Tickets go on sale for a piece of history

Queenslanders can now book to ride the 60-year-old Sunlander train for its final service on New Year’s Eve before it retires, making way for the state-of-the-art Spirit of Queensland trains.

Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson Minister said tickets are now on sale for passengers interested in being part of history.

“Tickets are expected to sell fast for the Sunlander’s final journey along the Queensland coastline between Brisbane and Cairns,” Mr Emerson said.

“The retirement of the Sunlander train is the end of an era for Queensland Rail andwe can celebrate one of Australia’s longest running and most spectacular rail journeys.

“Long distance passenger services from Brisbane to Cairns are changing as a result of our $200 million investment to build and refurbish three Spirit of Queensland trains, keeping our election promise to revitalise frontline services.”

Mr Emerson said the Sunlander train service had provided more than 3 million passengers with a unique rail journey.

“The final service Sunlander train will make its departure travelling northbound from Brisbane to Cairns on Sunday, December 28 and will return southbound Cairns to Brisbane for its official final journey on Wednesday, December 31,” Mr Emerson said.

“We are also running special historical departures with Queensland Rail historian Greg Hallam on selected dates, sharing with passengers some of our most memorable stories since the Sunlander was first introduced in 1953.

“The first Spirit of Queensland joined Queensland Rail’s fleet in October 2013, with two additional units in service before the Sunlander’s retirement in December.

“The Spirit of Queensland fleet will include state-of-the-art rail-bed seating and entertainment, along with a high speed, smooth and comfortable ride.”

For more information or to book online visit www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/sunlanderfarewell or call 1300 655 826.

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625