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QROTI > Long Distance > The Spirit of the Outback

The Spirit of the Outback
Operated by QR Traveltrain
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See the operator's home page for this service.
QROTI recommends you check the operator's page as this summary may sometimes fall out of date.

Description
Without a doubt, the great Australian Outback holds a constant fascination with travellers. The stark landscape, the wildlife, the people and the vastness is something you won't find anywhere else in the world.

It's unusual, it's rare and it's waiting to be discovered onboard QR's Spirit of the Outback.

Stockman's Hall of Fame at Longreach Overnight you'll be taken through the heart of Queensland, and then in daylight through some of Queensland's most remote and untouched landscapes.

This remarkable train offers a unique journey through the outback to Longreach, the largest town in the central west.

It's famous for the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame - a historical monument to the pioneers, explorers and other outstanding Outback achievers.

Onboard, the specially themed carriages reflect these spectacular images. The Spirit of the Outback is the only train of its kind that speaks the language of the Outback and interprets the rich folklore that has developed over time, on the dry inland plains of Australia.

Ride through the Outback in comfort
The Spirit of the Outback boasts everything a traveller could want on this magical 24 hour adventure.

The train is made up of First Class and Economy Class sleepers, with showers and toilet facilities. There are also comfortable Economy Class seats to take in the ever changing panorama.

You'll find the Tucker Box Dining Car has a menu to satisfy even the hungriest traveller. And, exclusive to passengers in sleeper accommodation is the Stockman's Bar with a range of drinks to quench the greatest thirst.

Captain Starlight's Lounge There's also the opportunity to experience Captain Starlight's, a lounge where you can share a friendly drink with fellow travellers.

It's your once in a lifetime chance to experience what the real Australia is like and what great travel is all about. The Spirit of the Outback is not just a journey, it's an adventure that will be remembered forever.

Timetables effective from 1st April, 2004 until 31st March, 2005:

Brisbane to Longreach
Tuesday
Saturday
Brisbane
(Roma Street)
dep 6:25 pm
Caboolture arr 7:16 pm
dep 7:20 pm
Nambour arr 8:23 pm
dep 8:26 pm
Cooroy dep 8:45 pm
Gympie North 1 arr 9:29 pm
dep 9:39 pm
Maryborough West 2 arr 11:01 pm
dep 11:06 pm
Wednesday
Sunday
Bundaberg arr 12:06 am
dep 12:11 am
Miriam Vale dep 1:43 am
Gladstone arr 2:36 am
dep 2:49 am
Mount Larcom dep 3:19 am
Rockhampton arr 4:15 am
dep 4:35 am
Duaringa arr 6:23 am
dep 6:24 am
Dingo arr 6:57 am
dep 6:58 am
Bluff arr 7:23 am
dep 7:25 am
Blackwater arr 7:43 am
dep 7:48 am
Comet arr 8:17 am
dep 8:20 am
Emerald arr 9:13 am
dep 9:18 am
Anakie arr 10:02 am
dep 10:04 am
Willows dep 10:40 am
Bogantungan dep 11:14 am
Drummond dep 11:54 am
Pine Hill dep 12:12 pm
Alpha arr 12:47 pm
dep 12:57 pm
Jericho arr 2:00 pm
dep 2:02 pm
Barcaldine arr 3:26 pm
dep 3:46 pm
Ilfracombe arr 5:15 pm
dep 5:20 pm
Longreach arr 6:00 pm
(coach) dep 6:05 pm
Morella (coach) dep 6:49 pm
Winton (coach) arr 8:05 pm
     
Longreach to Brisbane
Monday
Thursday
Winton (coach) dep 5:00 am
Morella (coach) dep 6:15 am
Longreach (coach) arr 7:00 am
Longreach dep 8:00 am
Ilfracombe arr 8:28 am
dep 8:33 am
Barcaldine arr 9:51 am
dep 10:11 am
Jericho arr 11:35 am
dep 11:37 am
Alpha arr 12:33 pm
dep 12:43 pm
Pine Hill dep 1:16 pm
Drummond dep 1:39 pm
Bogantungan dep 2:20 pm
Willows dep 2:56 pm
Anakie dep 3:40 pm
Emerald arr 4:25 pm
dep 4:30 pm
Comet dep 5:06 pm
Blackwater arr 5:38 pm
dep 5:43 pm
Bluff arr 5:54 pm
dep 5:57 pm
Dingo arr 6:20 pm
dep 6:21 pm
Duaringa arr 6:53 pm
dep 6:54 pm
Rockhampton arr 8:20 pm
dep 8:45 pm
Mount Larcom dep 9:57 pm
Gladstone arr 10:31 am
dep 10:41 am
Miriam Vale dep 11:31 pm
Tuesday
Friday
Bundaberg arr 12:59 am
dep 1:04 am
Maryborough West 2 arr 2:09 am
dep 2:14 am
Gympie North 1 arr 3:38 am
dep 3:48 am
Cooroy dep 4:35 am
Nambour arr 4:59 am
dep 5:02 am
Caboolture arr 5:56 am
dep 6:00 am
Brisbane
(Roma Street)
arr 6:55 am

Timetable Notes
1 = Gympie passengers change at Gympie North station, where a coach transfer is provided. Passengers joining this train who require transport to Gympie North are to check-in at the Gympie Transit Centre, Duke Street, 45 minutes prior to the departure of the train.
2 = Maryborough passengers change at Maryborough West station, where a coach transfer is provided. Passengers joining this train who require transport to Maryborough West are to check-in at the Maryborough Station Ticket Office 45 minutes prior to the departure of the train.
All times are Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Fares effective from 1st April, 2004 to 31st March, 2005: Single
First Berth Economy Berth Sitting Car
Adult Adult Adult
Brisbane to: $A $A $A
Maryborough West    160.60    104.50    51.70
Bundaberg 172.70 112.20 59.40
Gladstone 211.20 136.40 83.60
Rockhampton 227.20 146.30 93.50
Bluff 277.20 177.10 124.30
Blackwater 277.20 177.10 124.30
Emerald 294.80 188.10 135.30
Bogantungan 309.10 196.90 144.10
Alpha 309.10 196.90 144.10
Jericho 319.00 203.50 150.70
Barcaldine 330.00 210.10 157.30
Ilfracombe 330.00 210.10 157.30
Longreach 338.80 215.60 162.80
Winton
(inc. connecting coach)
358.60 235.40 182.60
Fare Notes
  1. The Longreach-Winton component of First and Economy Berth fares is based on an economy sitting place on the connecting road coach.
  2. The Sunshine Rail Pass can also be used with this service.
  3. Concessional fares are applicable to
    • Children four years and under sixteen years of age. Children under four occupying a seat must pay the child's fare.
    • Students in possession of a Queensland Secondary or Tertiary ID Card or International Student's ID Card.
    • Queensland resident Pensioners and Senior Citizens in possession of their respective Concession Cards.
  4. Discounts of 25% off the rail fare apply to interstate Pensioners and Senior Citizens. Conditions apply.
  5. Cancellation or rebooking fees may apply if travel is cancelled or amended.
  6. Fares do not include meals or drinks. However, a meal package is available for travellers between Brisbane and Longreach (see Meals heading below).
  7. Fares include GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Fares effective from 30th May, 2003 until further notice: Single, Motorail
Accompanied Extra Vehicle
Brisbane to:    $A    $A
Longreach 165.00 247.50
Motorail Notes
This service is primarily intended to cater for Sleeping Berth passengers' vehicles and pre-booking will be accepted up to 325 days in advance. When space is available the service may be extended to other passengers with bookings limited to 14 days in advance. Advanced bookings are highly recommended due to the limited space on each service.

Vehicles can have an attached box trailer or collapsible camper trailer, for an additional fee. Caravans, boat trailers, roof loaded boats or canoes will not be accepted for carriage by Motorail. All vehicles are subject to height (2.1 metres) and width (2.1 metres) restrictions and are conveyed at the owners risk along with the vehicles contents. Vehicle "check-in" is no later than 3:00 pm at Brisbane and 6:30 am minutes prior to the departure (same day) and the vehicle must be accompanied for the entire journey.

Travel Facilities and Services
Sleeping Berths
Are provided for both First and Economy Class travel.

First Class Sleeping cars - Roomette: Comprises single berth compartments which contain wardrobes, bedding, washbasin, power point (240 volt AC) and toilet. Note there is no single supplement charge for Roomettes.

First Class Sleeping cars - Twinette: Comprises two-berth compartments which contain wardrobes, bedding, washbasin, full length mirror, power point (240 volt AC) and reading lights.

Economy Sleeping cars: Comprises three-berth compartments which contain a washbasin, power point (240 volt AC) and reading lights. A blanket, pillow, pillow slip and lower base sheet is provided in Economy Berths.

Showers
Are provided at the end of all sleeping cars and some sitting cars.

Toilets
Are provided at the end of all sleeping cars and sitting cars.

Sitting Cars
Have been constructed as open saloon cars with overhead luggage racks and individual reading lights. Each seat may be reclined to a desired position by pressing a button in the arm rest.

The Stockman's Bar
Offers the ideal place for Sleeping Car passengers only to relax, meet new friends or have a drink from the bar.

The Tucker Box Restaurant
Has been carefully designed for the comfort of all passengers and offers a series of very special menus - each featuring a selection of fine Queensland dishes.

Meals
Passengers travelling the full distance between Brisbane and Longreach may elect to have the cost of meals included as a package in the ticket. Passengers embarking or disembarking at any other station are to pay for their meals on board the train.

Meal packages are as follows (per person):
   Ages 16+    Child
(under 16)
   Package
Brisbane > Longreach A$53.90 A$28.60 Dinner
Breakfast
Lunch
Afternoon Tea
Longreach > Brisbane A$41.80 A$23.10 Morning Tea
Lunch
Dinner

Club Car Service
The Captain Starlight Club Car is tastefully furnished with both lounge and club style chairs. The Club Car has a congenial atmosphere and except for some periods of night travel, offers continuous service for light refreshments, takeaway meals, drinks and confectionery. If desired, passengers may take light refreshments to their seat or cabin. A liquor service is also available for consumption in the Club Car only.

Passenger's Luggage
All passengers may have conveyed free of charge two items of luggage not exceeding 25 kilograms (55 pounds) each, plus one piece of hand luggage. Where "check-in" facilities are available, luggage must be presented at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. The liability for loss or damage is limited to $200. Unchecked luggage is carried at the owner's risk. Identification tags should be affixed to all items including hand luggage.

Break of Journey
Is permitted for journeys over 120km at any nominated station, but sector fares will apply when the break of journey is more than four (4) hours.

Cancellation or Rebooking
Fees may apply if travel is cancelled or amended.

Reservations
May be made up to 325 days in advance. Restrictions do apply for short journeys.

Smoking
Is not permitted on any QR service.

Conditions are subject to change without notice, and other conditions may apply.

HOW TO BOOK
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