fieldAndListValidation: function() { You can spend a few days just exploring Airlie Beach with its palm-fringed beaches, bars and restaurants before going island hopping or sailing around the 74 islands of the Whitsundays. There are stops for passengers to board and disembark. This trip was not! Though with things changing all the time its always best to have a mask on you these days so you can do the right thing. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. Tiny hessian bags full of travel comforts are waiting for you along with welcoming hosts. The three meals were delivered on a trolley to each seat. For the three-course evening meal, the appetizer was a Caprese salad of Mozzarella pearls, tomatoes, and sweet basil seasoned with salt and olive oil. Showers & Toilets - Showers and toilets are located at the end of all passenger carriages. You can also get connecting coach services to Quilpie and Cunnamulla. Rail bed being used prior to us using rail bed seat, used pillow evidence left of prior occupation. } else { Full Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Pontoon Experience . 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. I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. Hi Noel, they do indeed. Meanwhile the RailBeds are reminiscent of business class seats on an airline. I wasnt paid anything for the review, and clearly we had very different experiences. Apparently, a lounge was part of the original design but with rising costs, the project needed to be scaled back and the lounge was scrapped. } else { },
Well, one of my things. Reviewed 18 August 2017. The wait is over!! I highly recommend it. The sun is preparing to come up over the mountain range, theres mist everywhere, and kangaroos are hopping beside the train. 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. inputs[j].onchange = function(){ _this.validate() }; I took a Queensland Rail train form Brisbane to Maryborough and it was very affordable. 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. The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes. } else { We regret that you were not informed beforehand that you are able to store the luggage yourself if you prefer. . 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. Our brochures are loaded with great ideas. In other words, you traded a three-dollar business class flight to spend 24-hours on a train? It has everything you need, from beds, showers, galley car, all-inclusive dining option, in-seat entertainment and much more! I travelled from Roma St to Ayr and return on the Spirit of Queensland 'Rail Bed'. The main lights were turned off at 21:30, but each pod had individual reading lights. }, Ride the historic railway to the hinterland or take a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef. } else { 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. I had never thought about train travel in Australia, until reading In A Sunburned Country. With the beds all made up, the lights dimmed and the curtains closed, the RailBeds feel like a fun slumber party. onSubmitSuccess: function(result) { You can catch the Brisbane to Cairns train five times a week and have the option of booking RailBed or Premium Economy seats. Thanks for sharing. Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge. var dropdown = dropdowns[i]; if (input.value) { I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. Hot breakfast in RailBed Class on the Spirit of Queensland train Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. Travelling between Brisbane and Cairns five times a week, the Spirit of Queensland redefines the modern rail travel experience with a comfortable and convenient way to access spectacular holiday destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns and everywhere in between. formUrl: function(format) { this.removeTextFieldError(email); 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. The Sirromet Vineyard Selection Shiraz came from Queenslands Granite Belt. Learn how your comment data is processed. Planning your next trip? if (invalidFields.length || invalidFields[0].className.indexOf('checkgroup') === -1) { Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. script.src = this.formUrl('json'); The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. What was missing from the RailBed experience? Shoes with a decent tread will keep you upright when moving throughout the train. this.validEmail = /.+@.+\..+/ Two of them, dinner and lunch, included a complimentary soft drink, juice, water, beer, or wine. } else { } else { 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. The overhead compartment contained a towel, blanket, and inflatable neck cushion. By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable.checkboxAndRadioValidation: function(field) { 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). } text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-default-text'); } else { But it actually looks really fun and glamourous! We had tickets from Roma St to Cairns. this.updateSubmitButtonText(this.submit.getAttribute('data-thanks')); In March 2019, my ticket cost AUD 389.25 / USD 268.54 / CAD 371.38, covered by 37,138 Scotia Rewards. Check out the Queensland Rail site for options. 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. The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. It had been over fifteen years since I travelled from Brisbane to Cairns on this service. My young friend shook her head in disbelief at the absurdity of my travel choices. With a high ticket price, many would wonder, is the journey on the train really worth it? Your feedback on the noise within the sleeping carriage has been relayed back to our Onboard Customer Service Team for monitoring. selected = true; Do you need a Visa to enter? 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. "what do you think we are? Access Queensland Rail Travel on Instagram, Access Queensland Rail Travel on Facebook, Access Queensland Rail Travel on Trip Advisor. },
var input = inputs[i]; Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. textAndDropdownValidation: function(field, type) { } else if(result.single_opt_in || !result.confirmation_html) { 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. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) { 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. There are windows throughout the carriage so youll be able to see that view.function extend(destination, source) { 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. The next morning I wake up, look out the window and smile. (this.form.querySelectorAll('fieldset')[0] || this.form).innerHTML = html; } else { 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. var inputs = fields[i].getElementsByTagName('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. Guaranteed. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The food was better than what Ive encountered in economy-class cabins on international airlines. How do you return from Cairns when trip finishes I believe it finishes at night. . Theres a locomotive at each end. 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. The Spirit of Queenslands RailBed experience was one of the most relaxing journeys Ive ever had. this.isValid = false; The Spirit of Queensland is a long distance passenger rail service running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. };
In fact, I used Scotiabanks Scotia Rewards to cover the cost of the Spirit of Queensland fare from Brisbane to Cairns. The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). if (format === 'json') action += '.json'; this.textFieldError(input); RailBed passengers also receive a lip balm, hand sanitser and hand cream from Queensland skincare brand, Bubbles Organic. They drive the train and supply power to the carriages. 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 for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { 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. Features For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. https://youtu.be/FHcDorXrmWoMUST DO!! Toilet seats have become loose and generally a good refurbishment program would work wonders. #1543989; CST #2016613-20. The Service fell down at the Dinner Service ex Townsville, Good food spoilt by over heating. You also get an amenities pack which included all organic products. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. The spinach & feta quick was definitely our favourite! A staff member told me the beds cost $100,000 each. var instance = instances[i]; 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. if (this.fieldType(fields[i]) === 'text_field') { 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. First meal was around mid-day on Day One, quite a serviceable chicken noodle dish with a sticky-date pudding for dessert. 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. 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. Enjoy our online presentations from the comfort of your home. 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. along the way. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. 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 Hi Tom, Im glad youve experienced this one for yourself and that you love the staff on the trains. The service included a welcome drink of ginger beer, lime, mint, and ice. Surely for that amount of money something more comfortable must have been possible. But she does feel fast. formSubmitting: function() { Good luck! var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field.required'); } Join the mailing list for updates, and access to the Resource Library. The RailBed ticket for the Spirit of Queensland train includes all-inclusive meals which are served directly to your seat. A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as The Ghan, it has two locomotives and just seven carriages. My wife and I have just returned from a trip Brisbane to Cairns and returned Proserpine to Brisbane. }, if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid'; Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. You can spend a few days just exploring Airlie Beach with its palm-fringed beaches, bars and restaurants before going island hopping or, sailing around the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, Not only is Cairns a hub of vibrant city life full of great cafs, markets, art galleries, and nearby beaches, but its also. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. this.form.addEventListener('submit', function(e){ We opted for a Caprese salad, roasted pork loin and tiramisu cake. }, Stay up to date with the latest travel info and destination deals! Its beautiful out there, and I feel lucky to be seeing this part of Queensland in a completely new way. For anyone who loves train travel, Queensland Rails Spirit of Queensland is a fabulous choice. this.submit.className = 'disabled'; The staff on the train will have the latest update for the day so just listen for their instructions if needed and come prepared. 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 Spirit of Queensland train journey is a 1681 kilometre route taking about 24-25 hours from Brisbane to Cairns. You feel connected to the rails, and as the train tilts, so do you. My partner and I chose to do Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland. We hope to see you on board again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. },var _this = this; this.submit.disabled = !this.isValid; 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. But the best thing is, that you can really take your time and make a few pit stops along the way, the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, and Townsville before arriving at your final destination of Cairns. Enjoy the trip! Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. submitForm: function() { Spirit of Queensland . Not to mention its also home to over 350 species of birds, possums, wallabies, sea turtles, dolphins, and the famous dingo! 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. Dear TDK1962,Many thanks for your kind review. It was a welcome break from the frenetic pace of busy airports, enhanced security-screening measures, and cramped aircraft space. Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge. 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) { } However, with daylight, it was more interesting to enjoy the constantly changing coastal Queensland landscape. We left from Cairns, around 8.30am, heading for Brisbane. 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! Tea and coffee were also provided. _this.onSubmitCallback(response); if (dropdown.value) { 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. } else { for (var j = 0; j < inputs.length; ++j) { How much were you paid for this review? We look forward to seeing you again onboard someday.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. if (type === 'text_field') { It arrives at 4:30 pm. Lie Flat With RailBed The first two passenger carriages on Spirit of Queensland are dedicated to RailBed. A heavy label was attached and I was then told that I could have taken it on board myself. var input = this; this.formSubmitting(); }, } While you cant feel the speed of a plane once youre up in the air, you can feel the speed of a train. Not as far as Im aware, but youre best to check with Queensland Rail about that one to be sure. 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. The service and the food was very delicious not a leftover to be seen at each meal. There are the non-RailBed carriages that might meet your needs. 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. The Spirit of Queensland is a modern tilt train that runs the length of the Queensland coast between Brisbane and Cairns.
htmlEmbedDropdownValidation: function(field) { Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your RailBed ticket, with one glass of complimentary wine with your evening meal. There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); delete window[this.callbackName]; var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field'); This three-day itinerary describe these suggestions and a host of other ideas. At night, theyre a comfortable bed with a thick mattress and beautiful bedding consisting of a sheet, two pillows, and a duvet. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. if (this.isValid || !invalidFields) { The ones in the amenities kit are cheap and flimsy.
textValidation: function(input) { this.textFieldError(email);
validate: function() { As for what to wear to bed? }, The three premium economy cars have adjustable leather lounger seats in a 2 2 configuration. However, the average speed is more like 80 kph. 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.
dropdownValidation: function(field, input) { updateSubmitButtonText: function(text) { Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. Our Railbeds are an Australian first designed to provide our customers with a smooth and relaxing ride. Spirit of Queensland Rail Service Townsville to Brisbane Sept 2015 Friendly and Welcoming Cabin Crew. 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. },
For a change of scenery, the Club Car offered an opportunity to mingle with other passengers over conversation and drinks. } The RailBed class is a top-notch travel experience at an affordable price. Railbed: - 2 x checked in items of luggage not exceeding 20kg and a maximum of 180 linear centimetres (sum of length, width and depth). Apparently the galley crew don`t understand how to heat food. Staff made them up, and returned the beds to seats, on demand. 5 Nights at 4-star Rydges Cairns Esplanade Resort with breakfast daily and welcome drink. A call button is available to contact the onboard staff for assistance Ive spent a lot of nights sleeping on trains and its true this one isnt like the ones Ive been on before with private cabins. Thanks for thatbeen thinking of a train trip with my Asisstance Dog. I did removed one article and my case now weighted 18kgs. }); I must admit they were pushing it, their case was 200 grams over. We traveled from Brisbane to Cairns in RailBed seats and were impressed with the comfort and service level in RailBed Class. Most people seemed to have pyjamas for sleeping. revalidateOnChange: function() { For the main, I chose oven-roasted pork loin accompanied by an apple infused jus, chat potatoes, carrots, and beans. this.submitForm(); }, We're looking forward to more trips with Queensland Rail. 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. } RailBed customers aboard Spirit of Queensland receive inclusive meals served directly to their seat. See queenslandrailtravel.com.au - Traveller An unanticipated problem. 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. more. There was a good selection of movies, tv shows, kids programmes or music channels available in the in-seat entertainment. var script = document.createElement('script'); if (document.addEventListener) { But Ive never travelled on a train like this anywhere else in the world. They have been designed to provide a smooth and relaxing ride. A light sweater or pashmina will help combat fluctuations in air temperature. I will definitely taking another trip in the future with qld rail thank you for a memorable trip away. selected = false; What attracted me to the Spirit of Queensland was the RailBed class.