Mackay to Brisbane train: Timetable, fares and stops

The Mackay to Brisbane train costs from $161.40. According to the Queensland Rail Travel timetable, the train journey from Mackay to Brisbane lasts 13h24m.

Most people travelling from Mackay to Brisbane will choose to fly. And with good reason, too. It’s a long way, and flying is far quicker than driving.

However, the third option is taking the Mackay to Brisbane train down the Queensland coast.

Skip the information and just book your train ticket.

Mackay to Brisbane train timetable

The Mackay to Brisbane train is the Spirit of Queensland train that runs from Cairns to Brisbane. It runs four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The departure from Mackay Station is at 18.56, and the train arrives at Brisbane’s Roma Street Station at 09.20 the next day. That means the journey time from Mackay to Brisbane by train is 13 hours and 24 minutes.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

The return journey, according to the Queensland Rail Travel timetable, departs Brisbane on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 15.45. It arrives in Mackay at a somewhat unpleasant 04.34.

Mackay to Brisbane train fares

Mackay to Brisbane train fares cost from $161.40. That’s for an economy seat, which can feel tough-going on an overnight rail journey. There are also sleeper seats available, which cost from $297. Tickets are cheaper booked online in advance.

Best Mackay accommodation options

The top places to stay in Mackay are:

For attractive apartments by Blacks Beach: The Shores Holiday Apartments.
For a cheap, but surprisingly good, motel: Cool Palms Motel.
For apartments with kitchenettes by the marina: Mantra Mackay.
For a holiday park with lot of family-friendly facilities: Big4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park.
For fully furnished apartments in prime position next to Bluewater Lagoon: Riviera Mackay.

The Mackay to Brisbane trains stop in Sarina, Carmela and St Lawrence before arriving in Rockhampton. After Rockhampton, it continues to Mt Larcom, Gladstone, Miriam Vale and Bundaberg. Then come Maryborough West, Gympie North, Cooroy, Nambour and Caboolture before finally arriving at Brisbane Roma Street.

Accommodation and sight-seeing

Mackay accommodation options include the apartments of Mantra Mackay, the family-friendly Discovery Parks holiday park and the helpfully central Rydges Mackay Suites.

Accommodation near Brisbane’s Roma Street Station includes the affordable Selina, the stylish George Williams Hotel and the Grand Chancellor, which has a lovely rooftop pool.

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.

Things to do in Brisbane after arriving include a fun Segway sightseeing trip, a relaxing Brisbane River cruise, and taking a boat upriver to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. You can arrange transfers to Australia Zoo, a hinterland rainforest tour and action-packed day trips to Moreton Island.

Brisbane River on Brisbane river cruise — The Brisbane River. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions.

Three great Mackay experiences to book in advance

(Highly recommended ✅) Whitsunday Islands boat cruise – with snorkelling and paddleboarding.
Cape Hillsborough sunrise tour – meet wallabies on the beach.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Finch Hatton Gorge waterfalls tour.