Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Feedback re Queenslander Class on Sunlander

Hello,

I've booked a 1st class roomette on the Sunlander in mid-May, from BNE to CNS. I had seriously considered booking in the Queenslander Class, as it look very very nice! But after carefully comparing what I'd get in 1st Class Roomette and Queenlander Class, I'm not sure if the extra cost is worthwhile. Anyway, just to make sure I'm not missing something, here are the 'extras' that the Queenslander class seem to provide over 1st Class:

- Sit-down fine dining, 4 meals plus tea on the morning of departure, multiple courses for lunches and dinners.

- Commentary during the journey--which is useless for me as I'm deaf.

- Some 'extras', like slippers and bathrobes.

Is that all? Right now a First Class Roomette is going for about $410 AUD (~ $325 USD), while Queenlander Class would be something like $725 AUD plus $150 AUD for single occupancy supplement for total of $875 AUD (~$690 USD). So for an extra $465 AUD ($365 USD), I basically get 4 sit-down fine dining meals? Are there anything else I'm missing about traveling in Queenslander Class?

Thanks!!

UA_Eagle, I have forwarded this on to a mate who did Queenslander Class last year. He is registered with FT, but doesn't pop in, hopefully he will post a response.

Dave

Hi,

Despite not finding many useful reviews of this train online, I've decided to go for it and enjoy it in Queenslander Class! After all, it's not too often I pop Down Under. ;)

If anyone's truly interested, I'll try to remember to post a report here. :)

Hello UA_Eagle,

Having not been on Queenslander Class on the Sunlander I cannot give you much information, although have travelled aboard QR's Traveltrain system extensively over the past few years (most recently Tilt train all the way from CNS-BNE - tbh, won't be doing that again - scenery was beautiful the whole way though - seat crap for sitting and sleeping in).

Have travelled on the Spirit of the Outback from Longreach to Brisbane. Loved every second of it. Purchased a Roomette (Single seat that folds down into bed). It was a beautiful trip, with lovely staff and lovely food. The scenery was absolutely stunning (yes, outback I am talking about) and I was able to have one of the best sleeps I have ever had ( clickety-clack and movement was conducive for sleep :) ). If your trip is anything like that I am sure you will have a great time.

Tis a shame I didn't keep any of the QR Expo material I got last year. I went along with my friend to the Sofitel were there was a travel Expo and had lots of information about Queenslander Class. My friend and I were even lucky enough to be able to board the Sunlander which was parked at Central Station. From what I remember, Queenslander Class had the fold down beds (older looking) and looked rather comfortable.

Interestingly, friend and I were going to go to CNS late-2006 aboard the Sunlander in Queenslander Class (get a massive discount due to being a Student) but decided against it and went to NZ instead.

It's something I would really like to do. Good on you for doing it, and I hope you have a great time - be good if you could do a trip report.

Finally, it's interesting to note that the Queenslander Class aboard the Sunlander was voted top train in Australia recently:

LUXURIOUS Queenslander class (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21113230-17102,00.html) on the Sunlander train has pipped the iconic Ghan and Indian Pacific to be voted the top long-distance train in Australia by members of the Society of International Railway Travellers.

Queenslander class is the most luxurious on the Sunlander, which travels from Brisbane to Cairns on a 31-hour trip.

Passengers in Queenslander class enjoy the trappings of first-class train travel with a dedicated maitre d' and a dining menu with fresh Queensland-based produce and silver service.

The IRT society is based in Kentucky, US, and comprises train travel fans from around the world.

Voting for its best loved list for 2007 was based on a criteria of service, accommodation, scenery, off-train experiences and passenger enjoyment.

"To outclass our Aussie mates, The Ghan and Indian Pacific, and keep company with iconic train journeys like The Rocky Mountaineer, Shangri-La Express and Royal Scotsman, is something we are justifiably proud of," Queensland Rail's group general manager of passenger services, Mike Scanlan, said.

Cheers

Looks like a 20% discount is being offered now, probably due to the economy. Is this still a premier experience? And is there some variety in passenger country of origin and age, vs. the VIA Canadian where the average passenger age might be 70 or 80?