Top Things to do in Brisbane Region
Top 5 Railways in Brisbane Region, Queensland
Discover the best top things to do in Brisbane Region, Australia including Wooloowin station, Queensland Rail Travel, Central Station, Queensland Rail, The Woodford Railway.
Restaurants in Brisbane Region
1. Wooloowin station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Queensland Rail Travel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation. Travelling between Brisbane and Cairns five times a week, the Spirit of Queensland redefines the modern rail travel experience with a comfortable and convenient way to access spectacular holiday destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns and everywhere in between. So wherever you're heading, the Spirit of Queensland will have you relaxed from the moment you step aboard to the time you arrive at your destination.
Reviewed By richardcL3269SV - Dudley, United Kingdom
As a way of travelling from Brisbane to Cairns and avoiding the hassle/boredom of airports this train trip is a welcome antidote. We booked a rail-bed for the 24 hr trip and this is necessary for a bit of shut eye. It was far more comfortable than a plane seat and the laid-out bed for the night was more than adequate. The service was first class with good food and attentive staff. Ok., I know it takes bit longer than a flight but here you can look at the Aussie countryside and a relaxing trip with better food, drinks and comfort: what is not to like. Why rush?
3. Central Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
4. Queensland Rail
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 103 reviews
Queensland Rail is dedicated to increasing rail patronage through improved reliability, frequency of services and making rail travel the transport mode of choice in Queensland. We are committed to building a better passenger business by connecting with customers, improving frontline services and facilitating Queensland’s growth and development. We aim to be Australia's best performing railway delivering safe, on time, customer-focused and efficient rail services. - Founded 1865 - More than 50 million customer journeys on the Citytrain network (South - East Queensland) per year - More than 700,000 customer journeys on the Travel network (long distance rail) and Tourist trains per year - More than $6.9 billion in total assets - More than $1.9 billion in revenues - More than 6500km of track - Workforce of more than 6000 - 222 stations across Queensland
Reviewed By Victorianlad - Melbourne, Australia
As it had been a long time since I had travelled by rail to Kuranda and also from Cairns to Brisbane, I embarked on my long journey interested to see what changes had occurred. Since my previous trip on the Kuranda train many years ago, patronage has hugely increased. It was great to see the heritage cars continuing to be operated but do passengers really need so many bars on the windows that make photography difficult? The Kuranda train was far better patronised northbound as many patrons return on the Skyrail cable car. At a quick guess we had fewer than 100 returning, but perhaps 300 out of Freshwater. I recommend joining and alighting in Cairns at the unattractive two platform station at the back of Cairns Central shopping centre, and booking with QR direct - A$76 return - rather than paying a bus or tour company an excessive amount to only ride from Freshwater. Trundling through the Cairns suburbs and hinterland was good. The Kuranda train has numerous TA reviews but it's worth doing as it ascends the range. One staff member was rude at Kuranda when I opened the swing door of the car, as she said that it 'wasn't safe.' I quickly pointed out to her it was 'safe' on many other railway systems worldwide on which I'd travelled, including the developed nation known as the United Kingdom, but she didn't want to listen. There wasn't anyone else within range on the platform at Kuranda when I opened the door, so no danger of hitting anyone. Just paranoia from over zealous nanny state "safety regulations" despite these sorts of doors having been, if I remember correctly, on Brisbane suburban trains not so many years ago. Sadly indicative of how Australians in the 21st century lack the ability to make 'Mr/Miss Common Sense' its guiding principle. No wonder we fall behind Asia in so many respects! The refreshment room was attractive at Kuranda while it was also great to watch an Australian brush turkey moving mulch for its nest on the platform. QR staff there even had a sign showing passengers what the brush turkey was doing, and the gardens on the platform and ferns remain very attractive. Well done to these staff, even if Kuranda town is a tourist trap geared to the noisy mainland Chinese. A male staff member spoke very nicely to a group of young Japanese women, who as always were very polite to the QR man. After a break in Cairns it was time to board the 'Spirit of Queensland.' Staff on this train were pleasant, especially the gent who joined at Townsville one day and moved me when I asked him could that occur. This conductor said to me 'I know why you'd like to move': we didn't even need to have a conversation about why. This employee has been on QR trains, initially 'The Sunlander', for a total of about 18 years. Gold star award. Perhaps he could teach the woman on the Kuranda train some passenger service skills. The buffet car on 'Spirit of Queensland' was quite good and well designed. It's a pity I can't say the same about the seats in the economy class (stupidly called 'premium economy' by QR) cars. Whoever designed them hasn't ever sat up overnight on trains anywhere before - that's obvious. The seats are uncomfortable: rigid. Despite this I managed to nod off, but only because I am experienced at sleeping on trains. I enquired about paying the supplement for a RailBed but the 35 of these were booked out. It's good that the sitting cars have individual seatback entertainment. This worked well, and screens (and the train windows) were clean. There was a good variety of entertainment as well. The toilets and shower were spotless and still in very good condition despite about five years' use. The sitting cars were quiet at night and did not have intrusive light entering overnight, so that was one aspect at which the designers did well. Unfortunately the RailBeds will never be as good as proper railway sleeping berths in compartments but that was a political decision. The 'Spirit' also ran late due to speed restrictions between Cairns and Townsville, in the end having to follow the Tilt Train into Brisbane, so we arrived an hour late. Many joined at Townsville but despite its size, few boarded at Mackay. Reflecting union control, the 'Spirit' apparently still has two drivers. Further south, the NSWTrainLink XPT has had a single driver for years, which combined with various safety features works well. Clearly the 'Spirit of Queensland' lacks the charm of the former 'Sunlander', as the latter had a more salubrious dining car that served meals cooked on the train plus excellent couchette cars - three to a compartment - and sleeping berths. No wonder QR loses so much money on its passenger trains, but with the current socialist state government beholden to the unions, the driver featherbedding won't change.
5. The Woodford Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
