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. The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. But she does feel fast. 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. } It was more expensive than flying but an attractive option, all things considered. } else { 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. The final product was among a number of options put to testers and was selected as the most comfortable option. The pod-like RailBeds provided a considerable amount of privacy, similar to business class pods on an aircraft. e.preventDefault();
I was told that I had to repack it. Our Railbeds are an Australian first designed to provide our customers with a smooth and relaxing ride. if (format === 'json') action += '.json'; Looking for an airfare only? for (var i = 0; i < instances.length; ++i) { Yes, some folks got and and off at different stops but most people seemed to travel the entire route on the RailBed. 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!). if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid'; But it actually looks really fun and glamourous! Miles and points are my thing. Stay up to date with the latest travel info and destination deals! My experience started when the luggage gestapo screamed that my luggage was overweight. } On the south-to-north service, the stop in Tully was long enough for passengers to stretch their legs on the platform. The bathroom was spacious and worth the experience of showering to the rocking on the rails. } The Club Car is licensed to sell alcohol from 10am - 12 midnight. It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. elements[i].disabled = true; They drive the train and supply power to the carriages. A FREE travel quote! But, theres also the train thing. The RailBed chair was very comfortable and the selection of films/tv/documentaries to watch or music to listed to was very good.if (this.validEmail.test(email.value)) { this.callbackName = 'jsonp_callback_' + Math.round(100000 * Math.random()); Take your pick from the Great Barrier Reef. "what do you think we are? Website: www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. if (this.isValid) { Hi Joan thats right there in the story complete with a picture! For the main, I chose oven-roasted pork loin accompanied by an apple infused jus, chat potatoes, carrots, and beans. I thought that it had been upgraded. However with unpredictable border restrictions and the train's popular demand, I had to reschedule this trip again and again! It arrives at 4:30 pm. return name += ' mimi_invalid'; I highly recommend it. . Never again!.. Review our onboard menu options for your service by selecting a train below.. The Spirit of Queensland runs between Cairns and Brisbane five times a week. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Packing Light Travel. After leaving the urban sprawl of Brisbane, we passed by pineapple farms, rainforests, and the Glasshouse Mountains. 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? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. dropdown.onchange = (function(){ _this.validate(); }); In fact, I used Scotiabanks Scotia Rewards to cover the cost of the Spirit of Queensland fare from Brisbane to Cairns. My partner and I chose to do Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland. When travelling in Australia, I use British Airways Avios points to fly on Qantas, one of British Airways oneworld airline partners. return 'text_field'; Each seat had a standard power point, USB port, and earphone socket. Spirit of Queensland . It worked just fine. What a cool way to slow travel and see more of a country. this.form = document.getElementById('ema_signup_form'); Ive read a couple of articles recently about the resurgence in interest in overnight rail travel, especially in Europe with the expansion of the Austrian Railjet routes. 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. } The seats in Premium Economy are pretty spacious and recline just enough for you to feel relaxed. 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. A video trip report of Railbed (first) class on QR Travel's new Spirit of Queensland tilting train. this.submit.disabled = !this.isValid; There are stops for passengers to board and disembark. Your email address will not be published. One of the most popular train routes in Australia is the Brisbane to Cairns train aboard the Spirit of Queensland and it was this particular route that we experienced on our recent trip to Queensland. 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. - 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. Your feedback on the noise within the sleeping carriage has been relayed back to our Onboard Customer Service Team for monitoring.
for (var i = 0; i < dropdowns.length; ++i) { 2 Days / 1 Night aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns in a lie-flat RailBed with lunch and dinner. and were really impressed by its quality. var dropdowns = field.querySelectorAll('.mimi_html_dropdown'); The Staff on the Queenslander are EXCELLENT! Disembark here to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters on the shores of the Noosa National Park. The RailBed class is a top-notch travel experience at an affordable price. submitButtonText: function() { As my train / airline experience blurs a little I sometimes forget where I am, and think oh, a little turbulence as the train moves. A few downloaded Netflix movies and Spotify playlists, or favourite podcasts or books might come in handy. Or possibly first class, depending on who youre flying with. What is the food like in the Railbed section? } 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. Customer service is one of our highest priorities and the vast majority of our staff take great pride in their customer relationships. is definitely worth a stop along your Spirit of Queensland journey. var input = this; 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. } 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. We're looking forward to more trips with Queensland Rail. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. Meals will be delivered directly to Railbed guests and the 24 hour Club Car is available for additional purchases. this.initialize();
Plus, if you get off in Pomona (for example), theres no need to take the RailBed as its only 150 km or so north of Brisbane. 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. 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. Water Fountains - Drinking fountains are located at the end of all passenger carriages. RailBed customers aboard Spirit of Queensland receive inclusive meals served directly to their seat. The Spirit of Queensland runs between Cairns and Brisbane five times a week. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. }, Guaranteed. Any other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the club car, which is where premium economy passengers buy their meals. } else if(result.single_opt_in || !result.confirmation_html) { The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options. Not unlike first class in a plane but more spacious. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field'); _this.onFormSubmit(e); var inputs = fields[i].getElementsByTagName('input'); You can also get connecting coach services to Quilpie and Cunnamulla. We stopped for 5 days, enjoying some time in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays and on the Great Barrier Reef. This map takes a look at some of the hotels and Stayz home rental options nice and close to the station. I travelled from Roma St to Ayr and return on the Spirit of Queensland 'Rail Bed'. 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. The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. I travelled in the RailBed from Cairns to Brisbane and the whole experience was exceptional - I enjoyed every second of it. Fraser Island is known for being a unique nature destination with miles of beach, 100 freshwater lakes and over 30 walking tracks. 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. You can easily plan your trip with the full Spirit of Queensland timetable. Categories. A staff member told me the beds cost $100,000 each. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-default-text'); You can also get connecting coach services to Quilpie and Cunnamulla. isnt the only one departing from Queensland there are a number of other routes taking you to the far-flung corners of the state! It must have come from a very happy cow who smiled a lot because it was very tender. https://youtu.be/FHcDorXrmWoMUST DO!! Its beautiful out there, and I feel lucky to be seeing this part of Queensland in a completely new way. Spirit Of Queensland. At night, the staff recline the seats turning them into flat beds so you can enjoy a good night sleep and arrive at your destination well rested and refreshed. Unlike the Sunlander where meals are all freshly prepared in the kitchen, here theyre more airline food style. formSubmitting: function() { input.placeholder = input.getAttribute('data-required-field'); }, What attracted me to the Spirit of Queensland was the RailBed class. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. 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. }; }, Details valid from 1st December 2021 and are subject to change. Let us assist with your travel documents. 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. #1543989; CST #2016613-20. if (document.addEventListener) { var input = inputs[i]; if (this.isValid) { instances = Widget.BasicDropdown.instances, 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? Railbeds - Spirit of Queensland. Are people forced to wear masks on the train? Dear stevecau,It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your experience on board the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns recently. this.submit.className = this.isValid ? if (invalidFields.length || invalidFields[0].className.indexOf('checkgroup') === -1) { All seats come with a 240 volt AC power outlet so depending on your machine you should be just fine, but do let them know when you book your ticket. You can catch the Brisbane to Cairns train five times a week and have the option of booking RailBed or Premium Economy seats. This nature lovers paradise is definitely worth a stop along your Spirit of Queensland journey. new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation(); Tiny hessian bags full of travel comforts are waiting for you along with welcoming hosts. for (var j = 0; j < inputs.length; ++j) { 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. a budget airline" was the reply from one of the assistants as the other two just laughed. However, the average speed is more like 80 kph. The seven carriages in between include two RailBed sleeper cars with airline style seats that convert to lie-flat beds. The train makes the 1681km journey five times per week. Access Queensland Rail Travel on Instagram, Access Queensland Rail Travel on Facebook, Access Queensland Rail Travel on Trip Advisor. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. On 10 September 2021, I finally boarded this train once more and experienced Railbed Sleeper from Cairns to Brisbane. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid'; In my opinion the Rail Beds are a dismal failure. 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. For dinner, we once again had a choice of a 3-course meal. 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. There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. The main lights were turned off at 21:30, but each pod had individual reading lights. My bag weighted 20.1kg, 100 grams over weight. 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. removeTextFieldError: function(input) { At the start of 2015, it replaced the diesel-hauled train The Sunlander . Even the 2nd Class Sleepers in Thai railways have curtains. Further north were cattle stations, wetlands, sugar cane fields, and mango and banana plantations. I have just returned from my first trip on the spirit of Queensland Brisbane to Cairns. I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) Not Available. 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. Your email address will not be published. I had seen a couple of tv shows about this new train, so I decided to travel from Cairns to Townsville in the so call premium economy. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field.required'); Queensland Rail Limited ABN 71 132 181 090. field.className += ' invalid'; On the plus side the staff and meals were excellent. We look forward to welcoming you onboard a Queensland Rail Travel service again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. Youve shown me where wed be sitting/sleeping & it sounds wonderful , Oh that sounds like a lovely one to do together. One of the best things about travelling on the Spirit of Queensland train is the fact that it opens up so many more travel and sightseeing possibilities than flying ever could. We had tickets from Roma St to Cairns. } else { input.className = 'required invalid'; 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. Disembark here to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters on the shores of the, Hop off the Spirit of Queensland train and. onSubmitCallback: function(response) { A complimentary wine, beer, or juice is served with lunch and dinner. running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. Planning to get the train from Brisbane? } It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country we traverse. onSelectCallback: function(input) { Fully plated meals will be provided to RailBed customers offering hot or continental breakfast, 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner. The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes. Contact Queensland Rail to find out how your travel plans can be accommodated. } The three premium economy cars have adjustable leather lounger seats in a 2 2 configuration. See queenslandrailtravel.com.au - Traveller An unanticipated problem. this.isValid = true; If there is one drawback with this type of sleeper it is lack of privacy. } The Spirit of Queensland is a Queensland Rail long distance passenger rail service. The Spirit of Queensland is a long distance passenger rail service running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. for (var i = 0; i < elements.length; ++i) { Queensland Rail Travel is committed to supporting Queenslanders by preventing the spread of COVID-19. if (result.has_redirect) { The menu brings a paddock to plate experience with meals prepared using the freshest Queensland produce. 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. I even spotted the odd kangaroo and wallaby, and lots of cockatoos. Phone: 1800 872 467 is bookings for Queensland Rail Travel. There are also savings from the cost of getting to and from airports, and baggage and seat selection fees associated with air travel. this.submit.disabled = true; text;function extend(destination, source) { Long-distance rail travel in Victoria: https://youtu.be/_OX0sTjdBaUQantas QF2 B787 Business Class Darwin to Sydney - a domestic international flight! script.src = this.formUrl('json'); } else { thanks. window[this.callbackName] = function(response) { 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.
htmlEmbedDropdownValidation: function(field) { We acknowledge their spiritual connection to the lands and waterways and ask their ancestors to watch over us as we tread lightly on Country. 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. Oh thats so lovely to hear, Linda. },
} else { var dropdown = dropdowns[i]; As a Stay22 affiliate if you book through this map I may receive a commission but dont worry its at no extra cost to you. The food was better than what Ive encountered in economy-class cabins on international airlines. The staff on the train will have the latest update for the day so just listen for their instructions if needed and come prepared. before arriving at your final destination of Cairns. }, 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! We are Oksana & Max, a Canadian couple with a passion for sustainable travel. Your entertainment system might not work or the content could be uninspiring. Youll have your own reading light, a power point for charging your phone or other electrical devices, overhead lockers, and in-seat entertainment. One of the biggest benefits of traveling by train was that it was easy to hop off and hop back on the train to split up the journey. textAndDropdownValidation: function(field, type) { if (type === 'text_field') { Its still all fresh Queensland produce but its mostly been prepped on land before its finished on board. this.updateFormAfterValidation(); Select a Region you are interested in travelling to. Required fields are marked *. 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. }, this.showConfirmationText(result.confirmation_html); After folks settled in, a more social atmosphere prevailed, especially while watching staff make up the beds. if (name.indexOf('mimi_invalid') === -1) { 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. } 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. Sign up for my weekly newsletter: travel tips, inspiration and a chuckle or two. 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). Our Railbeds are an Australian first designed to provide our customers with a smooth and relaxing ride. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. this.submit.className = 'disabled'; . updateFormAfterValidation: function() { With the beds made up, the lights dimmed, and the curtains closed, it felt like one large upmarket moving hostel dorm. It says there are a point for sleep apnea machine as I am travelling in September with mine so made the same enquiry and told them at time of booking. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-choose-list'); }, Your email address will not be published. Definitely will keep in mind for my next Australia trip (hopefully soon!). }, We look forward to seeing you again onboard someday.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { _this.onFormSubmit(e); } }, Thanks, If you are in the Sleeping carriage can you still walk through to the Dining / Club carriage for coffee etc. 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. this.submit.value = this.submit.getAttribute('data-submitting-text'); . this.isValid = false; You feel connected to the rails, and as the train tilts, so do you. more. Youll also get a free knee blanket! The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. }; var script = document.createElement('script'); 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. The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. return name.replace(/\s?mimi_invalid/, ''); 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. All thoughts and opinions remain her own. , plus 15 handmade tunnels and 37 towering bridges and offers a truly unique rail adventure. 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. Orders were taken in advance of the meal. new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation(); } At busy times, it was possible to buy a drink and take it back to the comfort of your seat. By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. The staff on the train were just fantastic very professional and they just couldnt do enough for the passengers. Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. The main stops en route between Brisbane and Cairns are Maryborough (where you can get a connecting . You could have flown business class on points, on a direct flight from Sydney to Cairns for $25 in taxes and fees. More onboard experiencesOnboard MerchandiseMore about your train. I had never thought about train travel in Australia, until reading In A Sunburned Country.for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { }, Your email address will never be shared. Tea and coffee were also provided. field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); No access to the Club Car is available from the RailBeds for wheelchair customers. } else { 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 Planning your next trip? text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-invalid-text'); Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. In our opinion, it is, especially if you take it as an opportunity to stop along the way and break up your journey. 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. Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. this.htmlEmbedDropdownValidation(field); var _this = this;