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Spirit of Queensland Explorer & Rainforest Rail Adventure

From $3,399pp
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Holiday Overview

Departure Date: 13 January 2026 - 7 Nights
Alternative Departure Dates Available
  • Duration 7 NIGHTS
  • Departure Date Range Feb 2025 - Mar 2026
  • Cruise type Rail Journeys
  • Cruise code TRA2258

New Dates added for 2025 & 2026

COMPLIMENTARY HOTEL UPGRADE TO THE 5* CRYSTALBROOK BAILEY

4-DAY PORT DOUGLAS EXTENSION AVAILABLE FROM $499PP

Journey on board the Spirit of Queensland and uncover tropical villages, indigenous customs, and incredible wildlife before immersing yourself in a fascinating exploration of Cairns.

Relish a hotel stay in Brisbane before boarding the Spirit of Queensland for your one-night journey to the natural wilderness of captivating Cairns. A modern tilt train, it boasts state-of-the-art facilities that offers you the classic old-world charms of rail travel with the ultimate mix of modern-day comforts.

From your base in Cairns, where you’ll spend five nights in total, you’ll embark on a series of tours that will explore this captivating destination. From an exploration of the Rainforestation National Park to a Pamagirri Aboriginal experience, an enchanting Skyrail Rainforest Cableway journey to close encounters with indigenous wildlife, and a catamaran cruise of the Great Barrier Reef, the sights you’ll see will be ones to remember.

Your Imagine Holiday Includes

Rail Journey

1 night rail journey on board Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns in a lie-flat railbed with all meals

In-seat wine and dine service and entertainment

Hotel Stays

1 night four-star hotel stay at The Point Brisbane

Complimentary 5 night five-star hotel upgrade at the Crystalbrook Bailey, a Cairns Luxury Resort 
All hotel stays include breakfast

Tours

Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway tour including*:

Kuranda Village
Rainforestation Nature Park
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
Tropical Fruit Orchard
Dreamtime Walk
Koala and Wildlife Park
Amphibious Army Duck tour of the rainforest
Cairns tour including:
Reef Magic Great Barrier Reef cruise
Travel on air-conditioned catamaran
4 hours reef time
Marine life touch tank
Underwater observatory
Fish feeding presentations

All Flights & Taxes
*Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail may be closed for trackworks and maintenance on select travel dates. This will be replaced with a Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest tour if the tour date is not available. Itinerary may operate in reverse depending on departure date.
Named hotels are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Alternative hotels will always be of equal or higher star rating.

Your Voyage

Your Itinerary

Day 1
Brisbane: Hotel Stay

Brisbane boasts a vibrant café culture to match its classic relaxed Gold Coast vibe. While away the hours by meandering the city’s riverbanks lined with busy malls, riverfront plazas, outdoor man-made beaches, water parks, botanical gardens, and wildlife parks.

Overnight: The Point Brisbane

Day 2
Brisbane: Board the Spirit of Queensland

Board the Spirit of Queensland for your train journey to Cairns. Turn on your personal in-seat entertainment or simply admire the spectacular vistas from your window as the scenes transform to the lush green landscapes of rural Queensland.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Spirit of Queensland

Day 3
Cairns: Alight the Spirit of Queensland

Upon alighting the Spirit of Queensland, the balmy air and azure waters of Cairns will whisk you into a tropical paradise. Surrounded by the UNESCO-listed wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, it’s a haven for explorers.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Crystalbrook Bailey Cairns

Day 4
Cairns: Hotel Stay

You’ll enjoy a full day to explore Cairns and its lush tropical environs. From trips to Cape Tribulation and the Atherton Tablelands, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice here.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Crystalbrook Bailey Cairns

Day 5
Kuranda: Tour & Hotel Stay

Today you’ll be transported to the rainforest village of Kuranda on board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Upon arrival, you’ll begin your exploration with a series of immersive tours before boarding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Crystalbrook Bailey Cairns

Day 6
Cairns: Tour & Hotel Stay

Embark a catamaran to Moore Reef to learn about the astonishing natural history of the Great Barrier Reef. An escorted coral-viewing tour from a semi-submersible vessel and a glass-bottom boat, will offer incredible sights of astonishing coral formations.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Crystalbrook Bailey Cairns

Day 7
Cairns: Hotel Stay

Originally home to the Yirrganydji and Yidinji peoples, Cairns offers a rich range of cultural attractions. Discover some of the incredible indigenous artwork at Cairns Art Gallery or delve into the town’s remarkable history at Cairns Museum.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Crystalbrook Bailey Cairns

Day 8
Cairns: Fly Home

Your holiday complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your Tour Highlights

Kuranda Scenic Railway
The Kuranda Scenic Railway, a century-old track, meanders through a lush tropical landscape, offering breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, tunnels, bridges, and Barron Gorge. It leads to Kuranda, a rainforest village 328 meters above sea level, where you can explore Heritage Markets for local souvenirs, art, jewellery, and clothing.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef spans 344,000 square kilometers, visible from space. Explore its breathtaking beauty aboard a glass-bottom boat, witness exotic marine life during guided snorkeling, and savor a buffet lunch and afternoon tea on this unforgettable tour.
Rainforestation Nature Park
Rainforestation Nature Park guarantees year-round thrills in captivating natural settings. Experience a unique World War II Army Duck tour, engage in the interactive Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience with traditional dance and a Dreamtime Walk, and witness Australia's diverse wildlife. This adventure promises a lasting rendezvous with nature's marvels in a brief visit.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
The Kuranda Scenic Railway, a century-old track, meanders through a lush tropical landscape, offering breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, tunnels, bridges, and Barron Gorge. It leads to Kuranda, a rainforest village 328 meters above sea level, where you can explore Heritage Markets for local souvenirs, art, jewellery, and clothing.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef spans 344,000 square kilometers, visible from space. Explore its breathtaking beauty aboard a glass-bottom boat, witness exotic marine life during guided snorkeling, and savor a buffet lunch and afternoon tea on this unforgettable tour.
Rainforestation Nature Park
Rainforestation Nature Park guarantees year-round thrills in captivating natural settings. Experience a unique World War II Army Duck tour, engage in the interactive Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience with traditional dance and a Dreamtime Walk, and witness Australia's diverse wildlife. This adventure promises a lasting rendezvous with nature's marvels in a brief visit.

Spirit of Queensland

Climb on board the contemporary and comfortable Spirit of Queensland, a modern tilt train, for a fabulous one-night journey from sunny Brisbane to the natural wilderness of captivating Cairns. Travelling over 1,500km north, you’ll embrace the picturesque views of the unfolding landscape from your pleasant seat. Savour the delectable flavours of local product, listen to music from the state-of-the-art entertainment facilities and get to know your fellow passengers as you glide through the landscapes of a top speed of 160km an hour.

The newest trains on the track, the Spirit of Queensland combines the perfect blend of comfortable seating and modern entertainment options with the charm of a long-distance rail travel. Travelling between Brisbane and Cairns five times a week, the Spirit of Queensland redefines the modern rail travel experience with the convenience and ease of access spectacular holiday destinations.

Life on board Spirit of Queensland

The moment you step on board, you’ll be transported into a world of relaxation. With state-of-the-art facilities, the Spirit of Queensland tilt train offers you the classic old-world charms of rail travel with the ultimate mix of modern-day comforts.

Carriages

The train is made up of 9 carriages and includes two power carriages, a baggage carriage, two RailBed carriages, three Economy Seating carriages and a Café carriage.

As it’s an overnight train, there are two options for accommodation – RailBed and Premium Economy.

Premium Economy

The Premium Economy carriages have four seats per row, two on each side of the aisle. The leather seats are spacious and can be reclined to a comfortable 30 degrees. You’ll also find overhead lockers to store luggage, a powerpoint for charging electronics, a reading light, and a knee blanket.

Railbed

An Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat by day and a lie-flat bed by night – very similar to a Business Class seat on a plane in both style and design.

There are three seats/pods per row, making the single seat perfect for solo travellers. Enjoy the extra leg room and comfortable 35 degree recline.

Other extras include a complimentary welcome pack with an assortment of toiletries, a handy fold-out table, a drink holder, a reading light, a 240-volt powerpoint for charging electronics, and a footrest.

Entertainment

In both the Premium Economy and RailBed carriages, you’ll find an entertainment system in the back of the headrest of the seat in front of you, the same as you’d find on a plane. All of which feature a variety of good movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts to keep you entertained into the evening.

During the day, the scenery is incredibly picturesque as you journey through small country towns, tropical rainforests, sugar cane fields and banana plantations. So, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and soak up the glorious passing landscapes.

Food & Drink

On-board menus offer a range of options, from light refreshments such as fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps, and a selection of hot cooked dishes, ranging from traditional roasts to pastas and vegetarian dishes.

The Galley Car is open 24-hours and can also be accessed by people in the Railbed section if extra snacks or drinks are required. And a complimentary wine, beer or juice is served with lunch and dinner.

For prices please select your departure airport

Prices

Twin Share Prices from $3,399pp

Alternative Departure Dates
09 February 2025
09 Feb 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $2,799pp
23 February 2025
23 Feb 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Sold Out
08 April 2025
08 Apr 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $2,899pp
06 May 2025
06 May 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,099pp
03 June 2025
03 Jun 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,199pp
08 July 2025
08 Jul 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,499pp
12 August 2025
12 Aug 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,799pp
09 September 2025
09 Sep 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,299pp
07 October 2025
07 Oct 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,299pp
11 November 2025
11 Nov 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,099pp
09 December 2025
09 Dec 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,199pp
17 February 2026
17 Feb 2026
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,099pp
10 March 2026
10 Mar 2026
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,099pp

Solo Passengar Prices from $4,399pp

Alternative Departure Dates
09 February 2025
09 Feb 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,799pp
23 February 2025
23 Feb 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,799pp
08 April 2025
08 Apr 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $3,899pp
06 May 2025
06 May 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $4,099pp
03 June 2025
03 Jun 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $4,199pp
08 July 2025
08 Jul 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $4,499pp
12 August 2025
12 Aug 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $4,799pp
09 September 2025
09 Sep 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $4,299pp
07 October 2025
07 Oct 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $4,299pp
11 November 2025
11 Nov 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $4,099pp
09 December 2025
09 Dec 2025
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $4,199pp
17 February 2026
17 Feb 2026
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $4,099pp
10 March 2026
10 Mar 2026
7 nights
Itinerary Includes: Brisbane, , Cairns, , Kuranda, Cairns, ,
Fr From $4,099pp

Your Hotel Stays

Brisbane

Included Hotel

The Point Brisbane Hotel (Or Similar)

The Point Brisbane Hotel stands as a beacon of luxury, earning its prestigious four-star status. Nestled along the scenic Kangaroo Point cliffs in Australia, this architectural gem offers panoramic views of the Brisbane River and city skyline. With 202 well-appointed rooms, contemporary design, and modern amenities, guests indulge in comfort and style. The hotel boasts sophisticated dining options, a rooftop pool, and versatile event spaces. Its prime location provides easy access to cultural attractions and business hubs. The Point Brisbane Hotel seamlessly combines elegance with functionality, ensuring a memorable and refined stay for discerning travellers.

Cairns

Included Hotel

Crystalbrook Bailey (Or Similar)

Crystalbrook Bailey’s atmosphere is both modern and innovative while also celebrating originality and individuality. A luxury hotel, you’re gifted time to lose yourself in Cairns’ lively streets and attractions from here. Delight in an enviable selection of on-site restaurants which cater to every palate, from CC’s Bar and Grill – transporting your tastebuds to Australia’s rugged Outback – to Pachamama’s vibrant Latin flavours. Crystalbrook Bailey also delivers special offers and packages including private dining at The Arte Room and experiences with monthly Feature Artists. You’ll then retire to your intimate, thoughtfully designed room and fall into crisp white linens – the perfect end to a day exploring Cairns.

Saver Fares

Enjoy the same exceptional value with our holiday packages featuring hotel stays, memorable tours, and iconic rail journeys around the world, all without transfers* included – travel your way with Imagine Holidays.

*Available at an additional cost, call one of our Holiday Experts for more details.

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