Great Australian Train Journeys

GENERAL INFORMATION

Today the ideal journey for anyone seeking new discoveries still has to be rail. The onboard experience of rail travel evokes a nostalgia and a sense of adventure like no other journey can, and there is no other rail journey like the Sunlander. The superb appointments of this train, which travels bi-weekly from Brisbane to Cairns and return, is everything you would expect of a superior rail journey.

An all-inclusive price allows you to travel in first class sleeping berths with meals specially selected to showcase Queensland cuisine. The award winning Coral Cay Restaurant is an experience in fine dining indulgence, while the Daintree Lounge and Canecutter's Bar are perfect for pre-dinner drinks or to sit and watch a movie.

Beautifully appointed cabins are fully air-conditioned with comfortable beds, overhead reading lamps, washbasins, distinctive linen and complimentary toiletry bag.

The Sunlander, voted Australia's number one rail journey and one of the top 25 rail journey's in the world, weaves its way along Queensland's incredible coastline between Brisbane and tropical Cairns, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the timeless Daintree wilderness.

The Sunlander, a traditional style of rail travel with overnight sleepers, dining, lounge, and club cars offers a range of accommodation to suit the needs of every traveller from the budget-conscious to the more indulgent experience of Queenslander Class.

All passengers have access to club and buffet cars which provide meals and beverages.

Only cash (AUD $), Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted on board The Sunlander. Personal and travellers cheques are not accepted and EFTPOS is not available. Guests are advised to bring cash for the journey to buy drinks and meals if they do not hold any of these cards.

THE JOURNEY

As The Sunlander leaves Brisbane, it's hard to take your eyes away from the scenery. Suburbia gives way to bushland with tall gum trees interspersed by bracken and ferns. They in turn make way for the pineapple plantations that scrawl across the land in every direction.

Just before Nambour, you notice the Glasshouse Mountains. You couldn't miss them with their oddly shaped peaks formed from long extinct volcanoes. You're alert, looking for new things, new sights; but the rhythmic movement of the train is soothing so you nestle deeper into your first class seat.

The train heads north. Past Gympie, the birthplace of the Queensland gold rush of 1867, past Maryborough and into the vast ocean of cane plantations that lead up to Bundaberg. You're feeling hungry and head for dinner in the Coral Cay Restaurant. A group of fellow travellers wave and ask you to join their table. Soon you're feasting on a Whitsunday seafood platter and sharing travel stories under an inky black sky dotted by stars. Following the contours of the land, The Sunlander snakes its way north.

The Tropic of Capricorn is somewhere up there, cutting through the landscape. But only on the map. Call it a finely tuned sense of orderliness or call it coincidence, but there's a highway that almost follows the Tropic of Capricorn from the coast inland to Longreach. A visible signpost for an invisible line.

Your sleeper is beckoning, cosy. Under a blanket of a thousand stars you drift off into sleep. You wake to the first rays of sunlight.

Facilities

• Drinking fountains
• Restrooms
• Showers for sleepers
• Air-conditioning
• Liquor service
• Onboard entertainment is also provided with movies in the Club Car.

Accommodation

Queenslander Class

For the indulgent traveller searching for that all inclusive experience, Queenslander Class is the perfect option. Please refer to the Queenslander Class section for more information.

The Sunlander

Option of a standard single, twin and triple sleepers or seating carriages

• Single, twin and triple sleepers feature a table, washbasin with mirror, drinking glasses, reading light, power point (240v AC) and, pillow with slip, lower sheet and blanket are also provided
• Seating carriages are equipped with a fold down table and foot rest for your comfort, overhead luggage racks for hand luggage and you can book an aisle or window seat depending on your preference and availability
• Please bring your own pillows and blankets if you require them

Your own private sleeper includes:

• Twin bunk bedding
• Two seater couch by day
• Towels and bedding with donna (duvet/comforter)
• Washbasin, wardrobe, full-length mirror, reading lights and power point (240v AC)
• Panoramic windows
• Special indulgent extras including complimentary Bath Robes, slippers, wetpack (shower gel, shampoo, conditioner) and compendium
• Bed turn down service with chocolates

Twin Berth

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  Day Layout
• 
  Night Layout

Dining Car

Included in the fare, all meals are served in the exclusive Queenslander Class restaurant used solely by Queenslander Class guests. This fine dining experience, with its a la carte menu of fresh Queensland produce which is prepared onboard by the chef and personal wait staff.

Fare includes:

• Hot or cold breakfast
• 2 course lunch
• 3 course dinner
• Signature dish – fresh seafood platter
• Special meal request can be pre-arranged

Lounge Car

Provides guests with the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the views while interacting with fellow travellers.

Also includes:

• Live entertainment
• Commentary on local regions and points of interest
• Panoramic views
• Choice of Australian wines and beverages (own expense)
• Maitre D' services
• Complimentary tea and coffee

Single Berth

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  Day Layout
• 
  Night Layout

Twin Berth

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  Day Layout
• 
  Night Layout

Queenslander Class on The Sunlander is more than just a train experience - it's a journey into Queensland's heritage, culture, landscape and cuisine set against a backdrop of superb dining, comfortable accommodation and exceptional service.

The premium, all-inclusive style of travel features comfortable, twin-berth accommodation; fine dining with the best Queensland wine and fresh produce in an exclusive restaurant car; and a host of special touches for a memorable experience.

Sleeping Compartment: Sleeping accommodation in Queenslander Class is in twin berth compartments. All feature washbasin, wardrobe, full-length mirror, reading lights and power point (240v AC). Shower facilities and toilets are provided at the end of all sleeping cars. Bedding and towels are provided, including a host of special touches.

Queenslander Class Room

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  Day Layout
• 
  Night Layout

Facilities

Fine Dining Restaurant: With three daily meals included in the Queenslander Class package, enjoy superior dining experiences with delightful local dishes, attentive waiters and an excellent Australian wine list.

Lounge Car: The perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a relaxing drink with new found friends. Also enjoy tea and coffee, magazines, newspapers, video and live entertainment.

Motorail: Rather take your own car than hire one? You can, thanks to Motorail. Your car travels with you on the train, giving you the ability to get around your destination and return home in comfortable, familiar surrounds.

FIRST CLASS

Two types of First Class sleeping accommodation are available in single and twin berth compartments.

Twin Berth - These feature a large comfortable lounge for relaxing. At night this converts to two cosy berths. Towels, a complimentary toiletry kit and maps are also provided. There is hanging space for clothes, a wash basin, bedside reading lights, power point (240v AC), full length mirror and luggage space. Shower and toilet facilities are located at the end of your carriage, and full bedding and towels are provided.

Single Berth - These have a single lounge chair that converts into a sleeping berth at night, as well as most of the features of the Twin Sleepers, including wash basin and toilet. Showers are located at the end of your carriage.

First Class Rooms

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  First Class Twin Layout
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  First Class Single Layout

ECONOMY CLASS

Economy sleeping accommodation consists of a three berth compartment and feature washbasin, reading lights and power point (240v AC). A blanket, lower sheet, pillow and pillowslip are provided for each economy berth.

SEATS

For the budget conscious traveller, coach style seating is also available.

FACILITIES

All of The Sunlander carriages are air-conditioned. Toilets and showers are located at the end of each carriage.

Club Car - The perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a social drink in the comfortable surrounds.

Buffet Car - Offers a variety of take-away meals and light refreshments, bar service, tea and coffee.

Motorail - Rather take your own car than hire one? You can, thanks to Motorail. Your car travels with you on the train, giving you the ability to get around your destination and return home in comfortable, familiar surrounds.

The Sunlander – Northbound Timetable

• Departs BRISBANE to Cairns on Sunday
  at 8:55 am and arrives in Cairns at 4:15 pm the next day.
• Departs BRISBANE to Cairns on Thursday
  at 1:25 pm and arrives in Cairns at 7:15 pm the next day.
• Departs BRISBANE to Cairns on Tuesday
  at 8:55 pm without Queenslander Class and arrives in Cairns at 4:15 pm the next day.

The Sunlander – Southbound Timetable

• Departs CAIRNS to Brisbane on Tuesday and Saturday
  at 9:15 am and arrives in Brisbane at 4:20 pm the next day.
• Departs CAIRNS to Brisbane on Thursday
  at 9:15 am without Queenslander Class and arrives in Brisbane at 4:20 pm the next day.

Valid 20 April 2008 - 31 March 2009

All times are local times and may be subject to change without notice