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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Queensland Coastal Experience from Brisbane

Independent Queensland coastal rail trip from Brisbane to Cairns

Illustration of Queensland Coastal Experience from Brisbane

Railbookers operates this 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation that starts in Brisbane and ends in Cairns, tracing Queensland's coast by train and short bus connections. Day 1 rides the Tilt Train to Maryborough West before a bus reaches Hervey Bay for two nights, including a full-day 4WD tour of Fraser Island to Lake McKenzie and the Maheno shipwreck. Day 3 returns to Maryborough West to board the Spirit of Queensland, spending the night in a RailBed cabin bound for Proserpine and a bus transfer to Airlie Beach. Two nights there include a full-day Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands cruise with time to snorkel at Hardy Reef. A further bus and train carry travelers to Cairns for two final nights, with the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail cableway over the rainforest on day 7. Because this is an independent package, the day tours are pre-arranged while other time is unguided. It suits travelers who want Queensland's coastal highlights connected by named trains rather than a single city-to-city journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • Several short bus connections link the named trains to the coastal towns: Maryborough West to Hervey Bay, Hervey Bay back to Maryborough West, and Proserpine to and from Airlie Beach.
  • This package lists several hotel options in Airlie Beach (five) and Cairns (three), so which hotel you get depends on the tier you book, not one fixed hotel.
  • The itinerary ends in Cairns; extending to Mossman Gorge, Daintree, Cape Tribulation, or Cooktown is offered as an optional add-on to arrange with Railbookers, not part of this package.
  • The evidence available does not list current departure dates for this package; confirm exact dates with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Hervey Bay

    Brisbane to Hervey Bay

    Depart Brisbane onboard the Tilt train to Maryborough West, then take a bus to the coast and 2 nights in Hervey Bay. Once checked in head out for a stroll downtown and check out the huge 'Nala' - an impressive 22-tonne Whale sculpture.

  2. Day 2overnight: Hervey Bay

    Fraser Island

    Today embark on an exciting full day tour of Fraser Island. Visit iconic spots including Lake McKenzie, Seventy-Five Mile Beach, Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, the Maheno shipwreck, and the Pinnacles all via 4WD-vehicle.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Spirit of Queensland (onboard)

    Hervey Bay and The Spirit Of Queensland

    Hervey Bay is often known as the Whale watching capital of the world. Enjoy your day relaxing on the beach perhaps, then ride the bus to Maryborough West and board the Spirit of Queensland train and settle in to your RailBed for the night.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Airlie Beach

    Spirit Of Queensland and Airlie Beach

    Hop off the train at Proserpine then make the quick bus connection to Airlie Beach, your home for the next 2 nights. The day is yours to enjoy as you wish, relaxing on the beach or exploring the independent shops downtown.

  5. Day 5overnight: Airlie Beach

    The Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands

    Enjoy a day you will never forget today, with a full day cruise. Spend 4hrs at Hardy Reef where you can snorkel, take a ride in a semi-submarine, and watch the amazing reef wildlife from an underwater observatory. Lunch is included.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Cairns

    Cairns

    Bid farewell to the Whitsundays with a morning bus to Proserpine then on to Cairns by train. Enjoy the views of tropical Queensland as the train passes through Townsville before arriving. Check in at your hotel then enjoy dinner at one of the city's many great restaurants.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Cairns

    Kuranda Railway and Skyrail Day Trip

    Depart Cairns in the morning for a 2-hour scenic train ride to the quaint village of Kuranda. From here embark on a spectacular cable-way ride over the Wet Tropics Rainforest, then transfer back to Cairns for the night.

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in Cairns

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your travels elsewhere or speak to any of our knowledgeable Travel Consultants if you might like to extend your stay and visit the beautiful Mossman Gorge, Daintree, and Cape Tribulation or an exciting 4WD trip to Cooktown.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A full-day 4WD tour of Fraser Island, visiting Lake McKenzie, Seventy-Five Mile Beach, Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, the Maheno shipwreck, and the Pinnacles.
  • Day 3Boarding the Spirit of Queensland at Maryborough West for an overnight journey in a RailBed cabin toward Proserpine.
  • Day 5A full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, with 4 hours at Hardy Reef to snorkel, ride a semi-submarine, or watch the reef from an underwater observatory, lunch included.
  • Day 7A 2-hour scenic ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway followed by the Skyrail cableway over the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Included

  • All travel as per the itinerary
  • RailBed accommodation onboard the Spirit of Queensland from Maryborough West to Proserpine
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Hervey Bay
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Airlie Beach
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Cairns
  • Full day tour of Fraser Island
  • Full-day cruise of the Great Barrier Reef and much more from Airlie Beach
  • Kuranda Rail and Skyrail day trip including transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The itinerary includes the Tilt Train from Brisbane to Maryborough West, an overnight RailBed cabin aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Maryborough West to Proserpine, a Queensland Rail service from Proserpine to Cairns, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Short bus connections link the trains to Hervey Bay and Airlie Beach.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with several included day tours, Fraser Island, the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays, and Kuranda and Skyrail, and free time in between.
Is there an overnight train?
Yes, one night in a RailBed cabin aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Maryborough West to Proserpine on day 3.
What hotels are included?
The Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa in Hervey Bay, a choice of hotels in Airlie Beach including the Heart Hotel and Gallery and the Boathouse Apartments, and a choice of Cairns hotels including the Hilton Cairns and the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort.
What is the starting price?
From $2,219 USD per person.
Can I extend the trip?
Railbookers mentions the option to extend and visit Mossman Gorge, Daintree, and Cape Tribulation, or take a 4WD trip to Cooktown, arranged through their travel consultants.

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