Experience the adventure of train travel

The Sunlander

The Sunlander - Australia's most popular rail journey

To book this journey please complete a Journey Request Form, you will receive an answer from one of our Rail Specialists within 48 hours. Alternatively please feel free to contact us via phone or email.

The Sunlander is one of Australia's most popular and endearing rail journeys and it's not surprising!

This beautiful, classic train meanders its way along Australia's incredible north-eastern coastline of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts in the south via tropical lowlands, mountain ranges, parklands and pure white sands to where the Great Barrier Reef meets the timeless Daintree Wilderness in the north.

From cosmopolitan Brisbane, Queensland's sub-tropical capital, to laid back Cairns through towns, wilderness, rain forest and tropical beaches it's an stunning journey - just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

The Sunlander takes approximately 32 hours between Brisbane and Cairns and travels three times a week in either direction with many stops along the way to choose from.

- Departs Brisbane Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
- Departs Cairns Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
- Brisbane-Whitsundays vv: around 32 hours
- Brisbane-Whitsundays vv: around 19 hours
- Brisbane-Cairns vv: around 12 hours
- Concessionary fares available on request, subject to eligibility.

There are also connecting Trainlink Coaches to transfer you the last short distances to and from the four rail stations of:

- Nambour for the Sunshine Coast
- Maryborough West for Hervey Bay and Fraser Island
- Rockhampton to Yeppoon
- Proserpine for Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays

The Sunlander includes a buffet car which offers a variety of takeaway meals and light refreshments, bar service, tea and coffee are available for purchase and a lounge car for the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a relaxing drink in comfortable surroundings. Your every need is catered for!

The Sunlander offers three levels of service, Seats, Sleepers or for a real rail experience Queenslander Class:

Reclining Seats: Open saloon cars with an overhead luggage rack, individual reading lights, panoramic windows and toilets and washbasins at the end of each carriage.

Triple Sleepers: Featuring three berths converting to seats during the day with a washbasin, reading lights and a power point. A blanket, lower sheet, pillow and pillow slip is provided for each passenger and showers and toilets are available at the end of each carriage.

Twin Sleepers (Twinettes): Featuring washbasin, wardrobe, reading lights and power point with bedding and towels provided. Berths convert to seats during the day and showers and toilets are available at the end of each carriage.

Single Sleepers (Roomettes): Featuring washbasin, wardrobe, reading lights and a power point with bedding and towels provided. Berths convert to seats during the day and showers and toilets are available at the end of each carriage.

Queenslander Class Twin Sleepers: For a real rail experience, twice a week in either direction The Sunlander includes the premium all-inclusive carriages of Queenslander Class featuring first class Twin Sleeper accommodation, fine dining in the Restaurant Car, a Lounge and Bar, exceptional service and a host of other extra special touches.