Cairns Train Trip April/May 2023
A train trip on the Spirit of Queensland was a perfect way to spend the end of April. We used to love the sleeper cabins on the old Sunlander, but as they are long gone, we decided to try the newer rail beds on the train that replaced the Sunlander. Rather like business class plane seats, but with much more space, these seats are housed in sleek capsules that turn into very comfortable beds for the night. We checked our suitcase to Cairns, then settled into our seats. We had a few hours of daylight to enjoy the scenery, then partook in a pre-dinner drink as night crept in. Our 3 course delicious dinner was served with wine to our seats, and then our beds were made up by the friendly staff.
We slept soundly, as we always do on trains, with that lovely gentle rocking as we woosh through the night. The beds, pillows, and soft doonas were oh so comfy and all too soon we faced morning as the train rolled into Proserpine. It seemed strange to us to be staying on the train as this was always our arrival point in the past. This was our first time going all the way to Cairns by train.
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,The staff folded our beds back into seats, left pillows out that we could continue to use through the day and served up a hot, hearty breakfast. We chose the hot breakfast over the continental, and were pleased with our fare. We had downloaded audiobooks so that we could take in the outside scenery while listening, and not miss anything. We were able to stretch our legs at a few stations, but the stops were generally short. We were lucky to catch ten minutes with Murray at Townsville, where he brought snacks of homemade jerky and dried mango. A two course lunch with wine was served at midday, and all too soon for us, we were rolling into Cairns in the late afternoon. We had booked a central hotel for the night and were meeting up with Sue and Dennis the next day.
After an inactive day on the train, I brushed off the cobwebs the next morning with a 10 kilometre walk exploring Cairns and, of course, the city cemetery where I found my great-grandmother's grave. Pathways wind thorough parks and by waterways. Everything is green and lush, and the bird life is abundant.
Due to a lucky coincidence in timing, Sue and Dennis had booked a week in Cairns in a two bedroom unit, and kindly shared their accommodation with us. We had a very relaxing week surrounded by greenery and pools at this resort. We did a little sight-seeing and also enjoyed a day taking the scenic railway trip to Kuranda.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way from Cairns to Kuranda, rising from sea level to 327 metres. The journey crosses 55 bridges and passes through 15 tunnels as it ascends to the luxuriant rainforest, offers spectacular views from mountain to coastline, and passes a number tumbling waterfalls.
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Yaya's Hellenic Kitchen was a great find - just like stepping into Greece, with terracotta and white decor overlooking the Esplanade. The food was amazing, from the char-grilled calamari and octopus to the baklava ice-cream dessert. Everything on the menu was tempting. We also tried the zucchini chips, lamb cigars, moussaka, Yaya's specialty of slow baked lamb, a Greek salad and galaktoboureko (semolina custard in filo pastry). Don't miss this restaurant if you are ever in Cairns. |
All too soon it was time to head back to Brisbane. The return train journey was just as pleasant as the one on the way up. Hard to find any complaints about the train. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The facilities in the rail bed carriages are excellent - shower and toilets, towels, a vanity pack with lip balm, hand cream, sanitiser, and a wash cloth, power points and charging stations in each seat, entertainment screens with a selection of movies, shows and music. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included with various menu selections, including wine or beer. No wonder the seats book out quickly and you need to book well in advance.