Discover Tropical North Queensland with Rail
From Brisbane, QLD To Cairns, QLD - 7 Nights

Package Details

Details

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Brisbane
Welcome to Brisbane! Check into 5 star, centrally located Hilton Brisbane any time after 3pm.

Accommodation: Hilton Brisbane or similar

Day 2: Brisbane – Spirit of Queensland (B, D)
There is plenty of time to explore Brisbane today, before making your own way to nearby Roma Street Station to board the iconic Spirit of Queensland. Take a seat in your RailBed car and enjoy the unique sense of relaxation only rail offers, as your train rolls out of Brisbane city. Enjoy in-seat service as you take in ever-changing views, as the sun sets though the southern Queensland hills. Make use of the state of the art in-seat entertainment system, before the fold down service converts your chair into a comfortable bed for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Accommodation: Spirit of Queensland – RailBed Class

Day 3: Spirit of Queensland – Cairns (B, L)
The Spirit of Queensland will be entering the tropics when you wake up this morning. Watch the fertile agricultural land slip by as you are served delicious breakfast in your seat. Today’s journey takes you through the iconic north Queensland towns of Townsville, Ingham, Tully and more before pulling into Cairns at 4.30. After disembarking, make your own way to Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns, to relax for the evening.

Accommodation: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns or similar

Day 4: Full Day Cruise and Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Day (B, L)
Make your own way to the Marina this morning (approx 2kms from the hotel) to cruise to the Great Barrier Reef on a once-in-a-lifetime Great Adventures Cruise. Cruise out on a super-smooth airconditioned catamaran. Once at the Outer Reef pontoon, choose to snorkel, swim, dive or stay dry and wonder at the beauty and diversity of the Great Barrier Reef. The stable activity platform houses a bar and dining area, with lunch included in your day. Visit the underwater observatory or take to the water via the easily accessible snorkel platform, with gear included. Optionally, book a dive lesson or guided snorkel tour, or even a 10 minute scenic heli ride (not included) before returning to the resort in the evening.

Accommodation: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns or similar

Day 5: Cairns (B)
Spend a full day of free time today. The Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns’ perfect location right on the famous esplanade offers a relaxing, indulgent place to unwind and a launch pad to explore Cairns and surrounds. Enjoy the expansive lagoon-style pool and outdoor dining options. Cairns’ many popular restaurants, bars and shops are just outside your door.

Accommodation: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns or similar

Day 6: Cairns (B)
Another full day of free time to relax or explore as you please.

Accommodation: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns or similar

Day 7: Cairns – Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Train (B)
After breakfast this morning, meet your driver guide and journey through stunning World Heritage protected rainforest. Upon arrival in Kuranda, there’s time to explore the village. Heritage Markets operate 7 days a week. You have time to visit Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens [not included].
10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, board the Kuranda Scenic Rail train and wind through hand-hewn tunnels, across bridges and around densely forested curves, to arrive at Freshwater Station and be transferred to our hotel. Relax for the evening.

Accommodation: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns or similar

Day 8: Depart Cairns (B)
After breakfast, make your own way home.

Inclusions

Ease into your Tropical North Queensland holiday with a night at Hilton Brisbane in the heart of the city. Then sit back in your Spirit of Queensland RailBed seat to watch the heritage buildings of Brisbane give way to the Glasshouse Mountains & the iconic scenery of the Sunshine State. Experience world-class service with included wine & dine service and built-in entertainment. Alight in Cairns for your 5 night resort stay at Rydges Cairns Esplanade Resort. Spend a full day on the incredible Great Barrier Reef, including watersports, lunch & nibbles; experience the tropics from the famous Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Train on a fun day tour.

Inclusions

• 1 Night at 5-star Hilton Brisbane with buffet breakfast at Vintaged Bar + Grill
• 2 Days / 1 Night aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns in a lie-flat RailBed with lunch and dinner
• In-seat wine and dine service and entertainment aboard the Spirit of Queensland
• 5 Nights at 4-star Rydges Cairns Esplanade Resort with breakfast daily and welcome drink
• Full Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Pontoon Experience with lunch and water sports
• Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Train Excursion

Terms

Price based on travelling: 18 February 2024

FINE PRINT

Exclusions
Flights, airport transfers, meals not stated, drinks on meals, travel insurance (strongly recommended), optional tours, tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly listed under inclusions or itinerary are at your own expense.

Payment
A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.

Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation. You will be required to carry your own baggage to and from hotels, terminals and stations. Walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.

Pricing
Surcharges may apply for peak travel periods. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.

Solo Occupancy
A single supplement from $800 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.

Triple Share
Triple share is not available.

Child Policy
Each child up to 11 years old sharing breakfast and existing bedding with an accompany adult is subject to a package price from $790 per person twin share. Children requiring their own bed and breakfast are subject to adult pricing.

Concession Policy
Eligible concession holders may be entitled to a $40 per person discount on the rail fare as determined by Queensland Rail Travel.

Spirit of Queensland Seating
For bookings of 2 people, whilst you will be seated near each other, please be advised that due to layout restrictions on the Spirit of Queensland, there is no guarantee that you will be seated in directly adjoining rail beds. We will always advise Queensland Rail that you are travelling together, however, it is at their discretion as to your seating allocation.

Queensland Rail Terms
If Queensland Rail Travel have a good reason (for example health and safety, track closures, security, weather or breakdowns), they may substitute, cancel, delay or change services, stations, places or destinations. If this occurs the Queensland Rail Travel’s Disruptions policy shall apply:
1. Travel with using the alternate transport provided (usually coach transfer).
2. Rebook travel to a different date. Change fees are waived.
3. Cancel and receive a full refund less any non-refundable supplier costs. Note that the rail portion of the costs will be fully refunded.

Amendment Fees
Each amendment incurs a $75 per person administration fee.
Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including airlines may apply.

Cancellation Fees
Cancellation after deposit: $550 per person plus applicable third-party supplier fees.

COVID-19 Restrictions
It is the customer’s responsibility to check the country of departure and country of arrival’s COVID-19 restrictions. Our third party supplier partners (e.g. airlines, cruise lines, accommodation and touring operators etc) may also have additional restrictions. It is the customer’s responsibility to check that all travellers in your party also meet all requirements. The situation is fluid and as such country and state entry requirements, along with third party supplier requirements, are changing frequently. All travellers must comply with their final destination’s immigration and health requirements.

Vaccination
Health requirements are the responsibility of all individual travellers. Should any mandatory quarantine or testing be required, this will be at your own expense and for you to arrange. Please be advised that any costs for these requirements will be at your own expense. Our consultants are not qualified to advise you on vaccinations. Please contact your doctor or a specialist vaccination clinic for advice.

Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage fees may apply. You are encouraged to pack lightly. Porterage is not included and you will be expected to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.

Dietary
Please notify us and your tour guides of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking but note that choices may be limited or not catered for.

Accommodation
Accommodation names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual accommodation names may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All hotel ratings are local or self-ratings provided by the supplier. All rooms will be lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am.

Minimum Numbers
The tour and its optional programs may require minimum numbers to operate.

Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.

Breakaway Policy
It is a condition of booking that you must always remain with the tour according to the prescribed program. Departure from the group or deviation from the set itinerary are not permitted unless written prior approval is provided.

Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure of the respective travel component.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.

Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.

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