onFormSubmit: function(e) { My young friend shook her head in disbelief at the absurdity of my travel choices. return name.replace(/\s?mimi_invalid/, ''); . Never again!.. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid'; But even then it felt like such an old-fashioned thing to do. Water Fountains - Drinking fountains are located at the end of all passenger carriages. The new Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel. We opted for a Caprese salad, roasted pork loin and tiramisu cake. var inputs = field.getElementsByTagName('input'); input.className = 'required invalid'; Pack shower shoes (e.g., thongs/flip flops), and comfortable sleepwear. Dear Aussieart,We thank you for providing feedback on your Spirit of Queensland journey with us recently.We are disappointed to hear that your experience was marred by one or more Queensland Rail Travel staff members. Luckily, it is possible to get around Australia without flying, especially on the East Coast by taking the Spirit of Queensland train! input.placeholder = input.getAttribute('data-required-field'); Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. this.callbackName = 'jsonp_callback_' + Math.round(100000 * Math.random()); Phone: 1800 872 467 is bookings for Queensland Rail Travel. formUrl: function(format) { The Spirit of Queensland. I described the sleep time in terms of a ship. For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. I am sure the passengers at the other end of the platform were all now awake. The food was better than what Ive encountered in economy-class cabins on international airlines. I had never thought about train travel in Australia, until reading In A Sunburned Country. The Spirit of Queensland train journey is a 1681 kilometre route taking about 24-25 hours from Brisbane to Cairns. However, when we helped them board yesterday the other guests in their carriage (B) who had boarded somewhere between Cairns and Townsville were not wearing masks. They have been designed to provide a smooth and relaxing ride. } else { For breakfast, there was a choice of hot or cold option served at around 7 am. I may have grown up on a farm where kangaroos were commonplace but the sight puts a big smile on my face. There was a decent-sized 18.5-inch screen on the back of the seat in front. A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as The Ghan, it has two locomotives and just seven carriages. Website: www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au. I took a Queensland Rail train form Brisbane to Maryborough and it was very affordable. disableForm: function() { this.isValid = false; This trip was not! textAndDropdownValidation: function(field, type) { The Spirit of Queensland is a long distance passenger rail service running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. this.onSubmitSuccess(response.result); I would like to say it was a wonderful experience. Access Queensland Rail Travel on Instagram, Access Queensland Rail Travel on Facebook, Access Queensland Rail Travel on Trip Advisor. , or one of the many wildlife and nature experiences just outside of the city. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. But she does feel fast. } else { 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). Contact Queensland Rail to find out how your travel plans can be accommodated. The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. Hi Amanda are towels provided for economy seat passengers as well? var dropdown = dropdowns[i]; };
A 24-hour journey from Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland train will set you back by $370 per seat for a Premium Economy Seat and over $860 for a RailBed seat. "what do you think we are? } 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. 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. However, with daylight, it was more interesting to enjoy the constantly changing coastal Queensland landscape. 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.if (!Mimi) var Mimi = {}; Lie Flat With RailBed The first two passenger carriages on Spirit of Queensland are dedicated to RailBed. The main stops en route between Brisbane and Cairns are Maryborough (where you can get a connecting . As for what to wear to bed? The ones in the amenities kit are cheap and flimsy. What was missing from the RailBed experience? } I thought that it had been upgraded. You can catch the Brisbane to Cairns train five times a week and have the option of booking RailBed or Premium Economy seats. We were also thrilled to see that the Galley Car meals were served with Biopak biodegradable cutlery! The main lights were turned off at 21:30, but each pod had individual reading lights. No other words are needed. } We regret that you were not informed beforehand that you are able to store the luggage yourself if you prefer. return text; Let us assist with your travel documents. We hope to see you on board again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. RailBed passengers also receive a lip balm, hand sanitser and hand cream from Queensland skincare brand, Bubbles Organic. } Take your pick from the Great Barrier Reef. RailBed customers aboard Spirit of Queensland receive inclusive meals served directly to their seat. this.submit.className = 'disabled'; Before leaving home Id already decided I was going the PJs route and had packed my Singapore Airlines sleep suit. A few downloaded Netflix movies and Spotify playlists, or favourite podcasts or books might come in handy. 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.
validate: function() { Another is that its an opportunity to take in the scenery. }, this.form.className = this.setFormClassName(); Its beautiful out there, and I feel lucky to be seeing this part of Queensland in a completely new way. 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! In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. Not to mention its also home to over 350 species of birds, possums, wallabies, sea turtles, dolphins, and the famous dingo! this.htmlEmbedDropdownValidation(field); The three premium economy cars have adjustable leather lounger seats in a 2 2 configuration. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. Sorry to hear yours wasnt what you were hoping for. He did ask if he could pay for the excess, in his case 200 grams.
checkboxAndRadioValidation: function(field) { The sun is preparing to come up over the mountain range, theres mist everywhere, and kangaroos are hopping beside the train. if (instance.wrapperEl === dropdownEl) { Queensland Rail Limited ABN 71 132 181 090. Railbeds - Spirit of Queensland. Youve shown me where wed be sitting/sleeping & it sounds wonderful , Oh that sounds like a lovely one to do together. _this.onSubmitCallback(response); this.isValid = false; I did removed one article and my case now weighted 18kgs. Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) . } Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field.required');
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. this.onSelectCallback(input); 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. But Ive never travelled on a train like this anywhere else in the world. By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. We do appreciate your honest feedback and thank you for taking the time to review our train. Youll also get a free knee blanket! RailBeds - There are 2 accessible RailBeds, however, there is no provision to park a non-collapsible wheelchair. Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. The staff on the train were just fantastic very professional and they just couldnt do enough for the passengers. 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. Our Railbeds are an Australian first designed to provide our customers with a smooth and relaxing ride. The service and the food was very delicious not a leftover to be seen at each meal. If you enjoy train travel, it might be for you. For $389?. if (invalidFields.length || invalidFields[0].className.indexOf('checkgroup') === -1) { The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); Its also a good idea to pack your own entertainment. It took longer to get from Cairns to Townsville than it did fifteen years ago. Meanwhile the RailBeds are reminiscent of business class seats on an airline. document.body.appendChild(script); Yes, some folks got and and off at different stops but most people seemed to travel the entire route on the RailBed. _this = this; 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? On the Brisbane to Cairns route, the views were interesting and varied. Any other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the club car, which is where premium economy passengers buy their meals. All Railbeds face the direction of travel and can not be reversed. A FREE travel quote! The service included a welcome drink of ginger beer, lime, mint, and ice. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. It arrives at 4:30 pm. 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. The Sirromet Vineyard Selection Shiraz came from Queenslands Granite Belt. You can also get connecting coach services to Quilpie and Cunnamulla. QLD trains, forget the hype NOTHING HAS CHANGED except the prices. Dear stevecau,It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your experience on board the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns recently. Perhaps Ill give it another chance. 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. 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. if (dropdown.value) { this.showConfirmationText(result.confirmation_html); 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. Glad the story helped with your travel dreaming and planning . 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. field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); } Tiny hessian bags full of travel comforts are waiting for you along with welcoming hosts. } var email = document.getElementById('signup_email'); Other points programs fund other travels. var invalidFields = document.querySelectorAll('.invalid'), Our FREE AUSTRALIA Travel Guide is a great resource for planning a trip to Australia! Categories. 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. inputs[j].onkeyup = function() { In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. 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. The couple behind me also suffered the same screaming about being overweight. } But, theres also the train thing. I suspect Queensland Rail assigns single bookings in this way but I wouldnt count on it. It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. this.isValid = true; window.attachEvent('onload', 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, Not only is Cairns a hub of vibrant city life full of great cafs, markets, art galleries, and nearby beaches, but its also. 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. Hi Anna, towels are provided so you dont need to worry about that one. 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. 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. If you are thinking of going from Brisbane to Cairns, fly there! Enjoy the trip! Delicious meals were served making this a stress free way to travel. 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. Full Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Pontoon Experience . onSelectCallback: function(input) { For a change of scenery, the Club Car offered an opportunity to mingle with other passengers over conversation and drinks. Required fields are marked *. Long-distance rail travel in Victoria: https://youtu.be/_OX0sTjdBaUQantas QF2 B787 Business Class Darwin to Sydney - a domestic international flight! We look forward to seeing you again onboard someday.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. if (name.indexOf('mimi_invalid') === -1) { At busy times, it was possible to buy a drink and take it back to the comfort of your seat. removeTextFieldError: function(input) { On 10 September 2021, I finally boarded this train once more and experienced Railbed Sleeper from Cairns to Brisbane. } }, I imagine so, but presumably it will cost more and will require paying for each segment. Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. instance.onSelect = function(){ _this.validate() }; } else { Hi Amanda, could you tell me what items are included in amenities bag on Spirit of Queensland please. a budget airline" was the reply from one of the assistants as the other two just laughed. It had been over fifteen years since I travelled from Brisbane to Cairns on this service. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid'; field.className += ' invalid'; destination[prop] = source[prop];function extend(destination, source) { The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. When: All year round. 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. var inputs = fields[i].getElementsByTagName('input'); I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. }, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. }, For anyone who loves train travel, Queensland Rails Spirit of Queensland is a fabulous choice. Second was evening Day One, and given we were going through the heartland of Qld's beef country, I had the beef cheeks. Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. 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 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. if (_this.validEmail.test(input.value)) _this.validate(); Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge. nice way to travel along the coast of Queensland, relax read a book enjoy a movie, have a coffee, eat a meal enjoy the view. 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. this.isValid = false; if (input.value) { Since 2015, we have been traveling full-time with a mission to inspire others to follow in our footsteps. BC Reg. onSubmitSuccess: function(result) { Not only are the RailBed sets much more comfortable and spacious than seats in Premium Economy, but we found them to be more comfortable than First Class air travel. this.submit.disabled = !this.isValid; if (document.addEventListener) { There are also savings from the cost of getting to and from airports, and baggage and seat selection fees associated with air travel. If youre travelling solo, reserve a seat in the single bed aisle at the time of booking. Your email address will not be published. this.form.addEventListener('submit', function(e){ The fold-down seat had a pocket for reading material and assorted items. 'submit' : 'disabled'; On the plus side the staff and meals were excellent. 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. We had tickets from Roma St to Cairns. Your email address will not be published. } } 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. 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. Yes.
extend(Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation.prototype, { })(this); We spent many years living and traveling around Australia exploring the country in-depth! But it actually looks really fun and glamourous! Great train journey from Brisbane to Cairns. }, 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. _this.onFormSubmit(e); }, The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes. } else { Do you need a Visa to enter? Apparently the galley crew don`t understand how to heat food. I will definitely taking another trip in the future with qld rail thank you for a memorable trip away. 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. this.updateSubmitButtonText(this.submit.getAttribute('data-thanks')); Please turn on JavaScript and try again. } 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. } else { } 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. Each one can recline to thirty degrees. }); For the safety of customers with reduced mobility, our Onboard team members can assist by delivering meals and refreshments to yourseat or sleeperby request on all Queensland Rail Travel services. running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. For information on what forms of payment are accepted onboard when travelling with us, visit our Meals will be delivered directly to Railbed guests and the 24 hour Club Car is available for additional purchases. The Spirit of Queensland is a modern tilt train that runs the length of the Queensland coast between Brisbane and Cairns. The train makes the 1681km journey five times per week. updateSubmitButtonText: function(text) { if (type === 'text_field') { By day, the RailBeds are spacious seats capable of reclining up to 35 degrees. selected = false;
By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. 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 toolkit is a great place to get started. updateFormAfterValidation: function() { 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. return name; Let us customize a dream holiday for you. }); 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. 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. 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. We stopped for 5 days, enjoying some time in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays and on the Great Barrier Reef. this.removeTextFieldError(email); 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. What a cool way to slow travel and see more of a country. On the south-to-north service, the stop in Tully was long enough for passengers to stretch their legs on the platform. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Guaranteed. document.body.removeChild(script); script.src = this.formUrl('json'); While the cold option included a choice of cereal with greek yogurt, berry compote and a freshly baked pastry. There are slightly different food options depending on your ticket type, but there is a good general selection of seasonal dishes, with gluten free, dairy free and veggie options. If I had known about the collection procedure at Townsville station, I would have done this. 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. A video trip report of Railbed (first) class on QR Travel's new Spirit of Queensland tilting train.