Map RC - Rail map of North Queensland

Whether it's an indulgent break or a life changing adventure, Queensland’s Tropical North offers an unforgettable experience. Few places on earth can boast such unique natural attractions, like the Great Barrier Reef and superb World Heritage listed tropical rainforests, within easy reach. Traveltrain Holidays long distance train network can take you there.

The Sunlander (with Queenslander Class) The Sunlander is the longest train trip you can take in state and takes an indulgent 31 hours to cover the 1678km (or 2,680,000 railway sleepers) from Brisbane to Cairns. A trip on The Sunlander is an experience – it is a chance to meet fellow travellers and experience Queensland hospitality. And if you don’t watch out the window – you’re bound to miss something. Accommodation includes the all-inclusive Queenslander Class or single, double and triple berths and seats. Club and Buffet cars serve meals. Schedule: Three weekly departures from Brisbane and Cairns. You can even take your car, using QR’s Motorail service.

The Inlander Leaving Townsville, The Inlander heads more than 970km west through Queensland’s rugged inland past the remote heritage townships of Charters Towers and Cloncurry to the Mining town of Mt Isa. Passengers can choose from seats or sleeping berths (for one, two or three people), which feature a range of amenities including bedding, washbasins and wardrobes with access to shower facilities. Meals can be purchased on board. Schedule: Twice weekly departures from Townsville on Sundays and Thursdays and from Mount Isa on Mondays and Fridays.

The Tilt Trains Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure – The Tilt train is a comfortable and convenient way to access Queensland’s coastal destinations. Travelling between Brisbane and Cairns, the Tilt Train fleet features personal entertainment, power point for laptops and computer games, club car and in-dining service. The Cairns Tilt offers business-style seating for all passengers, whilst the Rockhampton/Bundaberg services offer both business and economy-style seating. Meals can be purchased onboard. Schedule: The Cairns Tilt departs three times weekly from Brisbane and Cairns. Brisbane-Rockhampton services depart daily, except Saturday. An additional service terminating in Bundaberg operates Monday to Thursday.

Spirit of the Outback For a realistic up front view of Queensland’s captivating outback – take a trip from Brisbane to Longreach on the Spirit of the Outback. This 24-hr journey travels west from Rockhampton, passing through the heritage towns of Blackwater, Emerald and Barcaldine before arriving in Longreach, home to the famous Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum. Accommodation includes sleeping berths (for one, two or three people) or seats. The sleeping berths feature a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable journey, including bedding, wash basins, wardrobes and access to shower facilities. Meals can be purchased onboard. Schedule: Twice weekly departures from Brisbane and Longreach on Mondays. You can even take your car with you, using QR’s Motorail service.

Tropical North Services

	Kuranda Scenic Railway A must-do for visitors to Cairns and North Queensland, this famous day tour by rail 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 from your vintage railway carriage. Schedule: Departs twice daily from Cairns.

The 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 railmotor escorts passengers on an enchanting and historic journey through the rugged Gulf country of North West Queensland from Normanton to Croydon. Schedule: Weekly departures.

	The Savannahlander One of Australia’s true frontier adventures, the Savannahlander takes its passengers on a fascinating safari from Cairns to the remote heart of Queensland’s Gulf Country – Forsayth. Schedule: Weekly departures.

More Information on Traveltrain

Tourist Railways

The Bally Hooley Railway The line used by the Bally Hooley Steam Railway was once used to transport sugar and passengers between Mossman and the wharf at Port Douglas. The line was formally opened on the 1st of August 1900 and trains where operated by the Douglas Shire Council until 1957. Today, the BSR operates passenger trains hauled by restored cane locomotives on 4km of track between Port Douglas and St Crispins. Schedule: Trains operate a regular service on Sundays

The Millstream Express The historic Millstream Express is a unique attraction for visitors to Ravenshoe. This genuine steam train departs Ravenshoe every Saturday and Sunday during the months of April to January. A ride on this steam train is a good way to see the area as it journeys 7km north to Tumoulin. Schedule: Steam trains depart from the Ravenshoe Railway Station every Saturday and Sunday at 1.30pm, arriving back at 3.00 pm.

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