Spirit of the Outback Train Guide: Brisbane to Longreach with Kids

Are you considering a ride on Queensland Rail’s 26-hour train journey from Brisbane to Longreach on the Spirit of the Outback?

Our family decided to travel by train from Brisbane to Longreach in the sleeper cars provided in the all-inclusive journey on the Spirit of the Outback with our kids.

Of course, you don’t need to have kids to read my review, especially as most of the review is general information that is helpful for all ages.

Keep in mind that the Tuesday schedule and Saturday schedule are different as they leave at different times of the day. We left Brisbane on a Tuesday evening and arrived in Longreach the next night.

Keep reading to learn about boarding the Spirit of the Outback, dining onboard, the sleeper carriages, and the amenities on board.

Spirit of the Outback

Run by Queensland Rail, Spirit of the Outback is a 26-hour train ride from Brisbane to Longreach that includes stops to pick up and drop off passengers along the way.

With both economy seating, a single sleeper, and twin sleeper options, the Spirit of the Outback has different price points and additional discounts for seniors, pension card holders, and students. Kids fare is available.

Before the “season” starts in April, it is possible to get buy-one-get-one seats on the Spirit of the Outback. We used this discount for our family of 4.

The sleeper bed options include all-inclusive meals, and the economy seats have the option to purchase food and drinks on board.

Boarding Spirit of the Outback

The train leaves Brisbane from Roma Street Station twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

We booked the Tuesday night train, due to leave Roma Street Station at 6:10 pm.

Unfortunately, the night before our train was set to leave, we found out that a truck had hit a bridge, and therefore, we needed to take a bus to Gympie, where we would be able to board the train to Longreach.

The new plan was to arrive at Roma Street Station at 5 pm.

As we only live a couple of stops away, we took the train to Roma Street Station, where we checked our suitcase in, checked in for the bus, and found out that we would be taken out to dinner.

Dinner in Brisbane

We were meant to eat dinner on the train, so to replace that meal, we were walked across the street by Queensland Rail staff.

Tables were set up at the Transcontinental Hotel, and we were given a menu with 3 options: chicken schnitzel, fish and chips, or steak. Each meal came with garlic bread and dessert as well as a drink.

Though I would be lying if I said I wasn’t upset about the change, the dinner was delicious.

After dinner, we were walked back to the station by the staff to where our bus was waiting for us.

Bottled water was available to take on the bus with us. The bus took off at 6:45 pm.

Dinner on the Train

Had we been on the train as planned, our dinner would have included a lemon myrtle damper and a choice of 3 options: beef brisket, pork belly, or a pumpkin feta filo parcel.

Each meal includes a drink with the meal and tea or coffee with dessert.

The dessert options are Opera Gateau, which is an almond sponge cake, or a cheese board.

Arriving in Gympie

Though the bus stopped a few times to pick up passengers and drop off passengers, we were only allowed off the bus once, at Nambour, for a quick restroom stop. That occurred from 8:30 pm to 8:45 pm.

The bus arrived at Gympie Station at 9:35 pm. We were told which car and room number we were in, and boarding the train happened quickly.

We booked 2 double sleeper cars, and there were 4 keys, one for each door. Each bed has a separate entrance.

Our beds were not made when we arrived, so we made sure to put out the sign so they could be made quickly, as it was past bedtime for the kids.

Spirit of the Outback Sleeper Car

There are multiple sleeper cars on the Spirit of the Outback, and each car has both single and twin rooms.

The hallway twists and turns and is very narrow.

At the beginning of the journey, your key is in your door. The chairs are down, and inside each room is an envelope with a welcome letter and the times of your meals. There is also an amenities bag on each chair and towels in the room.

Inside the amenities bag are a lip balm, a washcloth, a hand lotion, and a hand sanitizer. There is also an inflatable neck pillow and a pen.

Each side of the room has its own sink, which has drinkable water. The sinks fold up when not in use.

On the wall, there is a very small wardrobe, a tiny table, and a garbage bin. There is a knob for a speaker so you can control how loud the announcements are. We turned it all the way up and still had trouble hearing the announcements due to the noise level on the train.

Down the hall, there is a bathroom and a shower across from each other. At the end of the other side of the car is a water station with cups.

Once we put up our “please make our beds” sign, our beds were quickly made.

Each bed is connected vertically. After the bed is made, it is impossible to open the door fully.

There is little room for luggage in the sleeper cars, so we checked our bags before the train journey began and each brought a backpack with pajamas, a change of clothes, and things to do.

Our backpacks fit under the bed when it is made, and on the floor out of the way when the beds are put away.

Economy Seats on Spirit of the Outback

In the morning, we went exploring and saw the 2 economy seat sections of the train.

Nearest the bar where you can order food and drinks, there were 3 seats across, 2 on one side of the aisle, and 1 on the other.

Walking through to the next car, each side had 2 seats per side.

As this car was empty, my family opted to sit down for a while, for a change of scene. They noticed that each seat had an activity book with Sudoku, crosswords, and other games. The activity book was entertaining for adults and kids.

In each economy car, there is a luggage rack. Each seat faces in the direction of travel and includes a personal light, tray table, and footrest. The seats recline.

The economy cars on the train have both a restroom and a shower.

Sleeping on Spirit of the Outback

As we didn’t get on the train until late and our beds weren’t made until after 10 pm, we almost immediately went to bed.

Usually, people either ask for their beds to be made when they go out for dinner, or later in the night as they enjoy a drink in the lounge car.

There is a knob on the window that turns to put the blinds down.

The train is pretty noisy and obviously moves, making it hard for some to sleep, but easy for others. I struggled to fall asleep and woke up on and off throughout the night.

The bed is hard, but the included pillows and blankets are nice.

I was sharing a room with my daughter, and we were both up at 4:30 am when the train stopped for a while in Rockhampton. The train goes up the coast of Queensland before turning west in Rockhampton.

Though we both fell back asleep for a while, we were up and searching for breakfast before 6:30 am. I hadn’t seen the envelope with our meal time that was in our room, and we hadn’t explored the train the night before, as we would have if we boarded in Brisbane.

Dining Car and Lounge Car on Spirit of the Outback

After our car on the train, there is a car that is a kitchen, and after that car is the dining car.

We were told breakfast was at 7:30, but we could order a coffee and sit in the lounge.

After the dining car, walking towards the back of the train is the lounge car. There are 6 tables with seats around them and TVs on the walls. If you keep walking, at the end of the lounge car is a place to order food and drinks.

The bar is located between the economy seats and the sleeper seat cars, so that it is available for everyone.

Coffee was included complimentary as we paid for the sleeper car, but there is a charge for those in the economy seats.

Milo was available for the kids.

Activities and souvenirs can be purchased at the bar as well as food and drinks throughout the day.

Breakfast on Spirit of the Outback

At 7:30, breakfast was announced, and we made our way into the dining car.

Everyone has 2 options for breakfast: a hot breakfast or a cold breakfast.

The hot breakfast includes eggs that are poached, scrambled, or fried, as well as bacon, hash browns, sausage, grilled tomatoes, and toast.

The cold breakfast includes your choice of cereal plus pastries, fruit, and yogurt.

Each meal includes juice, tea, and coffee.

The tables in the dining car fit 4 people, 2 on each side. While we had 4 people and therefore took up an entire table, most groups on board were 2 people, and most of them combined and shared a table during meals.

Lunch of Spirit of the Outback

My daughter had our envelope, so we figured out that our lunchtime was set for 1:30 pm.

My sister-in-law was also onboard the Spirit of the Outback, though in a different sleeper car than us. Even though we all had breakfast at 7:30 am, her lunch was scheduled for 12 pm.

Again, drinks are included with the meal. There are 3 options for lunch on Spirit of the Outback.

The lunch menu includes a choice between prosciutto-wrapped chicken, salmon, and a vegetable pie.

Coffee and tea are served with dessert, which is a choice between panna cotta and pavlova.

Kids’ meals are not on the menu, though our kids were given the option to order off the regular menu or get a toastie.

One kid opted to order off the menu while the other ordered a ham and cheese sandwich.

Stops Along the Way

The Spirit of the Outback makes quite a few stops along the way from Brisbane to Longreach, though the stops may change according to who is booked along the way.

If no one is booked to board or leave the train, the train won’t stop at the smaller stations.

Every 2 hours, the train stops for the drivers. The staff doesn’t walk near the engine, and they need to stop to give the drivers meals and drinks. Passengers are not always allowed out of the train.

On our train, we were allowed out at 3 different stations.

Unfortunately, we missed the announcement that said we could get off in Emerald. Make sure your speaker is on full volume!

We did get out for 10 minutes in Alpha and 20 minutes in Barcaldine.

Right outside the station at Barcaldine is the Tree of Knowledge.

Originally a gum tree by the station where the workers of the 1891 Shearers Strike met, the Tree of Knowledge is where the Australian Labor Party was formed.

Due to the tree being poisoned in 2006, what is now there is the preserved trunk of the tree under a large timber structure made with almost 5,000 individual timbers made to look like a canopy over the tree.

With 20 minutes in Barcaldine, it is easy to take a short walk to see different street art and a windmill.

Barcaline is on the Tropic of Capricorn, and there is a sign announcing that by the train station.

Afternoon Tea on Spirit of the Outback

Shortly after boarding in Barcaldine, afternoon tea was announced.

At this point, our train was running about 20 minutes behind, and afternoon tea was served at 5:15 pm.

Everyone had a choice of tea or coffee and was served 4 items.

The food included a spinach and cheese parcel, a miniature sausage roll, a mini quiche, and a small piece of chocolate raspberry cake.

While we were in the dining car enjoying afternoon tea, everyone started to spot animals for the first time on our train journey. We saw kangaroos jumping through the fields and a lot of emus as well.

Things to do Onboard Spirit of the Outback

Hang out in the Lounge Car

The only place on the train besides your room where you can always hang out is the lounge car.

The lounge car may vary in design based on the date of your train, but the lounge car during our train trip had 6 booths facing each other, with 3 on each side of the railcar.

Located between the dining car and the bar, the lounge car is a great place to hang out any time of day. It becomes popular at some times of the day but is empty at others.

The tables in the lounge car are small, meant to hold your drinks.

There are TVs in the lounge car, and while something may be playing, there is no volume.

Get a Drink at the Bar

Keep walking through the lounge car to the bar.

In the morning, complimentary coffee or Milo is available, and you are welcome to purchase food or drinks in the bar throughout the train trip.

Play Cards in the Dining Car

While we were able to play cards at the small table in the lounge car, we saw that most train travelers used the table in the dining car, as it had more space.

When meals aren’t being served, the dining car is open for anyone who wants a place to sit. There are 4 seats per table, and it is a great place to play a game.

Enjoy a Meal or Snack

Not surprisingly, our favorite part of the train ride was mealtime. It breaks up the day and gives everyone something to do.

Meal time is also a great time to see other passengers.

We were served 3 meals and afternoon tea on the train, so we did not feel the need to order snacks, though they were available at the bar.

Drinks, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcohol, are available at the bar.

Explore the Train

Take a walk through the train to see the other carriages.

If you are in the economy seats, there are only 2 carriages that you can walk through, but those staying in the sleeper cars can walk through the other sleeper cars as well as the kitchen, dining car, lounge car, and economy cars.

My family realized an entire economy car was empty and took advantage of it as an additional place to sit.

Complete an Activity Book

Of course, you can bring your own activity book with you, and there are also disposable activities inside a magazine available in the economy section.

My family found a few activity magazines that both adults and kids enjoyed working on.

Look at the View

Sit back and enjoy the view!

The view does change a bit as you move through Queensland. The train even travels through a mountain range.

We were lucky enough to have rooms on both sides of the train, so we could see both sides of the train. Anyone can see both sides of the train from the dining car and lounge car.

Try to Spot Animals

We didn’t spot any animals until afternoon tea time, but it was fun to see kangaroos hopping through the grass, emus wandering nearby, horses running by, and plenty of cows.

Most of the animals are on the right side of the train, as there is a road on the left side.

Read a Book

Definitely bring something to do, especially something like a book that does not require wifi. There is no wifi on the train and no cell service unless the train is near a town.

Take a Nap

Enjoy the extra time with nothing to do and the opportunity to take an afternoon nap.

While my family did not even attempt a nap, we noticed that many people take advantage of their free time and sleep for an hour or two.

Talk to the Crew and Other Passengers

The crew is friendly, as are most of the passengers on board the Spirit of the Outback. Most people are happy to sit down and have a chat with someone new.

Meal times are a good time to chat, as is anytime in the lounge car.

Spirit of the Outback FAQ

Spirit of the Outback with Kids Wrap-Up

We happened to be the only family with kids on the Spirit of the Outback train from Brisbane to Longreach, but we were not traveling during the school holidays.

Train passengers can choose between 2 different types of seats: an economy seat or a sleeper seat, which is in a private room and has a chair that converts into a bed. The sleeper car has both single and double-passenger options, so a family needs to book more than 1 room.

The sleeper seats include sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels, as well as an amenities kit.

Everyone on board the Spirit of the Outback can purchase food and drinks throughout the day. Those who have booked the sleeper option have meals included. The meals include a drink as well as coffee or tea after lunch and dinner. Both lunch and dinner include dessert.

The journey from Brisbane to Longreach on the Spirit of the Outback takes approximately 26 hours and occurs twice each week. Passengers can get on and off at various stations, as long as they have booked their tickets in advance to include the stop they need.

Everyone can get off the train 3 times on the way from Brisbane to Longreach. The train spends at least 10 minutes in Emerald, Alpha, and Barcaldine, which allows passengers a chance to get outside.

Are you looking for fun family-friendly things to do once you arrive in Longreach?  Check out the Qantas Founders Museum, the Cobb and Co Stagecoach Experience, Starlight's Cruise Experience, or any of the many fun things to do in Longreach.

Family-Friendly Accommodations in Longreach

If you are looking for a place to stay in Longreach, here are a few family-friendly options.

The Staging Post

Located in the center of town, The Staging Post is conveniently near shops and restaurants.

With a family room option, including 3 twin beds, a separate room with a queen bed, a kitchen, and a large dining table, The Staging Post is a great Longreach hotel for families.

Outside the rooms, there are stagecoaches and various old machines that the kids can sit in.

If you are staying at The Staging Post, let them know what time your train arrives, and they will be there to pick you up.

Find the current prices and book your stay at The Staging Post.  Room options include queen rooms, triple rooms, and family rooms.

Longreach Motor Inn

Longreach Motor Inn is located directly across the street from the Longreach train station.

The Longreach Motor Inn has a swimming pool, sauna, and a restaurant on-site. Harry’s restaurant is open for dinner nightly.

Family rooms for families of 4 or 5 are available at Longreach Motor Inn, including a 2-bedroom suite. King and Queen studio rooms are also available.

Find out the current prices and book your stay at Longreach Motor Inn.

Mitchell Grass Retreat

You can stay in a glamping tent at Mitchell Grass Retreat, just a few minutes’ drive from the town of Longreach.

All of the glamping tents at Mitchell Grass Retreat include an ensuite bathroom and shower and have air conditioning.

Each tent has a kitchenette and private use of a BBQ.

Find out the current prices and book your stay at Mitchell Grass Retreat.

You May Also Like

• The Staging Post Hotel
• Best Family-Friendly Accommodations in Longreach
• Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Longreach
• Qantas Founders Museum
• Cobb and Co Stagecoach Experience
• Starlight’s Cruise Experience
• Best Things to Do in Longreach
• Family-Friendly Accommodation in Winton
• Things to Do in Winton
• Australian Age of Dinosaurs Guide

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