We picked the train up at Caboolture and a staff member, Daniel took us to our Rail Bed, which is just like business class on a plane, he showed us how everything worked such as the onboard entertainment unit, seat recliner & how to use the table. Daniel then took our orders for dinner & breakfast. Food was very nice and included a complimentary alcoholic or soft drink (tea & coffee was served as well) and served at our seats. We were notified after dinner that when we were ready a staff member would come and get our bed ready. Towels, shampoo, conditioner & bedding are all supplied including ear plugs in case they are needed (we didn't need them) and the amenities including showers were kept clean. Extra drinks & food were available to buy at a very reasonable cost in the dining carriage. Just a tip, be careful booking connecting buses, trains & planes as the train can run a little over schedule especially if the weather is hot as the metal train lines can heat up which means the train has to go at a slower pace. The trip was amazing and taking in the scenery was enjoyable (you see so much more than if you drive) we would fully recommend it, so much so we are planning on trying the Spirit of the Outback next. Thank you to all staff, nothing was too much for them.

We travelled from Brisbane to Cairns 25hr .the sleeper bed we had was wonderful.The staff were all so helpful.Meals were nice to,If you are a smoker only time you get is when they stop at some stations.

We checked-in to the Rail-beds section which is like business classes on the plane. The seat was okay but too small for those who have bigger size infant. You are not required to buy a seat for your infant (anyone below 4 years old) but I would suggest you to imagine having both you and your infant on an airplane business class. My brother has a pair and one of them is already almost as big as my five-year-old! I regret not getting a seat for his twins!

Before we went on board, I had wondered if there are towels provided. In fact, they have all the body soap, shampoo and conditioner! We were being assigned to the seats closer to the bigger shower and toilet combined. It is actually build for those who are on wheel chairs or the physically challenged passengers. I thought it was great for me to give my five-year-old a quick shower before his bedtime.

Food was great though the coffee machine was broken, service is absolutely fabulous for a overnight train! Brooke and Daniel, the attendants were attentive and made sure that we were settled. The crew changed at Townsville before evening and the next shifted crew were equally attentive. I am amazed by Julie and one other crew whom I wasn’t able to catch her name - it was sleeping time for most of us and they were still smiley and understanding.

For those who are light-sleepers, just be mindful that there may be children of any age. Imagine we have three boys under the age of six and they were throwing their ‘usual tantrum’ after more than five hours of the ride. One of the passengers actually told us to step up on our parenting!! Err... these are children... it is natural that they get coup up in an enclosed space for about 25 hours from Cairns to Brisbane.

The train was actually delayed due to the heat of the summer, heating up the rails that cause the bumpiness of the ride, slowing down the train by nearly an hour, which actually work out fine for us!!!

Ultimately the ride was wonderful!!! I would encourage you to look at Australia in different light if you have the time.