The Spirit of Queensland is a long distance passenger rail service running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. I have used the rail beds twice in about 5 years, Bris.
if (this.validEmail.test(email.value)) { 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. Our FREE AUSTRALIA Travel Guide is a great resource for planning a trip to Australia! It had been over fifteen years since I travelled from Brisbane to Cairns on this service.
fieldAndListValidation: function() { For $389?. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-choose-list'); this.textFieldError(email); 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. } We stopped for 5 days, enjoying some time in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays and on the Great Barrier Reef. I was told that I had to repack it. Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. I got a really good 8 hours sleep on the train - the rail bed was very comfortable and I felt like I had enough privacy as my head was shielded from the view of passers by. Our brochures are loaded with great ideas.
checkboxAndRadioValidation: function(field) { this.form.attachEvent('onsubmit', function(e){ 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 complimentary wine, beer, or juice is served with lunch and dinner. }, For information on the site, please see the About page. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-default-text'); The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. Trip in August 2014 between Innisfail and Gladstone. For a change of scenery, the Club Car offered an opportunity to mingle with other passengers over conversation and drinks. Not as far as Im aware, but youre best to check with Queensland Rail about that one to be sure. In my opinion the Rail Beds are a dismal failure. Access Queensland Rail Travel on Instagram, Access Queensland Rail Travel on Facebook, Access Queensland Rail Travel on Trip Advisor. https://youtu.be/FHcDorXrmWoMUST DO!! After all, there are lots of great stops and things to do between Brisbane and Cairns. 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. There was an extra seat that folded down under the TV. return name += ' mimi_invalid'; Take advantage of the coach connections at certain stops to explore parts of the Australian countryside that many tourists miss out on. this.form = document.getElementById('ema_signup_form'); I imagine so, but presumably it will cost more and will require paying for each segment. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options. Toilet seats have become loose and generally a good refurbishment program would work wonders. Oksana had the vegetarian noddle salad option. for (var j = 0; j < inputs.length; ++j) { Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. var email = document.getElementById('signup_email');
For your listening pleasure, you might want to pack your own headphones. The service included a welcome drink of ginger beer, lime, mint, and ice. if (typeof Widget === 'undefined' || !Widget.BasicDropdown) return; Shoes with a decent tread will keep you upright when moving throughout the train. But while domestic flights certainly dominate travelers preference list, it wont surprise many to hear that its not the most eco-conscious way. Required fields are marked *. } 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("&")}; TERRIBLE Service bad attitude from Supervisor so no point complaining. QLD trains, forget the hype NOTHING HAS CHANGED except the prices. field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); this.isValid = true; Staff made them up, and returned the beds to seats, on demand. Sign up for my weekly newsletter: travel tips, inspiration and a chuckle or two. Spirit of Queensland - Brisbane << View all Brisbane City Centre tours & cruises. There are the non-RailBed carriages that might meet your needs. } More onboard experiencesOnboard MerchandiseMore about your train. } else { Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge. 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. Contact Queensland Rail to find out how your travel plans can be accommodated. } else { I must admit they were pushing it, their case was 200 grams over. Welcome to Packing Light Travel. I considered the cost of overnight accommodation when evaluating the fare. Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. I did this trip recently and I loved it to bits, except for one thing and I'll get to that. (function(global) { 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? Even the 2nd Class Sleepers in Thai railways have curtains. textAndDropdownValidation: function(field, type) { document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Packing Light Travel. This map takes a look at some of the hotels and Stayz home rental options nice and close to the station. 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. if (input.getAttribute('name') === 'signup[email]') { this.htmlEmbedDropdownValidation(field); We traveled from Brisbane to Cairns in RailBed seats and were impressed with the comfort and service level in RailBed Class. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-invalid-text'); for (var i = 0; i < instances.length; ++i) { Hi Anna, towels are provided so you dont need to worry about that one. } else { if (instance.wrapperEl === dropdownEl) { 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. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. this.textValidation(input); 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. #1543989; CST #2016613-20. The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. A Spirit of Adventure Menu is in your seat pocket when you get on board, and you are given options, including vegetarian for the three meals served during the trip. }, For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. It worked just fine. The USB ports are useless for charging so I plug mine into the power point beside the bed. In fact, I used Scotiabanks Scotia Rewards to cover the cost of the Spirit of Queensland fare from Brisbane to Cairns. } } There's a locomotive at each end. } if((input.type === 'checkbox' || input.type === 'radio') && input.checked) { 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. I wasnt paid anything for the review, and clearly we had very different experiences. After leaving the urban sprawl of Brisbane, we passed by pineapple farms, rainforests, and the Glasshouse Mountains. First meal was around mid-day on Day One, quite a serviceable chicken noodle dish with a sticky-date pudding for dessert. On the Brisbane to Cairns route, the views were interesting and varied. Fully plated meals will be provided to RailBed customers offering hot or continental breakfast, 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner. if (format === 'json') action += '.json'; this.submit.value = this.submitButtonText(); var script = document.createElement('script'); this.disableForm(); for (var prop in source) { The staff on the train will have the latest update for the day so just listen for their instructions if needed and come prepared. Enjoy 35 degrees of recline and a wide flat 18.5 inch screen with on-demand . if (this.isValid) { var dropdownEl = input.parentNode, My young friend shook her head in disbelief at the absurdity of my travel choices. if (input.value) { How much were you paid for this review? this.showConfirmationText(result.confirmation_html); Enjoy our online presentations from the comfort of your home. this.submit.className = this.isValid ? this.onSubmitSuccess(response.result); I described the sleep time in terms of a ship. If youre travelling solo, reserve a seat in the single bed aisle at the time of booking. Ask the airfare experts at GowayAir. 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. For anyone who loves train travel, Queensland Rails, The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). Book as early as possible to take advantage of saver fares and seat selection. Your email address will not be published. selected = false; 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. 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. window[this.callbackName] = function(response) { }, Dear TDK1962,Many thanks for your kind review. We hope to see you on board again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. }; by Anne Betts | Nov 7, 2019 | Australia | 8 comments. Hot breakfast in RailBed Class on the Spirit of Queensland train Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. 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. Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. this.isValid = false; input.placeholder = ''; The Spirit of Queensland fleet will provide guests with a fast, value for money modern rail experience. new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation(); The. Queensland Rail Limited ABN 71 132 181 090. They have been designed to provide a smooth and relaxing ride. return action + '?callback=' + this.callbackName + '&' + serialize(this.form); 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. input.className = 'required invalid'; However, the average speed is more like 80 kph. Onboard Payment Options page. The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. Ride the historic railway to the hinterland or take a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef. Apparently the galley crew don`t understand how to heat food. } else { 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. this.submit = document.getElementById('webform_submit_button'); I will definitely taking another trip in the future with qld rail thank you for a memorable trip away. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { var input = inputs[i]; if (input.name.indexOf('signup') >= 0) { Can't recommend the RailBed highly enough and would definitely do this sort of experience again. } else { 5 Nights at 4-star Rydges Cairns Esplanade Resort with breakfast daily and welcome drink. The customer service was fantastic - the staff very clearly enjoy doing a good job and the food that was served us was delicious. Queensland Rail Travel is committed to supporting Queenslanders by preventing the spread of COVID-19. _this = this; 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. Tilt Train customers receive an in-seat Trolley Service throughout their journey. 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. Spirit of Queensland Rail Service Townsville to Brisbane Sept 2015 Friendly and Welcoming Cabin Crew. 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. 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 Spirit of Queenslands RailBed experience was one of the most relaxing journeys Ive ever had. 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. No wonder people just fly, Is there power points for sleep apnea machines. Guaranteed. I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. The train attains a top speed of 160 kph, usually achieved during the night. However, with daylight, it was more interesting to enjoy the constantly changing coastal Queensland landscape. Orders were taken in advance of the meal. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. input.placeholder = input.getAttribute('data-required-field'); updateSubmitButtonText: function(text) { RailBeds - There are 2 accessible RailBeds, however, there is no provision to park a non-collapsible wheelchair. However with unpredictable border restrictions and the train's popular demand, I had to reschedule this trip again and again! You also get an amenities pack which included all organic products. The overhead bin was large enough for my carry-on travel bag. Tiny hessian bags full of travel comforts are waiting for you along with welcoming hosts. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. var dropdown = dropdowns[i]; The magazine for world travellers. } }, 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.