if (!Mimi) var Mimi = {}; The USB ports are useless for charging so I plug mine into the power point beside the bed. More onboard experiencesOnboard MerchandiseMore about your train. return name.replace(/\s?mimi_invalid/, ''); } else { } The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. destination[prop] = source[prop]; The bathroom was kept impeccably clean throughout the trip. } var invalidFields = document.querySelectorAll('.invalid'), input.className = 'required invalid'; } _this.onFormSubmit(e); By night they are converted into the sort of flat bed that Id be very happy to find on a plane, measuring 1.9m x 0.51m. One of the advantages of train travel is that travelling between city centres is usually more convenient and less costly than getting to and from airports. It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. A fast moving slumber party. 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. }, Can you take the train from Brisbane to Cairns but get on and off overnight in various places en route? First meal was around mid-day on Day One, quite a serviceable chicken noodle dish with a sticky-date pudding for dessert. } At night, theyre a comfortable bed with a thick mattress and beautiful bedding consisting of a sheet, two pillows, and a duvet. The bathrooms were very big for a train and I didn't have to wait very long to use any of them, even with people showering in the morning. It was a welcome break from the frenetic pace of busy airports, enhanced security-screening measures, and cramped aircraft space. this.removeTextFieldError(email); The service included a welcome drink of ginger beer, lime, mint, and ice. window.attachEvent('onload', function() { Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. } for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { 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 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. this.textValidation(input); 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. We look forward to seeing you again onboard someday.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation(); In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. But she does feel fast. 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. Tasmania West Coast Wilderness Railway Strahan - Queenstown Complete Review: https://youtu.be/yPo_fWHSCWMTranswa Australind Perth to Bunbury: https://youtu.be/m6GLBrtwH4gTravelling on the Old Ghan Railway - Pichi Richi Afghan Express Port Augusta to Quorn return https://youtu.be/nuFYBlh9KWMThe Inlander Townsville to Mount Isa: https://youtu.be/l97k6Rk8mR8Fastest Train in Australia - Tilt Train Business Class Brisbane to Rockhampton: https://youtu.be/n3ZDMh1JLDMTranswa Prospector Train Perth to Kalgoorlie - The Fastest Service in Australia: https://youtu.be/FhFQfeUvKaIThe Westlander Train Toowoomba to Queensland: https://youtu.be/V39L8pP5dZgRiding on Locomotive 3801, a legend of steam: https://youtu.be/wvuymG4Er90The Overland train Red Premium class from Melbourne to Adelaide: https://youtu.be/QsGZZdbAlcQFirst Class Spirit of the Outback train from Brisbane to Longreach: https://youtu.be/Lb4snTmxreUPremium Economy Class Spirit of Queensland from Townsville to Cairns: https://youtu.be/ewj5HyNUxw0NSW XPT First class sleeper from Sydney to Melbourne: https://youtu.be/WrXUf0Q7pUMNSW XPT Economy class from Canberra to Melbourne via Yass: https://youtu.be/7j-K7NAxvNoCanberra to Melbourne by trains only, Xplorer + XPT: https://youtu.be/Ck-TWprVodIFirst Class V/Line N class from Melbourne to Wodonga: https://youtu.be/2jxurlLMEYoFirst Class NSW Xplorer train from Sydney to Canberra: https://youtu.be/QmABDqeX9ngTrainspotting at Wondabyne station: https://youtu.be/KJX2AIa4PIYJoin my channel membership to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLxsJJL11SLXwh4C8I3sWQ/joinFollow my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roryding.travels/New Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rorydingtravels#QueenslandRail #train #SpiritofQueensland Tea and coffee were also provided. In our opinion, it is, especially if you take it as an opportunity to stop along the way and break up your journey. We are Oksana & Max, eco-conscious travelers on a mission to inspire responsible travel practices around the world. I described the sleep time in terms of a ship. 2 Days / 1 Night aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns in a lie-flat RailBed with lunch and dinner. } else { 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. This three-day itinerary describe these suggestions and a host of other ideas. It's easy to walk around or freshen up with a shower. 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!). Spirit of Queensland . 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. I travelled from Roma St to Ayr and return on the Spirit of Queensland 'Rail Bed'. A staff member told me the beds cost $100,000 each. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. Full Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Pontoon Experience . } We had tickets from Roma St to Cairns. along the way. They drive the train and supply power to the carriages. The Staff on the Queenslander are EXCELLENT! 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. this.isValid = false; Its also a good idea to pack your own entertainment. } },

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) { Surely for that amount of money something more comfortable must have been possible. Your entertainment system might not work or the content could be uninspiring. } else { 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. 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. Cars B and C are becoming old. } else if(result.single_opt_in || !result.confirmation_html) { For us, trains offer the best alternative to flying. this.textFieldError(email); In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. I took a Queensland Rail train form Brisbane to Maryborough and it was very affordable. Further north were cattle stations, wetlands, sugar cane fields, and mango and banana plantations. 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.

if (this.validEmail.test(email.value)) { this.submit.disabled = true; Theres also a Galley / Club Car, and a carriage for luggage and crew. Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. I had never thought about train travel in Australia, until reading In A Sunburned Country. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. How much were you paid for this review? var script = document.createElement('script'); Theres a locomotive at each end. The wait is over!! Rail bed being used prior to us using rail bed seat, used pillow evidence left of prior occupation. 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. by Anne Betts | Nov 7, 2019 | Australia | 8 comments. Let us customize a dream holiday for you. and were really impressed by its quality. The staff on the train were just fantastic very professional and they just couldnt do enough for the passengers. Hot breakfast consisted of a three cheese omelette served with pork chipolata, bacon and tomato wedge (there was also a vegetarian option available). 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. this.isValid = true; If youre travelling solo, reserve a seat in the single bed aisle at the time of booking. Get your FREE subscription today.

textValidation: function(input) { He did ask if he could pay for the excess, in his case 200 grams. My young friend shook her head in disbelief at the absurdity of my travel choices. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. While the cold option included a choice of cereal with greek yogurt, berry compote and a freshly baked pastry. Are people forced to wear masks on the train? Copyright 2022 Adventures All Around | Website by Liveby5. My experience started when the luggage gestapo screamed that my luggage was overweight. Ask the airfare experts at GowayAir. } The water was hot and the pressure was perfect. Sleeping to the rocking and rolling of the train and soothing sounds of rail travel added to the enjoyment. } else { Sign up for my weekly newsletter: travel tips, inspiration and a chuckle or two. Other points programs fund other travels. this.formSubmitting(); Oksana had the vegetarian noddle salad option. onSelectCallback: function(input) {

for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { Thanks for sharing. It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. But while domestic flights certainly dominate travelers preference list, it wont surprise many to hear that its not the most eco-conscious way. A Railbed, on the Spirit of Queensland, offers most of the benefits of a seat at the front of a plane with the bonus of scenic views, rather than clouds, through the large windows. Hi Tom, Im glad youve experienced this one for yourself and that you love the staff on the trains. 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. Details valid from 1st December 2021 and are subject to change. text; Glad the story helped with your travel dreaming and planning . Enjoy 35 degrees of recline and a wide flat 18.5 inch screen with on-demand . Definitely will keep in mind for my next Australia trip (hopefully soon!). The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. If I had known about the collection procedure at Townsville station, I would have done this. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. At busy times, it was possible to buy a drink and take it back to the comfort of your seat. var input = inputs[i]; What is the food like in the Railbed section? Queensland Rail Travel is committed to supporting Queenslanders by preventing the spread of COVID-19. On the Brisbane to Cairns route, the views were interesting and varied. document.body.removeChild(script); if (input.value) { Required fields are marked *. 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 spinach & feta quick was definitely our favourite! Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. 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. The next morning I wake up, look out the window and smile. The final product was among a number of options put to testers and was selected as the most comfortable option. By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. } else { 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. if (document.addEventListener) { For $389?. for (var prop in source) { I would have appreciated Wi-Fi to look up stuff on the fly such as How did the Glasshouse Mountains get their name? or When is sugar cane harvested? Also, a lounge would have been a more attractive spot to relax than the Galley / Club Car. Any other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the club car, which is where premium economy passengers buy their meals. Orders were taken in advance of the meal. There are also savings from the cost of getting to and from airports, and baggage and seat selection fees associated with air travel. The entertainment schedule changes regularly, but you can check it ahead of your trip via the Spirit of Queensland entertainment guide. 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. 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. 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 was really good value considering it is overnight accommodation, travel and three hearty meals! 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. delete window[this.callbackName]; Pack shower shoes (e.g., thongs/flip flops), and comfortable sleepwear. if (this.fieldType(fields[i]) === 'text_field') { Surely for that amount of money something more comfortable must have been possible. Do you need a Visa to enter? } } submitForm: function() { In-seat wine and dine service and entertainment aboard the Spirit of Queensland. this.onSubmitSuccess(response.result); Our FREE AUSTRALIA Travel Guide is a great resource for planning a trip to Australia! I may have grown up on a farm where kangaroos were commonplace but the sight puts a big smile on my face. I travelled from Roma St to Ayr and return on the Spirit of Queensland 'Rail Bed'. Hi Amanda are towels provided for economy seat passengers as well? this.submit.className = this.isValid ? Enjoy the trip! } Need help in planning your perfect holiday? if (typeof Widget === 'undefined' || !Widget.BasicDropdown) return; The Spirit of Queensland runs between Cairns and Brisbane five times a week. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. Before leaving home Id already decided I was going the PJs route and had packed my Singapore Airlines sleep suit. }, . 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. Meals will be delivered directly to Railbed guests and the 24 hour Club Car is available for additional purchases. For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. } else { Pros Great staff, own cabin, nice lounge with a bar, nice restaurant, great views, great showers, nice to meet other people and share experiences, easier than flying, excellent food and plenty of it. It arrives at 4:30 pm. The journey takes roughly 25 hours. The customer service was fantastic - the staff very clearly enjoy doing a good job and the food that was served us was delicious. this.emailValidation(); Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. You feel connected to the rails, and as the train tilts, so do you. Even though the train gets up to speeds of 160km per hour, its innovative tilt design allows for a really smooth ride even around those sharp turns, youd barely know you were moving at all! My wife and I have just returned from a trip Brisbane to Cairns and returned Proserpine to Brisbane.