queensland rail travel holidays

Outback Towns and Drives

Find a town, find a drive itinerary, rail experiences, queensland rail travel.

When you take an Outback adventure, you don’t want to miss a minute of the breathtaking scenery. Onboard the train you can relax, enjoy the stunning landscapes and blue skies as you journey through Queensland’s Outback. Queensland Rail Travel  offers a choice of three rail journeys across Queensland’s Outback with twice weekly return services to each region as well as the iconic Gulflander, a 1950 railmotor in the Gulf Savannah region.

Spirit of the Outback

• Route:  Brisbane to Longreach with a coach connection to Winton
• Distance:  1325 kilometres
• Departs Brisbane:  Tuesday at 6:10pm and Saturday at 1:55pm, arrives Longreach 3.30pm next day
• Departs Longreach:  Monday and Thursday at 10:00am, arrives in Brisbane 11.55am next day

Spirit of the Outback offers a unique insight into the history and culture of Australia with a journey between Brisbane and Longreach – with a direct coach connection to Winton. Experience travel in a private Sleeper cabin with a comfortable seat during the day that converts into a bed at night. Enjoy freshly prepared meals in the restaurant and relax in the Shearers Rest Lounge. Travel is also available in an Economy Seat with a selection of take-away meals, light refreshments and drinks are available to purchase from the Lounge. Whether you are travelling all the way or stopping in between, there is plenty to explore. From fossicking sapphires and gems near Anakie, exploring ancient Aboriginal rock art in Carnarvon Gorge, (450 kilometres from Emerald), or further west to towns of Ilfracombe and Barcaldine.

• Route:  Brisbane to Charleville with coach connections to Quilpie and Cunnamulla
• Distance:  777 kilometres
• Departs Brisbane:  Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:15pm
• Departs Charleville:  Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:15pm

Westlander travels between Brisbane and Charleville through the diverse farmlands of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs and the Mulga country of southwest Queensland. Travel in the comfort of an Economy Seat, you can hop up and stretch your legs throughout the journey. Head to the lounge where you can relax, buy a drink and watch the wide-open landscapes roll by. You could stop over in Roma and explore the Carnarvon Range with its ancient Aboriginal rock art or travel further west to the Mulga country of Charleville – with coach connections further to Quilpie or Cunnamulla – to fossick for an opal of your own, or just wind down with a soak in some Artesian baths.

• Route:  Townsville to Mount Isa
• Distance:  977 kilometres
• Departs Townsville:  Wednesdays and Saturdays at 12:40pm
• Departs Mount Isa:  Sundays and Thursdays at 1:30pm

In north Queensland, take the Inlander to explore natural and prehistoric treasures from Townsville to Mount Isa. Travel in the comfort of an Economy Seat you can hop up and stretch your legs throughout the journey. Head to the lounge where you can relax, buy a drink and watch the wide-open landscapes roll by. Hop off and explore the historic town of Charters Towers, the fossil collections in Hughenden and the ancient underwater marine reptile collections in Richmond. As you venture further west, you’ll travel through the towns of Julia Creek, Cloncurry before arriving in the city of Mount Isa.

• Route:  Normanton to Croydon
• Distance:  152 kilometres
• Departs Normanton:  Wednesday at 8:30am
• Departs Croydon:  Thursday at 8:30am
• Duration:  5 hours
• Shorter excursions available from Normanton and Croydon, generally between April to October.

Discover the Gulf Savannah region aboard the Gulflander, a 1950 railmotor. Travel through countryside most people would never see – from wetlands, grasslands to the arid Savannah. Experience the full journey from Normanton to Croydon along the Heritage-listed railway line. Along the way, your Savannah Guide driver will provide commentary on the local history, plant and animal life.

The Savannahlander

• Route:  Cairns to Forsayth
• Distance:  Various (depends on tour route)
• Check out the tours:   Click here
• Phone:  1800 793 848
• Email:  [email protected]

The SavannahLander invites travellers to be a part of one of the great rail journeys in Australia. This unique outback rail experience departs Cairns weekly, winding its way through the wet tropics area of the Kuranda range and out through the Savannah country to Forsayth. It is the perfect train to take if you are wishing to experience the natural beauty of the the award winning Cobbold Gorge.

Contact Queensland Rail Travel

Website:   www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au Phone:  1800 872 467 (within Australia)

Queensland Train Packages

Great Southern Train With Brisbane Discover

Experience the new Great Southern train journey between Adelaide and Brisbane with 4 nights accommodation in Brisbane and city tour. Discover this unforgettable luxury railway adventure with all off-train activities included in this amazing 8 day package from Adelaide to Brisbane (or Brisbane to Adelaide). Board the Great Southern to explore some of Australia’s most beautiful and remarkable destinations, including guided touring in the Grampians and Canberra with a memorable Northern NSW Coast brunch, then enjoy 4 nights in Brisbane with a Brisbane City Tour and River Cruise. Upgrade to the extended 3 night Brisbane to Adelaide direction journey for extra an day aboard the train with guided touring in Northern NSW Coast, Hunter Valley and Regional Victoria and Twelve Apostles. Full Details

• Full Inclusions
• Great Southern

Great Southern Train with Brisbane All-Inclusive

Great Southern train journey between Adelaide and Brisbane along with 6 days of all-inclusive Brisbane touring, featuring Moreton Island, Tangalooma Dolphin Resort, Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast and a Brisbane River cruise. Discover this unforgettable luxury railway adventure in this 9 day package from Adelaide to Brisbane (or Brisbane to Adelaide). Board the Great Southern to explore some of Australia’s most beautiful and remarkable destinations, including guided touring in the Grampians and Canberra with a memorable Northern NSW Coast brunch, with 5 nights in Brisbane and breakfast daily. Enjoy the pristine natural wonderland that is Moreton Island & Tangalooma Resort, take in the sights as you cruise the Brisbane River and see the exciting wildlife shows at Steve Irwin’s world famous Australia Zoo and the Sunshine Coast! Upgrade to the extended 3 night Brisbane to Adelaide direction journey for extra an day aboard the train with guided touring in Northern NSW Coast, Hunter Valley and Regional Victoria and Twelve Apostles. Full Details

Great Southern Train Return with Brisbane Stay

Double the adventure... experience the new Great Southern train journey between Adelaide and Brisbane combined with the extended return Brisbane to Adelaide journey. Discover this unforgettable luxury railway adventure in this 8 day package from Adelaide to Brisbane (or Brisbane to Adelaide). Board the Great Southern to explore some of Australia’s most beautiful and remarkable destinations, including guided touring in the Grampians and Canberra with a memorable Northern NSW Coast brunch, with an overnight in Brisbane then board the Great Southern from Brisbane to Adelaide for the extended journey and experience some iconic Australian destinations, including a memorable Northern NSW Coast brunch, guided tour through the picturesque Hunter Valley Wine region and see the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean and the Twelve Apostles. Full Details

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Domestic border restrictions have ended for nearly all States, meaning you:

• don’t need to apply for a border pass
• won’t need a Covid test
• won’t need to quarantine

However, some States and service operators do require proof of vaccination. So all that is required to travel for most Discover Australia packages is to be fully vaccinated. Even WA has now opened up! It is expected that any remaining temporary restrictions will end or ease over coming weeks – since all governments have detailed strategies to live with Covid and to enable their tourism industry to flourish again. See current travel requirements here .

Many travel insurance providers are now offering good cover for Covid, including:

• Travel disruptions and additional expenses due to Covid
• Positive Covid test before travel
• Positive Covid test during travel (including need to change travel arrangements / isolation)
• Cancellation Cover
• Medical expenses cover

Insurance cover can be very inexpensive, like only $150 for three weeks in Europe # . We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with Covid cover. Following are some insurance companies: Medibank | TID | AHM | NIB Book now to secure the best deal and biggest savings. Use part of your Early Bird savings to pay for your travel insurance!

#Peace of Mind Guarantee valid for new bookings confirmed from 10 February until withdrawn. See Booking Conditions for details, inclusions and exclusions. #1 You can choose to postpone your holiday to a future date; since prices vary by travel date some alternative dates may be at a higher price. Choosing to postpone closer to travel may incur supplier change fees, but no fees from us. #2 If your holiday is disrupted due to Covid by us (or a service provider) you will receive a Travel Credit to re-book a holiday. The information provided in relation to insurance and travel requirements is believed to be accurate and is provided in good faith without responsibility taken for it. Official national websites detail exact and current requirements, that can change. We don’t sell insurance or recommend any particular insurance company. As always study the relevant insurance PDS to see what cover matches your needs.

Rail Holidays

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​queensland rail holi​days.

Train journeys allow your holiday to start the minute you board. Slow down, unwind, see and experience coast to countryside, or even the outback as you embark on an unforgettable rail holiday. Discover some of Queensland's most iconic destinations, overflowing with natural wonders and hidden treasures with a rail holiday package. 

We’ve worked with VIVA Holidays to package exclusive rail holidays, experiencing the very best of Queensland. Whether you are looking for a short getaway or a touring experience to stop and explore, these packages offer all the must dos to make the most of your rail holiday. 

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The 2024-25 Queensland Rail Holidays brochure is available for travel bookings from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. Conditions apply.  

​How to book​​

If you would like more information or to book one of these Queensland rail holidays, please contact your preferred local Travel Agent. 

Please note Queensland Rail Travel no longer sells holiday packages. We advise our customers to visit their preferred local travel agent to book your next rail holiday.​

• Queensland Travel Guide
• 1234-567-8910

Queensland Rail Travel Train Information

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An Australian holiday experience with  Queensland Rail  offers you the largest and most comprehensive range of holiday options in Australia incorporating the most memorable long distance and travel train and tilt train experiences.

Travel in style, make new friends, learn about Australia’s history and kick back and enjoy the scenery in comfort on one of Australia’s iconic rail journeys.

There is no better way to see our amazing country than with rail – travelling in style and comfort through some of Australia’s most scenic landscapes. Queensland Rail is more than just rail. Let us combine car hire, rail, tours and accommodation to help you plan your Travel train and Tilt train holiday.

QUEENSLAND RAIL OPTIONS

The spirit of queensland.

THE SAVANNAHLANDER

THE INLANDER

A historic journey from the tropical city of Townsville to the mining centre of Mount Isa, The Inlander offers the opportunity to experience the heritage and natural treasures of North Queensland’s rugged, yet beautiful inland.

The Inlander Timetable & Information

Travelling by train around Queensland is something you must do if you are spending time travelling around the beautiful part of Australia. QLD is lucky enough to have a variety of trains taking you all across the coast and outback. The trains are comfortable, easy and a great experience for any type of traveller from backpackers to families.

For more information on Queensland Rail services, pricing and schedules please contact us.

Click here for more information on the Cairns Skyrail .

BOOKING INFORMATION

For group bookings please contact us by clicking here .

For standard bookings or to call QLD Rail Travel on 300 131 722 from 7am to 7pm (AEST)

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Spirit of Queensland

The Spirit of Queensland, Queensland Rail's latest fleet addition, combines modern seating and entertainment options with the romance of long distance rail travel from Brisbane to Cairns and v.v. Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. View our great holiday packages below. Pensioner and Australian Government Senior Card Holders are eligible for concession fares. Take the Spirit of Queensland Virtual Tour

10 Days Awesome Foursome Gulflander & Savannahlander Adventure 2024

Escorted Group tour from Brisbane to Cairns and Gulf Savannah return

For the lovers of train travel! Experience 4 Iconic Queensland trains this 'Awesome Foursome' tour includes return travel on the Spirit of Queensland, travel on both the Gulflander and Savannahlander tourist trains, plus the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Also includes Cairns, Karumba, Undara Lava Tubes, Cobbold Gorge & more.

9 Days Cairns and Tablelands Pioneer Explorer 2024

Escorted group tour to Cairns & Tablelands

Experience the best of Far North Queensland on this 9 day tour with return Spirit of Queensland rail fare. Includes Cairns, Paronella Park, Yungaburra, Herberton Historical Village Pioneer Weekend, Kuranda & Mossman.

9 Days Cairns and Cooktown Discovery 2024

Escorted group tour from Brisbane to Cairns and Cooktown

Includes return travel on the Spirit of Queensland, Cairns, Port Douglas, the Daintree & Cooktown.

Rail Holidays

Our luxury rail holidays offer a unique and intimate way to take you into the heart of a region in opulent style and glamour.

Luxury rail journeys offer one of the most beguiling ways to discover the world, revelling in the slow meditative nature of the journey and soaking up every wonderful moment. Sit back and relax as you cover beautiful landscapes in luxurious style, as the windows of your carriage reveal amazing panoramas and offer remarkable insights into the beauty, culture, and character of many different countries.

From the exquisite carriages of the world’s most iconic train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which takes in an array of wonderful sights including the dreamy canals of Venice, the romantic piazzas of Verona and the lofty peaks of the Alps; to the majestic Indian Pacific that links the iconic city sights of Sydney with the beautiful beaches and rich wildlife of Perth, and the luxurious Blue Train which sweeps through South’s Africa’s dramatic scenery of awe-inspiring mountain ranges and untamed savannah grasslands.

Discover our extraordinary collection of luxury rail holidays, and experience spellbinding sceneries, specially curated with sensational cruises, remarkable hotel stays, and immersive and memorable tours.

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