Enjoy the trip! Unbelievable prices. For information on what forms of payment are accepted onboard when travelling with us, visit our A few downloaded Netflix movies and Spotify playlists, or favourite podcasts or books might come in handy. Need help planning your holiday? Even the 2nd Class Sleepers in Thai railways have curtains. this.showConfirmationText(result.confirmation_html); We never got bored looking at the stunning scenery outside of our windows, but when it got dark, and we had to amuse ourselves before getting some shut-eye, the entertainment options on board the Spirit of Queensland were plentiful. 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. But, theres also the train thing. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) { for (var i = 0; i < elements.length; ++i) { } else { At the start of 2015, it replaced the diesel-hauled train The Sunlander . 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. The Spirit of Queensland has a maximum speed of 160km/h and the entire trip takes 24 hours.. }); The new Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel. 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. But Ive never travelled on a train like this anywhere else in the world. Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. }); But even then it felt like such an old-fashioned thing to do. } 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. The service and the food was very delicious not a leftover to be seen at each meal. 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 menu brings a paddock to plate experience with meals prepared using the freshest Queensland produce. The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. var input = this; There are windows throughout the carriage so youll be able to see that view. Definitely will keep in mind for my next Australia trip (hopefully soon!). We are Oksana & Max, a Canadian couple with a passion for sustainable travel. this.emailValidation(); The food was better than what Ive encountered in economy-class cabins on international airlines. } else { field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); Besides, when compared to air travel, its a more sustainable method of transportation. I have just returned from my first trip on the spirit of Queensland Brisbane to Cairns. },
Sleeping to the rocking and rolling of the train and soothing sounds of rail travel added to the enjoyment.fieldAndListValidation: function() { At busy times, it was possible to buy a drink and take it back to the comfort of your seat. Youve shown me where wed be sitting/sleeping & it sounds wonderful , Oh that sounds like a lovely one to do together. return 'text_field'; The couple behind me also suffered the same screaming about being overweight. input.className = 'required'; The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. When travelling in Australia, I use British Airways Avios points to fly on Qantas, one of British Airways oneworld airline partners. by Anne Betts | Nov 7, 2019 | Australia | 8 comments. var email = document.getElementById('signup_email');
Categories. return action + '?callback=' + this.callbackName + '&' + serialize(this.form); Your email address will not be published. Pack shower shoes (e.g., thongs/flip flops), and comfortable sleepwear. this.submit.className = this.isValid ? Collapsible wheelchairs can be stowed at the end of the carriage. Not unlike first class in a plane but more spacious. It was more expensive than flying but an attractive option, all things considered. (function(global) { By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. No access to the Club Car is available from the RailBeds for wheelchair customers. The ride was quiet and smooth, and conversation was possible at a normal volume. The Service fell down at the Dinner Service ex Townsville, Good food spoilt by over heating. I took a Queensland Rail train form Brisbane to Maryborough and it was very affordable. Premium economy-class passengers buy their meals from the Galley and some choose to eat in the Club Car so it can become congested at meal times. } Club Car - The licensed Club Car allowing guests to purchase light refreshments, confectionery and beverages throughout the journey. Yes, especially when factoring in the costs of overnight accommodation, three meals, and long-distance ground transportation. The fold-down seat had a pocket for reading material and assorted items. Also, Id steer clear of selecting seats near doors that open and close frequently. Glad the story helped with your travel dreaming and planning . top.location.href = result.redirect; }); Thanks for sharing. Your entertainment system might not work or the content could be uninspiring. We do appreciate your honest feedback and thank you for taking the time to review our train. } else if(result.single_opt_in || !result.confirmation_html) { Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. Youll also get a free knee blanket! The seven carriages in between include two RailBed sleeper cars with airline style seats that convert to lie-flat beds. } 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? var _this = this; document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Over the years Ive been lucky to have travelled on some pretty incredible trains around the world. Let us customize a dream holiday for you. }, Spirit of Queensland Rail Service Townsville to Brisbane Sept 2015 Friendly and Welcoming Cabin Crew. this.onSelectCallback(input); Its also a good idea to pack your own entertainment. A heavy label was attached and I was then told that I could have taken it on board myself. We're looking forward to more trips with Queensland Rail. , plus 15 handmade tunnels and 37 towering bridges and offers a truly unique rail adventure.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) { Toilet seats have become loose and generally a good refurbishment program would work wonders. } if (response.success) { We experienced USB ports that didnt work, and ear-hone jacks that didnt work. Take your pick from the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, or one of the many wildlife and nature experiences just outside of the city. var invalidFields = document.querySelectorAll('.invalid'), 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. } Well, one of my things. onSubmitCallback: function(response) { It had been over fifteen years since I travelled from Brisbane to Cairns on this service. this.removeTextFieldError(input); } else { Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. Your email address will not be published. Other points programs fund other travels. if (name.indexOf('mimi_invalid') === -1) { _this.onFormSubmit(e); do the single railbed seats at the front and back of the carriage have a window? The three premium economy cars have adjustable leather lounger seats in a 2 2 configuration. 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.updateSubmitButtonText(this.submit.getAttribute('data-thanks')); 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. After folks settled in, a more social atmosphere prevailed, especially while watching staff make up the beds. In-seat wine and dine service and entertainment aboard the Spirit of Queensland. While the cold option included a choice of cereal with greek yogurt, berry compote and a freshly baked pastry. if (result.has_redirect) { I did this trip recently and I loved it to bits, except for one thing and I'll get to that. It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. Queensland Rail Limited ABN 71 132 181 090. Perhaps Ill give it another chance. It's easy to walk around or freshen up with a shower. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, Croc Express to Australia Zoo from Brisbane. }, 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. return 'checkboxes'; Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. along the way. top.location.href = this.formUrl('html'); return text; Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge. Guaranteed. this.submit.disabled = !this.isValid; this.textValidation(input); Surely for that amount of money something more comfortable must have been possible. before arriving at your final destination of Cairns. There are stops for passengers to board and disembark. updateFormAfterValidation: function() { 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. Not much. Its still all fresh Queensland produce but its mostly been prepped on land before its finished on board. 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 the only improvement seems to be more leg room and a bigger toilet/shower room. 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. }, 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. 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. , or one of the many wildlife and nature experiences just outside of the city. A direct flight back to Brisbane offers a quick return. Sign up for my weekly newsletter: travel tips, inspiration and a chuckle or two. this.fieldAndListValidation();