I did the 'Rail Runner' trip in May 2022. The temperature was in the mid to high twenties for the whole of the trip, so hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are advisable. Keep anything you may need between overnight stops in a separate day pack - your main bag is in an open area of the train, but may not be readily accessible. If you are device heavy, take a small multi outlet powerboard for charging phones, cameras, watches etc. Carry some cash for incidental purchases along the way (Dimbulah, Almaden, Einasleigh, Mt. Surprise, Forsayth) as EFTPOS can be slow, and staff at some of the remote stops can be exceptionally busy when the train arrives and its passengers start making demands :-). Enjoy!

Hi there - yes single travellers are most welcome on the Savannahlander. The cost depends on what fare or package you would like to do. In a nutshell we would charge you for one rail fare, however for most of the packages which include accommodation you will need to pay for a whole room (usually shared cost in a double or twin-share). This comes out in our pricing as the "Single Supplement". Please see our website and click on "Tours" for all the details.

Hi, The Savvanahlander stops the first night at Almaden and you bus into Chillagoe as the train line no longer goes there. After Chillagoe you have another 2 nights/3 days on the train. If you speak to the Savvanahlander people you maybe able to spend 3 nights in Chillagoe and catch the train from Almaden on the return journey. The 4 days are a great trip.

Hi there Glenn, Thanks for your question, the Barron River Rover is a "short tour" that we offer that allows you to depart with the rest of the group doing the 4 day tour but return on the first day by bus. If effect, you leave with the normal service which departs the platform at 6:30 am every Wednesday morning. Keep in mind that you will need to allow time to purchase your tickets and get on board, so it's best to arrive 15 minutes early at the Cairns Central Railway Station. Regards, Robert.

It depends on how severe the 'special needs' is. If it is a mobility issue, the train has a lift which was used for luggage and a number of elderly passengers used this to get on and off the train easily. The staff were most cooperative and helpful with this. If toiletting is an issue, it would not be suitable. There is no handicapped toilet on the train, and because of the roughness of the track at times men were advised to sit while using the toilet. I think you would also need to check the accessibility of the night stopovers, they could advise on your needs. Cobbold Gorge and the Lava Tubes would not be at all suitable for wheelchairs. The board walks at the Lava tubes have a number of steps. The trip is quite suitable for families, but children would need to be able to cope with each day's lengthy train trips. Parental support and management would be needed. You can take snacks and drinks on board and store them in the cooler. There is also plenty of opportunity to walk up and down the carriage and also sit with the driver. My grandchildren would have enjoyed it.

Hi there! Thanks for your question. There have been some changes to the accommodation providers along the route and for the 2017 season (and onwards!) the ONLY difference will be that for the Outback Odyssey for Wednesday night we will accommodate you in the Chillagoe Cabins (as a preference, and the Chillagoe Guesthouse if the Cabins are full) plus that on the Thursday night you will stay at the Undara Lava Lodge in either their Railway Carriages Cabins or in their Pioneer Huts. Due to a limited availability of these venues we will only be offering this tour (The Outback Odyssey) on selected dates throughout the year. For the Savannah Explorer (which will run on most dates) you will be staying at Chillagoe in the Ecolodge (by preference with overflow to the Motel) and that on Thursday night you will stay in Mt Surprise at the Bedrock Village Caravan Park (Ensuite Cabins) and do a bus tour of the Undara Lava Tubes. Hopefully that helps - please feel free to ask if you have any other questions!

Hi there Helen! Thanks for the question - you are correct that the train itself is not air-conditioned, but all the windows open and you are free to move around inside the carriage. For most of the year it is a very pleasant temperature, but on occasions later in the year (around December) it has been known to get a bit warm. As the train moves through the country the temperature does vary, and the airflow through the windows is very nice! If you like, we can recommend that you bring along a towel to sit on to make your trip more comfortable. It is also correct that we have water on the train along with a cooler box to keep your drinks cool. If you would like to stock the Esky with cans or bottles of drinks - just ask your friendly drivers to stop and fill the Esky with crushed ice to keep your drinks frosty-cold! Thanks again for the question!

Hi there! Yes there certainly is. The train departs from Cairns Central railway station and their is a standing arrangement that you can leave your car parked there for free if you are travelling on the train. Please talk to the parking station attendants when you arrive to make the required arrangements.