But, theres also the train thing. The USB ports are useless for charging so I plug mine into the power point beside the bed. I knew they were not a budget airline as they at least have decent caring staff. Copyright 2022 Adventures All Around | Website by Liveby5. if (name.indexOf('mimi_invalid') === -1) { I described the sleep time in terms of a ship. The water was hot and the pressure was perfect. The three meals were delivered on a trolley to each seat. this.updateFormAfterValidation(); 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. this.revalidateOnChange(); The first of her kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the Spirit of Queensland was brought in to replace The Sunlander, cutting the Brisbane to Cairns route down from 31 hours to a 25 hour journey. } for (var i = 0; i < elements.length; ++i) { Dear Talknsmile,It is always great to hear about another happy customer onboard our trains. if (document.addEventListener) { Review of Queensland Rail. When: All year round. The menu brings a paddock to plate experience with meals prepared using the freshest Queensland produce. this.textFieldError(email); My young friend shook her head in disbelief at the absurdity of my travel choices. 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. 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. 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. It was a welcome break from the frenetic pace of busy airports, enhanced security-screening measures, and cramped aircraft space. this.isValid = true; this.submit.value = text; 0:00 / 11:40 Spirit of Queensland Railbed Cairns to Brisbane 14,230 views Dec 18, 2018 81 Dislike Share Save Heino's Transport Films 164 subscribers A film of my journey from Cairns to. For your listening pleasure, you might want to pack your own headphones. There's a locomotive at each end. Fully plated meals will be provided to RailBed customers offering hot or continental breakfast, 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner. The customer service was fantastic - the staff very clearly enjoy doing a good job and the food that was served us was delicious. , plus 15 handmade tunnels and 37 towering bridges and offers a truly unique rail adventure. The Spirit of Queensland is a Queensland Rail long distance passenger rail service. 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. 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. if (invalidFields.length || invalidFields[0].className.indexOf('checkgroup') === -1) { Our FREE AUSTRALIA Travel Guide is a great resource for planning a trip to Australia! 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Yes, some folks got and and off at different stops but most people seemed to travel the entire route on the RailBed. } else { this.textValidation(input); 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. 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. 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. Water Fountains - Drinking fountains are located at the end of all passenger carriages. 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. },
Thanks for thatbeen thinking of a train trip with my Asisstance Dog. In-seat wine and dine service and entertainment aboard the Spirit of Queensland. Looking for an airfare only? if (input.value) { I will definitely taking another trip in the future with qld rail thank you for a memorable trip away. 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. Your trip your way! 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. Enjoy 35 degrees of recline and a wide flat 18.5 inch screen with on-demand . In our opinion, it is, especially if you take it as an opportunity to stop along the way and break up your journey. 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. The overhead compartment contained a towel, blanket, and inflatable neck cushion. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. This three-day itinerary describe these suggestions and a host of other ideas. Trip in August 2014 between Innisfail and Gladstone. } 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. 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. this.dropdownValidation(field, input); A video trip report of Railbed (first) class on QR Travel's new Spirit of Queensland tilting train. There was an extra seat that folded down under the TV. With the beds all made up, the lights dimmed and the curtains closed, the RailBeds feel like a fun slumber party. return name.replace(/\s?mimi_invalid/, ''); var email = document.getElementById('signup_email'); Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your RailBed ticket, with one glass of complimentary wine with your evening meal. }, Spirit of Qld Rail Bed. destination[prop] = source[prop]; 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. Hi Joan thats right there in the story complete with a picture! But even then it felt like such an old-fashioned thing to do. Spirit of Queensland Rail Service Townsville to Brisbane Sept 2015 Friendly and Welcoming Cabin Crew. Thank you for taking time to write a review of your trip on the Spirit of Queensland, we look forward to welcoming you onboard one of our services again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel.htmlEmbedDropdownValidation: function(field) { By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. Australias impressive size and long distances between its destination make traveling by plane the most popular way to see Australia. We are Oksana & Max, eco-conscious travelers on a mission to inspire responsible travel practices around the world. No wonder people just fly, Is there power points for sleep apnea machines. You can easily plan your trip with the full Spirit of Queensland timetable. }); Youll also get a free knee blanket! One of the most popular train routes in Australia is the Brisbane to Cairns train aboard the Spirit of Queensland and it was this particular route that we experienced on our recent trip to Queensland. We hope to see you on board again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. Collapsible wheelchairs can be stowed at the end of the carriage. (this.form.querySelectorAll('fieldset')[0] || this.form).innerHTML = html; On 10 September 2021, I finally boarded this train once more and experienced Railbed Sleeper from Cairns to Brisbane. textFieldError: function(input) { For anyone who loves train travel, Queensland Rails Spirit of Queensland is a fabulous choice. 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. I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) . Please turn on JavaScript and try again. We look forward to welcoming you onboard a Queensland Rail Travel service again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. var inputs = fields[i].getElementsByTagName('input'); 2 Days / 1 Night aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns in a lie-flat RailBed with lunch and dinner. this.fieldAndListValidation(); Hope this helps. } var inputs = field.getElementsByTagName('input'); I did removed one article and my case now weighted 18kgs. The sun is preparing to come up over the mountain range, theres mist everywhere, and kangaroos are hopping beside the train. if (response.success) { Individual flights to destinations such as Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach and Cairns would easily add up costing just as much if not more than a rail ticket. this.showConfirmationText(result.confirmation_html); For dinner, we once again had a choice of a 3-course meal. Ask the airfare experts at GowayAir. The spinach & feta quick was definitely our favourite! The journey takes roughly 25 hours. 5 Nights at 4-star Rydges Cairns Esplanade Resort with breakfast daily and welcome drink. e.preventDefault();
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Packing Light Travel. Are people forced to wear masks on the train?validate: function() { if (input.value.length === 1) _this.validate(); Check out the Queensland Rail site for options. Contact Queensland Rail to find out how your travel plans can be accommodated. Im glad you enjoyed your Spirit of Queensland adventure as much as I did. Dear TDK1962,Many thanks for your kind review. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country we traverse. If you are thinking of going from Brisbane to Cairns, fly there! Not to mention its also home to over 350 species of birds, possums, wallabies, sea turtles, dolphins, and the famous dingo! return name; } Definitely will keep in mind for my next Australia trip (hopefully soon!). Disembark here to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters on the shores of the Noosa National Park. For information on what forms of payment are accepted onboard when travelling with us, visit our We acknowledge their spiritual connection to the lands and waterways and ask their ancestors to watch over us as we tread lightly on Country. We traveled from Brisbane to Cairns in RailBed seats and were impressed with the comfort and service level in RailBed Class.
for (var i = 0; i < dropdowns.length; ++i) { Planning your next trip? The bed and bedding were very comfortable.
emailValidation: function() { 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. After all, there are lots of great stops and things to do between Brisbane and Cairns. var dropdown = dropdowns[i]; For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. } else if(result.single_opt_in || !result.confirmation_html) { },
We took the Queensland Class train from Cairns to Brisbane to give us a chance to see Australia and give us a break from internal flights. The food was better than what Ive encountered in economy-class cabins on international airlines. In fact, I used Scotiabanks Scotia Rewards to cover the cost of the Spirit of Queensland fare from Brisbane to Cairns. setFormClassName: function() { } A direct flight back to Brisbane offers a quick return. Features We are Oksana & Max, a Canadian couple with a passion for sustainable travel. var dropdowns = field.querySelectorAll('.mimi_html_dropdown'); } else { } else { It is unfortunate to hear that you considered the Railbed seat by-day uncomfortable as many of our customers have advised us of their satisfaction with the comfort of the seats. After folks settled in, a more social atmosphere prevailed, especially while watching staff make up the beds. The magazine for world travellers. this.initialize(); var instance = instances[i]; removeTextFieldError: function(input) { QLD trains, forget the hype NOTHING HAS CHANGED except the prices. However, the average speed is more like 80 kph. Spirit of Queensland . While the cold option included a choice of cereal with greek yogurt, berry compote and a freshly baked pastry. 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. A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as. Features The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. What attracted me to the Spirit of Queensland was the RailBed class. We do appreciate your honest feedback and thank you for taking the time to review our train. Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. var action = this.form.action; this.removeTextFieldError(input); The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. A complimentary wine, beer, or juice is served with lunch and dinner. } Did it represent good value? The staff on the train were just fantastic very professional and they just couldnt do enough for the passengers. For us, trains offer the best alternative to flying. Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. if (_this.validEmail.test(input.value)) _this.validate(); There are the non-RailBed carriages that might meet your needs.this.validate(); Surely for that amount of money something more comfortable must have been possible.
onFormSubmit: function(e) { Another route through the Outback, this time going from Brisbane to Charleville, taking in the picturesque scenery of the. It was a very bad crossing on a ship without stabilisers, with screaming banshees all night. if (!Mimi.Signups) Mimi.Signups = {};
this.isValid = false; Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) Not Available. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. I was told that I had to repack it. field.className += ' invalid'; var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field.required'); Spirit Of Queensland. } else { I am sure the passengers at the other end of the platform were all now awake. "what do you think we are? formSubmitting: function() { }, Tea and coffee were also provided. } It worked just fine. The RailBed class is a top-notch travel experience at an affordable price. So really the choice is up to you, and whatever you feel comfortable doing. I had never thought about train travel in Australia, until reading In A Sunburned Country. 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!Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation = function() { 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. _this = this; They have been designed to provide a smooth and relaxing ride. Not unlike first class in a plane but more spacious. this.form.addEventListener('submit', function(e){ Tiny hessian bags full of travel comforts are waiting for you along with welcoming hosts. for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. In other words, you traded a three-dollar business class flight to spend 24-hours on a train? Queensland Rail Limited ABN 71 132 181 090. Previous. })(this); We spent many years living and traveling around Australia exploring the country in-depth! } else { Sorry to hear yours wasnt what you were hoping for. }, On our recent trip to Australia, we discovered the beauty of traveling around the East Coast of Australia by train and its now an experience that we highly recommend to others. if (input.getAttribute('name') === 'signup[email]') { I may have grown up on a farm where kangaroos were commonplace but the sight puts a big smile on my face. 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. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your RailBed ticket, with one glass of complimentary wine with your evening meal. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid'; the only improvement seems to be more leg room and a bigger toilet/shower room. this.textFieldError(input); 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. },
More onboard experiencesOnboard MerchandiseMore about your train. 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. Our Spirit of Queensland train is the newest edition to our fleet which combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of rail travel. } else {if (!Mimi) var Mimi = {}; if (document.addEventListener) { 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("&")};
Unlike the Sunlander where meals are all freshly prepared in the kitchen, here theyre more airline food style. showConfirmationText: function(html) { 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. Not much. new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation(); document.body.appendChild(script); onSelectCallback: function(input) { The Service fell down at the Dinner Service ex Townsville, Good food spoilt by over heating. We experienced USB ports that didnt work, and ear-hone jacks that didnt work. Thanks for sharing Nicki. window[this.callbackName] = function(response) { But it actually looks really fun and glamourous! 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 entertainment options on board the Spirit of Queensland were plentiful. this.onSelectCallback(input); } Hot breakfast in RailBed Class on the Spirit of Queensland train Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. } I would like to say it was a wonderful experience. } We were also thrilled to see that the Galley Car meals were served with Biopak biodegradable cutlery! The Club Car is licensed to sell alcohol from 10am - 12 midnight.fieldAndListValidation: function() { elements[i].disabled = true; formUrl: function(format) { There was a good selection of movies, tv shows, kids programmes or music channels available in the in-seat entertainment. } Thanks for sharing. The service included a welcome drink of ginger beer, lime, mint, and ice. It's easy to walk around or freshen up with a shower. Enjoy our online presentations from the comfort of your home. } else { Hi Noel, they do indeed. Theres a locomotive at each end. It has everything you need, from beds, showers, galley car, all-inclusive dining option, in-seat entertainment and much more! There are stops for passengers to board and disembark. The next morning I wake up, look out the window and smile. Yes, especially when factoring in the costs of overnight accommodation, three meals, and long-distance ground transportation. } This trip was not! field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); textAndDropdownValidation: function(field, type) { if (this.isValid || !invalidFields) { },
Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. With the beds made up, the lights dimmed, and the curtains closed, it felt like one large upmarket moving hostel dorm. The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). Stay up to date with the latest travel info and destination deals! return name += ' mimi_invalid'; See queenslandrailtravel.com.au See also: The world's greatest train journeys See also: What it's really like on Australia's greatest train journey Tim Richards Apr 4 2019 Traveller