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Savannahlander · Tour package

Rail Runner

Four-day train journey inland from Cairns through Queensland outback on the Savannahlander.

Illustration of Rail Runner

Savannahlander's Rail Runner is a 4-day, 3-night train tour through inland Queensland, departing Cairns and traveling inland to Einasleigh and back. The journey uses the Savannahlander train, a scenic regional service, combined with coach transfers to cover a temporary gap in the rail network. Days blend train travel with short stops in small outback towns: Day 1 takes you from Cairns by coach to Mareeba, then by train to Almaden with lunch in Dimbulah. Day 2 continues by train to Mount Surprise with a lineside morning tea stop, then onward to Forsayth. Day 3 includes a short walk to Copperfield Gorge and a return train journey to Mount Surprise. Day 4 completes the return to Cairns by train with lunch at Almaden. Three nights are spent at regional hotels (Railway Hotel, Finnigans Rest, and Discovery Parks), and the package includes all breakfasts, dinners, and lunches. This tour suits first-time rail travelers, couples seeking a relaxed escape, and budget-conscious travelers wanting an all-in package with no decisions to make about meals or lodging.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Cairns-to-Mareeba rail line is closed for bridge repairs; passengers board at Mareeba, and the ex-Cairns fare includes a chartered coach transfer to cover the gap.
  • Afternoon tea at Dimbulah Historical Society on Day 4 is at your own expense; it is not included in the package price.
  • Optional paid side-tours (Chillagoe Caves and Undara Lava Tubes) are available but not part of the core itinerary.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Almaden (Railway Hotel)

    Cairns to Almaden

    Depart Cairns 07:45am with a chartered coach transfer to board the Savannahlander in Mareeba. Lunch in Dimbulah at the Crew House Cafe. Accommodation at the Almaden Railway Hotel including dinner.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Forsayth (Finnigans Rest)

    Almaden to Forsayth

    Breakfast at the Railway Hotel. Travel on the Savannahlander to Mt Surprise. Lineside stop for morning tea. Lunch at Mt Surprise. Travel on the Savannahlander to Wirra Wirra. Coach transfer to Forsayth. Accommodation and dinner at Finnigans Rest in Forsayth.

  3. Day 3overnight: Mount Surprise (Discovery Parks)

    Forsayth to Mount Surprise

    Breakfast at Finnigans Rest. Coach transfer from Forsayth to Wirra Wirra. Lunch at the Einasleigh Pub. The opportunity to have a short walk and visit the spectacular Copperfield Gorge. Travel on the Savannahlander from Einasleigh to Mt Surprise. Accommodation and dinner at Discovery Parks in Mt Surprise.

  4. Day 4rail

    Mount Surprise to Cairns

    Breakfast in Mt Surprise. Travel on the Savannahlander from Mt Surprise to Cairns. Lunch at the Almaden Railway Hotel. Afternoon tea at the Dimbulah Railway station with the Dimbulah Historical Society (at own expense).

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart Cairns at 7:45am by chartered coach, board the Savannahlander at Mareeba, and lunch at the Crew House Cafe in Dimbulah before arriving in Almaden.
  • Day 2Ride the Savannahlander to Mount Surprise with a lineside stop for morning tea in a branded cup to keep, then continue to Wirra Wirra and coach to Forsayth.
  • Day 3Take a short walk to the spectacular Copperfield Gorge near Einasleigh, then ride the Savannahlander back to Mount Surprise.
  • Day 4Final ride on the Savannahlander from Mount Surprise to Cairns with lunch at the Almaden Railway Hotel.

Included

  • Cairns to Forsayth return travel on the Savannahlander (coach transfer between Cairns & Mareeba, and Wirra Wirra & Forsayth)
  • En-suite rooms at the Railway Hotel (Almaden), Finnigans Rest (Forsayth) and Discovery Parks (Mt Surprise)
  • 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts
  • 4 lunches
  • Line-side morning tea stop with a Savannahlander branded cup to keep

Not included

  • Afternoon tea at the Dimbulah Railway station with the Dimbulah Historical Society (at own expense)

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes all Savannahlander rail travel from Mareeba (or coach transfer from Cairns) to Forsayth and return, plus two coach transfers (Cairns to Mareeba, and Wirra Wirra to Forsayth).
What meals are included?
Three breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners are included. One meal (afternoon tea at Dimbulah on Day 4) is at your own expense.
Which hotels are used?
Railway Hotel in Almaden (1 night), Finnigans Rest in Forsayth (1 night), and Discovery Parks in Mount Surprise (1 night). All rooms are en-suite.
When does the tour depart?
The pack does not specify the full seasonal or regular departure schedule. Contact Savannahlander for current departure dates.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate. Walking at towns and stations during stops, plus a short walk to Copperfield Gorge on Day 3. No long hikes are described.
What is not included?
Afternoon tea at Dimbulah Historical Society, optional side-tours to Chillagoe Caves and Undara Lava Tubes, and any meals or activities outside the main itinerary.

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