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. if((input.type === 'checkbox' || input.type === 'radio') && input.checked) { Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation.
textValidation: function(input) { In March 2019, my ticket cost AUD 389.25 / USD 268.54 / CAD 371.38, covered by 37,138 Scotia Rewards.
for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { 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. } There are stops for passengers to board and disembark. Its also a good idea to pack your own entertainment. 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. It had been over fifteen years since I travelled from Brisbane to Cairns on this service. this.submit.value = text; I highly recommend it. if (_this.validEmail.test(input.value)) _this.validate(); I am sure the passengers at the other end of the platform were all now awake. 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. for (var j = 0; j < inputs.length; ++j) { } else { The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. I have used the rail beds twice in about 5 years, Bris. 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. 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. var dropdowns = field.querySelectorAll('.mimi_html_dropdown'); if (selected) { I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. I hope you get to enjoy the train and sleep easily. this.submitForm(); Queensland Rail Travel is committed to supporting Queenslanders by preventing the spread of COVID-19. this.isValid = false; } Queensland Rail Limited ABN 71 132 181 090. 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. We look forward to seeing you again onboard someday.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. Fraser Island is known for being a unique nature destination with miles of beach, 100 freshwater lakes and over 30 walking tracks. new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation();
htmlEmbedDropdownValidation: function(field) { In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options. The Spirit of Queensland is a Queensland Rail long distance passenger rail service. Toilet seats have become loose and generally a good refurbishment program would work wonders. Second was evening Day One, and given we were going through the heartland of Qld's beef country, I had the beef cheeks. _this = this;
emailValidation: function() { document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Packing Light Travel. } Its beautiful out there, and I feel lucky to be seeing this part of Queensland in a completely new way. Get your FREE subscription today. RailBed: A spacious and comfortable seat by day that converts to a lie-flat bed at night. this.onSubmitSuccess(response.result); more. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. For us, trains offer the best alternative to flying. The ones in the amenities kit are cheap and flimsy. }
extend(Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation.prototype, { Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your RailBed ticket, with one glass of complimentary wine with your evening meal. It was really good value considering it is overnight accommodation, travel and three hearty meals! var inputs = field.getElementsByTagName('input'), 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. 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. Any other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the club car, which is where premium economy passengers buy their meals. input.className = 'required invalid'; textFieldError: function(input) { Trains are more sustainable and more comfortable and not only that but going at a slower pace allows you to see more of the Australian countryside without the crazy cost of multiple flights. },
The main stops en route between Brisbane and Cairns are Maryborough (where you can get a connecting .if (input.value) { It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Tiny hessian bags full of travel comforts are waiting for you along with welcoming hosts. Its quite exciting and Im grinning like a kid on a theme park ride as I pop my head under the curtains to see the shadows of trees whizzing past and the moon and the stars shining above. The Spirit of Queensland is a long distance passenger rail service running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. It has everything you need, from beds, showers, galley car, all-inclusive dining option, in-seat entertainment and much more! Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. I imagine so, but presumably it will cost more and will require paying for each segment. document.body.appendChild(script); It arrives at 4:30 pm. Joanna, my parents left Townsville yesterday (arriving in Brisbane this morning) and were told, yes, at this time it would be necessary for them to wear their masks at all times while travelling as Townsville was in a 3 day lockdown last week. Surely for that amount of money something more comfortable must have been possible. Check out the Queensland Rail site for options. revalidateOnChange: function() { this.isValid = false; input.placeholder = input.getAttribute('data-required-field'); Your email address will not be published. How much were you paid for this review? Long-distance rail travel in Victoria: https://youtu.be/_OX0sTjdBaUQantas QF2 B787 Business Class Darwin to Sydney - a domestic international flight! Our toolkit is a great place to get started. Perhaps Ill give it another chance. 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. Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. } else { But while domestic flights certainly dominate travelers preference list, it wont surprise many to hear that its not the most eco-conscious way. We had tickets from Roma St to Cairns. Further north were cattle stations, wetlands, sugar cane fields, and mango and banana plantations. }); We stopped for 5 days, enjoying some time in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays and on the Great Barrier Reef. Cars B and C are becoming old. var input = inputs[i]; document.body.removeChild(script); If you are thinking of going from Brisbane to Cairns, fly there! Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. I knew they were not a budget airline as they at least have decent caring staff. 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. Your email address will not be published. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. At night, theyre a comfortable bed with a thick mattress and beautiful bedding consisting of a sheet, two pillows, and a duvet. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. this.textFieldError(email); is definitely worth a stop along your Spirit of Queensland journey. elements[i].disabled = true; 'submit' : 'disabled'; Trip in August 2014 between Innisfail and Gladstone. selected = true; Enjoy 35 degrees of recline and a wide flat 18.5 inch screen with on-demand . The new Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel.
fieldAndListValidation: function() { If your travel plans involve Australia, you might be interested in these other posts: Very interesting. In-seat wine and dine service and entertainment aboard the Spirit of Queensland. } 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 } In my opinion the Rail Beds are a dismal failure. My young friend shook her head in disbelief at the absurdity of my travel choices. Phone: 1800 872 467 is bookings for Queensland Rail Travel. 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. Hi Amanda, could you tell me what items are included in amenities bag on Spirit of Queensland please. 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. 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. var script = document.createElement('script'); Im glad you enjoyed your Spirit of Queensland adventure as much as I did. Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) Not Available. We are storytellers, photographers, and videographers traveling the world full-time in search of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences and ways to make a positive impact on the destinations and communities we visit. Customer service is one of our highest priorities and the vast majority of our staff take great pride in their customer relationships. var email = document.getElementById('signup_email');
onFormSubmit: function(e) { We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country we traverse. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field'); field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. 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). Details valid from 1st December 2021 and are subject to change. It took longer to get from Cairns to Townsville than it did fifteen years ago. The Club Car provides food and refreshments for purchase as well a social environment to sit with other travelers.Kind Regards,Customer Service - Travel. initialize: function() { The wait is over!! Ask the airfare experts at GowayAir. For anyone who loves train travel, Queensland Rails Spirit of Queensland is a fabulous choice. However, with daylight, it was more interesting to enjoy the constantly changing coastal Queensland landscape. For information on the site, please see the About page. The Spirit of Queensland train journey is a 1681 kilometre route taking about 24-25 hours from Brisbane to Cairns.
checkboxAndRadioValidation: function(field) { 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. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) { The service and the food was very delicious not a leftover to be seen at each meal. The magazine for world travellers. this.dropdownValidation(field, input); } At the start of 2015, it replaced the diesel-hauled train The Sunlander . Your trip your way! for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { var input = inputs[i]; if (input.name.indexOf('signup') >= 0) { return name; But, theres also the train thing. }
Apparently the galley crew don`t understand how to heat food. A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as. By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. The entertainment schedule changes regularly, but you can check it ahead of your trip via the Spirit of Queensland entertainment guide. No access to the Club Car is available from the RailBeds for wheelchair customers. } else { The train attains a top speed of 160 kph, usually achieved during the night. if (this.fieldType(fields[i]) === 'text_field') { Youll have your own reading light, a power point for charging your phone or other electrical devices, overhead lockers, and in-seat entertainment. delete window[this.callbackName]; We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. 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. The Staff on the Queenslander are EXCELLENT! if (format === 'json') action += '.json'; We are Oksana & Max, eco-conscious travelers on a mission to inspire responsible travel practices around the world. this.fieldAndListValidation(); My bag weighted 20.1kg, 100 grams over weight. This nature lovers paradise is definitely worth a stop along your Spirit of Queensland journey. _this.onSubmitCallback(response); The Spirit of Queensland train is quite possibly the most comfortable and convenient way to hit up some of the most popular tourist spots along the Queensland coast. for (var prop in source) { var action = this.form.action; Thanks for sharing. this.textValidation(input); setFormClassName: function() { I got a really good 8 hours sleep on the train - the rail bed was very comfortable and I felt like I had enough privacy as my head was shielded from the view of passers by. Other points programs fund other travels.dropdownValidation: function(field, input) { a budget airline" was the reply from one of the assistants as the other two just laughed. Also, Id steer clear of selecting seats near doors that open and close frequently. The RailBed chair was very comfortable and the selection of films/tv/documentaries to watch or music to listed to was very good. One hand on the grab bars at all times added to the challenge. All thoughts and opinions remain her own. There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. top.location.href = this.formUrl('html'); I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. They drive the train and supply power to the carriages. 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. It was more expensive than flying but an attractive option, all things considered. The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. There are the non-RailBed carriages that might meet your needs. A significant amount of development time was invested in the selection of the Railbed mattress type and materials. 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. Not much. this.submit.value = this.submit.getAttribute('data-submitting-text'); But Ive never travelled on a train like this anywhere else in the world. return action + '?callback=' + this.callbackName + '&' + serialize(this.form); } else { No other words are needed. We're looking forward to more trips with Queensland Rail. The Spirit of Queensland runs between Cairns and Brisbane five times a week. this.submit.value = this.submitButtonText(); With the beds all made up, the lights dimmed and the curtains closed, the RailBeds feel like a fun slumber party. })(this); We spent many years living and traveling around Australia exploring the country in-depth! You can easily plan your trip with the full Spirit of Queensland timetable. } else { Luckily, it is possible to get around Australia without flying, especially on the East Coast by taking the Spirit of Queensland train! 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. Thanks for thatbeen thinking of a train trip with my Asisstance Dog. (this.form.querySelectorAll('fieldset')[0] || this.form).innerHTML = html; You can catch the Brisbane to Cairns train five times a week and have the option of booking RailBed or Premium Economy seats. var input = this; The journey to Kuranda passes by. } I described the sleep time in terms of a ship. The. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The overhead compartment contained a towel, blanket, and inflatable neck cushion. }, The next morning I wake up, look out the window and smile. updateSubmitButtonText: function(text) { This plush seat offers ample recline for comfort along with a state-of-the-art touch screen personal entertainment system for on-demand movies, music and even audio books. 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. Let us assist with your travel documents. Delicious meals were served making this a stress free way to travel. Even the 2nd Class Sleepers in Thai railways have curtains. The first of her kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the Spirit of Queensland was brought in to replace The Sunlander, cutting the Brisbane to Cairns route down from 31 hours to a 25 hour journey. The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. 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. Rail bed being used prior to us using rail bed seat, used pillow evidence left of prior occupation. Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, Croc Express to Australia Zoo from Brisbane. }, formUrl: function(format) { running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. },
You feel connected to the rails, and as the train tilts, so do you. for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { At busy times, it was possible to buy a drink and take it back to the comfort of your seat. selected = false; Please ask the onboard staff or check today's selections board in the Servery/Caffor the fresh selection on your day of travel. Enjoy the trip! A few downloaded Netflix movies and Spotify playlists, or favourite podcasts or books might come in handy. The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes. A 24-hour journey from Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland train will set you back by $370 per seat for a Premium Economy Seat and over $860 for a RailBed seat. 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. var dropdownEl = input.parentNode, this.onSelectCallback(input); Cost: 390 dollars for a rail bed fare at time of publication. 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("&")}; onSubmitSuccess: function(result) { window[this.callbackName] = function(response) { Required fields are marked *. 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. A staff member told me the beds cost $100,000 each. } else { On the plus side the staff and meals were excellent. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-invalid-text'); 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. 5 Nights at 4-star Rydges Cairns Esplanade Resort with breakfast daily and welcome drink. This map takes a look at some of the hotels and Stayz home rental options nice and close to the station. He did ask if he could pay for the excess, in his case 200 grams. I would speculate that most travellers spend time in Cairns to explore the hinterland, the reef, and surrounding areas. 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. What a cool way to slow travel and see more of a country. Miles and points are my thing. The drawstring bag included shampoo, conditioner, face mist, lip balm, body lotion, face cloth, eye mask, earplugs, and headphones. Before leaving home Id already decided I was going the PJs route and had packed my Singapore Airlines sleep suit. I was just wondering if towels were provided for the showers or if it was byo? inputs[j].onchange = function(){ _this.validate() }; Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. }, The Spirit of Queensland runs between Cairns and Brisbane five times a week. It must have come from a very happy cow who smiled a lot because it was very tender. I was told that I had to repack it. Can you take the train from Brisbane to Cairns but get on and off overnight in various places en route?this.validate(); 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. 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. nice way to travel along the coast of Queensland, relax read a book enjoy a movie, have a coffee, eat a meal enjoy the view. On 10 September 2021, I finally boarded this train once more and experienced Railbed Sleeper from Cairns to Brisbane. } Yes, especially when factoring in the costs of overnight accommodation, three meals, and long-distance ground transportation. Subscribe to our newsletter to follow our life on the road, learn more about sustainable travel practices, and be the first to learn about updates from the blog! }); 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!). I have just returned from my first trip on the spirit of Queensland Brisbane to Cairns. field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); Heres a quick look at the other trains and their destinations. if (type === 'text_field') { 2 Days / 1 Night aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns in a lie-flat RailBed with lunch and dinner. A video trip report of Railbed (first) class on QR Travel's new Spirit of Queensland tilting train. } else { } 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. Website: www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au. Not to mention its also home to over 350 species of birds, possums, wallabies, sea turtles, dolphins, and the famous dingo!