window.attachEvent('onload', function() { Long-distance rail travel in Victoria: https://youtu.be/_OX0sTjdBaUQantas QF2 B787 Business Class Darwin to Sydney - a domestic international flight! this.submit = document.getElementById('webform_submit_button'); As I came back from the bathrooms feeling all comfy I noticed some people had the same idea as me while others planned to sleep in their clothes. A fast moving slumber party. this.emailValidation(); The staff on the train will have the latest update for the day so just listen for their instructions if needed and come prepared. instance.onSelect = function(){ _this.validate() }; more. _this.onFormSubmit(e); Any other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the club car, which is where premium economy passengers buy their meals. By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. Copyright 2022 Adventures All Around | Website by Liveby5. Two of them, dinner and lunch, included a complimentary soft drink, juice, water, beer, or wine. There are also savings from the cost of getting to and from airports, and baggage and seat selection fees associated with air travel. The service and the food was very delicious not a leftover to be seen at each meal. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. 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. The overhead compartment contained a towel, blanket, and inflatable neck cushion. Cairns Spirit of Queensland Tilt Train Railbed - Australia's most modern overnight train Cairns to Brisbane RoryDing Travels 33.9K subscribers Join Subscribe 9.1K Share Save 673K views 1 year. 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. This map takes a look at some of the hotels and Stayz home rental options nice and close to the station. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Dear TDK1962,Many thanks for your kind review. My young friend shook her head in disbelief at the absurdity of my travel choices. before arriving at your final destination of Cairns. 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. I have just returned from my first trip on the spirit of Queensland Brisbane to Cairns. text; input.className = 'required'; selected = true; Do you need a Visa to enter? if (name.indexOf('mimi_invalid') === -1) { We do appreciate your honest feedback and thank you for taking the time to review our train. Book as early as possible to take advantage of saver fares and seat selection. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. The Spirit of Queensland fleet will provide guests with a fast, value for money modern rail experience. As for what to wear to bed? You can take the Spirit of Queensland train to Proserpine and then take a RailBus Connection to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. 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. }, Its still all fresh Queensland produce but its mostly been prepped on land before its finished on board. Youll have your own reading light, a power point for charging your phone or other electrical devices, overhead lockers, and in-seat entertainment. Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) Not Available. input.placeholder = ''; You can easily plan your trip with the full Spirit of Queensland timetable. That was also the experience of the others in our tour party. Collapsible wheelchairs can be stowed at the end of the carriage. You can also get connecting coach services to Quilpie and Cunnamulla. 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. var inputs = field.getElementsByTagName('input'), 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. Not only is Cairns a hub of vibrant city life full of great cafs, markets, art galleries, and nearby beaches, but its also a jumping off point to many other popular tourist destinations. If I had known about the collection procedure at Townsville station, I would have done this. if (input.getAttribute('name') === 'signup[email]') { } else if(result.single_opt_in || !result.confirmation_html) { }, if (input.value) { The bed and bedding were very comfortable. field.className += ' invalid'; Spirit of Queensland Rail Service Townsville to Brisbane Sept 2015 Friendly and Welcoming Cabin Crew. 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). 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. }

It was a welcome break from the frenetic pace of busy airports, enhanced security-screening measures, and cramped aircraft space. 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. },

if (instance.wrapperEl === dropdownEl) { } Planning your next trip? For a change of scenery, the Club Car offered an opportunity to mingle with other passengers over conversation and drinks. Miles and points are my thing. While the Sunlanders Queenslander class had a full dining car, the Spirit of Queenslands RailBeds continue that airline feel with a trolley service, so you can have dinner and a movie without moving from your seat. } First meal was around mid-day on Day One, quite a serviceable chicken noodle dish with a sticky-date pudding for dessert. var dropdowns = field.querySelectorAll('.mimi_html_dropdown'); However, when we helped them board yesterday the other guests in their carriage (B) who had boarded somewhere between Cairns and Townsville were not wearing masks. this.isValid = false; The Spirit of Queensland has a maximum speed of 160km/h and the entire trip takes 24 hours.. 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. 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. }, to Townsville. I did removed one article and my case now weighted 18kgs. else { Also, Id steer clear of selecting seats near doors that open and close frequently. When: All year round. 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. I thought that it had been upgraded. The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). revalidateOnChange: function() { setFormClassName: function() { } 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. The couple behind me also suffered the same screaming about being overweight. } else {

textValidation: function(input) { You could have flown business class on points, on a direct flight from Sydney to Cairns for $25 in taxes and fees. 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. The main lights were turned off at 21:30, but each pod had individual reading lights. Great train journey from Brisbane to Cairns. But its pretty much just like being in business class on a plane where people may still be walking past and the little bit of light from the galley gets seen through the curtain. function serialize(form){if(!form||form.nodeName!=="FORM"){return }var i,j,q=[];for(i=form.elements.length-1;i>=0;i=i-1){if(form.elements[i].name===""){continue}switch(form.elements[i].nodeName){case"INPUT":switch(form.elements[i].type){case"text":case"hidden":case"password":case"button":case"reset":case"submit":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break;case"checkbox":case"radio":if(form.elements[i].checked){q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value))}break;case"file":break}break;case"TEXTAREA":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break;case"SELECT":switch(form.elements[i].type){case"select-one":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break;case"select-multiple":for(j=form.elements[i].options.length-1;j>=0;j=j-1){if(form.elements[i].options[j].selected){q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].options[j].value))}}break}break;case"BUTTON":switch(form.elements[i].type){case"reset":case"submit":case"button":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break}break}}return q.join("&")};

Premium economy-class passengers buy their meals from the Galley and some choose to eat in the Club Car so it can become congested at meal times. We left from Cairns, around 8.30am, heading for Brisbane. As my train / airline experience blurs a little I sometimes forget where I am, and think oh, a little turbulence as the train moves. 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. this.isValid = false; } this.submitForm(); . Details valid from 1st December 2021 and are subject to change. The Spirit of Queenslands RailBed experience was one of the most relaxing journeys Ive ever had. It took longer to get from Cairns to Townsville than it did fifteen years ago. instances = Widget.BasicDropdown.instances, Stay up to date with the latest travel info and destination deals! if (document.addEventListener) { The Spirit of Queensland Brisbane to Cairns train isnt the only one departing from Queensland there are a number of other routes taking you to the far-flung corners of the state! Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. Hi Tom, Im glad youve experienced this one for yourself and that you love the staff on the trains. },

The menu brings a paddock to plate experience with meals prepared using the freshest Queensland produce. In March 2019, my ticket cost AUD 389.25 / USD 268.54 / CAD 371.38, covered by 37,138 Scotia Rewards. } What is the food like in the Railbed section? We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country we traverse. I had never thought about train travel in Australia, until reading In A Sunburned Country. Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. Sorry to hear yours wasnt what you were hoping for. } else { document.body.appendChild(script); window[this.callbackName] = function(response) { I travelled from Roma St to Ayr and return on the Spirit of Queensland 'Rail Bed'. This trip was not! if (document.addEventListener) { See queenslandrailtravel.com.au See also: The world's greatest train journeys See also: What it's really like on Australia's greatest train journey Tim Richards Apr 4 2019 Traveller e.preventDefault();

inputs[j].onkeyup = function() { var name = this.form.className; By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. } else { Website: www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au. } else { return 'checkboxes'; We are Oksana & Max, a Canadian couple with a passion for sustainable travel. Guests will be able to select different options from the menu (a-la-carte) with orders taken prior to the meals times. _this.onSubmitCallback(response); Good luck! Learn how your comment data is processed. It was more expensive than flying but an attractive option, all things considered. At busy times, it was possible to buy a drink and take it back to the comfort of your seat. Not much. The shower may move a little bit more than youre used to, but its surprisingly good, and theres more space than you find on some other trains so your clothes dont have to get wet when you do. } A Premium Economy ticket comes with one 20kg luggage item plus one carry on hand luggage item free of charge. There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. Yes. this.isValid = false; We look forward to seeing you again onboard someday.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. For information on what forms of payment are accepted onboard when travelling with us, visit our The route was dotted with coastal towns, each with its own character. Luckily, it is possible to get around Australia without flying, especially on the East Coast by taking the Spirit of Queensland train! } On the south-to-north service, the stop in Tully was long enough for passengers to stretch their legs on the platform. 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!). The ride was quiet and smooth, and conversation was possible at a normal volume. We are Oksana & Max, eco-conscious travelers on a mission to inspire responsible travel practices around the world. Hi Noel, they do indeed. Enjoy the trip! No wonder people just fly, Is there power points for sleep apnea machines. #833-0; TICO Reg. if (dropdown.value) { 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. destination[prop] = source[prop]; 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? Hi Lee, I remember being able to use my iPad and other electrical devices, but youre best to call Queensland Rail and ask to find out for sure in case anything has changed, or in case it isnt set up the right way for you. this.submit.className = this.isValid ? A Spirit of Adventure Menu is in your seat pocket when you get on board, and you are given options, including vegetarian for the three meals served during the trip. 2 Days / 1 Night aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns in a lie-flat RailBed with lunch and dinner. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. this.form.className = this.setFormClassName(); It arrives at 4:30 pm. Take advantage of the coach connections at certain stops to explore parts of the Australian countryside that many tourists miss out on. If your travel plans involve Australia, you might be interested in these other posts: Very interesting. Required fields are marked *. disableForm: function() { 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. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field'); Theres a locomotive at each end. 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. 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. 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. Railbed Car - Spirit of Queensland. 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. formSubmitting: function() { You can catch the Brisbane to Cairns train, We traveled from Brisbane to Cairns in RailBed seats and were, The RailBed ticket for the Spirit of Queensland train includes, There are slightly different food options depending on your ticket type, but there is a good general selection of. },

I was just wondering if towels were provided for the showers or if it was byo? The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. 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. Disclaimer: Our trip on the Spirit of Queensland train was provided courtesy of Queensland Rail Travel, but as always all opinions expressed in this article are our own. But it actually looks really fun and glamourous! }); showConfirmationText: function(html) { var inputs = fields[i].getElementsByTagName('input'); Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Heres a quick look at the other trains and their destinations. The fold-down seat had a pocket for reading material and assorted items. Hi Anna, towels are provided so you dont need to worry about that one. A call button is available to contact the onboard staff for assistance 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. } Glad the story helped with your travel dreaming and planning . this.onSelectCallback(input); The train makes the 1681km journey five times per week. Thanks for sharing Nicki. Your email address will not be published. },

Fraser Island is known for being a unique nature destination with miles of beach, 100 freshwater lakes and over 30 walking tracks. Railbed: - 2 x checked in items of luggage not exceeding 20kg and a maximum of 180 linear centimetres (sum of length, width and depth). Fully plated meals will be provided to RailBed customers offering hot or continental breakfast, 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner. The overhead bin was large enough for my carry-on travel bag. Enjoy 35 degrees of recline and a wide flat 18.5 inch screen with on-demand . Passengers were invited to take the blanket and cushion with them at the end of the journey. I would like to say it was a wonderful experience. onSubmitCallback: function(response) { 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. A staff member told me the beds cost $100,000 each. The sun is preparing to come up over the mountain range, theres mist everywhere, and kangaroos are hopping beside the train. Meals will be delivered directly to Railbed guests and the 24 hour Club Car is available for additional purchases. We stopped for 5 days, enjoying some time in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays and on the Great Barrier Reef. 0:00 / 11:40 Spirit of Queensland Railbed Cairns to Brisbane 14,230 views Dec 18, 2018 81 Dislike Share Save Heino's Transport Films 164 subscribers A film of my journey from Cairns to. I highly recommend it. Its also a good idea to pack your own entertainment. Cars B and C are becoming old. I have a little service dog and want to know if he can travel with me, I Googled Queensland Rail service dog and the following site was at the top of the search results: https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Pages/Assistance-Animals.aspx. } else { var _this = this; For breakfast, there was a choice of hot or cold option served at around 7 am. https://youtu.be/FHcDorXrmWoMUST DO!! A video trip report of Railbed (first) class on QR Travel's new Spirit of Queensland tilting train. Hi Amanda, could you tell me what items are included in amenities bag on Spirit of Queensland please. 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. Full Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Pontoon Experience . },

Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. Review our onboard menu options for your service by selecting a train below.. Previous. 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. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-choose-list'); A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as. }); There are stops for passengers to board and disembark. Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. 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. Spirit of Queensland - Brisbane << View all Brisbane City Centre tours & cruises. RailBed customers aboard Spirit of Queensland receive inclusive meals served directly to their seat. formUrl: function(format) { Need help in planning your perfect holiday? Check out the Queensland Rail site for options. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Packing Light Travel. , or one of the many wildlife and nature experiences just outside of the city. for (var i = 0; i < instances.length; ++i) { The water was hot and the pressure was perfect. In our opinion, it is, especially if you take it as an opportunity to stop along the way and break up your journey. A FREE travel quote!

if (!Mimi) var Mimi = {}; } No access to the Club Car is available from the RailBeds for wheelchair customers. } }, You feel connected to the rails, and as the train tilts, so do you. }, At the start of 2015, it replaced the diesel-hauled train The Sunlander . For your listening pleasure, you might want to pack your own headphones. 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. 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 new Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel.