for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { Your email address will never be shared. What was missing from the RailBed experience? 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 sharing Nicki. if((input.type === 'checkbox' || input.type === 'radio') && input.checked) { this.validEmail = /.+@.+\..+/ After all, there are lots of great stops and things to do between Brisbane and Cairns.
this.validate(); 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. } Any other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the club car, which is where premium economy passengers buy their meals. On the south-to-north service, the stop in Tully was long enough for passengers to stretch their legs on the platform. 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. this.showConfirmationText(result.confirmation_html); Cairns is an excellent base and launching point for exploring Far North Queensland. Do you need a Visa to enter? I may have grown up on a farm where kangaroos were commonplace but the sight puts a big smile on my face. A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as The Ghan, it has two locomotives and just seven carriages. The RailBed ticket for the Spirit of Queensland train includes all-inclusive meals which are served directly to your seat. this.isValid = true; else { if (selected) { document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Packing Light Travel. Need help planning your holiday? 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. QLD trains, forget the hype NOTHING HAS CHANGED except the prices. A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as The Ghan, it has two locomotives and just seven carriages. Looking for an airfare only? Besides, when compared to air travel, its a more sustainable method of transportation. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll(".mimi_field.required"), If you enjoy train travel, it might be for you. } document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Please ask the onboard staff or check today's selections board in the Servery/Caffor the fresh selection on your day of travel. The service and the food was very delicious not a leftover to be seen at each meal. , plus 15 handmade tunnels and 37 towering bridges and offers a truly unique rail adventure. Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge.
Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation = function() { }, Hi Amanda, could you tell me what items are included in amenities bag on Spirit of Queensland please. 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. We left from Cairns, around 8.30am, heading for Brisbane. Not much. As my train / airline experience blurs a little I sometimes forget where I am, and think oh, a little turbulence as the train moves. I have used the rail beds twice in about 5 years, Bris. Orders were taken in advance of the meal. } The staff on the train were just fantastic very professional and they just couldnt do enough for the passengers. This website contains some affiliate links, so if you click on a link and book something I will get a little something to help pay those blogging bills, but dont worry, its no extra cost to you. It has everything you need, from beds, showers, galley car, all-inclusive dining option, in-seat entertainment and much more! Hope this helps. Get your FREE subscription today. I must admit they were pushing it, their case was 200 grams over. if (instance.wrapperEl === dropdownEl) { The RailBed class is a top-notch travel experience at an affordable price. Any other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the club car, which is where premium economy passengers buy their meals. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. return text; In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid'; A fast moving slumber party. The new Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel. I hope you get to enjoy the train and sleep easily. showConfirmationText: function(html) { return name += ' mimi_invalid'; var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field'); } else { Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. 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. A video trip report of Railbed (first) class on QR Travel's new Spirit of Queensland tilting train. if (typeof Widget === 'undefined' || !Widget.BasicDropdown) return; Did it represent good value? If there is one drawback with this type of sleeper it is lack of privacy. 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. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). to Townsville. window.attachEvent('onload', function() { 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. I knew they were not a budget airline as they at least have decent caring staff. I described the sleep time in terms of a ship. }, Phone: 1800 872 467 is bookings for Queensland Rail Travel. With a high ticket price, many would wonder, is the journey on the train really worth it? }, Sign up for my weekly newsletter: travel tips, inspiration and a chuckle or two. Railbed Car - Spirit of Queensland. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-choose-list'); We got to sample the delicious all-inclusive railbed menu and were really impressed by its quality. No wonder people just fly, Is there power points for sleep apnea machines. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. and were really impressed by its quality. We stopped for 5 days, enjoying some time in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays and on the Great Barrier Reef. The Spirit of Queensland is a modern tilt train that runs the length of the Queensland coast between Brisbane and Cairns. } else { The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. Most people seemed to have pyjamas for sleeping. Your email address will not be published. } While the cold option included a choice of cereal with greek yogurt, berry compote and a freshly baked pastry. more. RailBeds - There are 2 accessible RailBeds, however, there is no provision to park a non-collapsible wheelchair. 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. 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. More onboard experiencesOnboard MerchandiseMore about your train. this.submit.className = 'disabled'; Please advise us if you require meals to be delivered to your seat at the time of booking and confirm these requirements with onboard staff when you join the service. I highly recommend it. A FREE travel quote! })(this); We spent many years living and traveling around Australia exploring the country in-depth! textFieldError: function(input) { instance.onSelect = function(){ _this.validate() }; for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid'; A few downloaded Netflix movies and Spotify playlists, or favourite podcasts or books might come in handy. this.submit.value = this.submit.getAttribute('data-submitting-text'); if (document.addEventListener) { 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. if (_this.validEmail.test(input.value)) _this.validate(); 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. _this = this; Menu Stay Updated: Onboard Dining and Menus A selection of hot cooked dishes, ranging from traditional roasts, pastas, beef, chicken, vegetarian and gluten free meals as well as fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps are available from our onboard kitchen. The pod-like RailBeds provided a considerable amount of privacy, similar to business class pods on an aircraft. The overhead bin was large enough for my carry-on travel bag. 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. Toilet seats have become loose and generally a good refurbishment program would work wonders. The water was hot and the pressure was perfect. Tea and coffee were also provided. Hot breakfast in RailBed Class on the Spirit of Queensland train Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. The magazine for world travellers. 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. 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. Are people forced to wear masks on the train? A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as. The RailBed chair was very comfortable and the selection of films/tv/documentaries to watch or music to listed to was very good. if (input.id === 'signup_email') return;
But it actually looks really fun and glamourous! } else if(result.single_opt_in || !result.confirmation_html) { I did this trip recently and I loved it to bits, except for one thing and I'll get to that. }, There's a locomotive at each end. How do you return from Cairns when trip finishes I believe it finishes at night. 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. There was an extra seat that folded down under the TV. if (this.isValid || !invalidFields) { input.className = 'required'; The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. var name = this.form.className; 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. 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. After folks settled in, a more social atmosphere prevailed, especially while watching staff make up the beds. The wait is over!!textValidation: function(input) { Onboard Payment Options page. Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. } else {
for (var i = 0; i < dropdowns.length; ++i) { Two of them, dinner and lunch, included a complimentary soft drink, juice, water, beer, or wine. We traveled from Hervey Bay (bus link to Maryborough West) to Cairns in the rail bed car with seats that convert to a flat bed. . input.placeholder = input.getAttribute('data-required-field'); 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.textValidation(input); Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. Australias impressive size and long distances between its destination make traveling by plane the most popular way to see Australia. It's easy to walk around or freshen up with a shower. The couple behind me also suffered the same screaming about being overweight. The customer service was fantastic - the staff very clearly enjoy doing a good job and the food that was served us was delicious. 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. Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) . Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. Its still all fresh Queensland produce but its mostly been prepped on land before its finished on board. All Railbeds face the direction of travel and can not be reversed. The Service fell down at the Dinner Service ex Townsville, Good food spoilt by over heating. The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It had been over fifteen years since I travelled from Brisbane to Cairns on this service.