I enjoy train travel far more than flying but my overnight experiences were sadly not my favourites, even in a sleeper car, but this one looks pretty nice. The magazine for world travellers.
for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation(); for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { My young friend shook her head in disbelief at the absurdity of my travel choices. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-choose-list'); 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. Review of Queensland Rail. }
validate: function() { }, A heavy label was attached and I was then told that I could have taken it on board myself. text; Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) . The. For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. instance.onSelect = function(){ _this.validate() }; It is operated by a diesel powered [3] Tilt Train that runs five times a week on the North Coast line between Brisbane and Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 mi). and were really impressed by its quality. If you enjoy train travel, it might be for you. Railbed: - 2 x checked in items of luggage not exceeding 20kg and a maximum of 180 linear centimetres (sum of length, width and depth). var invalidFields = document.querySelectorAll('.invalid'), Or possibly first class, depending on who youre flying with. . 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. The Club Car provides food and refreshments for purchase as well a social environment to sit with other travelers.Kind Regards,Customer Service - Travel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Packing Light Travel. Unlike the Sunlander where meals are all freshly prepared in the kitchen, here theyre more airline food style. },
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. (Fully Paid For so why Try Putting someone else or reselling . Its beautiful out there, and I feel lucky to be seeing this part of Queensland in a completely new way. 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. } See queenslandrailtravel.com.au - Traveller An unanticipated problem. document.body.appendChild(script); } There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. _this.onFormSubmit(e); 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. return name += ' mimi_invalid'; The Spirit of Queensland. 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. 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. Enjoy 35 degrees of recline and a wide flat 18.5 inch screen with on-demand . updateSubmitButtonText: function(text) { }, 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. Also, Id steer clear of selecting seats near doors that open and close frequently. 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. I did removed one article and my case now weighted 18kgs. There are the non-RailBed carriages that might meet your needs. 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("&")}; document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { By night they are converted into the sort of flat bed that Id be very happy to find on a plane, measuring 1.9m x 0.51m. Welcome to Packing Light Travel. new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation(); for (var prop in source) { 5 Nights at 4-star Rydges Cairns Esplanade Resort with breakfast daily and welcome drink. Second was evening Day One, and given we were going through the heartland of Qld's beef country, I had the beef cheeks. }checkboxAndRadioValidation: function(field) { 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. When: All year round. this.fieldAndListValidation(); For your listening pleasure, you might want to pack your own headphones. if (this.isValid || !invalidFields) { document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
if (!Mimi) var Mimi = {};
extend(Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation.prototype, { 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. You can easily plan your trip with the full Spirit of Queensland timetable. Yes, especially when factoring in the costs of overnight accommodation, three meals, and long-distance ground transportation. _this.onFormSubmit(e); Its still all fresh Queensland produce but its mostly been prepped on land before its finished on board. The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. Can you take the train from Brisbane to Cairns but get on and off overnight in various places en route? BC Reg. Fully plated meals will be provided to RailBed customers offering hot or continental breakfast, 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner. The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). Orders were taken in advance of the meal. We acknowledge their spiritual connection to the lands and waterways and ask their ancestors to watch over us as we tread lightly on Country. Cars B and C are becoming old. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field.required');
A complimentary wine, beer, or juice is served with lunch and dinner. One hand on the grab bars at all times added to the challenge. 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. } else { The entertainment schedule changes regularly, but you can check it ahead of your trip via the Spirit of Queensland entertainment guide. } input.placeholder = ''; textFieldError: function(input) { Spirit Of Queensland. 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. Thanks for thatbeen thinking of a train trip with my Asisstance Dog. This trip was not! Spirit of Queensland . var action = this.form.action; The RailBed ticket for the Spirit of Queensland train includes all-inclusive meals which are served directly to your seat. var email = document.getElementById('signup_email'); if (name.indexOf('mimi_invalid') === -1) { }; Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, Croc Express to Australia Zoo from Brisbane. Water Fountains - Drinking fountains are located at the end of all passenger carriages. The couple behind me also suffered the same screaming about being overweight. 50+ Reasons Why to Go Downunder with Goway, All main meals served directly to your seat, Personal entertainment featuring a large screen with on-demand movies, music and audio books, Seat features include reading light, footrest, drink holder, 240v power adapter and USB charging, Towel and personal amenity pack with Queensland organic and sustainable products, All bed linen provided (sheets, duvet & pillow), RailBed customers may check in two (2) items of luggage not exceeding 20kg each (44 pounds), plus one item of carry on hand luggage free of charge, Carry on luggage for under-seat or overhead compartments is maximum size of 23cm x 34cm x 48cm and a maximum weight of 20kg. We're looking forward to more trips with Queensland Rail. 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. At busy times, it was possible to buy a drink and take it back to the comfort of your seat. In other words, you traded a three-dollar business class flight to spend 24-hours on a train? } Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. } else { 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. RailBed passengers also receive a lip balm, hand sanitser and hand cream from Queensland skincare brand, Bubbles Organic. Your feedback on the noise within the sleeping carriage has been relayed back to our Onboard Customer Service Team for monitoring. } 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. fields[i].style['display'] = 'none'; elements[i].disabled = true; The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. The food was better than what Ive encountered in economy-class cabins on international airlines. If there is one drawback with this type of sleeper it is lack of privacy. Guests will be able to select different options from the menu (a-la-carte) with orders taken prior to the meals times. this.disableForm(); return name; Details valid from 1st December 2021 and are subject to change. Besides, when compared to air travel, its a more sustainable method of transportation. When it comes time to get ready for bed, the staff leaps into action, bringing out the hydraulics to flip the seat over to reveal a mattress. Subscribe to our newsletter to follow our life on the road, learn more about sustainable travel practices, and be the first to learn about updates from the blog! initialize: function() { We are Oksana & Max, a Canadian couple with a passion for sustainable travel. 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? by Anne Betts | Nov 7, 2019 | Australia | 8 comments. if (dropdown.value) { 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. The Spirit of Queensland train is quite possibly, But the best thing is, that you can really take your time and make a few pit stops along the way, the. I travelled from Roma St to Ayr and return on the Spirit of Queensland 'Rail Bed'. this.submit.disabled = !this.isValid; #833-0; TICO Reg. A selection of Queensland wines and beverages is also available. Perhaps Ill give it another chance. this.updateSubmitButtonText(this.submit.getAttribute('data-thanks')); } The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. Another route through the Outback, this time going from Brisbane to Charleville, taking in the picturesque scenery of the. this.form.className = this.setFormClassName(); Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. The Spirit of Queensland Brisbane to Cairns train isnt the only one departing from Queensland there are a number of other routes taking you to the far-flung corners of the state! 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 The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. The Spirit of Queensland train journey is a 1681 kilometre route taking about 24-25 hours from Brisbane to Cairns. While the Spirit of Queensland can and does do 160 kilometres per hour at times, she doesnt stick to that speed the whole way.function extend(destination, source) { RailBed: A spacious and comfortable seat by day that converts to a lie-flat bed at night. He did ask if he could pay for the excess, in his case 200 grams. Dear TDK1962,Many thanks for your kind review. Check out the Queensland Rail site for options. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. The route was dotted with coastal towns, each with its own character. With the beds all made up, the lights dimmed and the curtains closed, the RailBeds feel like a fun slumber party. I described the sleep time in terms of a ship. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid';
this.validate(); Hi Tom, Im glad youve experienced this one for yourself and that you love the staff on the trains. But it actually looks really fun and glamourous! No access to the Club Car is available from the RailBeds for wheelchair customers. Yes. this.callbackName = 'jsonp_callback_' + Math.round(100000 * Math.random()); Youve shown me where wed be sitting/sleeping & it sounds wonderful , Oh that sounds like a lovely one to do together. this.isValid = false; On the plus side the staff and meals were excellent. There are little things like bends and track conditions to take into consideration, and of course slowing to come into towns and stopping to let passengers on and off. Customer service is one of our highest priorities and the vast majority of our staff take great pride in their customer relationships. Spirit of Queensland - Brisbane << View all Brisbane City Centre tours & cruises. What a cool way to slow travel and see more of a country. if (result.has_redirect) { },
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. You feel connected to the rails, and as the train tilts, so do you. The seven carriages in between include two RailBed sleeper cars with airline style seats that convert to lie-flat beds. Most people seemed to have pyjamas for sleeping. Its also a good idea to pack your own entertainment. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. 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. else { field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); What is the food like in the Railbed section? But while domestic flights certainly dominate travelers preference list, it wont surprise many to hear that its not the most eco-conscious way. The Sirromet Vineyard Selection Shiraz came from Queenslands Granite Belt. for (var i = 0; i < instances.length; ++i) { 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. The train makes the 1681km journey five times per week. Any other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the club car, which is where premium economy passengers buy their meals. } else { The customer service was fantastic - the staff very clearly enjoy doing a good job and the food that was served us was delicious. There are stops for passengers to board and disembark. Pros Great staff, own cabin, nice lounge with a bar, nice restaurant, great views, great showers, nice to meet other people and share experiences, easier than flying, excellent food and plenty of it. Not unlike first class in a plane but more spacious. The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes. 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. 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 Spirit of Queensland fleet will provide guests with a fast, value for money modern rail experience. A FREE travel quote! }, 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. } . this.submit.value = text; A significant amount of development time was invested in the selection of the Railbed mattress type and materials. The bed at night was SERIOUSLY uncomfortable. I suspect Queensland Rail assigns single bookings in this way but I wouldnt count on it. } this.submit.value = this.submit.getAttribute('data-submitting-text'); Hi splumpf,Thank you so much for your wonderful review on our Spirit of Queensland train service. }, Thats great that youve let them know so they can take care of you. this.formSubmitting(); if (_this.validEmail.test(input.value)) _this.validate(); this.isValid = false; Since 2015, we have been traveling full-time with a mission to inspire others to follow in our footsteps. After all, there are lots of great stops and things to do between Brisbane and Cairns. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll(".mimi_field.required"), 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.if (this.validEmail.test(email.value)) { Book as early as possible to take advantage of saver fares and seat selection. var inputs = fields[i].getElementsByTagName('input'); For information on what forms of payment are accepted onboard when travelling with us, visit our Australias impressive size and long distances between its destination make traveling by plane the most popular way to see Australia. By day the seat was hard and the footrest reached no further than behind my knees, which was not at all comfortable. Your email address will never be shared. submitButtonText: function() { RAILBED Spacious reclinable seat Seat converts to a lie-flat bed at night All-inclusive in-seat dining experience including two course meals with complimentary beverage Linen, pillow, towel and amenities pack provided On-demand entertainment Tray table, reading light, drink holder, footrest and 240-volt power point Spirit of Qld Rail Bed. inputs[j].onchange = function(){ _this.validate() }; If your travel plans involve Australia, you might be interested in these other posts: Very interesting. Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. After folks settled in, a more social atmosphere prevailed, especially while watching staff make up the beds. 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. } return text; 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 combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. Youll also get a free knee blanket! 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. Here in Australia Ive gone north to south on the Ghan and east to west on the Indian Pacific, travelled out to Longreach on Queenslands Spirit of the Outback outback and was able to experience The Sunlander train before she became an Australian travel memory. But Ive never travelled on a train like this anywhere else in the world. Let us customize a dream holiday for you. Next. 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. 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. thanks. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. inputs[j].onkeyup = function() { I was a little wary of the 2-1 configuration and sharing sleeping space with 18 other passengers. if (typeof Widget === 'undefined' || !Widget.BasicDropdown) return; 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. 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. Meanwhile the RailBeds are reminiscent of business class seats on an airline. The menu brings a paddock to plate experience with meals prepared using the freshest Queensland produce. isnt the only one departing from Queensland there are a number of other routes taking you to the far-flung corners of the state! Hi Joan thats right there in the story complete with a picture! Not much. I will definitely taking another trip in the future with qld rail thank you for a memorable trip away. 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.
Are There Crocodiles In Kalbarri, Articles S