Experiences

Rail

Real People, Rail Adventure

What better way is there for international guests to discover the stunning east coast of Australia, than by taking a leisurely trip by rail through stunning Queensland.

The romance of rail is alive and visitors can cover the vast distances in the comfortable surrounds, pampered with great service. Queensland is famous for its fresh produce which means that train travellers can indulge in creative Australian cuisine, award-winning local wines - all of which combine to make the journey every bit as exciting and remarkable as the destinations themselves.

From Cairns in the tropical north, to the stunning Whitsundays Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, the Fraser Coast and the sun burnt plains of the Outback - Queensland offers the largest and most comprehensive network of long distance and tourist trains in Australia - delivery unique travel experiences to suit every traveller.

Tilt Train
Discover Queensland’s favourite holiday spots - including the stunning Fraser Coast, Cairns and the islands of the Great Barrier Reef in comfort and style with a trip aboard Australia’s most innovative train, the Tilt Train.

Travelling between Cairns and Brisbane and all those coastal holiday spots in between - twice a week, the Tilt Train offers the highest levels of comfort to ensure a pleasant and relaxed journey. Watch the tropical scenery whiz by as you recline in your business class seat. Or pull out your person entertainment system and choose from 12 channels of movies and music.

Sunlander
Offering passengers a comfortable and affordable way to see the inland coast of Queensland, the Sunlander travels from Brisbane to Cairns three times per week. The Sunlander meanders its way through the scenic, lush countryside of inland coastal towns of Bundaberg and Gladstone through to the sub-tropical region in Mackay, Proserpine and Bowen, until reaching its final destination of Cairns. Passengers can travel in first or economy class sleeping berths and seating is also available.
For those who crave the creature comforts, Queenslander Class, offered on The Sunlander, is the only way to travel and offers a glimpse back to travel in a bygone era.

Spirit of the Outback
This fascinating 24-hour journey between Brisbane and Longreach in the west of Queensland offers a unique insight into the history and culture of early Australia, combined with interesting commentary, a social atmosphere and themed dine experience.

Visitors can wonder at the ever changing landscape and glimpse kangaroos and wildlife in their natural surrounds and all from the comfort of a sleeper or seat, as the train travels from the coast into the heart of the Outback.

The Inlander
Away from the coastline there’s a whole new experience waiting to be discovered. All aboard for a historic journey from the tropical city of Townsville to the mining centre of Mount Isa. The Inlander train is the lifeblood of the outback and allows visitors a glimpse into the lives and the natural treasures of Nothern Queensland’s rugged, yet beautiful inland.

This 20 hour trip, enjoyed in the air-conditioned comfort, travels past historic Charters Towers, across the Great Dividing Range and through the mining towns of Hughenden and Julia Creek before delivering you into the heart of Australia - Mount Isa.

Westlander
Discover Queensland’s big sky country a journey aboard The Westlander.

This scenic journey from Brisbane travels across the Great Dividing Range, through the rich farmlands and vineyards of the Darling Downs before arriving in Charleville, the largest town in south-west Queensland.

Enjoy a comfortable journey in either seat or sleeper, with a welcoming club car offering tasty meals and the chance to meet fellow travellers. Outback Charleville is waiting with the Cosmos Centre - a dedicated stargazing observatory, the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service Base; and the opal fields of the south-west.

Gulflander
Fondly referred to as the old "tin hare", the Gulflander is one of the world’s last great characters of rail travel. This grand old rail motor escorts passengers on an enchanting and historic journey through the rugged Gulf country of North West Queensland. The Gulflander only carries a small number of passengers, so there's always a friendly casual atmosphere on board, which is all part of the charm.

Savannahlander
The Savannahlander is a classic 1960 Rail Motor which travels between Cairns and Forsayth, giving passengers one of the great rail experiences of the world as it rattles its way from the coast, up the scenic Kuranda Railway, through World Heritage listed rainforests, then through the savannah to outback Australia. "The Silver Bullet" as the train is affectionately known, was state-of-the-art when it was brought into service. Now it reflects the pace and grace of a by-gone era, while at the same time offering a unique experience to people adventurous enough to make the journey.

Kuranda Scenic Railway
Traveltrain’s popular Kuranda Scenic Railway is undoubtedly on one of the world’s greatest day trip adventures and an essential experience for international visitors. An unforgettable journey through North Queensland’s world-heritage listed rainforests; it attracts more than half a million passengers annually. Passengers experience the breathtaking beauty of deep mountain gorges, lush tropical foliage, historic man-made wonders and spectacular waterfalls.

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