As somebody who grew up and live in the desert of Arizona, the scenery looks really incredible. I’d definitely love to visit Northern Queensland one day.
I have done this trip return many times and still enjoy it. I was lucky enough to travel on the Sunlander Cairns to Brisbane just prior to its retirement and do miss the cabins for the privacy.
Hi Really enjoyed this program. Your programs are of a very high standard - plenty of relevant facts, excellent filming and commentary make your work very watchable.
I did the Spirit of Queensland from Townsville to Brisbane late last year and was such an memorable experience. Most of the time I’ll fly if I’m going up to North Queensland, but I only did it for experience and loved every bit of it
Don't bother, it brakes down , it late , there's no sleeper bunks any more . And porters . Bad experience to many times . It use to be a public service. Now it's all about revenue. So sad .
Had this channel existed during 2014 you would have been one of last people who traveled on the sunlander. I beged my mum to book me on the last ride to Brisbane and to this day i still the old sunlander.
This is an amazing presentation full of wonderful scenery and interesting facts. I travelled on the Sunlander in 1977 but had a seat in 2nd class and the journey was excruciatingly slow and I never wanted to see sugar cane fields ever again. I had the choice of an economy/2nd class sleeper cabin which had 6 bunks and no linen provided. I was travelling solo and as was the custom in those days I would have been sharing with 5 strangers. I have also done the trip by coach straight through from Sydney to Cairns with Deluxe Coaclines and I must say it was quite an experience. I am looking forward to your Indian Pacific journey which is one I have taken multiple times between 1970 and 2019. Thanks again Adam for this amazing and educational experience. Well done 👍 👏
I would have loved to travel on the Sunlander for comparison … ideally in a private cabin. Like you, not sure about sharing a room with five strangers. Happy to hear you enjoyed the video. Need to start editing the IP one next. 😉
Welcome back. It was great seeing you again. This video was worth the wait. And now, I can't wait for the next one. Your videos are so awesome and relaxing to watch. Thank you for another great one.
Once again, just an awesome job Adam! We've watched maybe 8 or so of your vids, and have become real fans of yours. The videography, editing, commentary, et al are basically superb. Love the graphics, historical references, and all the little details you discuss about your journeys. A very well balanced and enjoyable presentation. Safe travels and God bless!
Amazing report. And great to see those sleeper chairs reviewed. Hubby wants to try them, but I must admit, I dunno if I couldn't put up with the snoring, grunts, and snorts, of other passengers ( let alone my snoring hubby😂), while I tried to sleep...I think I would need a cabin, with a bed. Mind you, those seats did look mighty comfy in day mode, as well as night mode.!
I travelled on the northbound service Nambour-Cairns just after Christmas 2022, also a Railbed. Loved it. I woke in the middle of the night and enjoyed a couple of hours in the café. People awake at that time are usually very interesting.
Great report. I’m mixed about the seats. Undoubtedly they look great and comfortable. For a day trip I think fantastic. But think I’d prefer the privacy of a cabin. Specially as I have a tendency to snore and are also a light sleeper so others noise would keep me awake. But I’d probably take a chance and see what they are like.
Thanks. Loved this as often went Maryborough West to Townsville and it was my sister in Scotland who sent me this video. Loved the friendly galley to hear all the travel tales but we did find we needed to wrap up from the aircon.
Loved watching this. Born and raised in QLD and miss the scenery and weather most of all. Also a rail travel enthusiast myself so this wears a great watch! Thank you :)
Have been on the spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns twice. Shouted ourselves the pod bed. It is a fantastic journey. The seats are wide, movies good, meals are absolutely first class. Facilities like showers etc great and to top it all off the Staff are wonderful. Would recommend this trip to anyone.
I was searching for video reviews on Indian Pacific and chanced on your channel. This is amazing. The way you explain it is very crisp and to the point. Loved your 30 ways Japanese Railways are different. I started watching all your videos (not in a particular order). Will complete this marathon by next weekend. :).
Thanks for another great video. I did the trip in the old Sunlander many years ago and by my calculations it took about 38 hours. We left Roma Street station at around 4:00pm on a Friday and I stepped off the train in Cairns on Sunday morning at about 6:00am. But as you say, a sleeper cabin is definitely the way to go. Keep the video coming.
Great video Adam - having travelled on the Sunlander many times between Cairns, (where I grew up) and Brisbane on our way to Melbourne, this is a journey I would do again in an instant...We always had a family room and there was a dining car in those days (late 60's to late 70's), but it seemed sooo slow to a kid back then! Cheers from an Cairns expat...
Wow. I took the old Sunlander on this route as a kid to go to Expo 88. Still live in Cairns and always fly but this vid has convinced me to take rail next trip. Thank you.
I love train journey , live in Auckland. I also would definitely love to visit Northern Queensland one day. Just discover your channel recently and really re-ignite my love of train traveling
Next year I'm going back on the same train from Brisbane to Cairns I've been on it before and it was wonderful I would fully recommend it to everyone to do at least once in their lives the food was wonderful the view was wonderful and the entertainment was wonderful next time I go I won't get the bed made into a bed as it was pretty nice lift the way it was you can easily fall asleep in it
I returned to Cairns from Brisbane on the train just 3 days ago. I’ve still yet to decide if it was better or worse than the trip down. On the way down, the aircon wasn’t working in most of the cars (it was fine in the car I was in) so they stopped in Townsville where we waited on the platform for 6 hours while they figured out what to do, then stayed the night at quite a nice 4 star hotel, only to get on a bus the next morning where we spent the next 19 hours.
That's Qld Rail for you. Govt does not maintain the servicee for travellers and tourists alike. Wish they the overpaid pollies would learn some things from their many juntas to Japan about rail systems. Money wasted on consultants would go a long way to fixing the mountain of problems. Bushyboy Oz.
I live in Edmonton, 10km of Gordonvale and that bought Yeats to my eyes again how beautiful homeland is; by rail and car! You captured Cairns and NQ in a way that not is not known or seen before. First time I came to Cairns was on the now deleted and old Sunlander train 25 years ago. The train looks amazing these days as it's upgraded immensely but the scenery especially still looks as beautiful as ever. That's why I moved to Cairns local area again. Aesthetically beautiful akd cheap!!! Not all of Cairns flood affected. Love Cairns!❤ Amd Train travel. Want to catch train to Townsville ❤❤❤
I did this journey when it was the Sunlander. In fact, I think there were two trains at that time, the Sunlander and the Queenslander. The Queenslander had both standard and first class carriages. I think it was a better journey with a loco and carriages as you had a nice big lounge car, with your food in a dining car. Similar to that on the Indian Pacific before it became a hotel Train.
There's nothing better than those old train stations with all the beautiful plants. l love it so much. lve never heard of the pyramid race. What an amazing train, lm really impressed. ld love to go to Cairns and back (Roma St Brisbane), but l'd love to do it with my family (adult/teen kiddos). ls there any train that still has the cabins?? Gosh l remember when train travel was free for those on concession, one use per year. Now its not. What a shame.
Yes, those stations are beautiful. There are still sleeper trains with private cabins including the Spirit of the Outback, The Ghan and the Indian Pacific.
Thanks for this great video on the Spirit of Qld. My elderly parents travelled on it from Nambour to Innisfail and back a couple of years ago and they were sitting in the very last 2 seats at the back of the train in car G going north. 22 Hrs which was their travel time is a long time in Economy class for 2x 75 yo elderly people and Mum and Dad said they would never do it again in economy class but if they had a cabin or sleeper arrangement they would think about it. I can't imagine myself doing it in economy class either but would be happy to try it with the same sleeper you had.
How cool was that some of the towns along the way would be nice to explore especially Gordonvale/Mulgrave and who doesn't like that train station at Tully / Golden Gumboot and I think we need get those at 15min 49secs into some sunshine haha. The lunch meal looks nice although I prob could eat 100x of those little desserts haha I have very sweet tooth and nice to see you got a decent coffee on this trip...No instant coffee here !!!! I love the seat very much like airline seat in Business Class did you find the screen bit of distance when watching something. The onborad cafe I'd be there often haha, Very cool fact about the Burdekin river and bridge and nice to see you enjoying some Sav B perfect for anytime of day, googled that and its decent price might have to try find some in Sydney. and that sunset after proserpine WOW thats what makes train travel scenes like that. We love Whispering Adam, but definetly agree ear plugs of noise cancelling headphones I am light sleeper so any snoring or noise would wake me, how cool is that onboard shower , it would do to refresh after nights sleep. Was there any difference when they turned off the tilt function? and like you if they had cabins single/couple I would get one . Another great video adam, every day youtube recommends one your video's so I watch and no doubt watching out of order haha.
I had no idea there was a train from Cairns to Brisbane; I wonder if it was there back when i visited. I'll have to try it next time I'm there. A train from Bergen to Oslo has similar sleeper seats.
I have a question for a long while. Given the popularity of the train ticket, why does Queensland Rail not upgrade the train fleet? Allowing the Brisbane-Cairns service to carry more passengers should be profitable if the current service is usually found "heavily booked". I suggest purchasing Siemens's latest sleeper coach to replace the old Diesel tilting train. Of course, the new fleet can still fit the tilting technology. The only difference is that the new service is able to carry way more passengers.
I imagine only the Queensland Government can answer that. Even though the train is heavily booked I highly doubt it makes a profit … it’s run as a public service rather than for profit. Buying new trains is hugely expensive and the Spirit of the Outback and other loco-hauled trains are due to be replaced soon so I imagine that’s the priority before upgrading or replacing the Spirit of Queensland. 🤔
@@FromtheWindowSeat I was on the Railbed of the Spirit of Queensland last September, and the journey was incredible. I was on the Railbed of the Spirit of Queensland last September, and the journey was incredible. The ticket was around $330 and was really high value.
I travel the same route on my commute from the north to the city (and back), and regularly see the train pass in the afternoon at central. Never realised it took so long to make its trip!
In my younger years I was a regular on the Electric Tilt Trains, done Bundaberg to Rocky and Bundaberg to Brisbane dozens upon dozens of times. Was very interesting to see Cairns - Rocky. I recall the electric Tilt Trains at least used to go faster, but they take a lot more care now and go a fair bit slower after the couple of derailments that have happened over the years.
im doing this same thing next year to get to brissy then from there to the summernats, also moved to cairns when i was 12 and came up on the sunlander, as a kid it was frightening but honestly a great time
This is an Amazing video and I agree QR should put more money towards the Spirt of Queensland to cut down on travel time and the delays. Also you should try the Inlander or Westlander.👍
Nice video. Its great we have this train, but QR have left a lot of room for improvement though. Imagine this train doing V/Line Vlocity speeds. The Tilt train is capable of that speed on the right tracks. Speed and comfort, like you said at the end.
I have traveled on the Spirit of Queensland travelling railbed from Brisbane to Cairns, during Summer when Queensland was suffering from a drought. Had a great onboard crew, meals where good and had no problem with the 'railbed' concept. The only issue with the bed configuration is the 'fold down' concept as oppose to the reclining 'fold out' option that most airline business class seats have, making sleeping difficult. I didn't have an issue with the 25 hour travel time. I do agree that the cafe cafe is busy day and night mainly from passengers travelling in Economy.
I'm inspired to take this trip, just not sure if I want to take it north or south. The rail bed pricing doesn't seem too bad, when you consider it includes meals. I still can't get over Caboolture being a northern suburb of Brisbane. The last time I visited the area, in 1990, Caboolture was considered the southern edge of the Sunshine Coast.
Thank you for uploading this honest and thorough review of the Spirit of Queensland experience. I've been thinking about doing this trip, but was hesitant after some less than pleasant journeys on NSW's CountryLink (now TrainLink) rail service. TBH, I think I'm just going to fly to Cairns (and feel guilty about my carbon footprint).
@@FromtheWindowSeat - right after I watched your video, I thought, "Hey, Americans are forever complaining about Amtrak, I wonder how the experience compares?" So I watched another review of the California Zephyr (Chicago to San Fran) route... and wow, Qld Rail needs to lift their game. :)
Great vid. The Tilt Train is a funny thing. Like slow flying; not like the expansive old Sunlander, where you could move around. TBH it has the same problems as flying - eg if your rail bed is by the doors/toilets, you'll find it hard to sleep. There's also no escaping the Grey Nomads who dominate long distance tourist train travel in Oz. In first class to Townsville or Cairns, they start drinking like teens at about 3pm, then hit their beds about 7:30 to 8pm, then snore until their bladders turn them into toilet seekers all night long!
Worth noting that for $15 per leg, you can take a bicycle on the long distance trains' baggage cars, throughout Queensland. Given how flat places like Longreach, Mt Isa, Townsville etc are, it's a great option. Within about 10 mins of alighting you have your handlebars and pedals re-fixed and you're off.
I have travelled this train to Mackay, the only thing I found wrong is that when the beds are in place is that if you have to go to the bathroom at night, if by the window you have to climb over the person beside you, not so good. Love the relaxed travel of the train.
Recently travelled this route and found sadly, that the railbeds had passed their use by date as they were as hard as the hobs of hell and fellow passengers were less than respectful when shuffling thru to amenities. Additionally the beds were very tight width wise preventing one from movement of the arms and legs. Unlikely to use again. On a positive note, the meals, scenery and seats when upright were very good. The staff were exceptionally great. Arrival into Brisbane was almost 2 hours late forcing the train to be delayed on sidings for freight and later commuter trains as we had lost our slot Not bad but not so good overall. Cheers
Hi Adam, this is awesome, am doing this trip next year, so am excited for the experience. Question - does all the flat beds have a good size window or is there any one seat shouldn’t book? 🙏🙋♀️😊
Thank you! As far as I can recall, they all have good window views. But you can use the virtual train tour to check: www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Pages/Spirit-of-Queensland-Virtual-Tour.aspx
Thats one of the train trips i’d like to take. Such lovely scenery. Not too sure i’d like the openness of the beds. As you say, i’d rather be snoring in semi private than sitting up in economy though.
Hi !I'm thinking of booking a sleeper but not sure if I'll have enough room when laying down.. You see, I'm 184cm long and take up quite some space :). Any thoughts ? thank you !!
Hello Adam Can you please do a inlander train video from Townsville to mount is a one day? Also can you please do the Westlander train from Brisbane to Charleville one day aswell?
As somebody who grew up and live in the desert of Arizona, the scenery looks really incredible. I’d definitely love to visit Northern Queensland one day.
Yes, it’s beautiful … very lush compared to my home in South Australia (dry). Hope you get to visit one day. Cheers!
@@FromtheWindowSeat Not dry where I live in Mt Gambier,it is so beautiful and gree,coz it bever stops raining 🤣🤣🤣
Green...never.changed my glasses 🤣🤣
Ha - true! Forgot about the South East🤣
Make sure you have plenty of money as it’s very expensive Country
I have done this trip return many times and still enjoy it. I was lucky enough to travel on the Sunlander Cairns to Brisbane just prior to its retirement and do miss the cabins for the privacy.
That would have been a great experience. Yes, it’s sad there aren’t private cabins anymore.
I so agree 👍🏻
Hi Really enjoyed this program. Your programs are of a very high standard - plenty of relevant facts, excellent filming and commentary make your work very watchable.
Hi David. Wonderful to hear - thank you!
I did the Spirit of Queensland from Townsville to Brisbane late last year and was such an memorable experience. Most of the time I’ll fly if I’m going up to North Queensland, but I only did it for experience and loved every bit of it
Wonderful to hear that. Cheers!
I have to admit, I am jealous because as a rail fan enthusiast I would love to ride these rails! Thanks for sharing!
Hopefully you can travel on this train one day yourself. Thanks for watching!
Don't bother, it brakes down , it late , there's no sleeper bunks any more . And porters . Bad experience to many times . It use to be a public service. Now it's all about revenue. So sad .
Had this channel existed during 2014 you would have been one of last people who traveled on the sunlander. I beged my mum to book me on the last ride to Brisbane and to this day i still the old sunlander.
Yes, that would have been a great experience.
This is an amazing presentation full of wonderful scenery and interesting facts. I travelled on the Sunlander in 1977 but had a seat in 2nd class and the journey was excruciatingly slow and I never wanted to see sugar cane fields ever again. I had the choice of an economy/2nd class sleeper cabin which had 6 bunks and no linen provided. I was travelling solo and as was the custom in those days I would have been sharing with 5 strangers. I have also done the trip by coach straight through from Sydney to Cairns with Deluxe Coaclines and I must say it was quite an experience. I am looking forward to your Indian Pacific journey which is one I have taken multiple times between 1970 and 2019. Thanks again Adam for this amazing and educational experience. Well done 👍 👏
I would have loved to travel on the Sunlander for comparison … ideally in a private cabin. Like you, not sure about sharing a room with five strangers. Happy to hear you enjoyed the video. Need to start editing the IP one next. 😉
Well done. Great footage, editing and narration. Keep up the good work.
Wonderful to hear. Thank you!
First Thoughts... YAY!! Another video from Adam!! Dad and I be watching tonight for sure...💚
Awesome. Hope you both enjoy this one! Cheers 😊
You can tell a lot of work has gone into the making of this video, lots of really interesting info, greetings from North Thailand 🇹🇭
Thank you very much! 😊
Great video I absolutely love it the train journey is amazing and stunning views too
Thanks Josh. Yes, the scenery is great. Cheers!
Welcome back. It was great seeing you again. This video was worth the wait. And now, I can't wait for the next one. Your videos are so awesome and relaxing to watch. Thank you for another great one.
It certainly takes me a while to edit each one, so happy to hear the effort pays off. Thank you!
Another great video presentation with additional information of the route
Thanks so much Peter. Cheers!
Great to see some of Australia and it’s rail infrastructure
Happy to help. 😁
Once again, just an awesome job Adam! We've watched maybe 8 or so of your vids, and have become real fans of yours. The videography, editing, commentary, et al are basically superb. Love the graphics, historical references, and all the little details you discuss about your journeys. A very well balanced and enjoyable presentation. Safe travels and God bless!
That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you!
Truly a stunning beautiful country. Thank you for sharing✌️👍
My pleasure 😊
I was umming and ahhing about doing this trip, then I watched this whole video and now I’m convinced! Booking to go later in the year 😁
So good to hear. 👏
Amazing report. And great to see those sleeper chairs reviewed.
Hubby wants to try them, but I must admit, I dunno if I couldn't put up with the snoring, grunts, and snorts, of other passengers ( let alone my snoring hubby😂), while I tried to sleep...I think I would need a cabin, with a bed.
Mind you, those seats did look mighty comfy in day mode, as well as night mode.!
Thanks Heather! They’re definitely comfortable. Just don’t forget earplugs. 🤣
Again another great review. Take a bow and a BIG thumbs UP. Please keep then coming as they both very informative and enjoyable.
Thanks so much! ☺️
Love the commentary. I'm planning a trip to Cairns and your video really helped me.
Thank you! Happy to hear that.
AUSTRALIA FULL OF BEAUTY N SURPRISES
Cheers!
I travelled on the northbound service Nambour-Cairns just after Christmas 2022, also a Railbed. Loved it. I woke in the middle of the night and enjoyed a couple of hours in the café. People awake at that time are usually very interesting.
Nice. Yes - I can imagine!
loving every minute thanks
Lovely to hear. Thank you!
Great report. I’m mixed about the seats. Undoubtedly they look great and comfortable. For a day trip I think fantastic.
But think I’d prefer the privacy of a cabin. Specially as I have a tendency to snore and are also a light sleeper so others noise would keep me awake. But I’d probably take a chance and see what they are like.
Thank you. Yes, agreed … a cabin offers many benefits.
Nice job mate. Loved it, now I’m thinking of doing it.
Great to hear that - thank you and hope you enjoy it!
Thanks. Loved this as often went Maryborough West to Townsville and it was my sister in Scotland who sent me this video. Loved the friendly galley to hear all the travel tales but we did find we needed to wrap up from the aircon.
Awesome! Thank you!
@@FromtheWindowSeat happy travels
Loved watching this. Born and raised in QLD and miss the scenery and weather most of all. Also a rail travel enthusiast myself so this wears a great watch! Thank you :)
Wonderful to hear. Glad you liked it.
Loved the Sunlander’s sleeper cabins!!!
Would have loved to try that train.
Have been on the spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns twice. Shouted ourselves the pod bed. It is a fantastic journey. The seats are wide, movies good, meals are absolutely first class. Facilities like showers etc great and to top it all off the Staff are wonderful.
Would recommend this trip to anyone.
Wonderful to hear. Cheers!
I was searching for video reviews on Indian Pacific and chanced on your channel. This is amazing. The way you explain it is very crisp and to the point. Loved your 30 ways Japanese Railways are different. I started watching all your videos (not in a particular order). Will complete this marathon by next weekend. :).
Welcome aboard! That’s great hear. Thank you! ☺️
Excellent information and narration. Australia is beautiful and the people...
Thank you. Lovely to hear.
long time no see again, really love it❤
Great to hear. Thank you! 🙏
thanks for another awesome video - I am so excited for your next one on the Indian Pacific!!
You’re welcome. I’m working on the next one now but it’s a mammoth task. Haha!
@@FromtheWindowSeat haha i can imagine! the amount of detail and care you put into your videos is truly impressive
Thanks for another great video. I did the trip in the old Sunlander many years ago and by my calculations it took about 38 hours. We left Roma Street station at around 4:00pm on a Friday and I stepped off the train in Cairns on Sunday morning at about 6:00am. But as you say, a sleeper cabin is definitely the way to go. Keep the video coming.
Sounds like a real adventure. Thanks for watching!
Great video Adam - having travelled on the Sunlander many times between Cairns, (where I grew up) and Brisbane on our way to Melbourne, this is a journey I would do again in an instant...We always had a family room and there was a dining car in those days (late 60's to late 70's), but it seemed sooo slow to a kid back then! Cheers from an Cairns expat...
Thanks Greg. I’d have loved to be able to take the Sunlander for comparison. Sounds like an adventure. Cheers!
Another enjoyable video adam
Many thanks David!
Wow. I took the old Sunlander on this route as a kid to go to Expo 88. Still live in Cairns and always fly but this vid has convinced me to take rail next trip. Thank you.
So good to hear. Hope you enjoy the trip!
I've lived in Qld almost all my life, I've never been on the Spirit of Queensland. Thanks. Good video.
Cheers!
I love train journey , live in Auckland. I also would definitely love to visit Northern Queensland one day. Just discover your channel recently and really re-ignite my love of train traveling
Yes, Queensland is beautiful. Hope you make it across the ditch soon!
Another great video! I'd love to travel on this train one day :)
Thank you! You should. 😊
can't wait to see the Indian Pacific video ! great video by the way this one :)
Thanks so much!
Next year I'm going back on the same train from Brisbane to Cairns I've been on it before and it was wonderful I would fully recommend it to everyone to do at least once in their lives the food was wonderful the view was wonderful and the entertainment was wonderful next time I go I won't get the bed made into a bed as it was pretty nice lift the way it was you can easily fall asleep in it
Happy to hear that. Hope your upcoming journey is equally enjoyable. 😊
i grew up in cairns and only got to see this train from the outside so its very nice to see what it's like to ride it :]
Happy to help. 😊
"I got intermittent sleep because of the the ambient light, the noises, and so on..."
Ear plugs and eye mask! Every traveller should have 🙂👍
Put them in, put it on...all your troubles are all gone!😂😂😂
True!
😊😀🌏🖥️📱🎧👌 For Years I traveled on This Train. ❤😊 Enjoyed the ride immensely 👌👍👏
Very cool. Thank you! Glad you liked it. ☺️
I returned to Cairns from Brisbane on the train just 3 days ago. I’ve still yet to decide if it was better or worse than the trip down. On the way down, the aircon wasn’t working in most of the cars (it was fine in the car I was in) so they stopped in Townsville where we waited on the platform for 6 hours while they figured out what to do, then stayed the night at quite a nice 4 star hotel, only to get on a bus the next morning where we spent the next 19 hours.
Oh dear - that’s not good! 😧
That's Qld Rail for you. Govt does not maintain the servicee for travellers and tourists alike. Wish they the overpaid pollies would learn some things from their many juntas to Japan about rail systems. Money wasted on consultants would go a long way to fixing the mountain of problems. Bushyboy Oz.
I live in Edmonton, 10km of Gordonvale and that bought Yeats to my eyes again how beautiful homeland is; by rail and car!
You captured Cairns and NQ in a way that not is not known or seen before.
First time I came to Cairns was on the now deleted and old Sunlander train 25 years ago.
The train looks amazing these days as it's upgraded immensely but the scenery especially still looks as beautiful as ever.
That's why I moved to Cairns local area again. Aesthetically beautiful akd cheap!!!
Not all of Cairns flood affected.
Love Cairns!❤ Amd Train travel.
Want to catch train to Townsville ❤❤❤
Great to hear that. Would have loved to experience the Sunlander. Thank you and cheers!
Another great video Adam. The food looks very nice too
Thanks Richard!
Love your train videos! Any thoughts about reviewing the Westlander? :)
Thank you! Hopefully one day. 🤞
A great review you covered everything so well
Thank you!
Thanks, very informative 😊 and it was nice to see my apartment block on your arrival at Roma St
Glad it was helpful! Wow - you’re in a great location then! 👌
I wish that they still called the train the Sunlander. It was an iconic train!
Would have loved to try the Sunlander.
I’m so lucky I have this train and the Kuranda scenic railway as my local trains
Lucky indeed! 😊
I did this journey when it was the Sunlander. In fact, I think there were two trains at that time, the Sunlander and the Queenslander. The Queenslander had both standard and first class carriages. I think it was a better journey with a loco and carriages as you had a nice big lounge car, with your food in a dining car. Similar to that on the Indian Pacific before it became a hotel Train.
Would have loved to try the Sunlander.
So interesting. I live in Townsville but work away in Mackay, and I pass the northbound Spirit of Qld every Thursday
Well there you go. Cheers!
The Sunlander used to have sleeper cars. We travelled that a lot during my childhood and certainly is a better option when compared to the bed seats.
That would have been great. Cheers!
Sleeping car, where better
To this day I still miss the old sunlander.
There's nothing better than those old train stations with all the beautiful plants. l love it so much.
lve never heard of the pyramid race.
What an amazing train, lm really impressed. ld love to go to Cairns and back (Roma St Brisbane), but l'd love to do it with my family (adult/teen kiddos). ls there any train that still has the cabins??
Gosh l remember when train travel was free for those on concession, one use per year. Now its not. What a shame.
Yes, those stations are beautiful. There are still sleeper trains with private cabins including the Spirit of the Outback, The Ghan and the Indian Pacific.
@@FromtheWindowSeatOh right... The Ghan is still around? l'll have to check that one out. Thanks!! Btw... those chair beds looked great
@@CoMorbiditty Yep. It’s quite expensive though. This is one of my earlier videos: th-cam.com/video/CUqyK0o9Uvo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=TRF5atp4iMWPQUZ7
Thanks for this great video on the Spirit of Qld. My elderly parents travelled on it from Nambour to Innisfail and back a couple of years ago and they were sitting in the very last 2 seats at the back of the train in car G going north. 22 Hrs which was their travel time is a long time in Economy class for 2x 75 yo elderly people and Mum and Dad said they would never do it again in economy class but if they had a cabin or sleeper arrangement they would think about it. I can't imagine myself doing it in economy class either but would be happy to try it with the same sleeper you had.
Thank you! Yes, 22 hours sitting up is a long time. Definitely worth the upgrade to a RailBed. Cheers.
The sceneries looks super incredible
Cheers!
How cool was that some of the towns along the way would be nice to explore especially Gordonvale/Mulgrave and who doesn't like that train station at Tully / Golden Gumboot and I think we need get those at 15min 49secs into some sunshine haha. The lunch meal looks nice although I prob could eat 100x of those little desserts haha I have very sweet tooth and nice to see you got a decent coffee on this trip...No instant coffee here !!!! I love the seat very much like airline seat in Business Class did you find the screen bit of distance when watching something. The onborad cafe I'd be there often haha, Very cool fact about the Burdekin river and bridge and nice to see you enjoying some Sav B perfect for anytime of day, googled that and its decent price might have to try find some in Sydney. and that sunset after proserpine WOW thats what makes train travel scenes like that. We love Whispering Adam, but definetly agree ear plugs of noise cancelling headphones I am light sleeper so any snoring or noise would wake me, how cool is that onboard shower , it would do to refresh after nights sleep. Was there any difference when they turned off the tilt function? and like you if they had cabins single/couple I would get one . Another great video adam, every day youtube recommends one your video's so I watch and no doubt watching out of order haha.
Thanks so much! When they turned off the tilt, you could feel more of the lateral forces when navigating curves.
Thank you for this very informative, lovely video 🙏
Glad you liked it. 🙏
Thank you for a good documentary.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video once again!
Thank you!
The Tilt train is great.
Yes, it’s a very comfortable train. 😊
I had no idea there was a train from Cairns to Brisbane; I wonder if it was there back when i visited. I'll have to try it next time I'm there.
A train from Bergen to Oslo has similar sleeper seats.
It’s been running since 2013. Before that The Sunlander travelled the same route.
When I was 16 I travelled the whole way back from the Gold Coast with no money, good thing they had free tea and biscuits
Nice!
Very enjoyable video, just subscribed to watch more, thankyou and best wishes from New Zealand
Wonderful to hear. Thank you!
I have a question for a long while. Given the popularity of the train ticket, why does Queensland Rail not upgrade the train fleet? Allowing the Brisbane-Cairns service to carry more passengers should be profitable if the current service is usually found "heavily booked". I suggest purchasing Siemens's latest sleeper coach to replace the old Diesel tilting train. Of course, the new fleet can still fit the tilting technology. The only difference is that the new service is able to carry way more passengers.
I imagine only the Queensland Government can answer that. Even though the train is heavily booked I highly doubt it makes a profit … it’s run as a public service rather than for profit. Buying new trains is hugely expensive and the Spirit of the Outback and other loco-hauled trains are due to be replaced soon so I imagine that’s the priority before upgrading or replacing the Spirit of Queensland. 🤔
@@FromtheWindowSeat I was on the Railbed of the Spirit of Queensland last September, and the journey was incredible. I was on the Railbed of the Spirit of Queensland last September, and the journey was incredible. The ticket was around $330 and was really high value.
@@acde9355 Good to hear that. Cheers!
I travel the same route on my commute from the north to the city (and back), and regularly see the train pass in the afternoon at central. Never realised it took so long to make its trip!
Oh cool.
Mate I’ve been on this train several times and also the railbed seat definitely worth buying
Great to hear. Cheers!
In my younger years I was a regular on the Electric Tilt Trains, done Bundaberg to Rocky and Bundaberg to Brisbane dozens upon dozens of times. Was very interesting to see Cairns - Rocky. I recall the electric Tilt Trains at least used to go faster, but they take a lot more care now and go a fair bit slower after the couple of derailments that have happened over the years.
Sounds fun. It’s a pity the trains can’t reach their top speed as much anymore.
im doing this same thing next year to get to brissy then from there to the summernats, also moved to cairns when i was 12 and came up on the sunlander, as a kid it was frightening but honestly a great time
Nice!
Save time just fly for prob less
This is an Amazing video and I agree QR should put more money towards the Spirt of Queensland to cut down on travel time and the delays. Also you should try the Inlander or Westlander.👍
Thanks so much! Definitely keen to try those.
Nice video. Its great we have this train, but QR have left a lot of room for improvement though. Imagine this train doing V/Line Vlocity speeds. The Tilt train is capable of that speed on the right tracks. Speed and comfort, like you said at the end.
Thank you! Yes, if they could upgrade the track and alignment, QR could reduce journey times.
I have traveled on the Spirit of Queensland travelling railbed from Brisbane to Cairns, during Summer when Queensland was suffering from a drought. Had a great onboard crew, meals where good and had no problem with the 'railbed' concept. The only issue with the bed configuration is the 'fold down' concept as oppose to the reclining 'fold out' option that most airline business class seats have, making sleeping difficult. I didn't have an issue with the 25 hour travel time. I do agree that the cafe cafe is busy day and night mainly from passengers travelling in Economy.
That’s good to hear. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Cheers!
I'm inspired to take this trip, just not sure if I want to take it north or south. The rail bed pricing doesn't seem too bad, when you consider it includes meals. I still can't get over Caboolture being a northern suburb of Brisbane. The last time I visited the area, in 1990, Caboolture was considered the southern edge of the Sunshine Coast.
Happy to hear that. I’m sure both directions will have their benefits. Cheers!
As a local of cairns I saw you vlogging over at cairns central
Oh nice. Small world!
Thank you for uploading this honest and thorough review of the Spirit of Queensland experience. I've been thinking about doing this trip, but was hesitant after some less than pleasant journeys on NSW's CountryLink (now TrainLink) rail service. TBH, I think I'm just going to fly to Cairns (and feel guilty about my carbon footprint).
Glad the video as helpful. Yes, it’s a tough decision.
@@FromtheWindowSeat - right after I watched your video, I thought, "Hey, Americans are forever complaining about Amtrak, I wonder how the experience compares?" So I watched another review of the California Zephyr (Chicago to San Fran) route... and wow, Qld Rail needs to lift their game. :)
Do the Bellarine railway in Queenscliff Victoria plz, btw great video!
Thank you! Yes, I’m keen to try that.
Great vid. The Tilt Train is a funny thing. Like slow flying; not like the expansive old Sunlander, where you could move around. TBH it has the same problems as flying - eg if your rail bed is by the doors/toilets, you'll find it hard to sleep. There's also no escaping the Grey Nomads who dominate long distance tourist train travel in Oz. In first class to Townsville or Cairns, they start drinking like teens at about 3pm, then hit their beds about 7:30 to 8pm, then snore until their bladders turn them into toilet seekers all night long!
Worth noting that for $15 per leg, you can take a bicycle on the long distance trains' baggage cars, throughout Queensland. Given how flat places like Longreach, Mt Isa, Townsville etc are, it's a great option. Within about 10 mins of alighting you have your handlebars and pedals re-fixed and you're off.
Yes, the Tilt Train certainly has its quirks. I didn’t know that about bikes - handy! Cheers.
Great detailed video I really think Australia needs more trains.
Thank you. Agreed!
I have travelled this train to Mackay, the only thing I found wrong is that when the beds are in place is that if you have to go to the bathroom at night, if by the window you have to climb over the person beside you, not so good. Love the relaxed travel of the train.
Yes, I wouldn’t fancy being a solo traveller in one of the side-by-side RailBeds. Cheers!
Great video as always
Thank you!
Great video as always, looking forward to the next one. Do you have a curtain or anything similar with the rail bed?
Thank you. There are curtains on the windows but not around the RailBeds.
Recently travelled this route and found sadly, that the railbeds had passed their use by date as they were as hard as the hobs of hell and fellow passengers were less than respectful when shuffling thru to amenities. Additionally the beds were very tight width wise preventing one from movement of the arms and legs. Unlikely to use again. On a positive note, the meals, scenery and seats when upright were very good. The staff were exceptionally great. Arrival into Brisbane was almost 2 hours late forcing the train to be delayed on sidings for freight and later commuter trains as we had lost our slot Not bad but not so good overall. Cheers
Sorry to hear about your experience. Yes, there are certainly pros and cons. Cheers!
Gr
Saw my primary school in gordonvale! St michaels, great little town! From cairns
Nice! Thanks for watching! 😊
Great video - thanks.
Glad you liked it. Cheers!
Fantastic 👍✨
Glad you liked it. 😃
yeah missed out on the railbeds. wish they had more available or increased services
Sorry to hear that. Yes, it would be great if there was more capacity.
Thanks for such an informative video. I would not like the idea of some allocated person sleeping in the rail bed next to me either !
Glad it was helpful. Yes, if travelling solo, being located on the left hand side with the two RailBeds next to each other, wouldn’t be great. 🥴
Mate I’ve been up castle hill and definitely worth topping up the fuel tank to get up there and to get back down
Definitely. I went up when I visited Townsville a few years ago.
I'm from NSW, but I love you so much, QLD :) Plus also, got family from there, so it's not betraying anyone :D
Ha - nice!
Hello Adam
Can you please do a spirit of Queensland’s northbound video from Brisbane to cairns one day?
Hi Lachlan. I hadn’t considered it but it’s a possibility. 🤔
Innisfail Station is absolutely brilliant.
Yes, it’s lovely.
Hi Adam, this is awesome, am doing this trip next year, so am excited for the experience. Question - does all the flat beds have a good size window or is there any one seat shouldn’t book? 🙏🙋♀️😊
Thank you!
As far as I can recall, they all have good window views. But you can use the virtual train tour to check:
www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Pages/Spirit-of-Queensland-Virtual-Tour.aspx
@@FromtheWindowSeat thank you so much for the link 🙏
Nice content !🎉
Thank you! 😊
Thats one of the train trips i’d like to take. Such lovely scenery. Not too sure i’d like the openness of the beds. As you say, i’d rather be snoring in semi private than sitting up in economy though.
Happy to hear this. Hope you get the opportunity to try it.
I have been on them,I lived in Mackay.
Nice!
Hi !I'm thinking of booking a sleeper but not sure if I'll have enough room when laying down.. You see, I'm 184cm long and take up quite some space :). Any thoughts ? thank you !!
This is from the QR Travel website:
Bed length - window 1900mm, aisle 1700mm
So perhaps request a window seat when you book. 😊
Hello Adam
Can you please do a inlander train video from Townsville to mount is a one day?
Also can you please do the Westlander train from Brisbane to Charleville one day aswell?
Hi Lachlan. I’ll add them to my (long) list. Cheers!