for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { Join the mailing list for updates, and access to the Resource Library. if (!Mimi.Signups) Mimi.Signups = {};
revalidateOnChange: function() { if (format === 'json') action += '.json'; Cars B and C are becoming old. Your email address will not be published. The. The Spirit of Queensland. Fully plated meals will be provided to RailBed customers offering hot or continental breakfast, 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner. }, Any other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the club car, which is where premium economy passengers buy their meals. 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. RailBeds - There are 2 accessible RailBeds, however, there is no provision to park a non-collapsible wheelchair. this.isValid = false; It was a very bad crossing on a ship without stabilisers, with screaming banshees all night. Disembark here to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters on the shores of the Noosa National Park. The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. and were really impressed by its quality. Hi Noel, they do indeed. #833-0; TICO Reg. There's a locomotive at each end. 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. this.isValid = false; selected = true; And Im with you and definitely want to do it again someday. 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 },Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation = function() { 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. Great train journey from Brisbane to Cairns. if (result.has_redirect) { Dear TDK1962,Many thanks for your kind review. We apologise that the comfort profile of the Railbed did not meet your expectations.With regards to noise I am sure you understand that things like train movement and occasional noise related to this are beyond our control. Oh thats so lovely to hear, Linda. 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. We got to sample both the spinach and feta quiche served with a fresh garden salad and the lemon chicken with rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables. },
return 'checkboxes'; You can take the Spirit of Queensland train to Proserpine and then take a RailBus Connection to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the, . Staff made them up, and returned the beds to seats, on demand. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Thanks, If you are in the Sleeping carriage can you still walk through to the Dining / Club carriage for coffee etc. I was just wondering if towels were provided for the showers or if it was byo? } this.removeTextFieldError(input); Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. 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. return name; . With a high ticket price, many would wonder, is the journey on the train really worth it? text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-default-text'); 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. The USB ports are useless for charging so I plug mine into the power point beside the bed. The Tilt Train 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. Each seat had a standard power point, USB port, and earphone socket. } else { For anyone who loves train travel, Queensland Rails Spirit of Queensland is a fabulous choice. No other words are needed. For dinner, we once again had a choice of a 3-course meal. this.submit.value = this.submit.getAttribute('data-submitting-text'); 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. The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. if (input.getAttribute('name') === 'signup[email]') { The new Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel. input.placeholder = ''; There are stops for passengers to board and disembark. isnt the only one departing from Queensland there are a number of other routes taking you to the far-flung corners of the state! 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. 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. For $389?. But it actually looks really fun and glamourous! Where: Brisbane to Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Railbed: - 2 x checked in items of luggage not exceeding 20kg and a maximum of 180 linear centimetres (sum of length, width and depth). I travelled from Roma St to Ayr and return on the Spirit of Queensland 'Rail Bed'. QLD trains, forget the hype NOTHING HAS CHANGED except the prices. }, Club Car - The licensed Club Car allowing guests to purchase light refreshments, confectionery and beverages throughout the journey. script.src = this.formUrl('json'); But, theres also the train thing. My partner and I chose to do Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland. for (var j = 0; j < inputs.length; ++j) { new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation(); }); We regret that you were not informed beforehand that you are able to store the luggage yourself if you prefer. The Club Car is licensed to sell alcohol from 10am - 12 midnight. First meal was around mid-day on Day One, quite a serviceable chicken noodle dish with a sticky-date pudding for dessert. We are always striving to improve the customer experience and it is always fantastic to hear from people like yourself who thoroughly enjoy their trip with us. For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. Your email address will never be shared. I travelled in the RailBed from Cairns to Brisbane and the whole experience was exceptional - I enjoyed every second of it. They have been designed to provide a smooth and relaxing ride. What a cool way to slow travel and see more of a country. The bathroom was spacious and worth the experience of showering to the rocking on the rails. } The next morning I wake up, look out the window and smile. The Club Car provides food and refreshments for purchase as well a social environment to sit with other travelers.Kind Regards,Customer Service - Travel. is definitely worth a stop along your Spirit of Queensland journey. You feel connected to the rails, and as the train tilts, so do you. He did ask if he could pay for the excess, in his case 200 grams. 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. showConfirmationText: function(html) { } Take your pick from the Great Barrier Reef. var email = document.getElementById('signup_email'); The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. , plus 15 handmade tunnels and 37 towering bridges and offers a truly unique rail adventure. } else { selected = false; this.validEmail = /.+@.+\..+/ The staff on the train were just fantastic very professional and they just couldnt do enough for the passengers. Or possibly first class, depending on who youre flying with. 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. this.initialize(); 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. 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. A staff member told me the beds cost $100,000 each. However, the average speed is more like 80 kph. The Spirit of Queensland train journey is a 1681 kilometre route taking about 24-25 hours from Brisbane to Cairns. this.onSelectCallback(input); if (response.success) { 2 Days / 1 Night aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns in a lie-flat RailBed with lunch and dinner. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country we traverse. However with unpredictable border restrictions and the train's popular demand, I had to reschedule this trip again and again! Our brochures are loaded with great ideas. Disembark here to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters on the shores of the, Hop off the Spirit of Queensland train and. Hop off the Spirit of Queensland train and hop on a ferry from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. A direct flight back to Brisbane offers a quick return. Can you take the train from Brisbane to Cairns but get on and off overnight in various places en route?emailValidation: function() { The overhead bin was large enough for my carry-on travel bag. 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. You could have flown business class on points, on a direct flight from Sydney to Cairns for $25 in taxes and fees. if (document.addEventListener) {
textValidation: function(input) { I am sure the passengers at the other end of the platform were all now awake. if (this.isValid || !invalidFields) { Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. } else { The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. It was more expensive than flying but an attractive option, all things considered. Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) . After leaving the urban sprawl of Brisbane, we passed by pineapple farms, rainforests, and the Glasshouse Mountains. Ive experienced the romance of rail on the Venice Simplon Orient Express and the Royal Scotsman, zipped through the Japanese countryside on a bullet train and crossed Canada on The Canadian. Contact Queensland Rail to find out how your travel plans can be accommodated. } 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. var dropdowns = field.querySelectorAll('.mimi_html_dropdown'); var action = this.form.action; Sorry to hear yours wasnt what you were hoping for. It was really good value considering it is overnight accommodation, travel and three hearty meals! } Theres also a Galley / Club Car, and a carriage for luggage and crew.
if (this.validEmail.test(email.value)) { var invalidFields = document.querySelectorAll('.invalid'), },
for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { var input = inputs[i]; if (input.name.indexOf('signup') >= 0) { Not much. before arriving at your final destination of Cairns. Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. Review our onboard menu options for your service by selecting a train below.. Stay up to date with the latest travel info and destination deals! } Each one can recline to thirty degrees. 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. - Packing Light Travel, 25 Tips on earning Aeroplan miles - Packing Light Travel, Sydney at its best: A self-guided tour of The Rocks, the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and points in between - Packing Light Travel. For information on the site, please see the About page. The magazine for world travellers. Need help in planning your perfect holiday? The Staff on the Queenslander are EXCELLENT! if((input.type === 'checkbox' || input.type === 'radio') && input.checked) { Second was evening Day One, and given we were going through the heartland of Qld's beef country, I had the beef cheeks. Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. } I had seen a couple of tv shows about this new train, so I decided to travel from Cairns to Townsville in the so call premium economy. The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. elements[i].disabled = true; Youve shown me where wed be sitting/sleeping & it sounds wonderful , Oh that sounds like a lovely one to do together. Also, Id steer clear of selecting seats near doors that open and close frequently. Details valid from 1st December 2021 and are subject to change. Toilet seats have become loose and generally a good refurbishment program would work wonders. this.isValid = false; Dear stevecau,It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your experience on board the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns recently. The new Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. }, 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. 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? })(this); We spent many years living and traveling around Australia exploring the country in-depth! Even the 2nd Class Sleepers in Thai railways have curtains. Let us assist with your travel documents. }, The Spirit of Queensland fleet will provide guests with a fast, value for money modern rail experience. this.disableForm(); Hi Amanda, could you tell me what items are included in amenities bag on Spirit of Queensland please. }; While the Spirit of Queensland can and does do 160 kilometres per hour at times, she doesnt stick to that speed the whole way. We look forward to seeing you again onboard someday.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. 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. When it comes time to get ready for bed, the staff leaps into action, bringing out the hydraulics to flip the seat over to reveal a mattress. RailBed passengers also receive a lip balm, hand sanitser and hand cream from Queensland skincare brand, Bubbles Organic. The three meals were delivered on a trolley to each seat. var inputs = fields[i].getElementsByTagName('input'); By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. Your email address will not be published. I imagine so, but presumably it will cost more and will require paying for each segment. _this.onSubmitCallback(response); } For breakfast, there was a choice of hot or cold option served at around 7 am. 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. The drawstring bag included shampoo, conditioner, face mist, lip balm, body lotion, face cloth, eye mask, earplugs, and headphones. Our toolkit is a great place to get started. } } } updateSubmitButtonText: function(text) { The spinach & feta quick was definitely our favourite! All thoughts and opinions remain her own. On 10 September 2021, I finally boarded this train once more and experienced Railbed Sleeper from Cairns to Brisbane. This three-day itinerary describe these suggestions and a host of other ideas. 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. I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. Planning to get the train from Brisbane? this.submitForm(); But even then it felt like such an old-fashioned thing to do. 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. var _this = this; The Spirit of Queenslands RailBed experience was one of the most relaxing journeys Ive ever had. The Sirromet Vineyard Selection Shiraz came from Queenslands Granite Belt. Railbed Car - Spirit of Queensland. I did this trip recently and I loved it to bits, except for one thing and I'll get to that. Cost: 390 dollars for a rail bed fare at time of publication. When: All year round. this.form.className += ' mimi_submitting'; The train attains a top speed of 160 kph, usually achieved during the night. } The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes. In our opinion, it is, especially if you take it as an opportunity to stop along the way and break up your journey. The service and the food was very delicious not a leftover to be seen at each meal. The Spirit of Queensland runs between Cairns and Brisbane five times a week. destination[prop] = source[prop]; }); 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. _this.onFormSubmit(e); 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 food was better than what Ive encountered in economy-class cabins on international airlines. The RailBed chair was very comfortable and the selection of films/tv/documentaries to watch or music to listed to was very good. 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!). The Spirit of Queensland is a long distance passenger rail service running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. 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. for (var prop in source) { We are Oksana & Max, eco-conscious travelers on a mission to inspire responsible travel practices around the world. Phone: 1800 872 467 is bookings for Queensland Rail Travel. But Ive never travelled on a train like this anywhere else in the world. For us, trains offer the best alternative to flying. On the Brisbane to Cairns route, the views were interesting and varied. Surely for that amount of money something more comfortable must have been possible. this.textValidation(input); Spirit Of Queensland. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. I thought that it had been upgraded. In-seat wine and dine service and entertainment aboard the Spirit of Queensland. There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. }, document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Packing Light Travel. I suspect Queensland Rail assigns single bookings in this way but I wouldnt count on it. It worked just fine. var _this = this; }, return name.replace(/\s?mimi_invalid/, ''); this.submit.className = 'disabled';dropdownValidation: function(field, input) { All Railbeds face the direction of travel and can not be reversed. Spirit of Queensland . The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. 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. We do appreciate your honest feedback and thank you for taking the time to review our train. 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. It took longer to get from Cairns to Townsville than it did fifteen years ago. } My bag weighted 20.1kg, 100 grams over weight. It is operated by a diesel powered [3] Tilt Train that runs five times a week on the North Coast line between Brisbane and Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 mi). In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. to Townsville. Your email address will not be published.
checkboxAndRadioValidation: function(field) { It was a welcome break from the frenetic pace of busy airports, enhanced security-screening measures, and cramped aircraft space. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. 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. } else { Guaranteed. As I came back from the bathrooms feeling all comfy I noticed some people had the same idea as me while others planned to sleep in their clothes. Your feedback on the noise within the sleeping carriage has been relayed back to our Onboard Customer Service Team for monitoring. input.className = 'required invalid'; var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field'); You also get an amenities pack which included all organic products. Its beautiful out there, and I feel lucky to be seeing this part of Queensland in a completely new way. if (this.isValid) { A FREE travel quote! 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. As for what to wear to bed? Sign up for my weekly newsletter: travel tips, inspiration and a chuckle or two. The customer service was fantastic - the staff very clearly enjoy doing a good job and the food that was served us was delicious. Our Railbeds are an Australian first designed to provide our customers with a smooth and relaxing ride. if (typeof Widget === 'undefined' || !Widget.BasicDropdown) return; Your entertainment system might not work or the content could be uninspiring. A heavy label was attached and I was then told that I could have taken it on board myself. I enjoy train travel far more than flying but my overnight experiences were sadly not my favourites, even in a sleeper car, but this one looks pretty nice. For information on what forms of payment are accepted onboard when travelling with us, visit our } Apparently the galley crew don`t understand how to heat food. Hot breakfast consisted of a three cheese omelette served with pork chipolata, bacon and tomato wedge (there was also a vegetarian option available). Thanks for thatbeen thinking of a train trip with my Asisstance Dog. Ride the historic railway to the hinterland or take a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef. The Spirit of Queensland is a Queensland Rail long distance passenger rail service. } else { 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("&")};