Spirit of the Outback

About the Spirit of the Outback

This is a Queensland long-distance passenger rail service. It is run by Queensland Rail’s Traveltrain division. It started in November 1993 as a combination of the former Midlander and Capricornian trains and covers a 1,325 km rail journey starting from Brisbane and ending in Longreach. This train travels on the east coast of Queensland, leaving Brisbane for Rockhampton, and then heading west through Blackwater, Emerald and Barcaldine, and finally to Longreach.

In the course of the Journey, The Spirit of the Outback will pass through coastal landscapes, travel into the Outback, go through sunburnt plains, mountain ranges, and historic towns as well as attractions like the Qantas Founders Outback Museum and Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. It operates twice a week, and In January 2015, this service was improved with refurbished L series carriages. In the process of upgrade, the Motorail and M series carriages services were also withdrawn. Captain Starlight Lounge and the Stockman’s Bar were withdrawn as well, but the Tuckerbox was kept in operation. The train now has the Shearers Rest Lounge.

 The Spirit of the Outback provides the ideal Outback Queensland experience. It is a

journey through stunning landscapes and remote towns between Brisbane and Longreach. Go as far as the heart of the Outback and discover the culture and heritage that has shaped us a nation. The journey starts in Brisbane and ends at Longreach or the other way round. Throughout the journey, the Spirit of the Outback travels through spectacular scenery and rugged terrain as the remote towns of Emerald and Barcaldine, and Blackwater. You can go as an economy or first-class.

First Class passengers have exclusive access to the Shearer’s Rest Lounge, which is a perfect spot to chat with other travellers, relax with a cold drink, or just enjoy the moving scenery. The Tuckerbox Restaurant also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll get delicious outback-inspired meals that were cooked with some of the finest local produce in Queensland.

 There are two classes of travel on Spirit of the Outback:

Economy seats

  • Two by two seating configuration
  • beverages from the Shearer’s Rest Galley.
  • reading light, Fold-down-table, footrest
  • Comfortable recline seat
  • Buy light refreshments and meals from
  • Shearer’s Rest Galley
  • Overhead luggage racks
  • Showers, drinking fountains, and toilets available at the end of each carriage
  • Accessibility facilities are limited but available
  • Luggage – one item checked-in and one
  • item of carry-on luggage (there is a limit on weight and size)

First-class sleeping berths which could be:

‘First Class Single Sleeper’: this offers a fold-down bed and a seat

‘First Class Twin Sleeper’: this offers two seats that can be converted into two lower single beds.

  • All-inclusive meals in the Tuckerbox Restaurant
  • Single and Twin Sleeper options
  • towel, amenities and Fresh bed linen pack
  • Entertainment Tablets available
  • exclusive access to the Shearer’s Rest Lounge
  • reading light, 240-volt power point, and washbasin
  • Luggage – two items checked-in and one
  • item of carry-on luggage (there is a limit on weight and size)