Gladstone a hit with Tilt train travellers

Gladstone station was the fifth busiest station on Queensland Rail’s entire long distance network last year, according to new figures released today.

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe travelled from Brisbane to Gladstone on the Tilt Train today to attend Community Cabinet and promote regional travel on Queensland’s rail network.

“Last year more than 28,581 passengers travelled to and from Gladstone station via train, making it the fifth busiest station in the state,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Many of the passengers on the Tilt Trains are tourists and visitors, travelling to experience all that our Queensland regions have to offer and these numbers in Gladstone confirm it is a growing hotspot for long distance travel.

“Today I’m taking the 541 kilometre trip from Brisbane to Gladstone on the Tilt Train to attend the Palaszczuk Government’s Community Cabinet. It’s a great opportunity for me to check in with other passengers about how they are using this important service as part of our state’s long distance network.”

State Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said he was pleased to see Gladstone station continues to be a popular stop on the long distance rail network.

“As the gateway to the majestic and vibrant southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, I can understand why Gladstone is one of the busiest stops on the train line,” Mr Butcher said.

“Gladstone is a great destination for tourists, offering direct access to Heron Island, Wilson Island and the picturesque hinterland region including the Boyne Valley, Lake Awoonga and Kroombit Tops.”

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe said with Queensland Rail’s promotion offering free rail travel for kids it was a great time for families to take a holiday in Queensland.

“This special offer makes it easier for families in Queensland to take an affordable break by offering free rail travel for kids, when they’re accompanied with a fare paying adult,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“In the first three weeks of the sale we have already seen an increase in people jumping aboard long distance trains across the state. It has been particularly popular with grandparents travelling with their grandchildren making up more than 30 percent of people to take up the offer.

“This campaign has provided a welcome boost to regional communities and local tourism operators, who have benefited from the thousands of additional visitors taking advantage of these discounted fares. 

“Living in Queensland, we often take for granted that we have some of the most picturesque and unique landscapes right on our doorstep, and through this campaign we’ve aimed to encourage more people to play tourist in their own backyard.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the sale would continue until 23 March 2016 and under the offer up to two children per adult could travel free in economy seats.

“As an example, a family of four can take advantage of this terrific value and travel from Brisbane to Gladstone on the Tilt Train for as little as $178.50 one way,” he said.

“The fare discount also includes bus connections to and from Hervey Bay, Yeppoon, Arlie Beach, Cunnamulla, Quilpie and Winton.”

For more information, call 1800 TRAINS (1800 872 467), visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au or see your local travel agent.

Video news release and overlay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odznvHW4Hq4

Media Contact:  0475 950 772 (Hinchliffe) | 4904 1100 (Butcher)