Head west for less with ‘2 for 1’ train tickets

Published Thursday, 21 September, 2023 at 08:31 AM

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Head west for less with ‘2 for 1’ train tickets

  • Queensland Rail Travel’s Outback Sale is back, offering customers two for the price of one train tickets on all its long-distance western line services.
  • Tickets are valid for travel from 31 October 2023 to 31 March 2024 on the Westlander, Spirit of the Outback and Inlander.
  • The offer follows a record high year of patronage for some of Queensland Rail’s most iconic travel and tourism services.

In a bid to boost Outback Queensland tourism during the off-peak season, travellers can now go west for less, with Queensland Rail Travel offering '2 for 1’ tickets on all its long-distance western services, travelling to Longreach, Charleville and Mount Isa.

The sale follows a strong year of patronage on the Spirit of the Outback, Westlander and Inlander services, which recorded their highest patronage numbers since 2019-20.

In 2022-23, the Spirit of the Outback recorded more than 13,000 journeys, up from 9,242 in 2019-20, while the Westlander recorded more than 4,550 journeys up from 3,084 in 2019-20.

The Inlander also recorded more than 4,140 journeys up from 3,447 in 2019-20.

Out of all western line journeys taken in 2022-23, 1,853 were taken from ‘2 for 1’ tickets.

Quotes attributable to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

“This promotion is a great opportunity to experience the heart of Queensland’s outback from the comfort of an air-conditioned train carriage.

"By visiting our outback towns, people are helping keep local business doors open much longer than they normally would be during summer months.

“In addition to the incredible landscapes along the journey, there’s so much to see and explore in the towns.

“From the underground rich mining history in Mount Isa to the skies with the iconic Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach and stargazing at the Charleville Cosmos Centre, Outback Queensland is home to some of the most unique tourism experiences our state has to offer.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe:

“What better way to experience Queensland’s great Outback lifestyle and the romance of rail travel while drinking in some of the most beautiful and iconic parts of our State.

“Anytime is a good time to travel to Outback Queensland, which is flourishing after the big wet, and where friendly locals are waiting with open arms to greet visitors.

“Travellers to Outback Queensland bring enormous benefit to the regions visitor economy and support good local jobs, while getting to tick off a bucket list tourism experience.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish:

“Queensland Rail is committed to supporting tourism in local communities by bringing visitors to regions across the state.

“Whether it’s to visit family and friends or go on a holiday, this ‘2 for 1’ offer presents the perfect opportunity to do just that.

“It’s fantastic to welcome so many customers back onboard with our patronage numbers returning to pre COVID-19 levels.

“I encourage everyone to get onboard with tickets valid for travel from 31 October 2023 to 31 March 2024 on the Westlander, Spirit of the Outback and Inlander.”

The fare is bookable via Queensland Rail Travel centres or through travel agents.

For more information visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call 1800 872 467 to speak to the reservations team.

 

Train Service

Sector

Class of Travel

2 for 1 Outback Rail Fare
(one-way fare for two people)

Spirit of the Outback

Brisbane to Longreach

Sleeper

$427

Brisbane to Emerald

Economy Seat

$117

Westlander

Brisbane to Roma

Economy Seat

$65

Brisbane to Charleville

Economy Seat

$90

Inlander

Townsville to Cloncurry

Economy Seat

$90

Townsville to Mount Isa

Economy Seat

$108

 

ENDS

Media contact: Minister Bailey’s office – ministerbaileymedia@ministerial.qld.gov.au