train travel cairns to brisbane

The Spirit of Queensland

The Spirit of Queensland is a modern tilt train that runs the length of the Queensland coast between Brisbane and Cairns. The train makes the 1681km journey five times per week. The Spirit of Queensland  has a maximum speed of 160km/h and the entire trip takes 24 hours.

The main stops en route between Brisbane and Cairns are Maryborough (where you can get a connecting bus to Hervey Bay), Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Proserpine (where you can get a connecting bus to Airlie Beach) and Townsville.

You can get connecting bus, coach and rail transfers at the following stations:

• Brisbane : local bus and rail services including trains to the Gold Coast, Trainlink NSW trains to Sydney (the Discovery Pass rail pass is valid on these trains) plus the Spirit of the Outback train to Longreach and the Westlander train to Charleville (the Queensland Explorer Pass is valid on the Spirit of the Outback and the Westlander )
• Nambour : local buses to Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast (rail passes not valid on these buses)
• Cooroy : local buses to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast (rail passes not valid on these buses)
• Maryborough West : buses to Hervey Bay (rail passes are valid on this bus)
• Rockhampton : buses to Yeppoon (rail passes not valid on this bus) and ferries from Yeppoon to Great Keppel Island. Also transfer to the Spirit of the Outback train to Longreach (the  Queensland Explorer Pass  is valid on the  Spirit of the Outback )
• Proserpine : buses to Airlie Beach (rail passes are valid on this bus)
• Townsville : ferries to Magnetic Island and the Inlander train to Mount Isa (the  Queensland Explorer Pass  is valid on the Inlander )
• Tully : Greyhound coaches to Mission Beach
• Cairns : the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda (rail passes not valid on this train) and buses to Port Douglas

The Spirit of Queensland features:

• licensed club car (open 24 hours with alcohol served 10am–midnight)
• drinking fountains
• showers and toilets at the end of each carriage
• screens with on demand entertainment (8.9 inches in premium economy and 18.5 inches in RailBed seats)

Premium economy seats

If you’re travelling with either the Queensland Coastal Pass or the Queensland Explorer Pass rail pass then you are able to sit in the Premium Economy seats on the Spirit of Queensland. Premium Economy features comfortable leather seats with generous leg room and also comes equipped with an on demand entertainment system with an 8.9 inch screen mounted on the rear of the seat in front of you.

Premium economy seats have a 42 inch pitch, which gives you plenty of legroom. In comparison, economy class seats on most airlines only have a seat pitch of 31–32 inches.

RailBed sleeper seats

There are also two RailBed sleeper cars with airline business class-style seats that convert into lie-flat beds. These are not available to rail pass holders , although it is possible to pay to upgrade to this service. The RailBed seat comes with an 18.5 inch screen with on-demand entertainment and passengers in RailBed seats have all-inclusive meals served at their seat.

RailBed seats give you more comfort than business class on many airlines and feature massive 18.5 inch seats. There’s enough legroom  to allow for your travel companion to sit facing you when they are not in their own seat.

RailBed seats convert into a proper lie-flat bed at the push of a button. You won’t believe you could sleep so well on board a train.

Rail passes

You can use the Queensland Coastal Pass and the Queensland Explorer Pass to travel on the Spirit of Queensland .

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Spirit of Queensland Timetable

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The new Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel. 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 TIMETABLE

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Cairns to Brisbane train: Timetable, journey time & fare prices

• David Whitley

The Cairns to Brisbane train has four departures per week, with a journey time of 24h25m. Spirit of Queensland fare prices start at around $221.

The Cairns to Brisbane train covers a journey that most people choose to either drive or fly. Traditionally, Cairns and Brisbane are the start and end points of a Queensland road trip, although it is much quicker to fly between the two cities.

Cairns brings Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruises , World Heritage-listed rainforest adventures , glass bottom boat tours at Green Island and the Kuranda Scenic Railway into the mountains. To choose from a wide range of memorable Cairns tours and experiences, look here . To pick the Cairns accommodation best suited to you, book here .

Just want to get on with booking a Cairns to Brisbane train ticket? Step this way …

Choosing the Cairns to Brisbane train isn’t exactly about speed, comfort or seeing the sights along the way. The train from Cairns to Brisbane is a pretty bizarre choice from a visitor’s point of view, but rail nerds are likely to be unperturbed.

Cairns to Brisbane train timetable

The Cairns to Brisbane train run by Queensland Rail is known as the Spirit of Queensland, and it departs four times a week . According to the Spirit of Queensland timetable, these departures are at 08.35 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. They arrive in Brisbane’s Roma Street Station the next day at 09.20. That’s a journey time of 24 hours and 45 minutes. Expect a thoroughly numb bum by the end of it.

Book a ticket or carry on to find out more about the fares.

The Spirit of Queensland: Cairns to Brisbane Train [REVIEW]

The Spirit of Queensland train is a luxury train that makes the 1600km trip from Cairns to Brisbane. Over its 30 hour journey, it stops in at key Queensland towns, including Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville and Bundaberg . This is a modern rail travel experience not as common in Australia as the rest of the world and a rail journey worth checking out as you explore Queensland .

We asked travel writer Maureen Spender to share a review of her recent experience on the train to help you decide if long-distance rail travel is right for you.

Is it a plane or a train?

How long does a trip on the spirit of queensland take, should you choose a rail bed or a premium economy seat, what is the food like in the railbed section.

• The magic of the seat that converts to a lie flat bed

Things to do and see on the train ride

So would we do it again, is the spirit of queensland value for money.

This page may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy  for more information.

On a recent trip to Cairns from the Gold Coast, the Bag Carrier and I flew up to Cairns but returned on the Spirit of Queensland train to Brisbane. We love a good train trip, and the shiny 100km to a maximum speed of 160km per hour tilting train called the Spirit of Queensland sounded like it was going to be quite a different experience to the usual Australian train trip. Here’s how it went. We travelled in a railbed seat, so our review reflects this.

With its luxurious seating and flat rail beds, on first glance, you might wonder if you have accidentally boarded a plane. This train offers a modern rail travel experience with great entertainment options. It really does offer a similar experience to that you get when you fly and if you are a train buff you will appreciate that the entire trip is a comfortable and convenient way to explore the Queensland coast .

The Spirit of Queensland train departs Cairns Railway Station at 8.35 am five times a week, there is no trip on Tuesdays or Saturdays. The overnight journey is 1680 km long and takes about 25 hours.

You will travel in daylight from Cairns to Proserpine (6pm) or Mackay in summer (7.36pm) and arrive ain Brisbane the following morning at 9.20am.

You get approximately the same daylight time in either direction and the same scenery. The Mackay to Maryborough section is completed at night in both directions.

The return trip between Brisbane and Cairns also travels five times a week, with no service on Thursdays or Sundays. It departs Brisbane at 3.45 pm and arrives in Cairns at 4.30 pm the following day.

If you decide to travel on the Cairns to Brisbane trip by train, your first decision will be which class of ticket to book. Premium Economy is the popular option for people doing shorter sections of the route and not requiring a lie flat bed for the night section. It is comfortable and all that most travellers not staying on board overnight would need.

The Premium economy carriages have four seats per row- two on each side of the aisle. The leather seats are reasonably spacious, with 43 inches of pitch, and can be reclined 30 degrees. Each seat has its own entertainment system -an 8.9inch screen on the back of the seat in front.

There are overhead lockers for luggage, a powerpoint for phone charging, and a reading light. Your ticket allows you to take one 20 kg bag and one carry-on item. A knee blanket is provided, but no pillows.

Food and drink are available from the Galley Car, which is open 24 hours and provides meals, drinks, and snacks.

We booked the Railbed option, as we are now of an age where sleeping sitting up in a seat is too tough! The Railbed seats are very similar to a business class seat on a plane in style and design. This was unlike anything we had previously experienced on a train.

Each seat or pod is contained within its own hardback shell. There are three seats (pods) per row- two on one side of the aisle and one on the other- perfect for solo travellers. There is plenty of legroom, and what a treat that is! The seats have 35 degrees of recline. The floor is carpeted, and in true airline-style, there is an overhead locker for bags.

There are plenty of other extras, including a complimentary welcome pack containing an assortment of toiletries. Your entertainment options are good too, there is an 18.5-inch screen which is mounted on the seat in front as it is in an aeroplane, a handy fold-out table, a drink holder, a reading light, a 240-volt powerpoint for phone charging, and a footrest folding down from the seat in front that can act as a seat too for any passers-by that want to have face to face, sit down chat with you!

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. A complimentary wine, beer, or juice is served with lunch and dinner.

For our first meal, which was lunch, we chose the Spinach and Pumpkin Feta Filo pastry with beetroot relish and a Greek salad. Dessert was a New York cheesecake with a passionfruit topping. All meals were served by the friendly attendants at our seats on trays, as it is in business class on an aeroplane.

For dinner, we had an entrée of a Chicken Basil Penne Pasta Salad and Braised Beef Cheeks for our Main Course. Dessert was Apple and Rhubarb Crumble. Both the lunch and dinner were delicious and well presented and served.

However, our cooked breakfast the following day was a disappointment. It was very much like a tasteless ‘economy class on a plane’ breakfast- very overcooked and bland. It was labelled a fluffy spinach and feta omelette served with pork chipolata, bacon, and roasted tomato.

Our train was running an hour and a half late in the morning; unbeknown to most passengers, there had been a medical incident overnight, and the train had been stopped for quite some time during the night while waiting for an ambulance and medical assistance. We decided that this was probably the reason for our very overcooked breakfast!

The Galley car, which is open 24 hours, can also be accessed by people in the Railbed section if extra snacks or drinks are required.

The magic of the seat that converts to a lie flatbed

I had expected the whole seat would simply roll flat like a sofabed, but this was not the case. Announcements were made, giving us plenty of notice for when the crew would be coming to convert our modern seating for the night.

All the seats in the carriage were converted at the same time. You did not have an option of when you would like the bed made up.

The process was fascinating to watch and quite labour intensive! The attendant carried a remote control gadget that he plugged into the power socket and hydraulics took care of, actually slowly flipping the seat to become a lie-flat mattress. The bed was then made up with pillows, sheets, and a doona.

It was quite a comfortable bed, cozy even! The flat beds are 515mm wide and 1900mm long for the window seat or 1700mm for the aisle seat. The aisle bed is shorter to allow the person on the window side to get out of bed without having to climb over the person on the aisle side.

The showers and toilets are at either end of each carriage. They were quite spacious and reasonably clean. Towels are provided too which was appreciated.

The entertainment system has a good variety of movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts to keep you entertained. The scenery was interesting and varied. We passed through many small country towns, and we saw tropical rainforests, plenty of sugar cane fields, and banana plantations.

There were plenty of big mango trees laden with mangoes on one section that we felt we could almost reach out the window and grab! We could get off the train and stretch our legs at a few stations. However, this was a stressful exercise as the announcement on the platform that the train was now departing was made at almost exactly the same time as the train departed! It required a very quick sprint to get back on board the train.

It certainly was a comfortable, interesting, and different train ride experience and very much a similar experience to a business class flight. The tilt train did make for a very smooth ride. However, I think my personal preference for an overnight train trip would still be to have my own compartment with a little more privacy.

At the time of writing, the fare for the railbed from Cairns to Brisbane or vice versa was $389, and the Premium Economy fare was $221. Our flight from Gold Coast to Cairns was $139 per person economy class, so this is not the cheaper form of transport.

To make the comparison regarding cost, you would also need to factor in the price of one night’s accommodation and meals and the business class service on board the train, as compared to the economy service on the flight.

Overall, it was undoubtedly a much more pleasant experience than flying and dealing with queues, baggage control, and time spent hanging around an airport. It was certainly offered a chance for some relaxation and less stress than a road trip where you are dealing with traffic, navigation, and finding accommodation and meals.

About the Author : ​Maureen is a travel writer lucky enough to be living in New Zealand and has a great passion for travel. Since she became “empty nested” in the late 1990s, she has travelled and worked in over 70 countries! Now she writes articles to share her amazing experiences with other travellers in the hope of providing practical information to help them to prepare and plan for their travel trips.

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Facts about the train from Cairns to Brisbane

Popular routes, from cairns.

• Cairns → Port Douglas
• Cairns → Sydney
• Cairns → Townsville
• Cairns → Melbourne
• Cairns → Kuranda
• Sydney → Cairns
• Brisbane → Cairns
• Townsville → Cairns
• Melbourne → Cairns
• Perth → Cairns

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• Brisbane → Sydney
• Brisbane → Gold Coast City
• Brisbane → Melbourne
• Brisbane → Adelaide

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• Sydney → Brisbane
• Gold Coast City → Brisbane
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Popular Routes in Australia

• Sydney → Melbourne
• Melbourne → Sydney
• Sydney → Canberra

How to get from Cairns to Brisbane by Train

Taking a train to get from Cairns to Brisbane is a safe, fast, and scenic option to travel the country. On certain routes, there are multiple train departures per day every 10 to 15 minutes. This is typical for intercity travel, while for long distance train routes there are fewer scheduled departures – plan ahead to choose the one that fits your itinerary best.

For long distance train journeys, we recommend reserving your tickets at least a few days ahead of your travel date. Buying train tickets via our online booking system will allow you to choose and reserve the best Cairns to Brisbane tickets.

Buying your tickets online will help you secure the trip on the selected date and avoid queuing at the station.. When travelling on weekends and holidays it is recommended to reserve tickets much earlier due to a much higher demand. During high season, train tickets sell out quickly – do book as early as you can.

How far is it from Cairns to Brisbane?

Travelling by train, the distance from Cairns to Brisbane is 1041 miles. Before setting on for a train journey, have a look at the map to find out what tourist spots or landmarks you will pass by – maybe they are worth a quick stop?

How long does it take to get from Cairns to Brisbane by Train?

Travel time from Cairns to Brisbane is estimated to be about 1d 45m. Trains ensure the fastest time to travel by land. As normally there is no congestion, the speed of travel is more or less constant and stops at train stations are rather short, train is almost always one of the quickest and safest ways to get from Cairns and Brisbane.

The most important thing that may affect train travel time is the type of train. Ordinary trains travel at a speed of about 40 mph or 65 km/h to 65 mph or 105 km/h. Some intercity trains with shorter distances between stations run slower than 40 mph. Even with these low speeds, it can still be faster than commuting by car, bus or taxi.

The speed of express trains can reach up to 100 mph or 160 km/h. Modern high-speed trains can run at speeds exceeding 250 mph or 400 km/h.

These speeds of travel together with relatively short stops between stations can greatly shorten the duration of your trip.

How much does it cost to get from Cairns to Brisbane by Train?

The train ticket price from Cairns to Brisbane varies depending on the types of trains or carriages available.

Some trains feature different types of carriages, seats and berths offering various amenities and level of comfort.

Basic passenger trains which are often non-air-conditioned and have wooden, hard or old seats are normally cheap. Premium or luxury trains and coaches have a higher ticket price but are equipped with air-conditioning, toilets, and large soft seats with sufficient legroom to make train rides comfortable.

Considering the distance travelled, train is the most affordable means of transport. Also, ticket prices include 2 or 3 bags – sometimes even more – per passenger.

Cairns to Brisbane timetable

Trains are great for long-distance travel. Double-check your travel itinerary and use the Cairns to Brisbane timetable above with train departure times and arrival times to find the best train for your route.

Best-Rated Companies for this Route

Unlike buses or taxis which have numerous companies offering their services, train service is usually offered by just one major company in each country. As railway service requires a large amount of infrastructure, most railway companies are government-owned and are a part of the national transport system.

One of the best advantages of travelling by train is that railway stations are often conveniently located within or very near major cities and urban areas. Immediately on arrival to their destination, travellers find themselves in close proximity to important facilities like hotels, supermarkets, and hospitals.

If you travel with a lot of bags and luggage, trains are your best option. Luggage weight limits on trains are rather flexible and allow you to carry multiple bags with you.

Special or luxury trains feature sufficient legroom which allows you to stretch your legs and relax. In comfort and space these train seats can be compared to business class airplane seats.

Similar to buses, trains can provide a variety of amenities to make your travel more comfortable and enjoyable. Modern trains have WIFI service, a snack counter and a drinking bar. Onboard toilets can be a life saver for travellers with queasy stomachs.

Lastly, unlike buses and other overland means of transport, trains are very rarely involved in accidents.

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Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland: Is the RailBed sleeper worth it?

by Anne Betts | Nov 7, 2019 | Australia | 10 comments

“So let me get this straight. You could have flown business class on points, on a direct flight from Sydney to Cairns for $25 in taxes and fees. Instead, you flew from Sydney to Brisbane for $22 and from there took the train to Cairns for $389?

In other words, you traded a three-dollar business class flight to spend 24-hours on a train? For $389?”

My young friend shook her head in disbelief at the absurdity of my travel choices.

The points thing

Miles and points are my thing. Well, one of my things. When travelling in Australia, I use British Airways Avios points to fly on Qantas, one of British Airways’ oneworld airline partners. Other points programs fund other travels. In fact, I used Scotiabank’s Scotia Rewards to cover the cost of the Spirit of Queensland fare from Brisbane to Cairns.

But, there’s also the train thing. For anyone who loves train travel, Queensland Rail’s Spirit of Queensland is a fabulous choice. The RailBed class is a top-notch travel experience at an affordable price.

Spirit of Queensland

The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). A small train compared to that of other epic rail journeys such as The Ghan , it has two locomotives and just seven carriages.

There’s a locomotive at each end. The one in front pulls while the one at the rear pushes. They drive the train and supply power to the carriages.

The seven carriages in between include two RailBed sleeper cars with airline style seats that convert to lie-flat beds.

The three premium economy cars have adjustable leather lounger seats in a 2 – 2 configuration. Each one can recline to thirty degrees.

There’s also a Galley / Club Car, and a carriage for luggage and crew.

The train attains a top speed of 160 kph, usually achieved during the night. However, the average speed is more like 80 kph. The journey takes roughly 25 hours.

There are stops for passengers to board and disembark. On the south-to-north service, the stop in Tully was long enough for passengers to stretch their legs on the platform.

RailBed class

What attracted me to the Spirit of Queensland was the RailBed class.

It was more expensive than flying but an attractive option, all things considered. 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. Besides, when compared to air travel, it’s a more sustainable method of transportation.

Another is that it’s an opportunity to take in the scenery. On the Brisbane to Cairns route, the views were interesting and varied. After leaving the urban sprawl of Brisbane, we passed by pineapple farms, rainforests, and the Glasshouse Mountains.

Further north were cattle stations, wetlands, sugar cane fields, and mango and banana plantations. The route was dotted with coastal towns, each with its own character. I even spotted the odd kangaroo and wallaby, and lots of cockatoos.

The service included a welcome drink of ginger beer, lime, mint, and ice.

The three meals were delivered on a trolley to each seat. Two of them, dinner and lunch, included a complimentary soft drink, juice, water, beer, or wine. Tea and coffee were also provided. Orders were taken in advance of the meal. The food was better than what I’ve encountered in economy-class cabins on international airlines. 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. For the main, I chose oven-roasted pork loin accompanied by an apple infused jus, chat potatoes, carrots, and beans. For dessert, I had the tiramisu cake. The Sirromet Vineyard Selection Shiraz came from Queensland’s Granite Belt.

I considered the cost of overnight accommodation when evaluating the fare. The bed and bedding were very comfortable. Sleeping to the rocking and rolling of the train and soothing sounds of rail travel added to the enjoyment.

The bathroom was spacious and worth the experience of showering to the rocking on the rails. One hand on the grab bars at all times added to the challenge. The water was hot and the pressure was perfect. The bathroom was kept impeccably clean throughout the trip.

In March 2019, my ticket cost AUD 389.25 / USD 268.54 / CAD 371.38, covered by 37,138 Scotia Rewards.

RailBed class seating

By day, the RailBeds are spacious seats capable of reclining up to 35 degrees.

At night, they’re a comfortable bed with a thick mattress and beautiful bedding consisting of a sheet, two pillows, and a duvet.

Staff made them up, and returned the beds to seats, on demand.

I was a little wary of the 2-1 configuration and sharing sleeping space with 18 other passengers. It worked just fine. The pod-like RailBeds provided a considerable amount of privacy, similar to business class pods on an aircraft.

The main lights were turned off at 21:30, but each pod had individual reading lights. Most people seemed to have pyjamas for sleeping. With the beds made up, the lights dimmed, and the curtains closed, it felt like one large upmarket moving hostel dorm.   

Each seat had a standard power point, USB port, and earphone socket. There was a decent-sized 18.5-inch screen on the back of the seat in front. Movies, music, and audiobooks were on demand. However, with daylight, it was more interesting to enjoy the constantly changing coastal Queensland landscape.

There was an extra seat that folded down under the TV. The fold-down seat had a pocket for reading material and assorted items.

Each passenger received an amenities kit of Queensland organic products. The drawstring bag included shampoo, conditioner, face mist, lip balm, body lotion, face cloth, eye mask, earplugs, and headphones.

The overhead compartment contained a towel, blanket, and inflatable neck cushion. Passengers were invited to take the blanket and cushion with them at the end of the journey. The overhead bin was large enough for my carry-on travel bag.

The ride was quiet and smooth, and conversation was possible at a normal volume. After folks settled in, a more social atmosphere prevailed, especially while watching staff make up the beds.

For a change of scenery, the Club Car offered an opportunity to mingle with other passengers over conversation and drinks. Premium economy-class passengers buy their meals from the Galley and some choose to eat in the Club Car so it can become congested at meal times. At busy times, it was possible to buy a drink and take it back to the comfort of your seat.

• Book as early as possible to take advantage of saver fares and seat selection.
• If you’re travelling solo, reserve a seat in the single bed aisle at the time of booking. I suspect Queensland Rail assigns single bookings in this way but I wouldn’t count on it. Also, I’d steer clear of selecting seats near doors that open and close frequently.
• For your listening pleasure, you might want to pack your own headphones. The ones in the amenities kit are cheap and flimsy. It’s also a good idea to pack your own entertainment. Your entertainment system might not work or the content could be uninspiring. A few downloaded Netflix movies and Spotify playlists, or favourite podcasts or books might come in handy. 
• Pack shower shoes (e.g., thongs/flip flops), and comfortable sleepwear. Shoes with a decent tread will keep you upright when moving throughout the train. A light sweater or pashmina will help combat fluctuations in air temperature.   

Exploring Cairns and environs

Cairns is an excellent base and launching point for exploring Far North Queensland. Ride the historic railway to the hinterland or take a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade or visit the unique Daintree Rainforest. This three-day itinerary describe these suggestions and a host of other ideas.

The final verdict

What was missing from the RailBed experience? Not much. I would have appreciated Wi-Fi to look up stuff on the fly such as “How did the Glasshouse Mountains get their name?” or “When is sugar cane harvested?” Also, a lounge would have been a more attractive spot to relax than the Galley / Club Car. 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.

Did it represent good value? Yes, especially when factoring in the costs of overnight accommodation, three meals, and long-distance ground transportation. There are also savings from the cost of getting to and from airports, and baggage and seat selection fees associated with air travel.

It was a welcome break from the frenetic pace of busy airports, enhanced security-screening measures, and cramped aircraft space.

The Spirit of Queensland’s RailBed experience was one of the most relaxing journeys I’ve ever had. If you enjoy train travel, it might be for you. I highly recommend it.

If your travel plans involve Australia, you might be interested in these other posts:

• A perfect day trip from Cairns to Kuranda by historic train and rainforest cable car
• 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 Australia’s most recognizable natural landmark
• For a perfect day in Outback Australia, visit Alice Springs Desert Park
• Buying a SIM card in Australia

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Very interesting. I’ve read a couple of articles recently about the resurgence in interest in overnight rail travel, especially in Europe with the expansion of the Austrian Railjet routes. 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. Perhaps I’ll give it another chance.

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

Can you take the train from Brisbane to Cairns but get on and off overnight in various places en route? 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?

Yes, some folks got and and off at different stops but most people seemed to travel the entire route on the RailBed. There are the non-RailBed carriages that might meet your needs. Check out the Queensland Rail site for options. I took a Queensland Rail train form Brisbane to Maryborough and it was very affordable.

I imagine so, but presumably it will cost more and will require paying for each segment. Plus, if you get off in Pomona (for example), there’s no need to take the RailBed as it’s only 150 km or so north of Brisbane. Contact Queensland Rail to find out how your travel plans can be accommodated. Good luck!

How do you return from Cairns when trip finishes I believe it finishes at night

It arrives at 4:30 pm. I would speculate that most travellers spend time in Cairns to explore the hinterland, the reef, and surrounding areas. A direct flight back to Brisbane offers a quick return.

What I paid (and when) is in the article. I recently checked the early bird prices and they’re similar to what I paid a few years ago. Check Queensland Rail for current availability and prices.

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• What’s the best use of Scotia Rewards? - Packing Light Travel - […] took Spirit of Queensland’s RailBed class train from Brisbane to Cairns. The price of $371.38 could be redeemed for…
• 25 Tips on earning Aeroplan miles - Packing Light Travel - […] cruises. Redemptions are valued at 1 cent per point (e.g., 5,000 = $50). In Australia, I took Spirit of Queensland’s…
• Sydney at its best: A self-guided tour of The Rocks, the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and points in between - Packing Light Travel - […] Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland: Is the RailBed sleeper worth it? […]

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Spirit Of Queensland Review: Brisbane To Cairns Train

Australia’s impressive size and long distances between its destinations make travelling by plane the most popular way to see Australia. But while domestic flights certainly dominate travellers’ preference list, it won’t surprise many to hear that it’s not the most eco-conscious way.

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Luckily, It Is Possible To Get Around Australia Without Flying, Especially On The East Coast By Taking The Spirit Of Queensland Train!

On our recent trip to Australia,  we discovered the beauty of travelling around the East Coast of Australia by train,  and it’s now an experience that we highly recommend to others. 

For us,  trains offer the best alternative to flying . 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. 

One of the  most popular long-distance rail travel in Australia is the Brisbane to   Cairns  train aboard the   Spirit of Queensland , and it was this particular rail journey that we experienced on our recent trip to Queensland.

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Queensland Trains

The Spirit of Queensland is a  long-distance passenger rail service  running along the North Coast between Brisbane and Cairns. They redefine the modern rail travel experience, offering a comfortable and convenient way to access spectacular holiday destinations. The  Spirit of Queensland Brisbane to Cairns train  isn’t the only one departing from Queensland– there are a number of other routes taking you to the far-flung corners of the state!

Here’s a quick look at the other trains and their destinations.

Spirit Of The Outback: Brisbane To Longreach

This traditional diesel train journeys through the diverse and ever-changing scenery between Brisbane and Longreach with coach connections to Winston, offering the perfect outback experience.

The Tilt Train: Brisbane To Rockhampton

The modern  Tilt Train  takes you from bustling Brisbane to some of Australia and Queensland’s most popular destinations, including the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Capricorn Coast, Bundaberg, and Fraser Coast.

The Inlander: Townsville And Mt Isa

This route is slightly less travelled but is by no means less impressive as it crosses the rugged terrain of North Queensland, past Charters Towers, through the Great Dividing Range and into the heart of Queensland.

The Westlander: Brisbane And Charleville

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. You can also get connecting coach services to Quilpie and Cunnamulla.

Kuranda Scenic Railway: Cairns To Kuranda

Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through a tropical rainforest, past rugged mountains, waterfalls tumbling and deep ravines of the Barron Gorge. 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.

READ NEXT:   Hiking the Scenic Rim Trail in Queensland, Australia

Brisbane To Cairns On The Spirit Of Queensland Train

The  Spirit of Queensland  train journey is a  1681-kilometre route  taking about  24-25 hours from Brisbane to Cairns . 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; you’d barely know you were moving at all! 

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.  It has everything you need, from spacious and comfortable seats, beds, showers, a galley car, an all-inclusive dining option, in-seat entertainment, and much more!

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. 

The Spirit Of Queensland Train

You can catch the Brisbane to Cairns train  five times a week  and have the option of booking  RailBed  or  Premium Economy  seats. 

Spirit Of Queensland: Premium Economy Seats

A  Premium Economy  ticket comes with one  20kg luggage  item plus  one carry-on hand   luggage  item free of charge. The seats in Premium Economy are pretty spacious and recline just enough for you to feel relaxed.

You’ll have  your own reading light , a  power point for charging your phone  or other electrical devices, overhead lockers, and  in-seat entertainment . You’ll also get a free knee blanket!

Railbeds On The Spirit Of Queensland

We travelled from Brisbane to Cairns in RailBed seats and were  impressed with the comfort and service level in RailBed Class , very similar to Business Class seats on a plane in both design and style. 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. 

At night, the  staff reclines the seat, turning  it into a lie-flat bed so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep and arrive at your destination well-rested and refreshed. You also get an amenities pack, which includes all organic products.

The RailBed ticket for the Spirit of Queensland train includes  all-inclusive meals,  which are served directly to your seat.

Food On Board

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 . 

We got to sample the delicious   all-inclusive railbed menu  and were really impressed by its quality. It was so much better than what we had ever gotten on a plane. 

For breakfast,  there was a  hot or cold option served at around 7 am.  Hot breakfast consisted of a three-cheese omelette served with pork chipolata, bacon and tomato wedge (there was also a vegetarian option available). The cold option included a choice of cereal with Greek yogurt, berry compote, and a freshly baked pastry. 

Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday.  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. The spinach & feta quiche was definitely our favourite!

For dinner,  we once again had a choice of a  3-course meal.  We opted for a Caprese salad, roasted pork loin and tiramisu cake. Oksana had the vegetarian noodle salad option. 

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 . We were also thrilled to see that the Galley Car meals were served with  Biopak biodegradable cutlery !

Entertainment On Board

We never got bored looking at the stunning scenery outside of our windows, but when it got dark, we had to amuse ourselves before getting some shut-eye. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and  plentiful entertainment options on board.

There was a good selection of  movies ,  TV shows,   kids’ programmes , and  music channels  available in the in-seat entertainment. The entertainment schedule changes regularly, but you can check it ahead of your trip via the Spirit of Queensland   entertainment guide .

Destinations Along The Route

One of the biggest benefits of travelling by train was that it was easy to hop off and hop back on the train to split up the journey. After all, there are lots of great stops and things to do between Brisbane and Cairns. Here are just a few of them: 

Sunshine Coast – Noosa

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. Disembark here to enjoy the crystal-clear blue waters on the shores of the   Noosa National Park . 

There are also plenty of  fun activities around the park, such as walking trails and the chance to spot some of Australia’s national animals, like koalas and kangaroos.

Hervey Bay – Fraser Island

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.  This  nature lovers paradise  is definitely worth a stop along your Spirit of Queensland journey.

Fraser Island is known for being a unique nature destination with miles of beach, 100 freshwater lakes and over 30 walking tracks. Not to mention, it’s also home to over 350 species of birds, possums, wallabies, sea turtles, dolphins, and the famous dingo!

The Whitsundays

You can take the Spirit of Queensland train to Proserpine and then take a RailBus Connection to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the  Whitsundays Islands and the Great Barrier Reef . 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 . 

This was one of the stops we made during our journey from Brisbane to Cairns by train. We stopped for 5 days, enjoying some time in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays and on the Great Barrier Reef. 

Not only is Cairns a hub of vibrant city life full of great cafés, markets, art galleries, and nearby beaches, but it’s also  a jumping-off point to many other popular tourist destinations . Take your pick from the  Great Barrier Reef ,    Daintree National Park , or one of the many wildlife and nature experiences just outside the city. 

READ NEXT:   Best Things to do in Cairns, QLD

Is The Spirit Of Queensland Train Worth It? 

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.  With a high ticket price, many would wonder, is the journey on the train really worth it? 

In our opinion, it is, especially  if you take it as an opportunity to stop along the way  and break up your journey.  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. 

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. 

Take advantage of the coach connections at certain stops to explore parts of the Australian countryside  that many tourists miss out on. You can easily plan your trip with the full   Spirit of Queensland timetable .

Have You Ever Travelled By Train In Queensland? What’s Your Favourite Part Of Train Travel?

Disclaimer: Our trip on the Spirit of Queensland train was provided courtesy of Queensland Rail Travel, but as always, all opinions expressed in this article are our own.

About The Author

Oksana & Max St John

1 thought on “spirit of queensland review: brisbane to cairns train”.

I had never thought about train travel in Australia, until reading In A Sunburned Country. But even then it felt like such an old-fashioned thing to do. But it actually looks really fun and glamourous! What a cool way to slow travel and see more of a country. Definitely will keep in mind for my next Australia trip (hopefully soon!).

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Queensland government to trial 50 cent public transport fares to ease cost of living, congestion as state election looms

Bus, train, ferry and light rail fares will be dramatically reduced as the Queensland government hopes to "give people a reason to get back to public transport".

Commuters are being encouraged to ditch their cars in favour of a 50 cent flat-rate ride — no matter how far they're travelling — in a pre-election trial, kicking off on August 5 and running for six months.

Speaking from Mango Hill train station on Sunday, Premier Steven Miles told media the move is all about easing congestion on roads, making it easier to get around Queensland, and easing the cost of living.

"Think of all of those savings on petrol, on car parking, on time stuck in the car," Mr Miles said. 

"Public transport usage has never returned to its pre-COVID levels and that's one of the things contributing to congestion, particularly in the south-east.

"Fifty-cent fares will give people a reason to rethink their habits, a reason to go back to public transport when they can, and everyone benefits from that."

Transport Minister Bart Mellish explained "most states" haven't seen a return to their pre-pandemic public transport patronage, but hopes the trial will change that for Queensland.

"People will be able to commute for a dollar a day — 50 cents in, 50 cents out," Mr Mellish said.

"This is really a watershed day for public transport in Australia."

For a transport minister, he likened the announcement to "winning State of Origin, winning a grand final, and winning a grand slam all in one day".

Deputy Premier Cameron Dick reflected on Labor's promise to deliver more cost-of-living relief in the budget, saying this "radical change" — expected to cost $150 million — would deliver that.

He said every bus on the road is equivalent to 50 cars off it, and every train running takes 600 cars off the road.

"For people living in the outer suburbs … this is hundreds of dollars that they might be able to save, for some people they might even save thousands," Mr Dick said.

Mr Miles is also excited to see if the "almost-free public transport" trial delivers "real benefits" to commuters, household budgets, and Queensland's traffic network.

Support, questions from LNP

The LNP supports the plan but Deputy Leader of the Opposition Jarrod Bleijie said "there are some issues" with public transport around reliability, whether there will be an increase in service frequency, and the possibility of crowding. 

"We know how tough it is for Queenslanders at the moment," Mr Bleijie said.

"The feedback we're already getting is yes, Queenslanders are supportive of the cost-of-living relief, but cynical that [the trial ends] just after the [October state] election.

"This government will do and say anything to get re-elected."

Earlier, Mr Dick encouraged Opposition Leader David Crisafulli to explain how he will finance the LNP's "unfunded promises to cut debt, to cut revenue, and to eliminate deficits".

Mr Miles accepted "we may well see crowded services" — noting Transport and Main Roads will help in monitoring routes — and, in that case, the government "will do what we can to manage that as quickly as we can".

'Use it or lose it'

Mr Miles said a campaign will rollout with the price change, which will include the message "use it or lose it". 

"If this is effective, if this reduces congestion and sees lots of people get back on public transport, then obviously we'll consider making it permanent," the premier said. 

"If it doesn't work … it won't continue." 

When questioned on why the government didn't simply make public transport free, Mr Miles pointed to concerns people may not tap on and off and therefore tracking patronage would be more difficult.

RACQ chief executive David Carter supported the announcement and would like to see prices permanently reduced, noting customers' three public transport desires: affordability, convenience, and flexibility.

"We look forward to seeing the results … We hope [the trial] allows us to set up something more permanent," he said. 

Mr Carter wants to see road congestion reduced "while the infrastructure catches up".

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the trial would help in terms of public transport affordability, but also wants to see action on the frequency and reliability of the network.

He referred to council plans to rollout more buses from December, but noted that hinged on support from the state government.

"There's a really wonderful opportunity to have lower fares, plus better and more frequent services," Cr Schrinner said.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the very first Brisbane Metro passengers paying only 50 cents for a trip?"

Patrons embrace change

Public transport patrons in the state's capital welcomed the trial, with some commuters telling the ABC they prefer catching the train to driving. 

One group was already making the most of free rail to Lang Park for the Broncos game, but said the 50 cent rides would help with travel to school. 

"My mum puts $10 on my Go Card for a week," Jorja McKay said. 

"It's better than driving in a car," friend Izzy Raybould added. 

Fellow commuter Grace Crawford takes the train to school daily and she agreed, often opting for rail to avoid "being stuck in all the traffic". 

Steven Bayne was also on his way to the NRL game but said other train rides would usually cost him $4.50 each way, which can get expensive for workers doing to trip daily.

"Everything is expensive these days," Mr Bayne said.

"[Public transport] is a lot easier … like today, going to the Broncos game, [you can] have a drink."

The Rodriguez family pay even more to take the train, at $6.63 per ride. 

"Any help at the moment is good, especially for families," mum Jenny said. 

"We work everyday, full-time, but [the cost of living] is still tough."

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Flights diverted and delayed in Brisbane as fog covers south-east Queensland

E leven flights have been diverted from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Sydney early this morning as thick fog reduced visibility to 50 metres. 

Bureau of Meteorology's senior forecaster Harry Clark told ABC Radio Brisbane the fog was substantial and extensive, stretching from Moreton Bay out to the Western suburbs and beyond.

"It's fairly extensive, it's really quite east-west though so once you're in the northern suburbs or south down towards Logan there's not too much fog, it's really just along that Brisbane river valley at the moment," he said. 

"We are seeing out the window and on some of the webcams that the fog is very slowly starting to lift, it will lift into low cloud initially and then burn off as we get deeper into the morning."

The fog forced planes into a holding pattern, circling the airport throughout the morning and the BOM issued an alert warning motorists it was creating dangerous road conditions.

Flights were cleared to land from 9am but it’s expected the earlier diversions and delays will continue to impact travel, with Brisbane Airport urging passengers to monitor their airline and flight boarding times.

Mr Clark said two ingredients had allowed the fog to form — moisture and clear sky overnight that allowed the surface to cool down. 

He said cloud forecast for Saturday, the first official day of winter, would limit the potential for fog to form but "couldn't rule it out completely".

With a rain band moving across southern Queensland, it was set to be a wet start to winter, but Mr Clark said the rain band would clear on Sunday with sunny conditions set to return. 

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This Luxe New Cruise Will Stop in 80 Destinations Around the World, From Fiji to Norway

Silversea's 149-day journey will begin in los angeles on january 8, 2027., rachel cormack.

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One of the smallest cruise ships in Silversea ’s fleet will carry out the line’s biggest global voyage.

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“Garnered over 30 years of operations, our destination expertise will enable our guests to discover the very best experiences in ultra-luxury cruise travel,” Silversea president Bert Hernandez said in a statement.

Travelers will then cruise the Indian Ocean, visiting Bali, Semarang, Singapore, Colombo, the Maldives, Seychelles, Reunion, and Cape Town, to name but a few notable destinations. Highlights of this leg include a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, a sunset river cruise to Victoria Falls, a safari experience in South Africa, and a trip to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on the island of Praslin.

Silversea says the accommodation in port has been selected to enhance the experience in each destination, with stays in destinations such as Honolulu, Cairns, Bordeaux, and more. You’ll also spend longer in port than any other World Cruise. Ship life won’t be bad, either. Guests can indulge in soothing wellness treatments and moreish culinary experiences as they discover the world.

Silversea will open an exclusive pre-sale for the Three Oceans World Cruise to Venetian Society members on June 20, while general sales will open on June 27 (with quotes available upon request).

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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