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Australian Rail Header AUSTRALIA - THE SUNLANDER
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Sunlander Logo
Sunlander Route
Route: Brisbane - Cairns
Distance: 1681 km
Frequency: 3 Times Weekly
Duration: 31 Hours

Comfort, flexibility and a great social atmosphere have made The Sunlander one of Australia’s great overnight rail journeys. Sit back, relax and watch the breathtaking scenery roll by as The Sunlander weaves its way along the picturesque coastal stretch between Brisbane and tropical Cairns where the Great Barrier Reef meets the timeless Daintree wilderness. The Sunlander connects passengers with some of Queensland’s most popular tourist attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island, Kuranda Scenic Rail and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Experience. Enjoy the friendly onboard atmosphere in the comfort of the Club Car or Lounge Car. Covering 1045 miles (1681kms) over 31 hours travel, The Sunlander offers a range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget, from economy class seating to the indulgent all-inclusive Queenslander Class. The Sunlander has been rated Australia’s number one train journey, and amongst the top 25 rail journeys in the world.

 Be thrilled by the breathtaking scenery on your journey as you’re transported between the Queensland capital of Brisbane and the lush beauty of tropical Cairns.

The Sunlander Timetable (PDF)
The Sunlander Route Map (PDF)

The Journey

Be mesmerised by the spectacular scenery as you travel along Queensland's picturesque coastline.

The Sunlander offers a range of accommodation options to suit every travellers - from the most discerning to the budget conscious. Select from Economy Class seating, and Economy or First Class sleeping berths. Or for a truly memorable rail experience indulge in the luxury of travelling by Queenslander Class. The Sunlander has been voted Australia's Best Rail Journey, and one of the World's Top 25 Rail Journeys.

Queenslander Class

Queenslander Class onboard The Sunlander is a premium class of travel that offers exceptional service for the discerning traveller.

This classic rail experience is guranteed to exceed expectations. Dining in Queenslander Class is one of the true highlights of the journey. All means are prepared by an expert onboard chef using the freshest local produce, and served in the fine dining atmosphere of the exclusive Queenslander Class restaurant. The Queenslander Class menu is complemented by a selection of award winning Queensland wines. The friendly social atmosphere of the Lounge car is ideal for making new friends. After dinner enjoy live entertainment as you relax with a drink. When you retreat back to your berth you'll find your bed turned down and ready for you to settle in for the night.

With the exception of alcohol, which can be purchased onboard, your Queenslander Class fare is all-inclusive.

When you travel on Queenslander Class you'll enjoy exquisite service every step of your journey - from the moment we welcome you onboard, until arriving at your final destination.

 
 
 
 
Queenslander Class Accomodation

Your twin sleeping berth is appointed with a host of special touches to ensure your journey is a memorable one.

Queenslander Class berths feature:

  • Two seater lounge, which converts to twin bunk style beds by night
  • A panoramic window that allows you to make the most of the spectacular scenery
  • An in-cabin commentary service
  • Bed turndown service
  • Air conditioning
  • Complimentary robes, slippers and wet pack (containing shower gel, shampoo and conditioner)
  • Fresh, crisp linen and towels
  • Vanity unit, full length mirror, wardrobe, wash basin, bedside reading light and 240 volt power point
  • A hair dryer is available on request

All Queenslander Class berths face the direction of travel and are adorned with a Cooktown orchid, Queensland’s state floral emblem.

Queenslander Class
Queenslander Class
Queenslander accomodation. Night/Day
Queenslander Class Services

Dining in Queenslander Class is one of the true highlights of the journey. Enjoy mouthwatering gourmet meals prepared by our expert onboard chef, made from the freshest local produce and complemented by an award winning selection of Australian wines. The signature seafood platter, delivered direct from the trawler to the train in Townsville, is a firm favourite with our Queenslander Class passengers. Meals are served in the fine dining atmosphere of an exclusive restaurant car. All meals are included in the price of your Queenslander Class fare.

  • Dining Car

    The Queenslander Class dining car is available for the exclusive use of Queenslander Class guests. Enjoy the social atmosphere as your maitre’ D caters to your every need.
  • Lounge Car

    Relax with a drink in the exclusive Queenslander Class lounge car and enjoy live entertainment. Get to know your fellow travellers or simply sit back, relax and marvel at the spectacular scenery as it passes you by. Portable DVD players and a selection of movies are available, as well as a variety of board games and magazines. Guests can also enjoy complimentary tea and coffee in the comfort of the lounge car.
The Sunlander Accomodation  
First Class Sleeping Berth  

Single Sleeping Berth

  • Each First Class Single Sleeping Berth consists of a single bed for one person, or one adult sharing with a child under four years.
  • Each cabin contains a wardrobe, power point (240 volt AC) and a washbasin with a vanity mirror.
  • The berth has a reading light, pillow, top and bottom sheet, blanket and towel.
  • Half of the single berths face the direction of travel and the remaining face in reverse.

 

Sunlander First Class Single Night
Sunlander First Class Single Day
Queenslander accomodation. Single First Class. Night/Day

Twin Sleeping Berth

  • Each First Class Twin Sleeping Berth cabin consists of two bunk style beds.
  • Each bed can be sold individually to persons of the same gender, or as an entire cabin to a couple or small family group.
  • Each cabin consists a table, two wardrobes, full length mirror, power point (240 volt AC) and a washbasin with vanity mirror.
  • The berths have a reading light, pillow, top and bottom sheet, blanket and towel.
  • All First Class twin cabins face the direction of travel.
Sunlander First Class Twin Night Sunlander First Class Twin Day
Queenslander accomodation. Double First Class. Night/Day
 
Economy Class Sleeping Berth  
  • Each Economy Class Sleeping Berth cabin consists of three bunk style beds.
  • Each bed can be sold individually to persons of the same gender, or as an entire cabin to a party or family group.
  • Each cabin contains a table, power point (240 volt AC) and a washbasin with a vanity mirror.
  • A reading light, pillow, lower and top sheet, blanket and towel are also provided for each berth.
  • All Economy Class sleeping cabins face the direction of travel.

 

Sunlander Economy Class Night
Sunlander Economy Class Day
Queenslander accomodation. Night/Day
 
Economy Class Seat  
  • All Economy Class Seating carriages are open saloon cars with overhead luggage racks and individual reading lights.
  • The comfortable seats may be reclined to the desired position by pressing a button in the arm rest. A fold down table and foot rest is provided however pillows and blankets are not provided.
  • All Economy Class seats face the direction of travel.

 

Queenslander Class Economy Seat
Economy Class Seat
 
The Sunlander Services  
  • Club Car

    The Club Car has a friendly atmosphere and offers service of light refreshments, drinks and confectionery for First and Economy Class passengers. A restricted liquor service is also available in the Club Car.
  • Buffet Car

    A licensed Buffet Car is available for First and Economy Class passengers to purchase a range of meals and beverages from, all set against a backdrop of an ever changing view.
  • Drinking Fountains

    Drinking fountains provided at the leading end of most cars.
  • Showers

    Are located at the end of all sleeping cars. Toilets: Are located at the end of all sleeping and sitting cars.
  • Toilets

    Are located at the end of all sleeping and sitting cars.
  • Motorail

    Take your car on holiday with you with Motorail. Motorail allows passengers to travel by rail and still have the convenience of using their own car at their destination. Explore the many tourist attractions and the Queensland’s unique, diverse landscape. Conditions apply, visit traveltrain.com.au for more information.
 
Telephone ABTA ATOL IATA  
*Prices subject to change. Please call or email for latest competitive pricing.
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