Cairns to Brisbane train: Timetable, journey time & fare prices

Brisbane River on Brisbane river cruise — Brisbane is where the Spirit of Queensland service terminates. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions.

Spirit of Queensland stops

There are several stops along the route. Many of the most appealing coastal towns aren’t covered, but most of the larger cities are.

After leaving Cairns, the Spirit of Queensland train stops in Gordonvale, Babinda, Innisfail, Tully, Cardwell, Ingham and Townsville.

Following the Cairns to Townsville train journey, the route continues to Ayr, Home Hill, Bowen, Proserpine and Mackay. Leaving the Whitsundays region, the Spirit of Queensland stops in Sarina, Carmila, St Lawrence and Rockhampton.

Following the Rockhampton stop, the Cairns to Brisbane train service visits Mount Larcom, Gladstone, Miriam Vale and Bundaberg. From there, it follows the same route as the Bundaberg to Brisbane train – stopping at Howard, Maryborough West, Gympie North, Cooroy, Nambour, Landsborough and Caboolture.

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.

What to do in Brisbane

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

Accommodation near Roma Street Station in Brisbane includes the relatively budget-friendly Selina, the cool-looking George Williams Hotel and the Grand Chancellor, which has a lovely rooftop pool.

Trip-booster! 8 great day trips from Cairns to power-up your holiday

Kuranda combo package – take the Kuranda Scenic Railway up and the Skyrail cable car down.
Green Island tours with beach time, glass bottom boat and snorkelling. (Or pick a Fitzroy Island trip instead).
Moore Reef day tour – with underwater observatory, snorkelling gear, glass bottom boat & semi-submersible cruises.
Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise – with snorkelling stops at two excellent spots on the Reef.
Cape Tribulation rainforest day tour – with Mossman Gorge Aboriginal cultural experience and Daintree River crocodile-watching cruise.
Atherton Tableland waterfalls and rainforest tour – including wildlife-spotting and a swim in a volcanic lake.
Outback 4WD tour – visiting Chillagoe Caves, Aboriginal rock art and Granite Gorge.