Dear stevecau,It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your experience on board the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns recently. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. if (response.success) { We had tickets from Roma St to Cairns. Not unlike first class in a plane but more spacious. No other words are needed. The Club Car provides food and refreshments for purchase as well a social environment to sit with other travelers.Kind Regards,Customer Service - Travel. The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. RailBed passengers also receive a lip balm, hand sanitser and hand cream from Queensland skincare brand, Bubbles Organic. } The service included a welcome drink of ginger beer, lime, mint, and ice. } else { 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. 2 Days / 1 Night aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns in a lie-flat RailBed with lunch and dinner. 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. Your email address will not be published. Thanks for sharing. First meal was around mid-day on Day One, quite a serviceable chicken noodle dish with a sticky-date pudding for dessert. The next morning I wake up, look out the window and smile. 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. Your entertainment system might not work or the content could be uninspiring. },
for (var j = 0; j < inputs.length; ++j) { Required fields are marked *. this.formSubmitting(); Your email address will not be published. Club Car - The licensed Club Car allowing guests to purchase light refreshments, confectionery and beverages throughout the journey. this.htmlEmbedDropdownValidation(field); } However, the average speed is more like 80 kph. }); Youll have your own reading light, a power point for charging your phone or other electrical devices, overhead lockers, and in-seat entertainment. Hi Joan thats right there in the story complete with a picture! The RailBed chair was very comfortable and the selection of films/tv/documentaries to watch or music to listed to was very good. Learn how your comment data is processed. The RailBed ticket for the Spirit of Queensland train includes all-inclusive meals which are served directly to your seat. But while domestic flights certainly dominate travelers preference list, it wont surprise many to hear that its not the most eco-conscious way. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Get your FREE subscription today. There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. }; 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. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field.required'); this.updateSubmitButtonText(this.submit.getAttribute('data-thanks')); More onboard experiencesOnboard MerchandiseMore about your train. Showers & Toilets - Showers and toilets are located at the end of all passenger carriages. QLD trains, forget the hype NOTHING HAS CHANGED except the prices. Yes. this.removeTextFieldError(email); } else { text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-choose-list'); The overhead compartment contained a towel, blanket, and inflatable neck cushion. 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. Cons else { }, The magazine for world travellers. What a cool way to slow travel and see more of a country. I described the sleep time in terms of a ship. Features if (type === 'text_field') { 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. (this.form.querySelectorAll('fieldset')[0] || this.form).innerHTML = html; } else { I wasnt paid anything for the review, and clearly we had very different experiences. However with unpredictable border restrictions and the train's popular demand, I had to reschedule this trip again and again! 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. this.form.attachEvent('onsubmit', function(e){ Apparently the galley crew don`t understand how to heat food.Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation = function() {
this.validate(); The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. } It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. All services have aServery orCafonboardfor customers to purchasemeals and refreshments. removeTextFieldError: function(input) { That was also the experience of the others in our tour party. What is the food like in the Railbed section? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Packing Light Travel. 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("&")};
Im glad you enjoyed your Spirit of Queensland adventure as much as I did. Take advantage of the coach connections at certain stops to explore parts of the Australian countryside that many tourists miss out on. My wife and I have just returned from a trip Brisbane to Cairns and returned Proserpine to Brisbane. 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. Spirit Of Queensland. You feel connected to the rails, and as the train tilts, so do you. Did it represent good value? The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) { It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. 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. }, along the way. if (this.fieldType(fields[i]) === 'text_field') { var _this = this; Heres a quick look at the other trains and their destinations. Most people seemed to have pyjamas for sleeping. There was an extra seat that folded down under the TV. if (input.value) { For information on what forms of payment are accepted onboard when travelling with us, visit our They have been designed to provide a smooth and relaxing ride. var input = this; This map takes a look at some of the hotels and Stayz home rental options nice and close to the station. } Further north were cattle stations, wetlands, sugar cane fields, and mango and banana plantations. }, For $389?. You also get an amenities pack which included all organic products. . 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 Need help planning your holiday? if (_this.validEmail.test(input.value)) _this.validate(); Guests will be able to select different options from the menu (a-la-carte) with orders taken prior to the meals times. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. After folks settled in, a more social atmosphere prevailed, especially while watching staff make up the beds. if (this.isValid || !invalidFields) { Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) . Second was evening Day One, and given we were going through the heartland of Qld's beef country, I had the beef cheeks. return 'text_field'; Yes, some folks got and and off at different stops but most people seemed to travel the entire route on the RailBed. 5 Nights at 4-star Rydges Cairns Esplanade Resort with breakfast daily and welcome drink. Cars B and C are becoming old. script.src = this.formUrl('json'); You can easily plan your trip with the full Spirit of Queensland timetable. QueenslandRailTravel, Customer Service - Travel at Tilt Train, responded to this review, This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC, Recommended experiences in and around Brisbane. RailBed: A spacious and comfortable seat by day that converts to a lie-flat bed at night. The wait is over!! A fast moving slumber party. a budget airline" was the reply from one of the assistants as the other two just laughed. At the start of 2015, it replaced the diesel-hauled train The Sunlander . 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. Details valid from 1st December 2021 and are subject to change. Our toolkit is a great place to get started. window.attachEvent('onload', function() { #1543989; CST #2016613-20. Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. I did removed one article and my case now weighted 18kgs. A staff member told me the beds cost $100,000 each. field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); 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. var inputs = field.getElementsByTagName('input'), Please turn on JavaScript and try again. The RailBed class is a top-notch travel experience at an affordable price. RailBeds - There are 2 accessible RailBeds, however, there is no provision to park a non-collapsible wheelchair. A heavy label was attached and I was then told that I could have taken it on board myself. 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. Our Railbeds are an Australian first designed to provide our customers with a smooth and relaxing ride. })(this); We spent many years living and traveling around Australia exploring the country in-depth! } 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. } While the Spirit of Queensland can and does do 160 kilometres per hour at times, she doesnt stick to that speed the whole way. this.form.addEventListener('submit', function(e){ The water was hot and the pressure was perfect. My experience started when the luggage gestapo screamed that my luggage was overweight. I considered the cost of overnight accommodation when evaluating the fare. A few downloaded Netflix movies and Spotify playlists, or favourite podcasts or books might come in handy. }, I have just returned from my first trip on the spirit of Queensland Brisbane to Cairns. It must have come from a very happy cow who smiled a lot because it was very tender. Do you need a Visa to enter? Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your RailBed ticket, with one glass of complimentary wine with your evening meal. 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. The new Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel. } Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. The Spirit of Queensland has a maximum speed of 160km/h and the entire trip takes 24 hours.. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid'; initialize: function() {for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { var field = fields[i], type = this.fieldType(field); if (type === 'checkboxes' || type === 'radio_buttons') { this.checkboxAndRadioValidation(field); } else { this.textAndDropdownValidation(field, type); } } }, fieldType: function(field) { var type = field.querySelectorAll('.field_type'); if (type.length) { return type[0].getAttribute('data-field-type'); } else if (field.className.indexOf('checkgroup') >= 0) { showConfirmationText: function(html) { The fold-down seat had a pocket for reading material and assorted items. The Spirit of Queensland is a modern tilt train that runs the length of the Queensland coast between Brisbane and Cairns.
htmlEmbedDropdownValidation: function(field) { this.isValid = false; If I had known about the collection procedure at Townsville station, I would have done this. selected = true; I was told that I had to repack it. } Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. The spinach & feta quick was definitely our favourite! 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. But, theres also the train thing. Check out the Queensland Rail site for options. Hot breakfast consisted of a three cheese omelette served with pork chipolata, bacon and tomato wedge (there was also a vegetarian option available). It worked just fine. A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as The Ghan, it has two locomotives and just seven carriages. var inputs = field.getElementsByTagName('input'); input.placeholder = input.getAttribute('data-required-field'); and were really impressed by its quality. The Spirit of Queensland train journey is a 1681 kilometre route taking about 24-25 hours from Brisbane to Cairns. Railbed: - 2 x checked in items of luggage not exceeding 20kg and a maximum of 180 linear centimetres (sum of length, width and depth). Next. Besides, when compared to air travel, its a more sustainable method of transportation. In March 2019, my ticket cost AUD 389.25 / USD 268.54 / CAD 371.38, covered by 37,138 Scotia Rewards.
emailValidation: function() { Ride the historic railway to the hinterland or take a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef. 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. } else { 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. Access Queensland Rail Travel on Instagram, Access Queensland Rail Travel on Facebook, Access Queensland Rail Travel on Trip Advisor. Book as early as possible to take advantage of saver fares and seat selection. 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. for (var i = 0; i < instances.length; ++i) { I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. if (input.id === 'signup_email') return;
Meals will be delivered directly to Railbed guests and the 24 hour Club Car is available for additional purchases. 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. 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 Previous. if (typeof Widget === 'undefined' || !Widget.BasicDropdown) return; Looking for an airfare only? var invalidFields = document.querySelectorAll('.invalid'), }, On 10 September 2021, I finally boarded this train once more and experienced Railbed Sleeper from Cairns to Brisbane. }validate: function() { destination[prop] = source[prop]; The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country we traverse. } Miles and points are my thing. 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. if((input.type === 'checkbox' || input.type === 'radio') && input.checked) { this.fieldAndListValidation(); var instance = instances[i]; Our FREE AUSTRALIA Travel Guide is a great resource for planning a trip to Australia! Two of them, dinner and lunch, included a complimentary soft drink, juice, water, beer, or wine. 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. input.className = 'required'; } Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. } else { The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. }); We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. In my opinion the Rail Beds are a dismal failure. Oksana had the vegetarian noddle salad option. Definitely will keep in mind for my next Australia trip (hopefully soon!). Also, Id steer clear of selecting seats near doors that open and close frequently. Can't recommend the RailBed highly enough and would definitely do this sort of experience again. } }, } You can take the Spirit of Queensland train to Proserpine and then take a RailBus Connection to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the, . 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. Sorry to hear yours wasnt what you were hoping for. 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. Onboard Payment Options page. Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. 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. After leaving the urban sprawl of Brisbane, we passed by pineapple farms, rainforests, and the Glasshouse Mountains. (Fully Paid For so why Try Putting someone else or reselling . if (selected) { 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. },
We stopped for 5 days, enjoying some time in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays and on the Great Barrier Reef. If youre travelling solo, reserve a seat in the single bed aisle at the time of booking. input.className = 'required invalid'; Categories. Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) Not Available. } Spirit of Queensland - Brisbane << View all Brisbane City Centre tours & cruises. 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. Welcome to Packing Light Travel. this.submit.value = this.submitButtonText(); The journey takes roughly 25 hours. if (!Mimi.Signups) Mimi.Signups = {}; } else { this.submitForm(); this.emailValidation(); Hi Amanda are towels provided for economy seat passengers as well? Your trip your way! Youve shown me where wed be sitting/sleeping & it sounds wonderful , Oh that sounds like a lovely one to do together. this.dropdownValidation(field, input); Our brochures are loaded with great ideas. Or possibly first class, depending on who youre flying with. Features instance.onSelect = function(){ _this.validate() }; I had never thought about train travel in Australia, until reading In A Sunburned Country. } updateFormAfterValidation: function() { Contact Queensland Rail to find out how your travel plans can be accommodated. formSubmitting: function() { We hope to see you on board again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. Queensland Rail Limited ABN 71 132 181 090. 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. Guaranteed. } The. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll(".mimi_field.required"), var inputs = fields[i].getElementsByTagName('input'); Railbeds - Spirit of Queensland. With the beds made up, the lights dimmed, and the curtains closed, it felt like one large upmarket moving hostel dorm. setFormClassName: function() { 'submit' : 'disabled'; But even then it felt like such an old-fashioned thing to do. In fact, I used Scotiabanks Scotia Rewards to cover the cost of the Spirit of Queensland fare from Brisbane to Cairns. 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. Hi Anna, towels are provided so you dont need to worry about that one. }, But it actually looks really fun and glamourous! The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options. The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes. 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. 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. It has everything you need, from beds, showers, galley car, all-inclusive dining option, in-seat entertainment and much more! Ask the airfare experts at GowayAir. 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. }, For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. I must admit they were pushing it, their case was 200 grams over. var elements = this.form.elements; } this.onSelectCallback(input); } Another route through the Outback, this time going from Brisbane to Charleville, taking in the picturesque scenery of the Great Dividing Range and the Darling Downs farmland along the way. The sun is preparing to come up over the mountain range, theres mist everywhere, and kangaroos are hopping beside the train. We took the Queensland Class train from Cairns to Brisbane to give us a chance to see Australia and give us a break from internal flights. document.body.removeChild(script); A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as The Ghan, it has two locomotives and just seven carriages. if (document.addEventListener) { It's easy to walk around or freshen up with a shower. document.body.appendChild(script); It was more expensive than flying but an attractive option, all things considered. this.submit.className = 'disabled'; It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. It arrives at 4:30 pm. The Service fell down at the Dinner Service ex Townsville, Good food spoilt by over heating. new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation(); Sign up for my weekly newsletter: travel tips, inspiration and a chuckle or two. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your RailBed ticket, with one glass of complimentary wine with your evening meal.function extend(destination, source) { The pod-like RailBeds provided a considerable amount of privacy, similar to business class pods on an aircraft. Glad the story helped with your travel dreaming and planning . 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. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field'); With a high ticket price, many would wonder, is the journey on the train really worth it? I am sure the passengers at the other end of the platform were all now awake. Hi Tom, Im glad youve experienced this one for yourself and that you love the staff on the trains. Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. A video trip report of Railbed (first) class on QR Travel's new Spirit of Queensland tilting train. 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. For the main, I chose oven-roasted pork loin accompanied by an apple infused jus, chat potatoes, carrots, and beans. 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. this.isValid = false; There are little things like bends and track conditions to take into consideration, and of course slowing to come into towns and stopping to let passengers on and off. var email = document.getElementById('signup_email');
A light sweater or pashmina will help combat fluctuations in air temperature. We do appreciate your honest feedback and thank you for taking the time to review our train. }, Movies, music, and audiobooks were on demand. Great train journey from Brisbane to Cairns. You could have flown business class on points, on a direct flight from Sydney to Cairns for $25 in taxes and fees. } isnt the only one departing from Queensland there are a number of other routes taking you to the far-flung corners of the state! There was a decent-sized 18.5-inch screen on the back of the seat in front. 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. _this = this; }, This was one of the stops we made during our journey from Brisbane to Cairns by train. We're looking forward to more trips with Queensland Rail. 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? Hi Noel, they do indeed. A staff member told me the beds cost $100,000 each. You can also get connecting coach services to Quilpie and Cunnamulla. this.validEmail = /.+@.+\..+/ The Staff on the Queenslander are EXCELLENT! this.form = document.getElementById('ema_signup_form'); When: All year round. var name = this.form.className; field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); , or one of the many wildlife and nature experiences just outside of the city. 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.