train trips brisbane to longreach

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Spirit of the Outback Timetables and Bookings

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A realistic, up-front view of Queensland’s captivating outback – enjoyed in the comfort of air-conditioned, authentically-themed surrounds. On its journey west, the ‘Spirit of the Outback’ ventures through the heritage towns of Blackwater, Emerald and Barcaldine before arriving in Longreach, home to the famous Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum and the Outback Heritage Centre.

VIEW SPIRIT OF THE OUTBACK TIMETABLE

Route:  Brisbane to Longreach

Distance:  1325 kms

Duration:  26 hrs

Network Map:  Train Stations

Departs Brisbane: Tue at 6.10pm and Sat at 4:10pm

Departs Longreach:

Mon and Thu at 8:10am

Brisbane to Longreach

Longreach to brisbane.

Extended touring packages are available, offering coach connections to Winton and visits to a host of surrounding attractions including the Historic Wellshot Hotel, Lark Quarry Dinosaur Footprints, Blackall Historical Woolscour and Jackie Howe, the Australian Workers Heritage Centre and the Waltzing Matilda Cultural Centre.

‘The Spirit of the Outback’ has been a favourite with Australian and international travellers alike for 10 years, due to the social atmosphere onboard and the spectacular views afforded throughout the 24 hour journey.

Economy Class Travel There are two Economy Class options for travel: Seating Carriages and Berths.

The Seating Carriages are open saloon cars with overhead luggage racks for hand luggage. The seats are arranged in two rows of two seats. You can book an aisle or window seat depending on your preference and availability. All seats face the direction of travel. Please bring your own pillows and blankets if you require them. A fold down table and foot rest are provided for your comfort.

The Economy Berths are a three berth cabin for persons of the same gender. A whole cabin may be reserved for a group of mixed genders. By day the cabin is a sofa which provides seating for passengers. The sofa then converts to three beds for night time. All cabins face the direction of travel and contain a table, AC 240V power point, washbasin with mirror and drinking glasses. A reading light, pillow with slip, lower sheet and blanket are provided for each berth.

Enjoy Onboard Experiences

Food Options: All customers who travel in an Economy or Sleeper can use the Lounge carriage.   The Lounge carriage offers a variety of light refreshments, take-out meals and beverages.

* Exclusively for customers who are single or twin sleepers, Tuckerbox Restaurant   The Tuckerbox Restaurant offers all-inclusive dining.   You can enjoy hearty, outback-inspired chef-prepared meals with some of Queensland’s finest produce for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

* Accessibility Access is restricted due to narrow doors or corridors.   With assistance from an onboard crew member, a small manual wheelchair (350mm in width and weighing 100 kg) can be used onboard.   However, there are size restrictions for mobility devices that can be stored in the luggage compartment.   For more information, please contact our reservations team

Spirit of the Outback – Onboard

The Spirit of the Outback travels 1325 km into the heart of Queensland’s outback. It offers a unique insight into the history and culture of early Australia, combined with interesting commentary, a friendly social atmosphere and an authentic dining experience.

The Spirit of the Outback provides the following facilities and services: drinking fountains, restrooms, showers for sleeping berths, air-conditioning, food & beverage services providing meals, refreshments, snacks, confectionary and a liquor service. A pre-paid meal service is also available on-board and can be arranged with your Sales Consultant. Onboard entertainment is also provided for you with movies shown in the Club Car.

Personal and travellers cheques are not accepted. Guests are advised to bring cash for the journey to buy drinks and meals if they do not hold any of these cards.

Optional Travel

Economy Seat Travel in a comfortable, reclined seat while taking in the stunning scenery. The Lounge carriage offers light refreshments and take-out meals.

* Single or twin sleeper Private cabin that can be converted into a bed at night. All inclusive, chef-prepared meals are served at Tuckerbox Restaurant. All linen, towels, and wash basin are included in the cabins.

* Amenities Toilets and showers are available at the ends of all Economy and Sleeper Seat carriages.

Carriage Update: The Shearers Rest Lounge, and Economy Single Sleeper carriages have been taken out of service due to scheduled maintenance. They will be back in service after the work is completed.

Aboard the Spirit of the Outback you can enjoy one of our delicious sit down meals available from the Dining Car or choose from a selection of take away meals and snacks available from the Club Car.

• Dining Car Hot meals aboard the Spirit of the Outback can be served individually or ordered as part of a meal package.
• Club Car Takeaway style meals and snacks are available all day from the Club Car to take back to your seat or eat in the social atmosphere of the Club Car.
• Special Dietary Meals A selection of meals is available to passengers with special dietary requirements.

Click here to view the Spirit of the Outback Menu

Checked Luggage Allowance

Economy Seat: One 20kg item per customer

Single or Twin Sleeper: Two 20kg items per customer

Travelling by train around Queensland is something you must do if you are spending time travelling around the beautiful part of Australia. QLD is lucky enough to have a variety of trains taking you all across the coast and outback. The trains are comfortable, easy and a great experience for any type of traveller from backpackers to families.

For more information on Queensland Rail services, pricing and schedules please contact us.

Click here for more information on the Cairns Skyrail .

BOOKING INFORMATION

For group bookings please contact us by clicking here .

For standard bookings or to call QLD Rail Travel on 300 131 722 from 7am to 7pm (AEST)

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Longreach: an iconic Australian experience

Longreach: an iconic australian experience, longreach - iningai country.

As you roll into Longreach, you know you've arrived at the 'heart' of Queensland's outback as the unmistakable red and white livery of a Qantas jumbo jet dominates the skyline from kilometres away, and across the road, you'll spot the shimmering curved roof of the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame.

With a population of approximately 3,000 people, Longreach is a small outback town located approximately 1,179 kilometres north-west of Brisbane. The town offers a range of restaurants, cafes and retail shops, as well as plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs, ranging from hotels, caravan parks to luxury and glamping experiences. The unique blend of history, natural wonders, and hands-on experiences Longreach boasts a wide range of tourist attractions and activities keeping everyone in the family happy. Whether it's uncovering the stories of the past, cruising along the Thomson River at sunset, or experiencing the thrill of a wing walk on a Boeing 747, there is plenty of things to see and do for a truly unforgettable holiday.

For nature enthusiasts, the Thomson River offers an oasis and a tranquil place to cruise along the river, witness stunning sunsets while spotting native wildlife such as kangaroos, emus, and a myriad of bird species.

Closer to town, the Longreach Botanic walkway extends to the Stockman's Hall of Fame. The gardens are inspired by the natural environment of the region with native plants of the Mitchell Grass Downs bioregion and local dryland species.

Longreach offers plenty of iconic attractions to visit during your stay. At the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, visitors can learn about Australia's heritage, explore stories of the nation's past, and gain insight into the culture and people of the land, through interactive exhibits. Don't miss the Outback Stockman's Show with its awe-inspiring displays of horsemanship and traditional Australian bush skills.​

Step back in time at the Powerhouse and Historical Museum, showcasing Australia's largest preserved rural electricity generating station, left as it was when it closed in 1985. The displays highlight the proud history of this heritage-listed museum.

From immersing yourself in the region's fascinating past to witnessing breathtaking natural wonders, Longreach offers plenty to see and do. During the warmer months in summer, some businesses have limited opening hours, so plan ahead to book your tours and check opening times. 

To plan your adventure to Longreach and other outback towns, visit outbackqueensland.com.au .

Take the train

Take advantage of the 2 for 1 Outback rail fares from November to March, and explore Queensland’s Outback by rail. Rail fares from Brisbane to Longreach in a Sleeper, including meals start from $427 for two adults one-way. Find out more >>

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Journey Information  

8 Days Off Peak Legendary Longreach & Winton 2024

Group rail tour from brisbane to longreach return.

Travel off-peak and experience our best-selling FULLY INCLUSIVE Legendary Longreach & Winton tour featuring top Longreach & Winton attractions and hospitality. Take advantage of Qld Rail Travel's 2 for 1 Return First Class Sleeper Rail deal! This tour operates in Nov & Dec 2023 & Feb - Mar 2024.

Day 1: Tuesday – Depart Brisbane

Board the Spirit of the Outback train in Brisbane for your First-Class overnight rail journey to Longreach. The train is scheduled to depart at 6.10pm. While onboard you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the Shearers Rest Lounge and enjoy outback inspired meals, created with Queensland’s best produce, in the Tuckerbox Restaurant (D)

Day 2: Wednesday – Arrive Longreach (B,L)

Arrive in Longreach this evening where you will be welcomed by your Driver Guide and transferred to your Longreach accommodation. 3 nights Longreach Motor Inn, Longreach

Day 3: Thursday – Longreach (B,L,D)

This morning we wander the world-class Qantas Founders Museum, eloquently telling the story of the founding of Qantas. Join a guided air park tour where you are taken behind the scenes to hear amazing stories about the 747 ‘City of Bunbury’ –including having a peek at the flight deck and crew rest area before exploring the Super Constellation – the first pressurised aircraft for Qantas. Enjoy a local tour, some free time and outback retail therapy in downtown Longreach. Late afternoon, experience the warm hospitality of local graziers on a visit to Camden Park Station. Join Outback Dan on a personalised tour of the Walker family property, gain an insight into the history and heritage of living and working on the land for generations. Learn of the station’s award-winning diversification into solar, tourism and improved farming production. After working up an appetite, you’ll settle in for nibbles and refreshments at two tree hills followed by an exclusive dinner at the station’s 100-year-old shearing shed.

Day 4: Friday – Longreach (B,L,D)

This morning, we travel to the Historic Rosebank Station for a picturesque tour, morning tea and stories of yesteryear. Originally settled as a sheep and cattle station some 100 years ago, Rosebank was famously visited in 1959 by Princess Alexandra and Princess Alice. The Princesses stayed in a specially built wing, fittingly named the ‘Princess Wing.’ Enjoy morning tea and a chat with Outback Aussie Tours owners. Explore the fascinating themed galleries at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and discover the inspiring stories of the stockmen and women, the First Nations people, the pioneers and settlers, and the jackaroos and jillaroos. Late afternoon, unwind on our Smithy’s Sunset Cruise, relax on the top deck with 360-degree views of the majestic Thomson River. Your captain will captivate you with stories about the river, its wildlife, and indigenous links. Enjoy nibbles as we stop at Sunset Bend to toast the sunset and take in the stunning colours of the outback sky. As the colours fade into darkness, we return to enjoy dinner at a popular local favourite restaurant.

Day 5: Saturday – Winton (B,L,D)

Be prepared to be impressed by the changing landscapes as we travel from Longreach to Winton. Experience a medley of Winton local attractions including Arno’s Wall, Willie Mar’s Chinese Heritage Market Garden, and the Musical Fence – play a tune on what is believed to be the world’s only musical fence. This afternoon we take a short drive out of town to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs – perched on a magnificent mesa overlooking the plains where dinosaurs once roamed. Onsite, we are treated to a top-class interpretive tour of the laboratory, March of the Titanosaurs display and collection room by dinosaur enthusiasts – a truly enlightening experience. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and drinks at a special sunset location, followed by the immersive Gondwana Stars Observatory experience. 1 night Boulder Opal Motor Inn, Winton

Day 6: Sunday – Winton to Longreach (B,L,D)

Today we are doing all things local in Winton! Enjoy a leisurely drive around town and learn how Australian transport pioneers carved our transport network at the Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum. Find out about the vital role that the Australian Kelpie plays in the outback whilst enjoying lunch at a local popular hotel. Learn the story behind Australia’s unofficial national anthem when we explore Waltzing Matilda Museum. This afternoon we head back to Longreach where we enjoy dinner at a popular local favourite. 1 night Longreach Motor Inn, Longreach

Day 7: Monday – Depart Longreach (L,D)

Your outback adventure will sadly come to an end when we transfer across to Longreach Railway Station in time to board the Spirit of the Outback train and your return rail experience to Brisbane.

Day 8: Tuesday – Arrive Brisbane (B)

Arrive back into Brisbane aboard the Spirit of the Outback. The train is scheduled to arrive at 9.55am. *Please note that in summer the train arrival time can be delayed due to heat and disruptions can occur due to wet weather events.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, AT = Afternoon Tea, D = Dinner

dates & pricing

• Conditions apply.
• Minimum tour numbers apply.
• Itinerary subject to change.
• Rail price based on return Aust. Govt. Senior Card holder fares in a First Class Sleeper on the Spirit of the Outback between Brisbane and Longreach. Single passengers are eligible for a 50% discount off the Adult rail fare only.
• Prices do not include: travel insurance; meals not specified in the itinerary; drinks; laundry; optional activities; and items of a personal nature.
• *School of Air available in school term time only.

Highlights & inclusions

• Rosebank Station Tour and morning tea
• Qantas Founders Museum Entry and Airpark Tour
• Camden Park Station Sunset Tour and historic woolshed dinner
• Australian Stockman’s Hall of fame entry
• Smithy’s Sunset Cruise
• Australian age of Dinosaurs including Dinosaur Canyon, sunset barbeque and Gondwana Observatory experience
• Waltzing Matilda Centre Museum entry
• Winton Town Tour
• Heritage Truck Museum entry
• 5 nights ensuite accommodation
• Touring with our Savannah Guides Operator driver-guide
• All meals as per itinerary
• Entries/activities as per itinerary
• Arrival/departure transfers in Longreach
• Return First Class overnight rail sleeper between Brisbane and Longreach*

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All Aboard the Spirit of the Outback Train to Longreach

Butterflies, dragonflies, cockatoos, and hawks fly outside my widow while kangaroos hop into the distance and cows and calves lazily raise their heads to watch us go by. Then she appears.

A Brahman cow has been startled by the train and with us on one side and a fence on the other she has nowhere to go but straight ahead. It’s the first time I’ve seen a Brahman run at such speed and as her long floppy ears swing in clockwise circles around her head she looks like something out of a cartoon, and I can’t help but chuckle.

While some of my fellow travellers are socialising in the lounge car after breakfast, I’ve come back to my cabin and hopped back into bed so I can watch the countryside go by.

I had originally planned to do some work that morning and start writing a piece I’m doing for Get Up & Go magazine  on the journey. Then I thought I’d let myself have a morning off and enjoy reading a book. But that book was soon closed after I realised all I wanted to do was look outside the window, see the creatures big and small, and watch the landscape change.

When the Sunlander train was replaced by the Spirit of Queensland  and its unusual railbeds, the Spirit of the Outback became the only sleeper carriage train left in Queensland.

While I’d travelled the Brisbane to Rockhampton section of the rails before on the Sunlander and Spirit of Queensland trains, the Spirit of the Outback heads west at Rockhampton, into a part of Australia I’ve never seen before and I jumped at the chance to hop onboard.

The Spirit of the Outback Sleeper Carriages

When you travel on the Spirit of the Outback you can choose between a cabin in one of up to four first class sleeper carriages, a cabin in the single economy sleeper, or a seat in one of the two economy sitters cars.

The first class and economy sleeper carriages are actually the same, but if you’re going first class, as we did, you get exclusive access to the Tuckerbox Restaurant and Shearers Rest Lounge, have your meals freshly prepared by the chef, receive an amenities pack with shampoo and conditioner, facecloth, eye mask and ear plugs, and are able to borrow entertainment tablets. Although as the tablets have a somewhat limited supply of TV shows and movies available those who like to relax with a TV marathon may like to bring some of their own shows loaded on their devices.

Toilets and showers are at the end of the carriage, while the cabins have a chair that is converted into a bed and a washbasin.

The cabins themselves are compact, and once the bed is down there is only enough space to stand in front of your washbasin. You’re either standing in that one spot or you’re on your bed, so when it comes to spreading out you’ll want to be in the lounge or dining car.

If space is available in first class the staff are able to turn one cabin into two, creating one longer cabin with the bed at one end and the chair at the other. On our trip we were fortunate enough to have that extra room, but as it is dependent on space it’s best to talk to Queensland Rail Travel’s reservation team to decide whether you’re best off purchasing an extra cabin as a guarantee.

While the cabins are definitely cosy, I loved being in my little cocoon. Unlike other sleepers I’ve been on where the beds go length ways across the tracks, on the Spirit of the Outback they run in the direction of the tracks, as the railbeds do on the Spirit of Queensland.

While I’ve never actually been on a luge, that’s the thought that kept coming to mind as I lay in bed falling asleep. I felt the speed beneath me as my head followed where my toes had gone, which combined with the slight rocking is an unusual sensation but one I liked.

I love knowing I’m on the train so much I do something that isn’t the best idea for a good night’s sleep and leave my blinds up and my eye mask off. I like looking at the stars as I fall asleep, but of course that also means that the lights at every station we stop at throughout the night wake me up. It results in a disjointed sleep, though one I perversely enjoyed as I liked being reminded of where I was and being able to fall back to sleep with the rocking of the train.

If you want to do the same keep in mind that when the blinds are u people on the platform can see you in bed so make sure you have the right pyjama options for that one.

Dining in The Tuckerbox on the Spirit of the Outback

If you’re going the whole way from Brisbane to Longreach it takes around 24 hours to travel along 1325 kilometres of track. Which means there’s enough time for dinner, breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

The Tuckerbox Dining car is where you will meet for your meals which are prepared in the small kitchen at the end of the car by the chef. Dishes included lamb shank for dinner, and a Bushman’s Beef Salad of grilled sirloin, roasted potatoes, mixed leaves, cherry tomatoes and Spanish onion with a coriander and ginger dressing. For dessert I opted for the sticky toffee pudding with Bundaberg rum ice cream.

The alcoves in the Tuckerbox seat four, and each is named after one of the big cattle properties between Rockhampton and Longreach, with the cattle brands for Wellshot, Longway, Bowen Downs, Isis Downs, Gracemere, and North Delta in wrought iron above the property’s name.

As much as I am squeamish about the way the brands leave a mark on the poor cow’s skin, I love the look of them. They remind me of growing up in the country, and while we didn’t have a problem with cattle duffing, or rustling as it is known in America, where I come from, the brands are a reminder of the problems station owners did face out here with people stealing their four legged property.

Visiting the Tree Of Knowledge, Barcaldine

While most of the stops between Brisbane and Longreach are only long enough to get off the train for the quickest of leg stretches before it’s time to move on again, at Barcaldine the train stops for 20 minutes, allowing time to see a tree with a special part in Australia’s history.

The Tree of Knowledge is said to be at least 170 years old and was the central meeting point for the shearers’ strike back in 1891. As such it became a symbol of the struggle that led to the birth of the Australian Labor Party.

In 2006 some nasty person poisoned the tree, but if their plan was to get rid of it then what happened next must really get their goat.

The tree sadly died but was sent off to Brisbane to go through a preservation process, then returned to its original spot in front of the Barcaldine train station where a beautiful memorial was built around it.

The memorial looks like a big box from the outside but when you’re inside large wooden wind chimes hang in such a way that they leave blank space where the branches of the tree once were. While it was impressive by day when we saw it on the Spirit of the Outback stop, it is even more beautiful at night when it is all lit up, as we saw when we returned to spend more time in Barcaldine.

From Barky, as the locals call it, it wasn’t too much longer until we reached our destination of Longreach and its old train station that celebrates its 100 th anniversary this year.

When our outback adventures were over I had to fly back home as I needed to get back for some work, but as lovely as the folks on QantasLink were, I couldn’t help but wish I was doing the train back. To be able to relax and watch the world go by once more would have been heaven.

Next time I go to the Outback I’m going to make sure I have time to do the train in both directions. And I won’t even pretend I’m going to do any work or catch up on my reading when I do it.

Amanda Woods travelled as a guest of Queensland Rail Travel  but as usual all opinions remain her own.

While in Longreach Amanda stayed at Kinnon & Co’s beautiful outback lodges. You can check out a video of what they’re like, and get a glimpse of the Kinnon’s Cobb & Co stagecoach rides in Ten Questions with Richard Kinnon.

Love train travel? Find out what it’s like to travel from London to Berlin on my train dream come true – the Venice Simplon Orient Express  or if you’re looking for more great Aussie train journeys check out my gold class review of the Indian Pacific.

You may also like to che ck out what it’s like to travel to Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham , travel Eurostar e320 business premier style from London to Paris, or travel Norway’s great train journey on the Bergen Railway from Bergen to Oslo .

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Spirit of the Outback Train Guide: Brisbane to Longreach with Kids

Are you considering a ride on Queensland Rail’s 26-hour train journey from Brisbane to Longreach on the Spirit of the Outback?

Our family decided to travel by train from Brisbane to Longreach in the sleeper cars provided in the all-inclusive journey on the Spirit of the Outback with our kids.

Of course, you don’t need to have kids in order to read our review, especially as most of the review is general information that is helpful for all ages.

Keep reading to learn about boarding the Spirit of the Outback, dining onboard, the sleeper carriages, and the amenities on board.

Keep in mind that the Tuesday schedule and Saturday schedules are different as they leave at different times of the day. We left Brisbane on a Tuesday evening and arrived in Longreach the next night.

Spirit of the Outback

Run by Queensland Rail, Spirit of the Outback is a 26-hour long train ride from Brisbane to Longreach that includes stops to pick up and drop off passengers along the way.

With both economy seating, a single sleeper, and twin sleeper options, the Spirit of the Outback has different price points and additional discounts for seniors, pension card holders, and students. Kids fare is available.

Before the “season” starts in April, it is possible to get buy-one-get-one seats on the Spirit of the Outback. We used this discount for our family of 4.

The sleeper bed options include all-inclusive meals and the economy seats have the option to purchase food and drinks on board.

Boarding Spirit of the Outback

The train leaves Brisbane from Roma Street Station twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

We booked the Tuesday night train, due to leave Roma Street Station at 6:10 pm.

Unfortunately, the night before our train was set to leave, we found out that a truck had hit a bridge and therefore, we needed to take a bus to Gympie where we would be able to board the train to Longreach.

The new plan was to arrive at Roma Street Station at 5 pm.

As we only live a couple of stops away, we took the train to Roma Street Station where we checked our suitcase in, checked in for the bus, and found out that we would be taken out to dinner.

Dinner in Brisbane

We were meant to eat dinner on the train, so to replace that meal, we were walked across the street by Queensland Rail staff.

Tables were set up at Transcontinental Hotel and we were given a menu with 3 options: chicken schnitzel, fish and chips, or steak. Each meal came with garlic bread and dessert as well as a drink.

Though I would be lying if I said I wasn’t upset about the change, the dinner was delicious.

After dinner, we were walked back to the station by the staff to where our bus was waiting for us.

Bottled water was available to take onto the bus with us. The bus took off at 6:45 pm.

Dinner on the Train

Had we been on the train as planned, our dinner would have included a lemon myrtle damper and a choice of 3 options: beef brisket, pork belly, or a pumpkin feta filo parcel.

Each meal includes a drink with the meal and tea or coffee with dessert.

The dessert options are Opera Gateau which is an almond sponge cake, or a cheese board.

Arriving in Gympie

Though the bus stopped a few times to pick up passengers and drop off passengers, we were only allowed off of the bus once, at Nambour, for a quick restroom stop. That occurred from 8:30 pm to 8:45 pm.

The bus arrived at Gympie Station at 9:35 pm. We were told which car and room number we were and boarding the train was very quick.

We booked 2 double sleeper cars and there were 4 keys, one for each door. Each bed has a separate entrance.

Our beds were not made when we arrived, so we made sure to put out the sign so they could be made quickly as it was past bedtime for the kids.

Spirit of the Outback Sleeper Car

There are multiple sleeper cars on the Spirit of the Outback and each car has both single and twin rooms.

The hallway twists and turns and is very narrow.

At the beginning of the journey, your key is in your door. The chairs are down and inside each room is an envelope with a welcome letter and the times of your meals. There is also an amenities bag on each chair and towels in the room.

Inside the amenities bag are a lip balm, washcloth, hand lotion, and hand sanitizer. There are also an inflatable neck pillow and a pen.

Each side of the room has its own sink which has drinkable water. The sinks fold up when not in use.

On the wall, there is a very small wardrobe, a tiny table, and a garbage bin. There is a knob for a speaker so you can control how loud the announcements are. We turned it all the way up and still had trouble hearing the announcements due to the noise level on the train.

Down the hall, there is a bathroom and a shower across from each other. at the end of the other side of the car is a water station with cups.

Once we put up our “please make our beds” sign, our beds were quickly made.

Each bed is connected vertically. After the bed is made, it is impossible to open the door fully.

There is little room for luggage in the sleeper cars, so we checked our bags before the train journey began and each brought a backpack with pajamas, a change of clothes, and things to do.

Our backpacks fit under the bed when it was made and on the floor out of the way when the beds were put away.

Economy Seats on Spirit of the Outback

In the morning, we went exploring and saw the 2 economy seat sections of the train.

Nearest the bar where you can order food and drinks, there were 3 seats across, 2 on one side of the aisle and 1 on the other.

Walking through to the next car, each side had 2 seats per side.

As this car was completely empty, my family opted to sit down for a while, for a change of scene. They noticed that each seat had an activity book with sodoku, crosswords, and other games. The activity book was entertaining for adults and kids.

In each economy car, there is a luggage rack. Each seat faces in the direction of travel and includes a personal light, tray table, and footrest. The seats recline.

The economy cars on the train have both a restroom and a shower.

Sleeping on Spirit of the Outback

As we didn’t get on the train until late and our beds weren’t made until after 10 pm, we almost immediately went to bed.

Usually, people either ask for their beds to be made when they go out for dinner, or later in the night as they enjoy a drink in the lounge car.

There is a knob on the window that turns to put the blinds down.

The train is pretty noisy and obviously moves, making it hard for some to sleep, but easy for others. I struggled to fall asleep and woke up on and off throughout the night.

The bed is hard, but the pillows and blankets that are included are nice.

I was sharing a room with my daughter and we were both up at 4:30 am when the train was stopped for a while in Rockhampton. The train goes up the coast of Queensland before turning west in Rockhampton.

Though we both fell back asleep for a while, we were up and searching for breakfast before 6:30 am. I hadn’t seen the envelope with our meal time that was in our room and we hadn’t explored the train the night before as we would have if we boarded in Brisbane.

Dining Car and Lounge Car on Spirit of the Outback

After our car on the train, there is a car that is a kitchen, and after that car is the dining car.

We were told that breakfast is at 7:30, but we can order a coffee and sit in the lounge.

After the dining car, walking towards the back of the train is the lounge car. There are 6 tables with seats around them and TVs on the walls. If you keep walking, at the end of the lounge car is a place to order food and drinks.

The bar is located between the economy seats and the sleeper seat cars so that it is available for everyone.

Coffee was included complimentary as we paid for the sleeper car, but there is a charge for those in the economy seats.

Milo was available for the kids.

Activities and souvenirs can be purchased at the bar as well as food and drinks throughout the day.

Breakfast on Spirit of the Outback

At 7:30, breakfast was announced and we made our way into the dining car.

Everyone has 2 options for breakfast, a hot breakfast or a cold breakfast.

The hot breakfast includes eggs that are poached, scrambled, or fried, as well as bacon, hash browns, sausage, grilled tomatoes, and toast.

The cold breakfast includes your choice of cereal plus pastries, fruit, and yogurt.

Each meal includes juice, tea, and coffee.

The tables in the dining car fit 4 people, 2 on each side. While we had 4 people and therefore took up an entire table, most groups on board are 2 people and most of them were combined and shared a table during meals.

Lunch of Spirit of the Outback

My daughter had our envelope so we figured out that our lunchtime was set for 1:30 pm.

My sister-in-law was also onboard the Spirit of the Outback though in a different sleeper car than us. Even though we all had breakfast at 7:30 am, her lunch was scheduled for 12 pm.

Again, drinks are included with the meal. There are 3 options for lunch on Spirit of the Outback.

The lunch menu includes a choice between prosciutto-wrapped chicken, salmon, and a vegetable pie.

Coffee and tea are served with dessert which is a choice between panna cotta and pavlova.

Kid’s meals are not on the menu, though our kids were given the option to order off of the regular menu or get a toastie.

One kid opted to order off of the menu while the other ordered a ham and cheese sandwich.

Stops Along the Way

The Spirit of the Outback makes quite a few stops along the way from Brisbane to Longreach, though the stops may change according to who is booked along the way.

If no one is booked to board or leave the train, the train won’t stop at the smaller stations.

Every 2 hours, the train stops for the drivers. The staff doesn’t walk near the engine and they need to stop to give the drivers meals and drinks. Passengers are not always allowed out of the train.

On our train, we were allowed out at 3 different stations.

Unfortunately, we missed the announcement that said we could get off in Emerald. Make sure your speaker is on full volume!

We did get out for 10 minutes in Alpha and for 20 minutes in Barcaldine.

Right outside the station at Barcaldine is the Tree of Knowledge.

Originally a gum tree by the station where the workers of the 1891 Shearers Strike met, the Tree of Knowledge is where the Australia Labor Party was formed.

Due to the tree being poisoned in 2006, what is now there is the preserved trunk of the tree under a large timber structure made with almost 5,000 individual timbers made to look like a canopy over the tree.

With 20 minutes in Barcaldine, it is easy to take a short walk to see different street art and a windmill.

Barcaline is on the Tropic of Capricorn and there is a sign announcing that by the train station.

Afternoon Tea on Spirit of the Outback

Shortly after boarding in Barcaldine, afternoon tea was announced.

At this point, our train was running about 20 minutes behind, and afternoon tea was served at 5:15 pm.

Everyone had a choice of tea or coffee and was served 4 items.

The food included a spinach and cheese parcel, a miniature sausage roll, a mini quiche, and a small piece of chocolate raspberry cake.

While we were in the dining car enjoying afternoon tea, everyone started to spot animals for the first time onboard our train journey. We saw kangaroos jumping through the fields and a lot of emus as well.

Things to do Onboard Spirit of the Outback

# 1 hang out in the lounge car.

The only place on the train besides your room where you can always hang out is in the lounge car.

The lounge car may vary in design based on the date of your train, but the lounge car during our train trip had 6 booths facing each other with 3 on each side of the rail car.

Located between the dining car and the bar, the lounge car is a great place to hang out any time of day. It becomes popular at some times of the day but is empty at others.

The tables in the lounge car are small, meant just to hold your drinks.

There are TVs in the lounge car and while something may be playing, there isn’t any volume.

#2 Get a Drink at the Bar

Keep walking through the lounge car to the bar.

In the morning, complimentary coffee or milo is available, and you are welcome to purchase food or drinks in the bar throughout the train trip.

#3 Play Cards in the Dining Car

While we were able to play cards at the small table in the lounge car, we saw that most train travelers used the table in the dining car as it had more space.

When meals aren’t being served, the dining car is open for anyone who wants a place to sit. There are 4 seats per table, and it is a great place to play a game.

#4 Enjoy a Meal or Snack

Not surprisingly, our favorite part of the train ride was mealtime. It breaks up the day and gives everyone something to do.

Meal time is also a great time to see other passengers.

We were served 3 meals and afternoon tea on the train, so we did not feel the need to order snacks, though they were available at the bar.

Drinks, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcohol are available at the bar.

#5 Explore the Train

Take a walk through the train to see the other carriages.

If you are in the economy seats, there are only 2 carriages that you are able to walk through, but those staying in the sleeper cars can walk through the other sleeper cars as well as the kitchen, dining car, lounge car, and economy cars.

My family realized an entire economy car was empty and took advantage of it as an additional place to sit.

#6 Complete an Activity Book

Of course, you can bring your own activity book with you, and there are also disposable activities inside of a magazine that is available in the economy section.

My family found a few activity magazines that both adults and kids enjoyed working on.

#7 Look at the View

Sit back and enjoy the view!

The view does change a bit as you move through Queensland. The train even travels through a mountain range.

We were lucky enough to have rooms on both sides of the train so we were able to see either side of the train, but anyone can see both sides of the train from the dining car and lounge car.

#8 Try to Spot Animals

We didn’t spot any animals until afternoon tea time, but it was fun to see kangaroos hopping through the grass, emus wandering nearby, horses running by, and plenty of cows.

Most of the animals are on the right side of the train as there is a road on the left side.

#9 Read a Book

Definitely bring something to do, especially something like a book that does not require wifi. There is no wifi on the train and no cell service unless the train is near a town.

#10 Take a Nap

Enjoy the extra time with nothing to do and the opportunity to take an afternoon nap.

While my family did not even attempt a nap, we noticed that many people take advantage of their free time and sleep for an hour or two.

#11 Talk to the Crew and Other Passengers

The crew is friendly as are most of the passengers on board the Spirit of the Outback. Most people are happy to sit down and have a chat with someone new.

Meal times are a good time to chat as is anytime in the lounge car.

Spirit of the Outback with Kids Wrap Up

We happened to be the only family with kids on the Spirit of the Outback train from Brisbane to Longreach, but we were not traveling during the school holidays.

Train passengers can choose between 2 different types of seats, an economy seat or a sleeper seat which is in a private room and has a chair that converts into a bed. The sleeper car has both single and double-passenger options, so a family needs to book more than 1 room.

The sleeper seats include sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels as well as an amenities kit.

Everyone on board the Spirit of the Outback is able to purchase food and drinks throughout the day. Those who have booked the sleeper option have meals included. The meals include a drink as well as coffee or tea after lunch and dinner. Both lunch and dinner include dessert.

The journey from Brisbane to Longreach on the Spirit of the Outback takes approximately 26 hours and occurs 2x each week. Passengers are able to get on and off at various stations, as long as they have booked their tickets in advance to include the stop they need.

Everyone is able to get off the train 3 times on the way from Brisbane to Longreach. The train spends at least 10 minutes in Emerald, Alpha, and Barcaldine which allows passengers a chance to get outside.

Spirit of the Outback FAQ

Check the Queensland Rail website for the current cost of travel. Prices vary based on seat choice as well as the type of ticket (senior, pension-card holder, child, etc.)

Yes, the Spirit of the Outback has both single and double sleepers available. If you have more than 2 people traveling together, book more than 1 room.

It takes approximately 26 hours to get to Longreach from Brisbane on the Spirit of the Outback train ride.

Brisbane to Longreach is 1325 kilometers.

Family-Friendly Accommodations in Longreach

If you are looking for a place to stay in Longreach, here are a few family-friendly options.

The Staging Post

Located in the center of town, The Staging Post is conveniently near shops and restaurants.

With a family room option, including 3 twin beds, a separate room with a queen bed, a kitchen, and a large dining table, The Staging Post is a great Longreach hotel for families.

Outside of the rooms, there are stagecoaches and various old machines that the kids can sit in.

If you are staying at The Staging Post, let them know what time your train arrives and they will be there to pick you up.

Longreach Motor Inn

Longreach Motor Inn is located directly across the street from the Longreach train station.

The Longreach Motor Inn has a swimming pool, sauna, and a restaurant on-site. Harry’s restaurant is open for dinner nightly.

Family rooms for families of 4 or 5 are available at Longreach Motor Inn, including a 2-bedroom suite. King and Queen studio rooms are also available.

Mitchell Grass Retreat

You can stay in a glamping tent at Mitchell Grass Retreat, just a few minutes’ drive from the town of Longreach.

All of the glamping tents at Mitchell Grass Retreat include an ensuite bathroom and shower and have air conditioning.

Each tent has a kitchenette and private use of a BBQ.

Lanie is the owner and author of Make More Adventures, a family travel blog that helps families make the most of their holidays. Lanie is an American living in Australia with her husband and 2 kids who love to travel almost as much as she does. When she is not traveling, working on her blog, or planning her next vacation, Lanie is watching Bravo, reading, or working with kids.

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