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8 Days | Queenslander Rail, Reef & Rainforest Escape

Daintree Rainforest - Brisbane - Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Green Island

Spirit of Queensland Rail + 4-star hotel accommodation

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

Discover the Daintree Rainforest,  Green Island Day Trip + MORE!

From $2,799 Typically $3,999 pp twin share

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Description


Embark on a journey of unparalleled luxury and comfort as you step into the world of the Spirit of Queensland, where contemporary elegance seamlessly intertwines with the timeless allure of long-distance rail travel.

This extraordinary experience transcends the ordinary, offering a fusion of modern amenities, comfortable surroundings, and a design meticulously crafted to enhance the art of relaxation.

Traversing the scenic route between the vibrant city of Brisbane and the tropical haven of Cairns, the Spirit of Queensland stands as a beacon of innovation, redefining the very essence of modern rail travel. Its plush seating, cutting-edge entertainment options, and thoughtful design create an ambiance that ensures a journey that goes beyond mere transportation—an immersive experience that captivates your senses from the moment you step aboard until the final destination is reached.

Beyond the confines of the train, the Spirit of Queensland opens up a realm of possibilities for exploration and discovery. Providing a convenient and comfortable means of accessing breathtaking holiday destinations, this iconic rail service serves as a gateway to a world of wonders waiting to be explored.

Upon reaching Cairns, be prepared to immerse yourself in a captivating six-night accommodation experience in this tropical paradise, celebrated as the gateway to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Cairns unfolds its cultural richness at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, where the stories of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people come to life through mesmerizing music and dance performances.


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The Cairns Esplanade, adorned with an array of vibrant bars and restaurants, invites you to unwind by its tranquil swimming lagoon, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. The city becomes a canvas of experiences, each moment painting a vivid picture of the region's unique charm and allure.

But the adventure doesn't end there; it's just the beginning. Delve into the wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, embarking on full-day tours that unveil the breathtaking beauty of this natural marvel. Explore the lush landscapes of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest, where the ancient meets the contemporary in a dance of biodiversity and ecological splendor.

To add a touch of nostalgia and cultural enrichment, indulge in the Kuranda Rail Experience, a journey through time aboard a historic railway that winds its way through the lush rainforest. This, coupled with more immersive experiences, promises to make your sojourn with the Spirit of Queensland an unforgettable chapter in your travel diaries.

In essence, the Spirit of Queensland not only transports you physically but also transcends the boundaries of conventional travel, offering an odyssey where every moment is a celebration of comfort, culture, and discovery. It beckons you to embrace the allure of the rails and embark on a journey that resonates with the spirit of adventure, promising memories that linger long after the train has reached its final destination.

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Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary


Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8

Day 1

Brisbane Cairns

Board the Queenslander train from Brisbane for your overnight train tour to Cairns.  The train departs Brisbane at 345PM and arrives in Cairns at 430PM the following day.  The Spirit of Queensland is a Queensland Rail long-distance passenger rail service. It is operated by a diesel powered Tilt Train that runs five times a week on the North Coast line between Brisbane and Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometers. At the start of 2015, it replaced the diesel-hauled train The Sunlander.

Accommodation: Rail Sleeper Bed 

Meals: Dinner

Day 2

Cairns

Welcome to Cairns! Transfer to your hotel by taxi, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: The Cairns Colonial Club or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour

Set out from Cairns for a day of snorkeling and sightseeing at 2 spectacular destinations in the Outer Great Barrier Reef. A large, modern vessel carries you to exclusive, protected locations far away from the crowds, where the spectacle of nature is waiting.  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.

Accommodation: The Cairns Colonial Club or similar

Meals: Lunch

Day 4

Daintree Rain Forest & Cape Tribulation Day Trip

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 a 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.

Accommodation: The Cairns Colonial Club or similar

Meals: Lunch

Day 5

Green Island Day Trip

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.

Accommodation: The Cairns Colonial Club or similar

Meals: Lunch

Day 6

Cairns 

Enjoy today at your leisure to explore the busting harbourside city of Cairns. 

Accommodation: The Cairns Colonial Club or similar

Meal: None

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 Cairns 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.

Accommodation: The Cairns Colonial Club or similar

Meals: Lunch 

Day 8

Cairns 

Today your adventure comes to an end! Make your own way to the airport for your return flight home or onward journey. 

Meals: None 

Inclusions & Exclusions


Inclusions

  • One way rail tour from Brisbane to Cairns on the Queenslander train in a rail bed for the 24 hour rail trip
  • 6 nights 4-star hotel accommodation at the Cairns Colonial Club
  • Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Escorted Cruise
  • Green Island Escorted Cruise
  • Cape Tribulation and Daintree Forest Escorted Tour
  • Kuranda Railway Escorted Tour

Important Information: Please enquire about your choice of date so we can confirm the availability of the sleeper train. Due to its popularity, the train sleeper pods sell out FAST so flexibility in your availability is ideal.

Accommodation: Cairns Colonial Club. Upgrade option: Bayview Holiday Retreat from $200pp (available at checkout)

Looking for flights? Contact one of our friendly Travel Specialists for a quote on 1300 893 404 or [email protected]

Exclusions

  • Meals not mentioned
  • All drinks
  • Any additional requests
  • Travel Insurance

Child Policy: Children that are 2 to 11 years of age are eligible for a 10% discount. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Single Supplement: The additional supplement for a single traveller is $999 and available on checkout.

Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.

Travelling on your own? Why not join the Traveldream Solo Travellers Facebook group where you can interact with other travellers.

Departure Dates


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