Brisbane to Cairns by Train

Seen in The Senior
Price
$1999 per person
Duration
8 days
Destination
Australia

SPIRIT OF QUEENSLAND Rail, Reef & Rainforest Queensland Adventure

Board the Spirt of Queensland in Brisbane for an iconic overnight rail trip to Cairns. Enjoy 6 nights in Cairns and local tours to discover the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Plus, ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, spend a day snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and cruise to idyllic Green Island!
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See Queensland differently with a sensation overland rail journey from Brisbane all the way north to Cairns. Then enjoy exploring Far North Queensland with a 6-night stay in Cairns and must-see sightseeing included. It's a top-value getaway that departs almost year-round, so speak to your My Travel Experience travel designer today about the best time for you to jump on this great Australian getaway!

What's included

Destination
Australia Discover Australia
Departure Location
Brisbane, Queensland
Return Location
Cairns, Queensland
Tour Start Date & Time
Everyday
Additional Information
Booking Code: QCNRRR8M
Price includes
  • Accommodation based on twin share room
  • Activities as per the itinerary
  • Professionally guided local tour
  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • Transport in air conditioned vehicles
Price does not include
  • Airport transfers
  • Any items or services not specified
  • Internal flights
  • Medical and emergency insurance
  • Optional tours and activities
  • Personal expenses
Additional Prices
Solo Travellers: Contact us for the single supplement for private accommodation Travel Insurance: Insurance is strongly recommended - please ask us for a quote Extend Your Holiday: Ask us about staying in Brisbane or Cairns

Queensland package overview

This exciting trip captures the iconic highlights of Far North Queensland in an ultimate reef and rainforest adventure with legendary rail journey to Cairns!

Board the famous Spirit of Queensland train in Brisbane and travel 1681 kilometres to arrive in Cairns the next afternoon.

This week-long escape introduces you to the tropical north, that’s brimming with beauty and wonder. Based in the peaceful surrounds of a Cairns resort, the laid-back vibe and relaxed lifestyle is ideal. From here you’ll get to enjoy snorkelling on the Outer Great Barrier Reef and cruise to exclusive reef locations.

Spend a day exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest, cruising down the Daintree River and discovering the coral sands and lush surrounds of Cape Tribulation. The thrills continue with a cruise to Green Island and the protected Marine National Park. Plus, take a fun journey on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Enjoy plenty of time to relax, explore at your own pace or take part in the many activities that are available in the region.

SEE THE BROCHURE

 

Special deal, as seen in The Senior

Get in early for this exciting Queensland rail package!

Departs from Brisbane: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

For current prices and full details, please call our travel experts on 1300 168 910 or email [email protected] today!

Note: Prices in AUD are per person based on twin share and subject to confirmation with the rail line, hotel and local operators. Booking conditions apply. Contact us for current rates and single supplements for solo travellers.

Inclusions at a glance

  • Train – One-way Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns
    • Rail Bed, recliner seat converts to a bed at night
  • Accommodation – 6 nights in Cairns, standard room based on twin share
    • Palm Royale Resort, Bay Village Tropical Retreat or similar
  • Sightseeing tours – local tours from Cairns
    • Great Barrier Reef and Snorkel Cruise
    • Green Island Escorted Cruise
    • Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest Escorted Day Tour
    • Kuranda Railway Escorted Tour

Why you’ll love this trip

  • The adventure starts with the Queenslander train in a comfy rail bed for the 24-hour trip
  • Enjoy a tropical retreat in Cairns with a sparkling pool & tranquil atmosphere
  • All the must-do sightseeing is included with Great Barrier Reef & island cruises
  • Experience the best of Far North Queensland in one spectacular week!
  • DAY 1
  • DAY 2
  • DAY 3
  • DAY 4
  • DAY 5
  • DAY 6
  • DAY 7
  • DAY 8
DAY 1

Depart Brisbane on the Spirit of Queensland

Board the Queenslander train from Brisbane for your overnight train tour to Cairns.  The train departs Brisbane at 3.45 p.m. and arrive in Cairns at 4.30 pm the following day.  The Spirit of Queensland is a Queensland Rail long-distance passenger rail service. It runs five times a week on the North Coast line between Brisbane and Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres. At the start of 2015, it replaced the diesel-hauled train The Sunlander. The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation, 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 and Cairns.

DAY 2

Arrive Cairns

Arrive Cairns railway station in the late afternoon and make your own way to your hotel for the next 6 nights.

DAY 3

Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkelling Tour

Set out from Cairns for a day of snorkelling and sightseeing at 2 spectacular destinations in the Great Barrier Reef. Each day, your captain chooses amongst 12 exclusive moorings at 6 reef locations based on the water and weather conditions, making sure you get the best experience to be found. Seasoned dive masters are on hand to provide an in-depth briefing on your gear and what to expect at each site. Relax aboard the vessel as you leave the Australian coast behind and get your gear ready for some quality time in the sea. With outer reef locations chosen for their variety and the striking contours of the ocean floor, you're in for an outstanding experience when you plunge into the water. Once you've had a chance to mingle with the amazing sea life of beautiful corals and tropical fish, kick back aboard the vessel to enjoy a barbecue lunch before you cruise back to shore.

DAY 4

Day Tour Daintree Forest & Cape Tribulation

Spend a day exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest and its incredibly diverse tropical ecosystem with an expert guide. Cruise down the Daintree River and walk through the Daintree Entomological Museum before venturing further to the Cape Tribulation National Park. Start your day with morning pick-up from your hotel, driving north to the Daintree Rainforest. Dating back 135 million years, the rainforest is one of the oldest in the world and is now home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Your guide takes you first to the Daintree River, where you enjoy morning tea before stopping on board a cruise. As you float down the gentle current, look for birds, frogs, crocodiles, and even flying foxes in the flourishing nature around you. Following your cruise, take lunch by the Daintree Entomological Museum before touring its fascinating exhibits, which house the largest live and dead collection of insects in Australia. Your afternoon is spent visiting the Cape Tribulation National Park, where the beach beckons as you stroll along its coral sands. After a pause for refreshing afternoon tea, begin the return journey, catching sight of the extraordinary and primitive king ferns of the Alexander Range on the way back.

DAY 5

Green Island Cruise

Cruise to Green Island, the only coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef with a lush rainforest. Spend the day exploring this protected Marine National Park—immersing yourself in its surrounding undersea universe teeming with coral and marine life. Your journey begins aboard a high-speed catamaran steering for the soft, white beaches of Green Island. This 6000-year-old coral cay boasts its own rainforest—the only of its kind in the Great Barrier Reef. Mid-cruise, tune in to your local guide's informative snorkelling and reef presentation.  Upon arrival, step ashore to soak up the turquoise waters, glittering sand, and fringe of emerald palms ringing the island. Climb into a glass-bottom boat and lean over the railings to get an up-close look at a colourful underwater world. Feast your eyes on brilliant colonies of zany Brain Coral, orange sea stars, and scores of blue damselfish flitting to and fro. If you're craving a swim, strap on a snorkel and mask to see everything up close: black and white angelfish feeding on sponges and striped clownfish nestled amongst anemones. Emerge from the water to amble around the island at your leisure. Relax on the beach to soak up the sun, or choose to indulge in an optional semi-submarine tour, or buffet lunch before cruising back to Cairns.

DAY 6

Free day Cairns

Today is a free day for you to enjoy the sights of Cairns at leisure, or take it easy by the resort pool.

DAY 7

Kuranda Railway Tour

Immerse yourself in the ancient, World Heritage-listed rain forest of Tropical North Queensland. Your full-day adventure begins with pickup at your Port Douglas hotel and a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. During the 1.5-hour journey, wind around mountainous curves and stop briefly at beautiful Barron Gorge for photos.  When you arrive at the station in Kuranda, enjoy several hours of leisure time to spend as you choose. Browse heritage markets and enjoy lunch at a local café (own expense), or select from a variety of optional activities. Join in an indigenous celebration at the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park, take an amphibious duck tour at the Rainforestation Nature Park or enjoy an up-close observation of some of Australia’s amazing animals at Birdworld and the Kuranda Koala Gardens.

DAY 8

Depart Cairns

Your tour concludes this morning, as you check out of your hotel and catch a taxi to the airport if you're flying out today.

More about Australia

See Queensland differently with a sensation overland rail journey from Brisbane all the way north to Cairns. Then enjoy exploring Far North Queensland with a 6-night stay in Cairns and must-see sightseeing included. It's a top-value getaway that departs almost year-round, so speak to your My Travel Experience travel designer today about the best time for you to jump on this great Australian getaway!

My Travel Experience Review

8.3
4.15out of 5
Accommodation
Train
Overall
Summary

This wonderful Queensland adventure travels by train from Brisbane to Cairns and includes 6 nights hotel accommodation plus 4 top local tours.

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More about this tour

See the brochure

CLICK HERE to view, download or print a copy of this rail trip brochure.

The brochure includes details of the inclusions, itinerary and other relevant travel information. Information contained in the brochure is subject to change and at the time of booking you will be provided with an updated copy that includes the current details for your reservation.

Trip departure

This Australian rail package departs on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 15 January to 15 December.

Dates are subject to availability at time of booking and prices can vary depending on travel dates.

Please contact us for current details and available departures.

Start time

The embarkation time for boarding the train in Brisbane will be advised once your booking is confirmed.

Important to remember...

The day-by-day tour descriptions are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, sea and river conditions, road accessibility, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that are ultimately for the client's benefit. It is essential that travellers are flexible and open minded in this regard.

Speak to a travel specialist

The My Travel Experience team are travel experts and we're here to help you enjoy the best holiday - from the time you start to plan your trip until the day you return home. We are only a phone call or email away whenever you need us, so please contact us today with any questions.

Email [email protected]. Phone 1300 168 910 (in Australia) or +61 400 226 454 (from overseas or via mobile).

New safety measures, more flexibility and greater peace of mind.

The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and staff is always a priority, especially as we adjust to a new world for travellers. My Travel Experience is committed to ensuring your peace of mind with customer-friendly booking practices and enhanced health and safety standards on our trips.

To help you book with confidence, we will assist you if any unexpected situations arise and My Travel Experience also offers clients as much flexibility as possible when making bookings.

Please see our standard Booking Terms & Conditions for additional information.

How to make a booking:

This rail deal is valid for a limited time and space is limited.

Prices can fluctuate for departure dates, please contact us for current rates.

Advertised price is based on lead-price departure(s) and was correct on 30 September 2023. Rates will be advised for your preferred travel date prior to any payment being required.

All prices are per person, based on twin share, and listed in Australian dollars (AUD). The package is subject to confirmation at the time of booking and prices may change without notice. Booking conditions and cancellation fees apply.

Please read My Travel Experience Booking Terms & Conditions prior to making a reservation. By booking any travel service with us, you have agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions.

To make a booking please call My Travel Experience on 1300 168 910 or email [email protected].

You can also select a trip and request it via this website - please enter your preferred departure date (if known) and the number of people travelling. If you wish to submit an enquiry, please let us know your travel dates plus any other information that will help us provide a quote, such as departure city and travel preferences.

No payment is required to submit an online booking request - your booking is pending confirmation and no place is being held. Your reservation status will be advised when you hear from our travel consultants. Bookings are normally actioned within 24 hours - Monday to Friday.

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      Brisbane to Cairns by Train

      Price
      $1999 per person
      Duration
      8 days
      Destination
      Australia

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