However, with daylight, it was more interesting to enjoy the constantly changing coastal Queensland landscape. updateSubmitButtonText: function(text) { It was a bit after the evening rush and there wasn't a major event at the neighbouring sports stadium, so things weren't as frantic as they could have been. onSelectCallback: function(input) { if (this.isValid) { It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. e.preventDefault();
from $4.00. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. 0000270050 00000 n With the beds made up, the lights dimmed, and the curtains closed, it felt like one large upmarket moving hostel dorm. this.revalidateOnChange(); this.isValid = false; Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge. But it was perfectly acceptable. 0000378042 00000 n Hi Joan thats right there in the story complete with a picture! Best of all, getting from Sydney to Brisbane is budget-friendly, with train tickets starting at just $15.5. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. 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. The journey takes roughly 25 hours. Got on the Spirit of Queensland, departing Cairns at 8:35am. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.function extend(destination, source) { 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. initialize: function() { We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country we traverse. 0000374692 00000 n } else { 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. Tickets cost $170 - $370 and the journey takes 24h 45m. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options. if (selected) { Where Are Brisbane's Best Vegetarian, Vegan & Paleo Restaurants? Get your FREE subscription today. But, theres also the train thing. It provides two new travel options for customers: RailBed sleeper carriages, an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed that converts from a seat to a lie flatbed Seat features include reading light, footrest, drink holder, 240v power adaptor and USB charging Spirit of Queensland: Not worth the money - See 113 traveler reviews, 135 candid photos, and great deals for Cairns, Australia, at Tripadvisor. isnt the only one departing from Queensland there are a number of other routes taking you to the far-flung corners of the state! running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. When: All year round. Enjoy 35 degrees of recline and a wide flat 18.5 inch screen with on-demand . this.submitForm(); I hope you get to enjoy the train and sleep easily. 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. removeTextFieldError: function(input) { for (var i = 0; i < elements.length; ++i) { , plus 15 handmade tunnels and 37 towering bridges and offers a truly unique rail adventure. },
This nature lovers paradise is definitely worth a stop along your Spirit of Queensland journey. } 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!). endstream endobj startxref 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. When travelling in Australia, I use British Airways Avios points to fly on Qantas, one of British Airways oneworld airline partners. One of the biggest benefits of traveling by train was that it was easy to hop off and hop back on the train to split up the journey. <]/Prev 931879>> All Railbeds face the direction of travel and can not be reversed. 72 0 obj <>stream Your trip your way! 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. For a change of scenery, the Club Car offered an opportunity to mingle with other passengers over conversation and drinks. } Unlike the Sunlander where meals are all freshly prepared in the kitchen, here theyre more airline food style. In-seat wine and dine service and entertainment aboard the Spirit of Queensland. There are also plenty of fun activities around the park such as walking trails and the chance to spot some of Australias national animals, like koalas and kangaroos. this.disableForm(); The overhead compartment contained a towel, blanket, and inflatable neck cushion. The Spirit of Queensland runs between Cairns and Brisbane five times a week. Guaranteed. RailBed passengers also receive a lip balm, hand sanitser and hand cream from Queensland skincare brand, Bubbles Organic. You can catch the Brisbane to Cairns train five times a week and have the option of booking RailBed or Premium Economy seats. 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 if (input.id === 'signup_email') return; 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. Spirit has hard, slippery seat which converts into claustrophobic lie flat seat. dZ'BwEQQ]a`ETVn1z%FIEdyRs]]ch1.pBE@uZ m|5NXioL1TWRZ,fgTZ$Tl'fSYp-{?,_Q8- }/r?1Zb~z*mPQ!,*k=~2 =V4m.)3o5qK"2+".r{#-yo8S-Ri|^'Jp*). } else { 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. Thanks for sharing Nicki. For example, can I get the train and get off at Pomona, then after a few days get back on and continue to Whitsundays, get off for a few days then continue to Cairns? (this.form.querySelectorAll('fieldset')[0] || this.form).innerHTML = html; 0000390420 00000 n if((input.type === 'checkbox' || input.type === 'radio') && input.checked) { The train makes the 1681km journey five times per week. 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. Sheets, 2 pillows and duvet all provided. We acknowledge their spiritual connection to the lands and waterways and ask their ancestors to watch over us as we tread lightly on Country. A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as. What was missing from the RailBed experience? 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. } 0000268433 00000 n With a high ticket price, many would wonder, is the journey on the train really worth it? Cars B and C are becoming old. Stay up to date with the latest travel info and destination deals! BREAKFAST All served with juice and tea or coffee. The menu brings a paddock to plate experience with meals prepared using the freshest Queensland produce. The fold-down seat had a pocket for reading material and assorted items. For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. . 0000381392 00000 n if (this.isValid) { Take your pick from the Great Barrier Reef. })(this); We spent many years living and traveling around Australia exploring the country in-depth! 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. They drive the train and supply power to the carriages. In other words, you traded a three-dollar business class flight to spend 24-hours on a train? Winner - Spirit - Comfort: Sunlander has soft, cushioned bench seat which folds down into comfortable beds. As a Stay22 affiliate if you book through this map I may receive a commission but dont worry its at no extra cost to you. for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { Before leaving home Id already decided I was going the PJs route and had packed my Singapore Airlines sleep suit. } The meals were good, and delivered to one's seat. The virtual tour is a great opportunity to find out what a RailBed really looks like. It says there are a point for sleep apnea machine as I am travelling in September with mine so made the same enquiry and told them at time of booking. 0000000016 00000 n Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. Meals also available if needed. }, } else { document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Theres a locomotive at each end. It was a very bad crossing on a ship without stabilisers, with screaming banshees all night. Winner - Sunlander - Privacy: Sunlander has private rooms, which are completely private. 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! Join the mailing list for updates, and access to the Resource Library. 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. } this.form.attachEvent('onsubmit', function(e){ Meals will be delivered directly to Railbed guests and the 24 hour Club Car is available for additional purchases. The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). Sorry about the snorers. In the evening, the on-board team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed. In our opinion, it is, especially if you take it as an opportunity to stop along the way and break up your journey. startxref } Another is that its an opportunity to take in the scenery. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-invalid-text'); text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-default-text'); If you enjoy train travel, it might be for you. Its beautiful out there, and I feel lucky to be seeing this part of Queensland in a completely new way. 24 0 obj <> endobj Total duration: 25 hours. 0000003260 00000 n Also Towel and amenities pack. Your choice of one of the following: Hot Breakfast Fluffy spinach and feta omelette served with pork chipolata, bacon, and roasted tomato (GF option available) Continental Breakfast 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. } else { this.submit.value = text; In this video I have covered every single aspect of this train, if you have any questions about Spirit of Queensland, I think you should be able to find out the answer after watching the whole video. 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. 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. You can also get connecting coach services to Quilpie and Cunnamulla. }, 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. This was one of the stops we made during our journey from Brisbane to Cairns by train. Fully plated meals will be provided to RailBed customers offering hot or continental breakfast, 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner. Movies, music, and audiobooks were on demand. Select a Region you are interested in travelling to. What attracted me to the Spirit of Queensland was the RailBed class. Ride the historic railway to the hinterland or take a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef. if (dropdown.value) { For information about how touse the virtual tours, please visit ourTour our trains page. inputs[j].onkeyup = function() { 50 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<9FDC473ABE65C042A75DF75739647198>]/Index[24 49]/Info 23 0 R/Length 124/Prev 127853/Root 25 0 R/Size 73/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Discover Queensland aboard the Spirit of Queensland Highlights Distance: 1681 kms Travel Time: 25 hrs Departs Brisbane: Mon, Tue, Wed Fri & Sat at 3.45pm Departs Cairns: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sun at 8.35am ENQUIRE NOW OR CALL 13 44 26 FOR BOOKINGS Accessible Railbed - Spirit of Queensland Railbed Car - Spirit of Queensland Cruise and Sailing travel packages, tours, flights and more for independent travellers. You can easily plan your trip with the full, Australia Travel Tips: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Australia, What Does a Trip to Australia Cost? Yes, some folks got and and off at different stops but most people seemed to travel the entire route on the RailBed. this.submit = document.getElementById('webform_submit_button'); } } Where: Brisbane to Cairns, Queensland, Australia. (function(global) { if (_this.validEmail.test(input.value)) _this.validate(); A few downloaded Netflix movies and Spotify playlists, or favourite podcasts or books might come in handy. The route was dotted with coastal towns, each with its own character. The bed and bedding were very comfortable. instances = Widget.BasicDropdown.instances, You also get an amenities pack which included all organic products. I left you in Cairns, a tropical port and tourism city of north Queensland in Oz on the Pacific coast. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. Its also a good idea to pack your own entertainment. field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); If you need to leave the train . You can catch the Brisbane to Cairns train, We traveled from Brisbane to Cairns in RailBed seats and were, The RailBed ticket for the Spirit of Queensland train includes, There are slightly different food options depending on your ticket type, but there is a good general selection of. Our Menu A delicious range of hot meals, $9.50 perfect for lunch or dinner. But while domestic flights certainly dominate travelers preference list, it wont surprise many to hear that its not the most eco-conscious way. But it was perfectly acceptable. } else { 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. Planning your next trip? It was a welcome break from the frenetic pace of busy airports, enhanced security-screening measures, and cramped aircraft space. On the plus side the staff and meals were excellent. _this.onSubmitCallback(response); Carriage B (RailBed) and CarriageE (Economy seating) have accessible features to assist customers with a disability. Sorry to hear yours wasnt what you were hoping for. Cost: 390 dollars for a rail bed fare at time of publication. BREAKFAST All served with juice and tea or coffee. I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. showConfirmationText: function(html) { I even spotted the odd kangaroo and wallaby, and lots of cockatoos. disableForm: function() { The sun is preparing to come up over the mountain range, theres mist everywhere, and kangaroos are hopping beside the train. Feature this article, Paper Inspirations on Show & Artisan Store, PACSOA Palm & Cycad Annual Show & Plant Sale 2023, Revive, Restore & Renew with an Inspirational Short Course, UQ Researchers Seeking Volunteers for Ankle Arthritis Study, WIN a Double Pass to LIVING - In Cinemas March 16, Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York at HOTA. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. 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. this.form = document.getElementById('ema_signup_form'); input.placeholder = input.getAttribute('data-required-field'); } 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. 0000327484 00000 n Leather seats that converts to beds at night. 0000026010 00000 n Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. var input = inputs[i]; #1543989; CST #2016613-20. var input = this; There are windows throughout the carriage so youll be able to see that view. Disembark here to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters on the shores of the Noosa National Park. Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia fly from Cairns to Brisbane hourly. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. There was an extra seat that folded down under the TV. Trains are more sustainable and more comfortable and not only that but going at a slower pace allows you to see more of the Australian countryside without the crazy cost of multiple flights. Request a free quote. I wasnt paid anything for the review, and clearly we had very different experiences. 0000343218 00000 n We are Oksana & Max, a Canadian couple with a passion for sustainable travel. How to use railbed in a sentence. A FREE travel quote! 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. } We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. this.textFieldError(input); 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? return name; The Spirit of Queensland is a long distance passenger rail service running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. After folks settled in, a more social atmosphere prevailed, especially while watching staff make up the beds.htmlEmbedDropdownValidation: function(field) { document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { After leaving the urban sprawl of Brisbane, we passed by pineapple farms, rainforests, and the Glasshouse Mountains. Other than breakfast, they included a drink of hard or soft version - I chose a Shiraz, and found it was a Queensland vintner. revalidateOnChange: function() { The seats are absolute torture. },
. 0000322374 00000 n The Club Car is licensed to sell alcohol from 10am - 12 midnight. 1,700km by rail from Brisbane to Cairns on "The Spirit of Queensland". 0000349157 00000 n I was a little wary of the 2-1 configuration and sharing sleeping space with 18 other passengers. var dropdownEl = input.parentNode, Full Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Pontoon Experience . Long-distance rail travel in Victoria: https://youtu.be/_OX0sTjdBaUQantas QF2 B787 Business Class Darwin to Sydney - a domestic international flight! Hi Tom, Im glad youve experienced this one for yourself and that you love the staff on the trains. 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. Spinach and Ricotta Roll (v) Sausage Roll. Brisbane, Thursday morning, and I still have a few more rides before I get home. I would like to say it was a wonderful experience. var name = this.form.className; Free travel on coastal coach connections . Enjoy the trip! Perhaps Ill give it another chance.for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { 0000270564 00000 n Youll also get a free knee blanket! if (name.indexOf('mimi_invalid') === -1) { , or one of the many wildlife and nature experiences just outside of the city. return name.replace(/\s?mimi_invalid/, ''); window.attachEvent('onload', function() { 0000316415 00000 n if (type === 'text_field') {
var _this = this; } Please turn on JavaScript and try again. }, We got to sample the delicious all-inclusive railbed menu and were really impressed by its quality. 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. If you are a fan of train travel and enjoy a bit of comfort, this just might be your thing. large image. this.showConfirmationText(result.confirmation_html); It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. Onboard Menu queenslandrailtravel.com.au 0000270448 00000 n 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. There are the non-RailBed carriages that might meet your needs. 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. Chiton SLSC balcony. } if (format === 'json') action += '.json'; } onSubmitCallback: function(response) { The spinach & feta quick was definitely our favourite! I highly recommend it. Hi Amanda, could you tell me what items are included in amenities bag on Spirit of Queensland please. Required fields are marked *. } } else if(result.single_opt_in || !result.confirmation_html) { Our Railbeds are an Australian first designed to provide our customers with a smooth and relaxing ride. Showers & Toilets - Showers and toilets are located at the end of all passenger carriages. Cons trailer Queensland Rail Travel reserves the right to make changes without notice. } The overhead bin was large enough for my carry-on travel bag. My preferences are for Victorian and South Australian reds, and I was surprised to see Qld had anything at all. 0000268011 00000 n }, Cairns is an excellent base and launching point for exploring Far North Queensland. RailBed: A spacious and comfortable seat by day that converts to a lie-flat bed at night. Your email address will not be published. }
onFormSubmit: function(e) { Review of Spirit of Queensland Reviewed December 20, 2019 Will never travel on this train again. 0000272128 00000 n So really the choice is up to you, and whatever you feel comfortable doing. _this.onFormSubmit(e); 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.
Cains Mayonnaise Shortage,
Lamar County, Al Property Search,
Island Saver Nest Egg Locations,
Credit One Bank Account Temporarily Suspended,
Articles S