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Coastal Queensland Railway Tour

Duration: 10 Days

Price: from AU$2,505

Departure From: Brisbane

Departure Date: Friday & Sunday's

Tour Type: Independent Tour

Meal Plan: B&B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 1/5

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Explore K’gari, Magnetic Island, and the stunning Fitzroy Island from Brisbane on this coastal Queensland Railway Tour.

Relax and take your time and to fully enjoy the islands along Queensland’s wonderful coast while appreciating the comfort and convenience of quality train travel on the Spirit of Queensland railway. Queensland rail holiday package from Brisbane is a unique adventure showcasing our incredible coastal beauty.

K’gari Island
An island made entirely of sand, World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) offers surprises at every turn. Within minutes of landing on K’gari, you’ll feel its magic. Drive on wide-open beaches with the wind in your hair, marvel at shifting sand blows, swim in iridescent waters and witness playful marine life just metres from shore. Complete with a blend of holiday resorts and wilderness camping, there’s an adventure for everyone on K’gari.

Your destination on K’gari Island, Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Magnetic Island
For centuries, Magnetic Island has beckoned travellers from far and wide, and for good reason. The traditional owners of the island, the Wulgurukaba, call it ‘Yunbenun’, while James Cook named it ‘Magnetical’. But to those who know and love it, this island is simply ‘Maggie’. Our local guides will take you on a journey through time and nature on this tropical paradise, uncovering the island’s rich history and abundant wildlife.

Townsville and Magnetic Island

Green Island
Green Island is a small coral cay located off the coast of Cairns in Queensland, Australia. It is part of the Great Barrier Reef and is unique for having both a tropical rainforest and surrounding coral reef. The island is just 12 hectares in size but offers rich biodiversity and stunning marine life. It is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and glass-bottom boat tours. Green Island is also a protected marine national park and holds cultural significance for the Gunggandji people, the traditional owners of the land.

Islands of Queensland Railway Tour

  • Travel Queensland’s coastline in comfort aboard the Tilt Train and the Spirit of Queensland
  • Spend three nights on K’gari, Australia’s largest sand island
  • Uncover K’gari’s most iconic sights on a full day Beauty Spots tour
  • Cruise to stunning Magnetic Island and explore the sights
  • Enjoy time at leisure in tropical Cairns
  • Soak up the sun on beautiful Green Island
Islands of Queensland Tour Map

The Spirit of Queensland Railway – Your Onboard Experience

Rediscover the luxury of time with a rail journey along Queensland’s coast aboard the Spirit of Queensland railway. With regular services each week and daylight travel between Proserpine and Cairns, it’s a great way to travel to some of Queensland’s spectacular holiday destinations.

Contemporary, comfortable and designed for relaxation but also comfortably fast reaching a maximum speed of 160km/h, the Spirit of Queensland railway journey redefines the modern rail travel experience with a comfortable and convenient way to access spectacular holiday destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns and everywhere in between. ​

Wherever you’re heading, the Spirit of Queensland railway will have you relaxed from the moment you step aboard to the time you arrive at your destination.

The Tilt Train service from Brisbane to Maryborough offers a comfortable and efficient journey along Queensland’s east coast. For the approximate 4 hour journey you will be seated in economy class which provides comfortable reclining seats, footrests, tray tables and air conditioning.

The modern Spirit of Queensland railway

Tilt Train Features

  • Free Wifi
  • Power outlets
  • Tray table, footrest, reclining seats and air conditioning
  • Café offering a selection of snacks, light meals and beverages
  • Toilet facilities

Spirit of Queensland Railway Features

  • Modern carriages
  • Café offering a selection of meals and refreshments
  • Drinking fountains
  • Tray table, reading light, drink holder, footrest and 240-volt power point
  • Shower and toilet facilities
Spirit of Queensland Cafe Carriage

Spirit of Queensland Railway Economy Seat Class

The premium economy Spirit of Queensland railway carriages feature leather seats, entertainment systems with on demand movies, TV and music in the back of the seat in front of you and a 30 degree seat recline.

  • Comfortable reclining seat
  • On-demand entertainment
  • One item of checked-in luggage and one carry-on item
Spirit of Queensland Economy Class Seating

Spirit of Queensland Railway Railbed Class

The RailBed is a spacious and comfortable seat that includes a state-of-the-art personal entertainment system and 240v powerpoint. By day the RailBeds are large seats that can recline 35 degrees and have a footrest that can be used as a seat if you’re travelling with someone who wants to come and have a chat. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your RailBed ticket, with one glass of complimentary wine with your evening meal. Any other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the club car.

RailBed passengers also receive a lip balm, hand sanitser and hand cream from Queensland skincare brand. All Railbeds face the direction of travel and can not be reversed. Fully plated meals will be provided to RailBed customers offering hot or continental breakfast, 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner. Guests will be able to select different options from the menu (a-la-carte) with orders taken prior to the meals times. Meals will be delivered directly to Railbed guests and the 24 hour Club Car is available for additional purchases. The Club Car is licensed to sell alcohol from 10am – 12 midnight

  • Seat converts to a lie-flat bed at night
  • All-inclusive in-seat dining experience including two course meals with complimentary beverage
  • On-demand entertainment
  • Two items of checked-in luggage and one carry-on item
Spirit of Queensland Rail Bed Day
Railbed Class by day
Railbed Class by night

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions for your Brisbane to Cairns, Islands of Queensland Railway Journey please see below. Tours depart on four times per week

Islands of Queensland Railway Journey 2025-26 Departure Dates:

  • The Islands of Queensland Railway Journey departs Brisbane every Friday and Sunday, 10 Apr 2026 – 24 January 2027

Click here for Queensland rail tours to other destinations

Should you wish to add pre or post night accommodation, add a return journey from Cairns, extend your journey, or add activities or international flights to your Tropical Rail Adventure, please be sure to let us know at the time of booking.

Tour Inclusions

  • One way travel on the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Maryborough West – Economy Seat
  • Return RailBus transfers from Maryborough West to Hervey Bay
  • 1 night 41/2 star accommodation in Hervey Bay
  • Return bus transfers from Hervey Bay accommodation to River Heads Ferry Terminal
  • Return ferry transfers from River Heads to K’gari
  • 3 nights 4 star accommodation on K’gari
  • Full day 4WD Beauty Spots Tour
  • One way travel on the Spirit of Queensland from Maryborough West to Townsville – RailBed
  • 2 nights 4 star accommodation in Townsville
  • Return ferry transfer from Townsville to Magnetic Island
  • Magnetic Island Big Bus Tour
  • One way travel on the Spirit of Queensland from Townsville to Cairns – Economy Seat
  • 3 nights 4 star accommodation in Cairns
  • Fitzroy Island day tour
  • Meals as specified
  • Sightseeing and inclusions as per itinerary

Pricing Notes

  • From prices are a guide only, subject to change and availability in Australian Dollars.
  • Price for rail packages are per person per package twin share
  • Prices are based on travel in low season
  • Full payment is required at the time of booking
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
  • Full terms and conditions will be advised at the time of booking.
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Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Brisbane - Spirit of Queensland train - Hervey Bay
Depart Brisbane this morning on the Tilt Train and travel north to Maryborough West, arriving late afternoon. Transfer by RailBus connection to the Hervey Bay Transit Centre and make your own way to your accommodation at Hervey Bay. Stay overnight at Ramada Resort by Wyndham Hervey Bay.
This morning you’ll be collected and transferred to River Heads to board the ferry to World Heritage Listed K’gari, the world’s largest sand island. The afternoon is free to do as much or as little as you please. Relax by the large lagoon-style pool, join one of the guided walks or indulge in a day spa treatment at Island Spa (own expense). Stay the next three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Join a full day 4WD eco tour discovering all the beauty spots of the island. Guided by a local Ranger, you will walk along the boardwalk at Central Station and admire the impressive central station rainforest. Swim in the crystal blue water and white sands of Lake McKenzie. After lunch, travel along the beach highway of 75 Mile Beach to see the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of The Pinnacles.
Spend the morning at leisure before transferring by ferry to Hervey Bay to connect with the RailBus service to Maryborough West. Board the Spirit of Queensland for the overnight journey to Townsville. Dinner will be served to you at your seat. After dinner, your seat will be transformed to a flat bed and you can settle in for the evening.
Enjoy breakfast before arriving in Townsville. Make your own way to your hotel where you can leave your luggage before setting out to explore the surrounding area. Perhaps visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland or head to The Strand, one of Townsville’s popular beaches. Stay the next two nights at Rydges Southbank Townsville.
This morning, cruise to Magnetic Island on board a high speed catamaran. See all the major sights of beautiful Magnetic Island on a half day tour. Snorkel fringing reefs, explore many of the 23 bays and beaches and learn about the rich history of Magnetic Island as you journey around the island. Stop for lunch (own expense) and a swim before returning to Townsville in the afternoon.
After breakfast, make your own way to Townsville railway station and board the Spirit of Queensland for the journey to Cairns. Settle into your Economy Seat and watch the scenery pass by as you head north. On arrival in Cairns, make your own way to your hotel. Stay the next three nights at Pacific Hotel Cairns.
This morning, take a 45-minute cruise to the tropical paradise of Green Island. Surrounded by reef filled with diverse marine life, and home to a unique rainforest environment, Green Island offers the perfect island experience. Choose to snorkel straight off the beach, take a glass bottom boat tour or sit back and relax on the white coral and sand beaches.
Today is free to explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure. There is so much on offer but you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the mountain village of Kuranda. Travel on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing through ancient Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest of Din Din Barron Gorge National Park. Glide down the mountain on your return by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, skimming the treetops and taking in spectacular views of Cairns below (own expense).
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end! Your tour concludes upon check out of your accommodation this morning. Alternatively, you may like to extend your time in the Tropical North with a stay at Palm Cove or Port Douglas.

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.