Monday 29 December 2014

Queensland Rail to bid farewell to Sunlander train and welcome a new era in rail travel

Rail customers and enthusiasts are being encouraged to join in the celebrations to farewell the iconic Sunlander train and welcome a new era in rail travel this New Year’s Eve.

Queensland Rail Executive General Manager Travel and Tourist Martin Ryan said Roma Street and Cairns stations would host farewell celebrations as the Sunlander departs on her final return journey along the Queensland coast.

“The Sunlander has serviced Queenslanders for more than 61 years with more than 3.5 million passenger journeys recorded over her time,” Mr Ryan said.

“On the final departure from Cairns station on Wednesday 31 December, the Sunlander will receive a special send-off into retirement.

“We welcome past customers and rail enthusiasts to come on down to these celebrations and join in farewelling this Queensland icon.

“If you are not able to make it to either of these stations, we have three Sunlander departures remaining this month, with two from Cairns and one from Brisbane. We encourage everyone to say their farewells as she passes by a station near you.”

Mr Ryan said the retirement of the Sunlander would mark a new era in long distance rail travel with the third and final Spirit of Queensland Tilt Train now in service.

“The Spirit of Queensland is about people celebrating this fantastic state of ours while enjoying the great service onboard,” Mr Ryan said.

“Customers can sit in the comfort of a single or a pairing seat that can be made into a modern lie-flat rail bed, the first in Australia. The Spirit of Queensland also offers state-of-the-art personal entertainment systems with on-demand movies and music, as well as powerpoint, USB port and other in-seat special touches.

“Customers can enjoy the freshest local Queensland cuisine sourced within 100 kilometres of the track, all while travelling up to 160 kilometres per hour and arriving at their destination now in a day.

“With the introduction of the Spirit of Queensland to our fleet we have increased long distance services from four to five journeys per week between Cairns and Brisbane. This is part of our commitment to connect communities, make regional rail travel more accessible, and support tourism in regional Queensland.”

Customers can share their stories and photos online by hashtagging “#FarewelltheSunlander”.

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