Train Travel

CountryLink trains make the 14-hour journey between Sydney and Brisbane. Rail services from Brisbane city and airport to the Gold Coast run regularly from 5:30 am until midnight. The Spirit of Queensland makes the 24-hour trip along the state's coast from Brisbane to Cairns five times a week, with stops at Mackay, Townsville, the Whitsunday coast, and more. All trains include the option of luxurious RailBed carriages with convertible lie-down bed seats, personal entertainment systems, and meals. The speedy, state-of-the-art Tilt Train runs from Brisbane to Bundaberg and Brisbane to Rockhampton six days a week, passing through various regional centers along the way.

Other long-distance passenger trains from Brisbane include the Westlander, to and from Charleville (twice weekly); and the Spirit of the Outback, to and from Longreach, via Rockhampton (twice weekly). Trains depart from Roma Street Station.

Trains

Queensland Rail Travel . Central Railway Station Concourse, 305 Edward St., Brisbane, Queensland, 4000. 07/3072–2222; 13–1617; www.queenslandrail.com.au.