spirit of the outback train

As I grew up in Longreach as a child 1950 -1961 I had always wanted to revisit . After studying the website my husband thought this would be a real surprise for my birthday . First Class ? Where do I begin . After being so excited with my husbands gift the wind was certainly knocked out of our sails . Firstly the cabin looks nothing like the website so beware . The First Class carriage now has a hallway down the centre with cubicles either side . You have to walk sideways . A larger person or person with a disability could not use this carriage . We had a double cabin which was the size of 2 toilet cubicles facing each other . There was no room to move at all . The seats facing each other folded down at night into a very narrow bunk . We are average height and our feet touched so this is also unsuitable for tall people . Once the the bunks are down it is very hard to open door if one needs to use facilities . Very clostrophobic . We met a couple from Melbourne who we very disappointed and the gentleman who had a breathing problem had to stay in their cabin as he could not use his walker . They were also angry that the cabin was not as advertised and were going to make a complaint for false advertising . We did not have a lounge car or separate dining as these cars were off being refurbished . The staff set tables in open dining for 1st class passengers . The staff were excellent , food good . We complained about the size of cabins and was told that these were the new ones and there were no longer double bunks . They are not new Qld Rail has obviously bought these 2nd hand from somewhere . You could see they have been around for sometime and are grotty if you look close . Would I recommend Spirit of the Outback ? Certainly not ! Save your money $2000 for 2 nights ridiculous . Longreach attractions I recommend but take our word for it FLY !!!!!

In September 2014 my wife and I boarded the spirit of the outback overnight train to Longreach on a trip from Queensland Rails Brochure which advertises First class travel now having experienced 2nd class on overseas trains I was expecting fairly good accommodation going to Longreach we had a double cabin which consisted of two bunks above each other at night and a comfortable seat during the day but coming back to Brisbane we had single cabins which when made up for sleeping were so small as to be claustrophobic and almost impossible to move in so if travel on this train insist on a double cabin better still fly cheaper and more comfortable also faster.I must admit food was excellent and company of other people in lounge helped time pass all in all enjoyed trip to Longreach back not so much and will not do again.

You travel overnight to Rockhampton and then see the outback scenery by day.The crew and the food are first rate -as are the twin sleepers , the single cabins are very cramped particularly for large people - if alone try for sole use of a twin.

We are aged 69 and we decided this train trip had to be taken off our bucket list sooner than later as mobility is the key to climbing into a bunk bed. . We used our Qld rail travel pension supplement and upgraded to a first class sleeper for our 24 hour journey. We found a lovely gift pack of toiletries, welcoming letter and information about the train in our allocated compartment. The train left at 6.15 p.m. in the dark so we had dinner and then had the beds put down. Not good for sleeping if you are a light sleeper as the train really clanged and clattered over the rails. Next morning we were in the countryside with breakfast and dinner served to us. Drought prevailed especially past Barcaldine where we had alighted to see the Tree of Knowledge and stretch the legs. At 7 p.m. we pulled into Longreach. The whole staff on the SOTO make this trip memorable. Would we do it again. No not at our age but we did and we are glad. It is an adventure rocking and rolling with the train to get to the dining carriage. The food is superb being prepared by a Chef on board. Meeting fellow travelers from all over another bonus. Toilet and shower at the end of each sleeping carriage. Wash basin in compartment.

I guess you can't help derailments.We had stopped at Emerald and heard about a coal train derailment so we were bused back to Roma Street Brisbane.The staff were great on return journey comfort stops and breakfast voucher were handed out ....no sleep.A surprise phone call from Queensland rail the same afternoon offered a refund of my return rail ticket which was much appreciated.Good on you QLD Rail.My first class journey to Longreach was fantastic especially the meals.My single cabin was tiny. take only a very small overnight bag into cabin with you. I would recommend larger people to book a double cabin.I believe in Jan 2015 an overhaul of this train will be proposed.

I love train travel but this journey from Brisbane to Longreach was tedious. It is a long journey, 23 hours overnight, and could not be classified as first class. We had a double cabin with bunks: it did not have an ensuite and the mattresses were uncomfortable. During the night I was cold and couldn't find an extra pillow. There was a carriage with cafe and lounge chairs and adjoining, another with lounge chairs; seating was limited in both. A strange phenomenon was the placement of the chairs: they were set up in pairs on an angle, thus we could not converse with the couple we were travelling with unless we turned our heads - the chairs did not swivel. So . . . 4 people couldn't fit in a cabin . . . 3 could . . . and with one standing in the corridor, the 4 of us could chat. Unfortunately, there was a derailment ahead on the return journey and we had to return to Brisbane by bus, an overnight journey. We await with anticipation for a refund from Queensland Rail!Having said the above I must add that the meals were excellent, except for one lunch which we were told was a late morning tea some time after the sandwiches and cake was served in the lounge areas.

Having never travelled long distance by train, I was looking forward to the trip. Its a long trip, 25 hours, but being able to walk around through the train sure makes it easier.Single sleeper is compact and if you're tall a little bending is required to sleep. You do get 2 pillows and 2 blankets, but the top sheet couldve been longer.As a result of a derailment the original consist of the train had been changed slightly, different club car and dining car. No tablets were available on the western leg, and it would have been nice to have a complimentary wine offered in place of the tablet. Train crew were great on the way out, however not so pleasant on the return trip.One lady in particular needs retraining on how to smile.Meals both ways were lovely. Some great cooking comes out of that tiny kitchen.Highly recommend the Spirit of the Outback, in spite of the tiny niggles. Do it while you can.

There was a derailment of an earlier freight train on the way back. So, we got off at Anakie and had no option other than to take a 14 hour bus ride from Anakie to the Sunshine Coast. So, from 1st class sleeper, nice meals that we paid for to a third class cramped, no toilet, bus. Overnight as well. It was awful. Had to stop every two hours. Got a couple of meal vouchers for a coup[le of roadside stops - not the first class meals we had paid for. It was mostly elderly passengers and this bus ride was a real struggle.We all understand that accidents happen (the other train derailment( but the plan B by QR was a farce. We were given no choices (like "lets get you to Rockhampton, book you into a motel for the night and you get the train out the following day)So, if you have concerns about long distance awful buses, stay away. PS the trip to Longreach on the train was expensive BUT we loved it

We wanted to book this trip. Four of us wanted to do the return trip but were put off by the price. Over $1,000 per person seemed a bit too much to us so we are going to do it by car. I can't understand why it costs so much - you can cruise the pacific for 8 nights for a bit less than that.

I travelled on this train between Brisbane and Longreach earlier this month as part of a Queensland Rail tour package. I was particularly looking forward to the rail trips and was not disappointed. It's quite long - just over twenty-four hours each way - but the space, facilities, and being able to move around make it comfortable. Doing the whole trip in a sitting car might have been an endurance test, but I had a single first class sleeping compartment which allowed me a few hours proper sleep. The meals and service were excellent. Meals in the dining / restaurant car were included in the first class fare, but I also found the Club Car, further back along the train, serves good inexpensive light meals / takeaway. I should say though there is very little room to manoeuvre in the single first class compartments when the bed is down - organisation is the key. Passengers with limited mobility would find the twin berth cabins more comfortable; they should also try booking a compartment as close as possible to the dining car so there's less trekking along the swaying corridors. For me the scenery was the best part: Longreach to Emerald on the eastbound trip is particularly worth seeing; the line crosses the western plains and then climbs and snakes its way through the Great Dividing Range. Rail is the best way to appreciate this country and this trip is worth doing at least once.

I guess it is a train enthusiast's delight but the 25 hours on the trip was enough for me. Leaving Roma Station at 6PM, the first 12 hours of the trip is in the darkness of the night so you don't see much. The first class sleeper cabins are very compact, clean and comfortable, however we found sleeping difficult with the rattling noises and rocking of the carriage. I think the elderly people would find difficulty moving through the train to the dining carriage due to the rocking and swaying however their meals can be brought to their cabin. The staff on board are excellent providing a first class service for the entire journey. We were served Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch and afternoon tea all of restaurant quality.This train is unique and looking at the big picture brings many tourists and tourist dollars to the town of Longreach. The carriages offer very clean facilities of toilets and showers. Longreach is a great outback country town with plenty of attractions to entertain all who may take the time to visit. The Qantas Founders Museum is a bit pricey for what they offer but still worth the visit. If visiting the Stockman's Hall of Fame allow ample time to appreciate what is offering, the outdoor drovers show (included in admission ticket) alone takes approx. 40 minutes and is worth the effort.Would I do the trip again, No, but I would not advise against it as the overall experience was all good.

When we arrived at Longreach station we quickly dropped our bags with the attendant, who was just amazing. After we were invited to board we had some confusion to what carriage we had to board as we were in a first class twin sleeper we thought the carriage would say first class but it didn't however we asked and were directed to the right place.When we got our cabin a wonderful amenity bag sat on the couch along with a first class book, other magazines were in a pouch where the safety cards were. We had a sink that pulled down from the wall along with a small shelf above it, above that a vanity cupboard had glasses in it and an easily accessible power point, another power point was under the couch (it was hard to get to). Next to the sink was wardrobes with coat hangers in them. On the outside of them was the volume to the commentary and announcements. The carpet and couch was very clean and was very comfy! The bathroom and shower at the end of the carriage was fine and clean. After we settled in attendants came around to check our tickets. On the service we had 2 breakfasts 1 dinner and lunch. All the food was to die for and the chef deserved a lot of praise. The lounge car was also great for a pre dinner drink. Once our beds had been turned down we slept quite well despite the movement and noise. Throughout the trip we were able to detrain several times when we stopped and really enjoyed it. So overall Queensland rail have this service down pact. This is a must and I highly recommend you go first class. I also praise the attendants as they showed a true outback spirit.

We travelled first class as part of an NRMA Travel Tour and it was a wonderful experience. The service was brilliant and the staff amazing given the length of the trip. Yes its a bit noisy hearing the train clickety clack through the night but this is part of the adventure. The package deal was great value for money and the food on the train divine. There were just enough stops for travellers to get off the train and have a good stretch throughout the journey. This is the best way to put the size and eclectic features of this amazing country.

As part of a trip to Longreach we travelled on the Spirit of the Outback.. This is 25 hours on the train from Brisbane, a must for train buffs, this is a great way to travel in style and comfort... You can get to Longreach by air in a fraction of the time but you would then miss seeing our beautiful state up close.. The train is showing its age but the on board service was great, the food in first class was restaurant quality as were the wines... What made the trip was people getting into the spirit and enjoying each others company.. Yes the carriages do move about when the train picks up pace especially at night but that is train travel... Staff were attentive, Thank you Gail, Wayne and Joel.. If you like train travel this is something you have to do... The package included the Stockman's Hall of Fame the Qantas Founders Museum, School of Distance Education a visit to a cattle station and a cruise on the Thompson river.... great value....

A beaut trip, even though the carriages are noisy and sleeping is a challenge! A good way to see a very large area in relative comfort, especially when part of a tour package at Longreach. Food was fabulous, and service was very good overall. There are some maintenance issues that need to be addressed in many carriages - eg, toilets. Recommend the trip.