Line N class from Melbourne to Wodonga: https://youtu.be/2jxurlLMEYoFirst Class NSW Xplorer train from Sydney to Canberra: https://youtu.be/QmABDqeX9ngTrainspotting at Wondabyne station: https://youtu.be/KJX2AIa4PIYJoin my channel membership to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLxsJJL11SLXwh4C8I3sWQ/joinFollow my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roryding.travels/New Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rorydingtravels#QueenslandRail #train #SpiritofQueensland script.src = this.formUrl('json'); by Anne Betts | Nov 7, 2019 | Australia | 8 comments. However, the average speed is more like 80 kph. 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. While you cant feel the speed of a plane once youre up in the air, you can feel the speed of a train. if (instance.wrapperEl === dropdownEl) { In-seat wine and dine service and entertainment aboard the Spirit of Queensland. RailBed customers aboard Spirit of Queensland receive inclusive meals served directly to their seat. , or one of the many wildlife and nature experiences just outside of the city. Hot breakfast in RailBed Class on the Spirit of Queensland train Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. var action = this.form.action; We are Oksana & Max, eco-conscious travelers on a mission to inspire responsible travel practices around the world. if (input.getAttribute('name') === 'signup[email]') { They drive the train and supply power to the carriages. Our brochures are loaded with great ideas. 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. Book as early as possible to take advantage of saver fares and seat selection. Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. . First meal was around mid-day on Day One, quite a serviceable chicken noodle dish with a sticky-date pudding for dessert. In this video I have covered every single aspect of this train, if you have any questions about Spirit of Queensland, I think you should be able to find out the answer after watching the whole video. } Your trip your way! The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes.

validate: function() { A complimentary wine, beer, or juice is served with lunch and dinner. Disembark here to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters on the shores of the Noosa National Park. For information on what forms of payment are accepted onboard when travelling with us, visit our if (invalidFields.length || invalidFields[0].className.indexOf('checkgroup') === -1) { _this.onFormSubmit(e); Copyright 2022 Adventures All Around | Website by Liveby5. Railbed: - 2 x checked in items of luggage not exceeding 20kg and a maximum of 180 linear centimetres (sum of length, width and depth). text; onSubmitSuccess: function(result) { But, theres also the train thing. Its also a good idea to pack your own entertainment. 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. running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. fields[i].style['display'] = 'none'; I even spotted the odd kangaroo and wallaby, and lots of cockatoos. A perfect day trip from Cairns to Kuranda by historic train and rainforest cable car, For a perfect day in Outback Australia, visit Alice Springs Desert Park. formSubmitting: function() { Categories. this.form.attachEvent('onsubmit', function(e){ for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. . Never again!.. In fact, I used Scotiabanks Scotia Rewards to cover the cost of the Spirit of Queensland fare from Brisbane to Cairns. We regret that you were not informed beforehand that you are able to store the luggage yourself if you prefer. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. } The Ultimate Guide to Australia on a Budget, The Ultimate Sydney to Brisbane Drive Itinerary, Where to Stay in Brisbane: Guide to Neighbourhood and Best Hotels in Brisbane, The Best Things To Do in Port Douglas, Australia. There are windows throughout the carriage so youll be able to see that view. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. 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. removeTextFieldError: function(input) { Although the Railbeds are located in a dedicated section that is not a thoroughfare for other non-Railbed customers, as you can understand things such as train movement and occasional noise are not always within our control. It arrives at 4:30 pm. The seats in Premium Economy are pretty spacious and recline just enough for you to feel relaxed. TERRIBLE Service bad attitude from Supervisor so no point complaining. Tea and coffee were also provided. What attracted me to the Spirit of Queensland was the RailBed class. You can easily plan your trip with the full Spirit of Queensland timetable. inputs[j].onkeyup = function() { 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. input.placeholder = input.getAttribute('data-required-field'); var input = inputs[i]; The Tilt Train takes you from bustling Brisbane to some of Australia and Queenslands most popular destinations, including the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Capricorn Coast, Bundaberg, and Fraser Coast.

this.validate(); But while domestic flights certainly dominate travelers preference list, it wont surprise many to hear that its not the most eco-conscious way. Dear TDK1962,Many thanks for your kind review. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. 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? if (input.id === 'signup_email') return;

The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. return action + '?callback=' + this.callbackName + '&' + serialize(this.form); Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your RailBed ticket, with one glass of complimentary wine with your evening meal. }, The Spirit of Queensland is a long distance passenger rail service running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. }); this.submit.value = this.submitButtonText(); Your email address will not be published. Before leaving home Id already decided I was going the PJs route and had packed my Singapore Airlines sleep suit. for (var i = 0; i < elements.length; ++i) { On the plus side the staff and meals were excellent. There are also plenty of fun activities around the park such as walking trails and the chance to spot some of Australias national animals, like koalas and kangaroos. setFormClassName: function() {

checkboxAndRadioValidation: function(field) { this.removeTextFieldError(email); Youve shown me where wed be sitting/sleeping & it sounds wonderful , Oh that sounds like a lovely one to do together. The food served to the Rail Bed was typical Airline style, pre-cooked and reheated and the coffee was luke warmI did a 3 day train trip across Canada a few years ago and it was fabulous.

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