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Home Travel Queensland’s top 7 rail journeys

Queensland’s top 7 rail journeys

With 4000km of regional track, Queensland Rail Travel can deliver you all the way to Cairns in the state’s north, Longreach, Charleville and Mount Isa in the west and even to tourism hotspots in the Far North and the Gulf Savannah. You can also take advantage of its RailBus connections to explore don’t-miss coastal havens such as Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. With Queensland Rail Travel you can leave the car at home, and enjoy the unique luxury of time and space to sit back and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes. Here are our top picks.

SPIRIT OF QUEENSLAND

Brisbane–Cairns (1681km)

This train travels the coast of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1681km, in 25 hours and has two travel options – economy seats, which are great if you are stopping along the way, and the RailBed, a spacious seat during the day that folds out to a lie-flat bed at night, with all-inclusive in-seat dining. The train passes through canefields and rainforest and stops at some of the Queensland coast’s biggest regional cities, including Mackay, Rockhampton, Proserpine (the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands) and Townsville.

SPIRIT OF THE OUTBACK

Brisbane–Longreach (1325km)

Launched in 1993 by combining the Capricornian and Midlander train journeys, the Spirit of the Outback travels 1325km between Brisbane and Longreach in about 24 hours. The perfect introduction to outback Queensland, the Spirit takes its passengers deep into the engine rooms of the Queensland economy. It follows the coast to Rockhampton, then turns inland and passes through the heritage mining towns of Blackwater and Emerald, and the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party, Barcaldine, before arriving in Longreach, a town that has been saved from the clutches of a never-ending drought by its burgeoning tourist trade.

Townsville–Mount Isa (977km)

A historic trip from the major northern Queensland port city of Townsville to the mining centre of Mount Isa. Over a leisurely 21-hour journey, covering 977km, the Inlander offers the opportunity to experience the heritage and natural treasures of northern Queensland’s ruggedly beautiful inland.

From Townsville, the train travels through picturesque Charters Towers, across the Great Dividing Range and through the mining towns of Hughenden and Julia Creek, before delivering passengers into Queensland’s dry western reaches. Introduced in 1953, the Inlander was Queensland’s first air-conditioned train.

KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY

Cairns to Kuranda (37km)

Imagine all that natural wonder so close that you can almost touch it, your senses alive with the heady organic fragrance and untamed sounds of the dense rainforest. That’s what it’s like aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway as you unwind your way through a tropical paradise framed by rugged mountains with waterfalls tumbling forever into deep ravines.

Rising from sea level to 328m, the journey to Kuranda passes spectacular waterfalls and into the stunning Barron Gorge. Meandering through picturesque scenery, you travel through 15 handmade tunnels and a​cross 37 towering bridges that stand as a monument to the pioneers of the north.

Being one with the rainforest as you undertake an unforgettable journey is what makes Kuranda Scenic Railway such a must-do experience.

Normanton to Croydon (151km)

​​​​​​​​​Take a journey through frontier country from Normanton to Croydon as you step aboard the iconic Gulflander. Also known as the ‘Tin Hare’, this legendary rail motor is one of the last great characters of the rail world.

Affectionately said to go from ‘nowhere to nowhere’, the Heritage Listed Normanton to Croydon line was never connected to the state rail network and remains the only line in Queensland still measured in miles. From wetlands and grasslands to arid Savannah territory, the Gulflander travels through countryside that most people will never see. This nostalgic rail journey is the perfect way to discover an area steeped in pioneering history and heritage. 

As a working tribute to the Gulf of Carpentaria’s early pioneers, the Gulflander is a once in a lifetime experience.​

Brisbane to Charleville (740km) ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Venture to the natural wonders of Queensland’s southwest outback onboard the Westlander. From Brisbane travel across the Great Dividing Range, through the rich farmlands of the Darling Downs to Charleville, this scenic journey travels through some of the state’s most picturesque outback regions. 

Depending on the travel sector a complimentary in-seat snack pack will be delivered to each seat at meal times. Light refreshments can be purchased from the Economy Lounge.

Experience this unforgettable journey into Queen​sland’s western frontier as you follow in the footsteps of the early pioneers on Westlander. Unwind, as you sit back relax and watch the striking scenery pass you by.

THE SAVANNAHLANDER

Cairns–Forsayth (425km)

The Savannahlander’s unique experience departs Cairns weekly, winding through the Wet Tropics area of the Kuranda range and out through the savannah to Forsayth and back, taking four days. The highly personalised tours, in a 1960s classic Silver Bullet rail-motor, offer passengers the opportunity to see remote Queensland at a sleepy 50km/h. Drivers provide running commentaries and there are options for short tours and visits to Cobbold Gorge, Undara Volcanic National Park, and overnight stops in country hotels. This is train travel at a relaxed pace.

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Tilt Train Information

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Brisbane and Rockhampton

Enjoy a relaxing trip on the Tilt Train. It’s a great way to visit family or friends, to enjoy a vacation, or to escape the city.

The Tilt Train is a cost-effective, convenient and environmentally friendly way to travel.   You can relax and let us drive you between Brisbane and Rockhampton.   You can watch your favorite sporting team or a live performance in Brisbane, or you can connect to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.   The Tilt train is also a great way to bring the whole family to the Fraser Coast, Bundaberg or Capricorn regions of Queensland.

There’s no better way to travel. With Economy and Business Seats and free Wi-Fi, you can stay connected.

There are many advantages to train travel, but it can also be challenging.   We want to make sure that everyone has a safe, enjoyable trip.   Act Safe. Find out how to travel safely with us.   Arrive safely.

Route Details

Route: Brisbane to Rockhampton

Distance: 639  kms

Duration: 7 hrs 45 mins

Network Map:  Train Stations

Timetable Departs Brisbane: Sun at 11:00am. Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri at 4:55pm

Timetable Departs Rockhampton: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri and Sat at 6:45am

• The Tilt train virtual tour shows six of the carriages that comprise this train.
• The tour begins in Carriage A, the Business and Accessible carriage, and continues to Carriage F. This includes Business Seats (Carriage A), including the accessible spaces and seats, as well Carriages B through F, offering Economy Seating.
• Explore the counters at Carriages B and E for help in locating your seat.   You’re never far from a cup of tea or a biscuit.
• The images of the Roma Street Station in Brisbane, and the external entry point of the train cars are provided to help you plan your trip and see what facilities are available.

Business Seats

Carriage A has 27 seats, including 3 accessible spaces.   The 27 seats are divided into Business Seats, Seats for Accessible People and Seats for Carers.   Seats are numbered 4-30, with seat number 4 located at the back of the carriage. Seat 30 is at the front.   The accessible space numbers are 1, 2, and 3. They are located in the rear of carriage.

General Carriage Facilities

The carriage has overhead compartments for hand luggage.   The rear of the carriage has a drink fountain that provides filtered water.   Outside the entrance to the seating area, luggage racks are provided for carry-ons and checked baggage.

The width of the aisle, corridor and door

Train entry door width: 800mm

The width of the entry door to seating area: 710mm

The narrowest part of the corridor width is 745mm

Aisle width : 530mm

Accessibility information

Accessible seats.

There are accessible seats, which can be used by people who transfer from a mobility aid.   The accessible seats are at the back of the carriage. Their seat height is 430mm.

The width of the aisle between accessible seats 4 and 5 is approximately 530mm.

A caregiver travelling with a client who has booked Accessible Seat 4 in the front of seat 7 will be assigned.

The adjacent seat 6 will be assigned to a carer traveling with a client booked in Accessible Chair 5.

If collapsible mobility devices are used, they can be placed in the luggage rack at the end carriage.   A space in carriage A, if available, is included with the Accessible Seat.

Accessible Spaces

The carriage features three accessible spaces for the customer to store or travel with a mobility device, such as a scooter or wheelchair.   They are located in the rear of carriage near the Accessible Seats.   When the Accessible Seats A4 andA5 are added to a customer’s booking, these spaces become available.

When the Accessible Spaces 3 & 2 are booked when Accessible Seat A5 has been reserved, they will be allocated.

When Accessible Space 1 is reserved, Accessible Seat A4 will be assigned.

Accessible Space Dimensions

• A1 = 550mm (W) wide by 1700mm (L).
• A2/3 = each 600mm W x 1750mm L.   Total combined space 1200mm W x 1750 L.

There are size restrictions on mobility devices.   These dimensions are generally considered to be the maximum.   680mm wide x 1200mm long   .

Traveling with an Assistance Animal

Customers travelling with a service animal may book seats 30 and 27, respectively.   These seats are at the front of carriage.

Seat 30 will be reserved if the aisle seat 29 is not available. This allows for more space on the floor to accommodate a service animal.

Seat 27 will be reserved if the aisle seat 26 is not available. This allows for more space on the floor to accommodate a service animal.

Toilets with Accessible Unisex Toilet

A toilet with a changing table for babies (seat height of 480mm) is located on the left-rear of the carriage, facing the direction of travel.

Door width: 760mm

Bathroom floor width: 1 500mm

Bathroom floor length 2200mm

Visit our website for more information about Accessible Facilities   Accessibility   .

All Economy Seats

Carriage B has 47 Economy Seats.  The seats are numbered 1 to 47. Seats 1 and 47 are located at the back of the carriage.

The unisex toilet and baby changing table are located on the left rear of the carriage, facing the direction of travel.

The carriage has overhead compartments for hand luggage.  The rear of the carriage has a drink fountain that provides filtered water. 

Outside the entrance to the seating area, luggage racks are provided for carry-on items. A checked baggage service is available.

The Servery, located in the front of carriage B is where you can purchase a wide range of hot foods and snacks. 

Customers who are unable to access the Servery can be served in their seats by the Onboard team.

The width of the aisle, corridor and door External train door width: 800mm

The width of the entry door to seating area: 600mm

Aisle Width : 440mm

The width of the corridor from the Unisex Toilet is 750mm

The width of the corridor from the servery to Carriage B: 600mm

Traveling with an Assistance Dog

Customers travelling with a service animal may book seats 47 and 44.

These seats are at the front of carriage.

Seat 47 offers enough space on the sides to accommodate a service animal.

Seat 44 will be reserved if the aisle seat 43 is not available. This allows for more space on the floor to accommodate a service animal.

Carriage C has 68 Economy-class seats.   The seats are numbered 1 to 68.   Seat 1 is at the back of the carriage, and Seat 68 is at the front.

External train door width: 800mm

Corridor Width: 750mm

Carriage D has 67 Economy Seats.   The seats are numbered 1 through 67.   Seat 1 is at the back of the carriage, and Seat 67 at its front.

The unisex toilet and baby changing table are located on the right front of the carriage, facing the direction of travel.

The carriage has overhead compartments for hand luggage.   The front of the carriage has a drink fountain that provides filtered water.   Outside the entrance to the seating area, luggage racks are provided for carry-on items. A checked baggage service is available.

The 42 Economy Seats are located in Carriage E.   The seats are numbered 1 to 42.   Seat 1 is at the back of the carriage, and Seat 42 is at the front.

The carriage has overhead compartments for hand luggage.   The rear of the carriage has a drink fountain that provides filtered water.   Outside the entrance to the seating area, luggage racks are provided for carry-on items. A checked baggage service is available.

The Servery, located in the front of carriage E is where you can purchase a wide range of hot foods and snacks.   Customers who are unable to access the Servery can be served in their seats by our Onboard team.

The width of the corridor from the servery to Carriage C: 600mm

Carriage F has 36 Economy Seats.   The seats are numbered 21-56.   Seat 21 is at the left rear of the carriage, and seat 56 is at the front.

VIEW TILT TRAIN TIMETABLE

Aboard the Tilt Train you can enjoy one of our delicious meal packages or choose from a selection of take away meals and snacks available from the Club Car.

Click here to view The Tilt Train Menu

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 below.

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, click here .

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Queensland Explorer Pass

The Queensland Explorer Pass gives you unlimited travel on most Queensland Rail Travel Train services in Queensland. Queensland has the best trains in Australia and this pass is valid on the fast Tilt Trains between Brisbane and Rockhampton and the new Spirit of Queensland trains that run between Brisbane and Cairns.

Where can I use this rail pass?

This pass is valid for unlimited travel on Queensland Rail Travel Train services including the following rail services:

• Tilt Train (Brisbane–Rockhampton)
• The Spirit of Queensland  (Brisbane–Cairns)
• The Spirit of the Outback (Brisbane–Longreach via Rockhampton)
• The Inlander (Townsville–Mount Isa)
• The Westlander (Brisbane–Charleville)

This pass includes the following connecting coach services:

• Maryborough–Hervey Bay
• Proserpine–Airlie Beach
• Barcaldine–Winton
• Charleville–Quilpie
• Charleville–Cunnamulla

The Queensland Coastal Pass includes one journey on Brisbane’s City rail network to connect with a Queensland Rail Travel Train service. This includes travel as far south as the Gold Coast.

When is the Queensland Explorer Pass valid?

This pass is valid for one or two months travel in economy seating. This rail pass is good for unlimited rail travel for the entire validity of the pass (not a set number of travel days or a set itinerary like many other rail passes). Travel must commence within six months of the date of purchasing this pass. The one or two-month travel period begins on the date that the pass is first used.

Who can use this rail pass?

The Queensland Coastal Pass is only available to overseas visitors to Australia. People travelling with this rail pass must be able to prove that they are not an Australian resident (a passport or drivers licence issued outside Australia will usually be sufficient proof).

More details about the Queensland Explorer Pass

Click below for the latest prices for the Queensland Explorer Pass and details about ordering your rail pass online.

Other important details about this rail pass

After purchasing the Queensland Coastal Pass you will receive a voucher that you need to exchange for the actual travel pass at a ticket office exchange location in Australia prior to commencing your first journey. Your exchange voucher will be emailed to you but it is best to allow 3–5 business days for your order to be processed prior to emailing your voucher.

Seat reservations must be made prior to each leg of travel.

The Queensland Coastal Pass is valid for economy class travel on most rail services. However it does cover premium economy travel on the Spirit of Queensland for bookings made within seven days of travel. Seat bookings made outside this time will incur an upgrade charge.

Pass holders may upgrade to business seats on the Tilt Train (between Brisbane and Rockhampton), RailBeds on the Spirit of Queensland and available sleeping berths upon payment of an upgrade fee.

Travel on the fast Tilt Train is only available between Brisbane and Rockhampton (and intermediate stops).

This rail pass cannot be used on heritage railways and tourist services such as the Kuranda Railway.

The Queensland Coastal Pass is only valid for travel on services operated by Queensland Travel Train. It is not valid for travel on Great Southern Railway, NSW TrainLink, V/line or TransWA services.

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​​​​We have the tools to help with planning your journey.

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Use the Translink journey planner to find what public transport can take you from your starting point to your destination.

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Visit the Translink website to view all timetable and fare information on our South East Queensland services.

Visit the Translink​ website to view all South East Queensland train timetables. For services relating to the Travel network, please visit Queensland Rail Travel .

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​​​​Visit the Translink website to view timetables for special events.​

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Click to read our travel conditions when travelling on our South East Queensland​ train services.

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Queensland Rail offer specially discounted tickets for primary and secondary school students travelling to and from school.

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It's so easy to travel with Queensland Rail as a group - and it's cost effective too! We offer special concessions for travelling groups of ten or more.​​

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 Find out more about travelling on your bike on the South East Queensland​ train network, and also how to book a bike locker.

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Find out more about travelling with large items on our network.

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Brisbane-to-Sunshine Coast rail link locked in for Olympics with $5.5b funding

A critical rail link between Brisbane and the beaches to its north is now locked in with a total of $5.5 billion secured from the state and federal governments.

The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will be 19 kilometres long from Beerwah to Caloundra in its first stage.

But long-term planning remains for the line to travel north along the coastline and then into the central business hub of Maroochydore.

Trains to cut commute by 45 minutes

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has announced the Commonwealth will bring its contribution to $2.75 billion and match the funding  promised by Queensland premier Steven Miles in late February .

"We're investing [an additional] $1.15 billion making sure the Sunshine Coast has the infrastructure it needs to connect it to opportunities in a faster, more reliable way," Ms King said.

"Once complete, the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will save commuters up to 45 minutes, with journeys from the new Sunshine Coast stations to Roma Street station taking around 45 minutes less than driving in peak hour."

Premier Steven Miles said the rail may also lead to more houses being built in an area notorious for its shortages.

"The heavy rail connection will also allow us to unlock tens of thousands of additional homes," Mr Miles said.

"Homes that can allow us to relieve the pressure on supply, which we know is driving up prices," he said.

Rail race for the Olympics

Mr Miles has previously said the Beerwah and Caloundra line could be ready for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics, but only with support from the Commonwealth.

The plan has been on the books since the late 1990s but never funded for construction.

In early 2022, the Morrison government vowed to pay $1.6 billion to develop the rail line to Maroochydore, to be matched by the state, but its budget never passed parliament due to the coming election.

While the funding was maintained by the incoming Labor government, a business case into the project found the amount was too little to fund the whole project.

The state government estimates the first stage to Caloundra will likely cost between $5 billion and $7 billion.

New line will 'anchor' future rail

Ms King and Mr Miles said the decision to build the line in stages, and not all at once, was under advice from the project's business case.

"The business case said that if you tried to build it all the way to Maroochydore, all at once, you would have no trains operating for at least 10 years," Mr Miles said.

"What we have here is a fully funded, well planned project that we can get underway on and start working on."

Caloundra MP Jason Hunt said the first part of the line would be an "anchor" for the rest.

"This a once in a generation funding infrastructure transport announcement," he said.

He said the first stage to Caloundra would include 19km of track, 10 bridges, an overpass over the Bruce Highway, and about 7km of elevated rail over wetlands.

"The construction phase can now get ahead in 2026, to be completed by 2032.

"It's a massive piece of work."

Deputy Opposition Leader and Coast MP Jarrod Bleijie said not building the line to Maroochydore ahead of the Olympics amounted to a broken promise.

"Maroochydore and Kawana will miss out, and Caloundra will be consigned to a car park," he said.

Main Roads director-general Sally Stannard said there would be 500 car park spaces at each station, which was supported by modelling.

Federal Opposition MP Andrew Wallace said while he thanks the commonwealth for the new funding, he said delays added to the price tag.

"And now of course delays in infrastructure costs means billions of dollars in additional costs," he said.

Trains will 'revolutionise' Coast transport

Nine-time Paralympian and Professor of Performance Sport Brendan Burkett said the rail line would make life easier for both athletes and residents come 2032.

"[It] opens up the door of accessibility for everyone in the community," he said.

"You don't have to be a Paralympian with mobility issues — young or middle-aged, they now have more accessibility for transport and getting around.

"And having the Games here is just a real bonus."

Rail advocate Jeff Addison said he welcomed the locked-in funding that would "revolutionise" travel for residents and visitors to the region.

"We're the only region of our size that doesn't have a rail line that goes into its heart, and this will start that process," he said.

"It means people will be able to come from the Gold Coast and Brisbane and get close to our beaches.

"It'll revolutionise transport here on the Sunshine Coast."

He said he hoped trains would travel every 15 minutes to ensure they are well used by commuters between Brisbane and the Coast.

"If rail is fast, frequent, and affordable, people will use it," Mr Addison said.

"At the moment. It's not really fast, certainly not for people up on the Sunshine Coast.

"So this will go a long way towards improving that"

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Track magic

Victoria Goldfields Railway

Journey back into the gold rush era aboard Victoria Goldfields Railway's steam heritage train that chugs between the historic towns of Castlemaine and Maldon in central Victoria. Opt for the excursion class or go for first class to ride in style in spacious Edwardian-era compartments that grant access to an open observation deck at the front.

The 10.5 mile (17km) trip takes about 50 minutes each way with the train from Castlemaine spending two-and-a-half hours at Maldon, plenty of time for exploring its heritage sites. For serious train lovers, this attraction offers a chance to ride alongside the driver or even to drive a heritage steam or diesel locomotives while in charge of a goods train themselves.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway

From transporting copper to top Tassie attraction, The West Coast Wilderness Railway runs 22 miles (35km) between the old mining town of Queenstown and the port of Strahan on the island’s wild west coast. It’s a short but spectacular trip aboard restored heritage trains, running through tracts of dense ancient rainforest and up some seriously steep slopes. At present it’s not possible to travel the length of the railway in both directions, as the full-day service is suspended until further notice.

Half-day itineraries see passengers board at either Queenstown or Strahan and track along to Dubbil Barril before returning to their departure station. The train makes stops at remote train stations along the way for walks into the rainforest and panning for gold. Highlights include seeing the train being turned on the turntable at Dubbil Barril, climbing one of the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest tracks, crossing the Iron Bridge and traversing the deep chasm of the King River Gorge. 

The Q Train

All aboard, foodies: Victoria’s Q Train is quite the hot culinary ticket. Traveling along the 10 mile (16km) Bellarine Railway from the historic Drysdale station, this railway journey is all about drinking in the views as you savor wines and produce from the bucolic Bellarine Peninsula. Over a luxurious three-hour trip between Drysdale and Queenscliff, passengers feast on a six-course degustation menu while seated in refurbished rail dining cars.

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One of the world's most famous train journeys, t he Ghan is a truly epic ride. Linking Adelaide in the south with Darwin in the north (or vice versa), the Ghan crosses the length of Australia on a three-day journey, spanning 1,851 miles (2,979km). Striking through the red heart of Australia, passengers have the option to add an extra day to their journey to go underground at an opal mine at Coober Pedy, stop at fascinating outback center Alice Springs, or go on a boat tour through the Katherine Gorge. 

Indian Pacific

Traversing the entire width of Australia, the Indian Pacific journeys from Sydney on the east coast to Perth on the west coast (and vice versa) with a stop-off in Adelaide along the way. Spanning four days, three nights, three time zones and a distance of 2,704 miles (4,352km), the train passes through some diverse landscapes. The scenic Blue Mountains (pictured), outback country around Broken Hill, the vast, parched Nullarbor Plain and goldfields of Western Australia are among them.

Spirit of the Outback

Travelers aboard Spirit of the Outback embark on a 26-hour trip that follows the Queensland coastline from Brisbane to Rockhampton until it turns west into the outback to pass through a string of quaint rural towns before terminating in Longreach. Covering 823 miles (1,325km) in total, the train rattles through ever-changing scenery and increasingly rugged terrain.

Passengers can choose between an economy seat or a first-class sleeper cabin, with the latter enjoying meals in the dining carriage, the Tuckerbox Restaurant. Economy passengers can purchase meals and refreshments for the trip in the galley. The train leaves Brisbane on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Longreach on Mondays and Thursdays.

Take a look at Australia's eeriest abandoned towns and villages

Scenic train journey options are fairly limited in Western Australia, but the narrow-gauge railway service between Perth and Bunbury in the south is a fun adventure. The Australind , as it's known, covers 112 miles (181km) over the course of two-and-a-half hours and runs south from Perth, passing through a fragrant fruit-growing area that's also renowned for its abundance of wild flowers. There is a dining car on board, should hunger strike. 

The Overland

Running for more than 130 years, The Overland has long been a popular mode of transport for passengers traveling between the cities of Adelaide and Melbourne. The inter-state journey takes a leisurely 11 hours to complete and the train passes through an enthralling range of landscapes, from rugged shrublands to lush green fields and by the lower reaches of mighty Murray River. 

Kuranda Scenic Railway

The two-hour journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway runs from Cairns to Kuranda up in the Atherton Tableland and takes visitors through one of the world's oldest rainforests. The tropical scenery takes in waterfalls, mountains and ravines as well as one of Queensland's most popular national parks, Barron Gorge. In the village of Kuranda, visitors can tour the historic train station, which is more than 100 years old, plus visit a butterfly sanctuary, the Koala Gardens and local markets.

On what is a popular day trip from Cairns Railway Station or Freshwater Railway Station, many passengers combine a one-way ride on the railway with a trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. It's a wonderful way to experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland from different angles.

Discover more of Australia's amazing national parks

Spirit of Queensland

Replacing the much-loved Sunlander in 2014, the  Spirit of Queensland  travels 1,044 miles (1,681km) over 25 hours, connecting Brisbane and Cairns. The long-distance rail service passes through gorgeous tropical landscapes and connects passengers with coastal Queensland's spectacular destinations including hop-off points to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays. 

Modern and efficient, the Spirit of Queensland can travel at speeds of up to 99 miles per hour (160km/h) and promises those aboard a smooth ride. It offers passengers an airline-style experience with a choice of either premium economy seats or a RailBed (seats that convert into a lie-flat bed at night) with different dining options.

Puffing Billy Railway

Often named Australia's finest heritage railway, this is one for serious train fans and history buffs. Harking back to a by-gone era when steam locomotives ruled the rails, Puffing Billy is a relic of the 1920s that still races through the Dandenong Ranges on a one-and-a-half-hour journey. The only survivor of a failed attempt at introducing a series of narrow-gauge lines by the then-named Victorian Railways, Puffing Billy is a piece of living history. The journey goes from Belgrave into Sherbrooke Forest, to the intermediate station of Emerald and onto the historic township of Gembrook.

It's also a hugely popular family outing too. The Puffing Billy is famed for its open-side carriages where people can sit on the carriage sills and dangle their legs, all while taking in the views of the hills, forests, lush gullies and the railway's soaring timber trestle bridges. Trains run daily with one train offering a lunch service. Dinner service is available on Fridays and Saturdays – it's advised to book well in advance. The railway also has doggy specials known as the Puffing Billy Dog Express.

Pichi Richi Railway

Located in the southern part of the spectacular Flinders Ranges in South Australia, Pichi Richi is a tourist heritage railway that gives passengers a glimpse of what it would have been like to travel along the original Ghan route. The train runs between the small outback town of Quorn to Port Augusta at the head of Spencer Gulf via the Pichi Richi Pass.

These are  24 of Australia's most beautiful outback towns

As well as taking in the epic landscapes and picturesque country towns of the Flinders, it's a brilliant insight into the country's rail heritage. All Pichi Richi Railway trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages, some of which are more than 130 years old.

Great Southern

Australia's newest luxury long-distance train journey, Great Southern takes its passengers on a magnificent trip to explore the east and southern coasts of mainland Australia. Running between Brisbane and Adelaide, the luxurious bright orange train travels past rugged coastlines, sun-kissed beaches and forested peaks over a course of three days and two nights. 

If the scenery is too enticing, a variety of off-train activities can be arranged for passengers aboard this slick service to explore Victoria's Grampians, Canberra and the Hunter Valley and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. These include outdoor dining experiences, guided nature walks, vineyard tours and visits to cultural and historic sights in the nation's capital. 

Now discover the world's most luxurious train journeys

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