initialize: function() { Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. })(this); We spent many years living and traveling around Australia exploring the country in-depth! 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. document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { The Spirit of Queensland is a modern tilt train that runs the length of the Queensland coast between Brisbane and Cairns. to Townsville. }, There was a good selection of movies, tv shows, kids programmes or music channels available in the in-seat entertainment. }); } 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. There are stops for passengers to board and disembark. if (this.isValid) { } else { if((input.type === 'checkbox' || input.type === 'radio') && input.checked) { dropdown.onchange = (function(){ _this.validate(); }); When: All year round. It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). However with unpredictable border restrictions and the train's popular demand, I had to reschedule this trip again and again! It was really good value considering it is overnight accommodation, travel and three hearty meals! The couple behind me also suffered the same screaming about being overweight. 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. The next morning I wake up, look out the window and smile. While the Spirit of Queensland can and does do 160 kilometres per hour at times, she doesnt stick to that speed the whole way. more. We look forward to seeing you again onboard someday.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. this.submit = document.getElementById('webform_submit_button'); Our toolkit is a great place to get started. It took longer to get from Cairns to Townsville than it did fifteen years ago. 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.
Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation = function() { Spirit of Queensland - Brisbane _this = this; var instance = instances[i]; Queensland Rail Travel - Spirit of Queensland - Railbed Class Surely for that amount of money something more comfortable must have been possible. Heres a quick look at the other trains and their destinations. 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. } Spirit of Queensland | Railbed Information | Goway Travel I was told that I had to repack it. We stopped for 5 days, enjoying some time in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays and on the Great Barrier Reef. https://youtu.be/FHcDorXrmWoMUST DO!! I hope you get to enjoy the train and sleep easily. A call button is available to contact the onboard staff for assistance While you cant feel the speed of a plane once youre up in the air, you can feel the speed of a train. this.formSubmitting();
var _this = this; 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. The magazine for world travellers. We had tickets from Roma St to Cairns. } var dropdowns = field.querySelectorAll('.mimi_html_dropdown'); In fact, I used Scotiabanks Scotia Rewards to cover the cost of the Spirit of Queensland fare from Brisbane to Cairns. 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. Spirit of Queensland! Rail Sleeper Car.. - Tripadvisor 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. Dear Talknsmile,It is always great to hear about another happy customer onboard our trains. For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. } else { 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. All thoughts and opinions remain her own. The Spirit of Queensland: Cairns to Brisbane Train [REVIEW] Hot breakfast consisted of a three cheese omelette served with pork chipolata, bacon and tomato wedge (there was also a vegetarian option available). We loved the experience, a few things could do with improvement such as the hot breakfast and it was a bit difficult to sleep in the railbed with the train movement and space station sounding like doors between carriages. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your RailBed ticket, with one glass of complimentary wine with your evening meal. } Perhaps Ill give it another chance. this.onSubmitSuccess(response.result); This plush seat offers ample recline for comfort along with a state-of-the-art touch screen personal entertainment system for on-demand movies, music and even audio books. this.isValid = true; Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. (Fully Paid For so why Try Putting someone else or reselling . I may have grown up on a farm where kangaroos were commonplace but the sight puts a big smile on my face. 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. } 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. },
document.body.removeChild(script); The sun is preparing to come up over the mountain range, theres mist everywhere, and kangaroos are hopping beside the train. And Im with you and definitely want to do it again someday. Meanwhile the RailBeds are reminiscent of business class seats on an airline. The staff on the train will have the latest update for the day so just listen for their instructions if needed and come prepared. Other points programs fund other travels. this.revalidateOnChange(); If there is one drawback with this type of sleeper it is lack of privacy. Sleeping to the rocking and rolling of the train and soothing sounds of rail travel added to the enjoyment. On 10 September 2021, I finally boarded this train once more and experienced Railbed Sleeper from Cairns to Brisbane. if (format === 'json') action += '.json'; } Lie Flat With RailBed The first two passenger carriages on Spirit of Queensland are dedicated to RailBed. }, The Spirit of Queensland fleet will provide guests with a fast, value for money modern rail experience. "what do you think we are? 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. Our brochures are loaded with great ideas. 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. Book as early as possible to take advantage of saver fares and seat selection. Next. } Oksana had the vegetarian noddle salad option. var dropdownEl = input.parentNode, Movies, music, and audiobooks were on demand. After leaving the urban sprawl of Brisbane, we passed by pineapple farms, rainforests, and the Glasshouse Mountains. Railbed Travel on the Spirit of Queensland Tilt Train This feedback has been passed on to the relevant area for review.We understand your frustration RE luggage limits, however these have been implemented with the safety of our staff in mind, as well as being in line with the luggage limits of our interstate neighboring rail operators. 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. Can't recommend the RailBed highly enough and would definitely do this sort of experience again. Most people seemed to have pyjamas for sleeping. They have been designed to provide a smooth and relaxing ride. } Sign up for my weekly newsletter: travel tips, inspiration and a chuckle or two. Railbeds - Spirit of Queensland. }, This three-day itinerary describe these suggestions and a host of other ideas. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. On the south-to-north service, the stop in Tully was long enough for passengers to stretch their legs on the platform. 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!). Your email address will not be published. Spirit of Queensland - 1700kms in a railbed seat My wife and I have just returned from a trip Brisbane to Cairns and returned Proserpine to Brisbane. Theres also a Galley / Club Car, and a carriage for luggage and crew. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your RailBed ticket, with one glass of complimentary wine with your evening meal. Guests will be able to select different options from the menu (a-la-carte) with orders taken prior to the meals times. 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 (var i = 0; i < elements.length; ++i) { Let's jump onboard!0:00 Cairns1:49 Spirit of Queensland3:16 Luggage check-in4:10 Carriage layout9:05 Cairns, Morning tea, Gordonvale12:27 Railbed seat part 113:28 Babinda, Innisfail15:05 Railbed seat part 218:10 Lounge Car, Tully, Cardwell21:31 Lunch23:12 Ingham, Townsville25:12 Pizza of the day25:59 Giru, Ayr, Home Hill27:55 Bowen, Proserpine29:27 Dinner, Mackay32:44 Seat --- Bed35:16 Rocky!36:35 Shower38:30 Gympie North, Nambour40:24 Breakfast, Caboolture42:30 SummaryThis video was filmed on 10 and 11 September 2021Train type: Spirit of Queensland (Diesel Tilt Train)From Cairns to Brisbane Roma StreetTravel time: 24h45mDistance: 1681kmSeat: B/11Class: Railbed SleeperCost: $389$120 on Egypt's most Luxurious Night Train from Cairo to Aswan - Deluxe Sleeper Cabin: https://youtu.be/jCI7eZKYnCQFirst High-Speed Railway in Turkey - TCDD YHT Istanbul to Ankara Business Class Siemens Velaro train: https://youtu.be/c6Sxy5ZX3A8Night Train Across Turkey - $50 Private Sleeping Cabin from Ankara to Izmir in TCDD TVS2000 railcar: https://youtu.be/SwNhyngYBsc10 days, 7100km train journey across Australia, Cairns to Perth by Rail: https://youtu.be/C1BmtiI9dS8The INDIAN PACIFIC 2022: Adelaide to Perth in GOLD TWIN - luxury sleeper train across Australia: https://youtu.be/CIUnEnBQPHQChristmas on the Great Southern Train - Australia's newest luxury rail journey Adelaide to Brisbane: https://youtu.be/WwJLTROA7Z0The GHAN Platinum Class Adelaide to Darwin - 3,000km luxurious train journey across Australia: https://youtu.be/llxr70sFWB4SPIRIT OF TASMANIA ferry inaugural sailing from Devonport to Geelong - 23 Oct 2022: https://youtu.be/as3gxC8WH8kTravelling on every type of V/Line train in ONE DAY! The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. for (var i = 0; i < instances.length; ++i) { }, Cairns to Brisbane, Spirit of Queensland rail journey Please ask the onboard staff or check today's selections board in the Servery/Caffor the fresh selection on your day of travel. 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 this.form.className += ' mimi_submitting'; 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 final product was among a number of options put to testers and was selected as the most comfortable option. Fully plated meals will be provided to RailBed customers offering hot or continental breakfast, 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner. Your feedback on the noise within the sleeping carriage has been relayed back to our Onboard Customer Service Team for monitoring. 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. if (_this.validEmail.test(input.value)) _this.validate(); Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. The Spirit of Queensland runs between Cairns and Brisbane five times a week. Toilet seats have become loose and generally a good refurbishment program would work wonders. var action = this.form.action; Dear TDK1962,Many thanks for your kind review.textValidation: function(input) { Spirit of Queensland - Swain Destinations Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. 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. As for what to wear to bed? 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. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. 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. if (input.value.length === 1) _this.validate(); 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. The menu brings a paddock to plate experience with meals prepared using the freshest Queensland produce. } else { Sorry to hear yours wasnt what you were hoping for. for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { },
input.placeholder = input.getAttribute('data-required-field'); } I was just wondering if towels were provided for the showers or if it was byo? Spirit of Queensland (Cairns): All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor inputs[j].onchange = function(){ _this.validate() }; Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. this.validEmail = /.+@.+\..+/ You could have flown business class on points, on a direct flight from Sydney to Cairns for $25 in taxes and fees. For your listening pleasure, you might want to pack your own headphones. Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) . Your feedback on the noise within the sleeping carriage has been relayed back to our Onboard Customer Service Team for monitoring. }, The wait is over!! this.emailValidation(); Orders were taken in advance of the meal. Take advantage of the coach connections at certain stops to explore parts of the Australian countryside that many tourists miss out on. It must have come from a very happy cow who smiled a lot because it was very tender. _this = this; running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. Thanks, If you are in the Sleeping carriage can you still walk through to the Dining / Club carriage for coffee etc. this.updateSubmitButtonText(this.submit.getAttribute('data-thanks')); Water Fountains - Drinking fountains are located at the end of all passenger carriages. this.dropdownValidation(field, input); } for (var j = 0; j < inputs.length; ++j) { this.submit.disabled = true; Reviewed 18 August 2017. Australias impressive size and long distances between its destination make traveling by plane the most popular way to see Australia. The staff on the train were just fantastic very professional and they just couldnt do enough for the passengers. The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. this.fieldAndListValidation(); }, Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) Not Available. The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. On the Brisbane to Cairns route, the views were interesting and varied. You can also get connecting coach services to Quilpie and Cunnamulla. Staff made them up, and returned the beds to seats, on demand. } Another route through the Outback, this time going from Brisbane to Charleville, taking in the picturesque scenery of the. 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 food served to the Rail Bed was typical Airline style, pre-cooked and reheated and the coffee was luke warmI did a 3 day train trip across Canada a few years ago and it was fabulous. The bathrooms were very big for a train and I didn't have to wait very long to use any of them, even with people showering in the morning. 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.value = this.submit.getAttribute('data-submitting-text'); 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. this.updateFormAfterValidation(); . Never again!.. A FREE travel quote! } Spirit of Queensland - Queensland Rail Travel In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. 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. As my train / airline experience blurs a little I sometimes forget where I am, and think oh, a little turbulence as the train moves. showConfirmationText: function(html) { Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. After folks settled in, a more social atmosphere prevailed, especially while watching staff make up the beds. Unlike the Sunlander where meals are all freshly prepared in the kitchen, here theyre more airline food style. } . } , plus 15 handmade tunnels and 37 towering bridges and offers a truly unique rail adventure. Need help planning your holiday? This was one of the stops we made during our journey from Brisbane to Cairns by train. I imagine so, but presumably it will cost more and will require paying for each segment. for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { } revalidateOnChange: function() { A staff member told me the beds cost $100,000 each. Thanks for sharing. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid'; Railbed: - 2 x checked in items of luggage not exceeding 20kg and a maximum of 180 linear centimetres (sum of length, width and depth). text; The bed and bedding were very comfortable. The ones in the amenities kit are cheap and flimsy. It has everything you need, from beds, showers, galley car, all-inclusive dining option, in-seat entertainment and much more! A selection of Queensland wines and beverages is also available. The seven carriages in between include two RailBed sleeper cars with airline style seats that convert to lie-flat beds. } updateFormAfterValidation: function() { } thanks. If your travel plans involve Australia, you might be interested in these other posts: Very interesting. 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. Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. Not as far as Im aware, but youre best to check with Queensland Rail about that one to be sure. var script = document.createElement('script'); this.form = document.getElementById('ema_signup_form'); When travelling in Australia, I use British Airways Avios points to fly on Qantas, one of British Airways oneworld airline partners. The main stops en route between Brisbane and Cairns are Maryborough (where you can get a connecting . Our Railbeds are an Australian first designed to provide our customers with a smooth and relaxing ride. }); For us, trains offer the best alternative to flying. The route was dotted with coastal towns, each with its own character. 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. Discover Tropical North Queensland with Rail - My Cruises 2 Days / 1 Night aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns in a lie-flat RailBed with lunch and dinner. One hand on the grab bars at all times added to the challenge. 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. It was more expensive than flying but an attractive option, all things considered. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Do you need a Visa to enter? You can take the Spirit of Queensland train to Proserpine and then take a RailBus Connection to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the, . 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. We left from Cairns, around 8.30am, heading for Brisbane. var _this = this; 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. I did this trip recently and I loved it to bits, except for one thing and I'll get to that. #1543989; CST #2016613-20. There are the non-RailBed carriages that might meet your needs. After all, there are lots of great stops and things to do between Brisbane and Cairns. What a cool way to slow travel and see more of a country. Cairns is an excellent base and launching point for exploring Far North Queensland. I would speculate that most travellers spend time in Cairns to explore the hinterland, the reef, and surrounding areas. 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.