}, Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. No access to the Club Car is available from the RailBeds for wheelchair customers. field.className += ' invalid'; Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. 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. var inputs = fields[i].getElementsByTagName('input'); 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.
var _this = this; return text; document.body.appendChild(script); Customer service is one of our highest priorities and the vast majority of our staff take great pride in their customer relationships. Apparently the galley crew don`t understand how to heat food. The train makes the 1681km journey five times per week. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Packing Light Travel. if (!Mimi.Signups) Mimi.Signups = {};
text; return name; this.dropdownValidation(field, input); The fold-down seat had a pocket for reading material and assorted items. Join the mailing list for updates, and access to the Resource Library. 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. Dear stevecau,It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your experience on board the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns recently. fields[i].style['display'] = 'none'; I was just wondering if towels were provided for the showers or if it was byo? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. 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. The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes. } elements[i].disabled = true; } var invalidFields = document.querySelectorAll('.invalid'), Lie Flat With RailBed The first two passenger carriages on Spirit of Queensland are dedicated to RailBed. by Anne Betts | Nov 7, 2019 | Australia | 8 comments. }, I took a Queensland Rail train form Brisbane to Maryborough and it was very affordable. }, We opted for a Caprese salad, roasted pork loin and tiramisu cake. top.location.href = result.redirect; That was also the experience of the others in our tour party. (function(global) { var elements = this.form.elements; Fraser Island is known for being a unique nature destination with miles of beach, 100 freshwater lakes and over 30 walking tracks. instance.onSelect = function(){ _this.validate() }; } But it actually looks really fun and glamourous! Can't recommend the RailBed highly enough and would definitely do this sort of experience again. 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. The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. Your entertainment system might not work or the content could be uninspiring. if (response.success) { updateFormAfterValidation: function() { On the plus side the staff and meals were excellent. The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). Further north were cattle stations, wetlands, sugar cane fields, and mango and banana plantations. My young friend shook her head in disbelief at the absurdity of my travel choices. Second was evening Day One, and given we were going through the heartland of Qld's beef country, I had the beef cheeks. Definitely will keep in mind for my next Australia trip (hopefully soon!). I had never thought about train travel in Australia, until reading In A Sunburned Country. Unlike the Sunlander where meals are all freshly prepared in the kitchen, here theyre more airline food style. No other words are needed. 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. document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { } The next morning I wake up, look out the window and smile. 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. } Next. A call button is available to contact the onboard staff for assistance I described the sleep time in terms of a ship. With the beds all made up, the lights dimmed and the curtains closed, the RailBeds feel like a fun slumber party. 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. The sun is preparing to come up over the mountain range, theres mist everywhere, and kangaroos are hopping beside the train. One of the best things about travelling on the Spirit of Queensland train is the fact that it opens up so many more travel and sightseeing possibilities than flying ever could. The Spirit of Queensland is a modern tilt train that runs the length of the Queensland coast between Brisbane and Cairns. On the Brisbane to Cairns route, the views were interesting and varied. Disembark here to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters on the shores of the Noosa National Park. We were also thrilled to see that the Galley Car meals were served with Biopak biodegradable cutlery! Yes, some folks got and and off at different stops but most people seemed to travel the entire route on the RailBed. this.callbackName = 'jsonp_callback_' + Math.round(100000 * Math.random()); We regret that you were not informed beforehand that you are able to store the luggage yourself if you prefer. The magazine for world travellers. 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. field.className = field.className.replace(/ invalid/g, ''); Hot breakfast consisted of a three cheese omelette served with pork chipolata, bacon and tomato wedge (there was also a vegetarian option available). }); Railbed: - 2 x checked in items of luggage not exceeding 20kg and a maximum of 180 linear centimetres (sum of length, width and depth). The food was better than what Ive encountered in economy-class cabins on international airlines. if (typeof Widget === 'undefined' || !Widget.BasicDropdown) return; I imagine so, but presumably it will cost more and will require paying for each segment. Unbelievable prices. 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. The Spirit of Queenslands RailBed experience was one of the most relaxing journeys Ive ever had. They have been designed to provide a smooth and relaxing ride. 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. For dinner, we once again had a choice of a 3-course meal. Long-distance rail travel in Victoria: https://youtu.be/_OX0sTjdBaUQantas QF2 B787 Business Class Darwin to Sydney - a domestic international flight! }, Youll have your own reading light, a power point for charging your phone or other electrical devices, overhead lockers, and in-seat entertainment. } What is the food like in the Railbed section? The. Delicious meals were served making this a stress free way to travel. 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. Review our onboard menu options for your service by selecting a train below.. var dropdown = dropdowns[i]; The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. The service and the food was very delicious not a leftover to be seen at each meal. onSelectCallback: function(input) { The Club Car is licensed to sell alcohol from 10am - 12 midnight. if (result.has_redirect) { The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. The final product was among a number of options put to testers and was selected as the most comfortable option. if (type === 'text_field') { Features do the single railbed seats at the front and back of the carriage have a window? The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. You could have flown business class on points, on a direct flight from Sydney to Cairns for $25 in taxes and fees. }, With a high ticket price, many would wonder, is the journey on the train really worth it? for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { Hot breakfast in RailBed Class on the Spirit of Queensland train Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. You can easily plan your trip with the full, Australia Travel Tips: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Australia, What Does a Trip to Australia Cost? Spirit of Queensland Rail Service Townsville to Brisbane Sept 2015 Friendly and Welcoming Cabin Crew.for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { The overhead compartment contained a towel, blanket, and inflatable neck cushion. 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! _this.onFormSubmit(e); The overhead bin was large enough for my carry-on travel bag. 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. Copyright 2022 Adventures All Around | Website by Liveby5. RailBed: A spacious and comfortable seat by day that converts to a lie-flat bed at night. There are also savings from the cost of getting to and from airports, and baggage and seat selection fees associated with air travel. this.submit.className = 'disabled'; For a change of scenery, the Club Car offered an opportunity to mingle with other passengers over conversation and drinks. 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. A complimentary wine, beer, or juice is served with lunch and dinner. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. My bag weighted 20.1kg, 100 grams over weight.
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_this.onSubmitCallback(response); For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as The Ghan, it has two locomotives and just seven carriages. if (selected) { formUrl: function(format) { The three meals were delivered on a trolley to each seat. 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. I even spotted the odd kangaroo and wallaby, and lots of cockatoos. this.onSelectCallback(input); Do you need a Visa to enter? By day, the RailBeds are spacious seats capable of reclining up to 35 degrees. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll('.mimi_field'); this.form.className += ' mimi_submitting'; I would speculate that most travellers spend time in Cairns to explore the hinterland, the reef, and surrounding areas. I did this trip recently and I loved it to bits, except for one thing and I'll get to that. The ride was quiet and smooth, and conversation was possible at a normal volume. this.isValid = false; Whether you're travelling to see the natural wonders of the north or to catch the twinkling lights of the city in Brisbane, the Spirit of Queensland is an easy and sustainable way to travel between Brisbane and Cairns. if (input.id === 'signup_email') return; 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. 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. RailBeds - There are 2 accessible RailBeds, however, there is no provision to park a non-collapsible wheelchair. } else { this.showConfirmationText(result.confirmation_html); 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. } Cars B and C are becoming old. disableForm: function() { There's a locomotive at each end. Instead, you flew from Sydney to Brisbane for $22 and from there took the train to Cairns for $389? 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. } Cost: A$0 (2 Passengers) . Another is that its an opportunity to take in the scenery. if (invalidFields.length || invalidFields[0].className.indexOf('checkgroup') === -1) { Stay up to date with the latest travel info and destination deals! This three-day itinerary describe these suggestions and a host of other ideas. new Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation(); } I hope you get to enjoy the train and sleep easily. return 'checkboxes'; #1543989; CST #2016613-20. window[this.callbackName] = function(response) { })(this); We spent many years living and traveling around Australia exploring the country in-depth! First meal was around mid-day on Day One, quite a serviceable chicken noodle dish with a sticky-date pudding for dessert. for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { Not much. 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. As for what to wear to bed? Guaranteed. this.updateSubmitButtonText(this.submit.getAttribute('data-thanks')); }, This nature lovers paradise is definitely worth a stop along your Spirit of Queensland journey. I would like to say it was a wonderful experience. this.textFieldError(input); var inputs = field.getElementsByTagName('input'); input.placeholder = input.getAttribute('data-required-field'); this.revalidateOnChange(); The staff on the train will have the latest update for the day so just listen for their instructions if needed and come prepared. The spinach & feta quick was definitely our favourite! 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. Cairns is an excellent base and launching point for exploring Far North Queensland. } this.emailValidation(); if (instance.wrapperEl === dropdownEl) { this.isValid = false; return name += ' mimi_invalid'; Any other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the club car, which is where premium economy passengers buy their meals. A significant amount of development time was invested in the selection of the Railbed mattress type and materials. Looking for an airfare only? }, I was told that I had to repack it. Take advantage of the coach connections at certain stops to explore parts of the Australian countryside that many tourists miss out on. this.submit.className = this.isValid ? We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-default-text'); Not as far as Im aware, but youre best to check with Queensland Rail about that one to be sure. } What a cool way to slow travel and see more of a country. for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { var input = inputs[i]; if (input.name.indexOf('signup') >= 0) { this.disableForm(); 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. Since 2015, we have been traveling full-time with a mission to inspire others to follow in our footsteps. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. for (var i = 0; i < elements.length; ++i) { The service included a welcome drink of ginger beer, lime, mint, and ice. Dear Talknsmile,It is always great to hear about another happy customer onboard our trains. } else { I must admit they were pushing it, their case was 200 grams over. 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. At busy times, it was possible to buy a drink and take it back to the comfort of your seat. Your email address will not be published. Welcome to Packing Light Travel. } In other words, you traded a three-dollar business class flight to spend 24-hours on a train? The new Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel. There are the non-RailBed carriages that might meet your needs. 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 The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. With the beds made up, the lights dimmed, and the curtains closed, it felt like one large upmarket moving hostel dorm. } I thought that it had been upgraded. RailBed customers aboard Spirit of Queensland receive inclusive meals served directly to their seat. }); The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. TERRIBLE Service bad attitude from Supervisor so no point complaining. But while domestic flights certainly dominate travelers preference list, it wont surprise many to hear that its not the most eco-conscious way. Collapsible wheelchairs can be stowed at the end of the carriage. Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge. this.formSubmitting(); The main lights were turned off at 21:30, but each pod had individual reading lights. Planning your next trip? 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. Railbed Car - Spirit of Queensland. Required fields are marked *. selected = true; 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. else { } I wasnt paid anything for the review, and clearly we had very different experiences. }); If your travel plans involve Australia, you might be interested in these other posts: Very interesting. (Fully Paid For so why Try Putting someone else or reselling . Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. Theres also a Galley / Club Car, and a carriage for luggage and crew. How much were you paid for this review? 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 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. My experience started when the luggage gestapo screamed that my luggage was overweight. A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as The Ghan, it has two locomotives and just seven carriages. this.fieldAndListValidation(); inputs[j].onkeyup = function() { Please turn on JavaScript and try again. 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. Even the 2nd Class Sleepers in Thai railways have curtains. Perhaps Ill give it another chance. We stopped for 5 days, enjoying some time in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays and on the Great Barrier Reef. 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. 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. This was one of the stops we made during our journey from Brisbane to Cairns by train. } else { The Spirit of Queensland is a Queensland Rail long distance passenger rail service. } Are people forced to wear masks on the train? var _this = this; For information on the site, please see the About page. The Club Car provides food and refreshments for purchase as well a social environment to sit with other travelers.Kind Regards,Customer Service - Travel. Not to mention its also home to over 350 species of birds, possums, wallabies, sea turtles, dolphins, and the famous dingo! We hope to see you on board again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. var inputs = field.getElementsByTagName('input'), I did removed one article and my case now weighted 18kgs. The wait is over!! Enjoy the trip! At the start of 2015, it replaced the diesel-hauled train The Sunlander . input.className = 'required invalid'; }, script.src = this.formUrl('json'); , plus 15 handmade tunnels and 37 towering bridges and offers a truly unique rail adventure. 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. if((input.type === 'checkbox' || input.type === 'radio') && input.checked) { 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("&")}; Surely for that amount of money something more comfortable must have been possible. more. https://youtu.be/FHcDorXrmWoMUST DO!! }, We look forward to welcoming you onboard a Queensland Rail Travel service again soon.Kind Regards,Customer Service - TravelQueensland Rail Travel. this.submit = document.getElementById('webform_submit_button'); The premium economy carriages feature leather seats, entertainment systems with on demand movies, TV and music in the back of the seat in front of you and a 30 degree seat recline. 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 Spirit of Queensland train journey is a 1681 kilometre route taking about 24-25 hours from Brisbane to Cairns. However with unpredictable border restrictions and the train's popular demand, I had to reschedule this trip again and again! Where: Brisbane to Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Or possibly first class, depending on who youre flying with. 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. Thanks, If you are in the Sleeping carriage can you still walk through to the Dining / Club carriage for coffee etc. The Spirit of Queensland is proud to offer an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed. The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. this.form = document.getElementById('ema_signup_form'); if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) {textValidation: function(input) { A heavy label was attached and I was then told that I could have taken it on board myself. So really the choice is up to you, and whatever you feel comfortable doing. } else { var input = inputs[i]; RailBed passengers also receive a lip balm, hand sanitser and hand cream from Queensland skincare brand, Bubbles Organic. I highly recommend it. Cairns Spirit of Queensland Tilt Train Railbed - Australia's most modern overnight train Cairns to Brisbane RoryDing Travels 33.9K subscribers Join Subscribe 9.1K Share Save 673K views 1 year. In my opinion the Rail Beds are a dismal failure. this.validEmail = /.+@.+\..+/ Before leaving home Id already decided I was going the PJs route and had packed my Singapore Airlines sleep suit. Orders were taken in advance of the meal. Well, one of my things. if (field.className.indexOf('invalid') === -1) field.className += ' invalid';