Train Travel in Queensland with Brisbane and Cairns

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Train Travel

CountryLink trains make the 15-hour journey between Sydney and Brisbane. Service from Brisbane to the Gold Coast runs regularly from 5:30 AM until midnight. The Sunlander runs up Queensland's coast from Brisbane four times weekly. Cairns-bound trains, departing on Sunday and Thursday (returning Tuesday and Saturday) include luxurious Queenslander class carriages with comfortable twin-berth sleeping cabins, fine food and wine, and maître d's commentary. The trip takes around 32 hours. Tuesday and Saturday Sunlander services, minus Queenslander class, terminate at Townsville (returning Wednesday and Sunday) and take around 24 hours.

The speedy, state-of-the-art Tilt Train runs between Brisbane and Rockhampton daily except Saturday; from Brisbane to Bundaberg Monday-Thursday; and from Brisbane to Cairns (a comparatively quick 25-hour trip) on Tuesdays and Saturdays, stopping at towns including Mackay (13.5 hrs), Proserpine (15 hrs), and Townsville (20 hrs), and returning the following day.

Other long-distance passenger trains from Brisbane include the Westlander, to Charleville (twice weekly, from Brisbane Tuesday and Thursday, returning from Charlesville Wednesday and Friday); and the Spirit of the Outback, to Longreach, via Rockhampton (twice weekly, departing Brisbane Tuesday and Saturday, Longreach Monday and Thursday). Trains depart from the Roma Street Station. For details contact Queensland Rail Travel Centre.

Contact

Queensland Rail Travel Centre Traveltrain Holidays (Central Station, Roma St., City Center. 07/3235-1323 or 1300/131722. www.qr.com.au).