The Savannahlander
The Savannahlander is a classic 1960 rail motor which travels between Cairns and Forsayth, and offers passengers one of the great rail experiences of the world as it rattles its way from the coast, up through the scenic Kuranda Railway, through World Heritage listed rainforests, the through the savannah to outback Australia. “The Silver Bullet” as the train is affectionately known, was state-of-the-art when it was brought into service back in 1960. Now the Savannahlander reflects the pace and grace of a by-gone era, but at the same time offering a unique experience to people adventurous enough to make the amazing journey.
This grand-old-lady travels at a sedate 50 kilometres per hour, and stops at a number of suitable locations for the driver to make a billy of tea, or to point out interesting landscape features to it’s passengers. This train trip can take between two and four days, depending on which side trips passengers elect to do along the way and is certainly a unique experience.
For many “the locals” along the route, the Savannahlander is still a vital communications link, and for the fortunate visitor to travel, it offers a unique rail experience, and an insight into one of the most diverse and fascinating regions of northern Australia.
Route: Cairns – Forsayth
Duration: 16 hours over 2 days
Distance: 423 kilometres
Frequency: Three times weekly + additional service to Townsville (See timetables)
Special needs: Wheelchair access, Dietary needs
The Prospector
When the Prospector first started in 1971 it was hailed as Western Australia’s great rail journey to it’s Goldfields, it also was a great leap forward as it started the switch from narrow to standard gauge rail in country passenger services. The move to standard gauge increased the travel ride comfort but also cut the travel time from a 14-hour overnight journey to less than 8 hours. When it was first launched it was Australia’s fastest train and the first to follow airlines in offering it’s guests full-meal service.
The new high-tech, super-smooth riding Prospector was re-launched on 28th June 2004 has managed cut the complete 653 kilometre trip from Perth to Kalgoorlie to just over 6.5 hours. The new Prospector features new release movies, personal music channels, phone & fax services, power points for laptops and buffet and special facilities for people with mobility difficulties.
The Prospector Train Route
Route: Perth – Merredin – Kalgoorlie and vice versa
Duration: Approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes
Distance: 655 kilometres
Frequency: 18 services per week (Twice in each direction on Monday and Friday)
Kuranda Scenic Railway
The original Kuranda Scenic Railway is a spectacular journey comprising unsurpassed views of World Heritage Listed rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls within the Barron Gorge National Park. When it was constructed between 1882 and 1891 it is considered an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude. During it’s 9 years of construction hundreds of men were employed to build the 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 bridges that stand as a monument to the pioneers of tropical North Queensland.
This famous Kuranda railway winds its way from Cairns to Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. At Kuranda village, you’ll discover a variety of unique attractions, including the bustling Village markets, the internationally renowned Rainforestation, Bird World, and the colourful Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a must-do for visitors to Cairns, Port Douglas and Northern Queensland.
Most travel agents can assist you to plan and book a great holiday experience including the Kuranda Scenic Railway. However, if you would like to find out more, please visit on the the advertisers listed on the right menu.
The Inlander
The Inlander is a historic journey from the tropical city of Townsville to the mining centre of Mount Isa. The Inlander offers travellers the opportunity to experience the heritage and natural treasures of North Queensland’s rugged, yet beautiful inland.
This 977 kilometre trip, can be enjoyed in air-conditioned comfort, travelling through Charters Towers, across the Great Dividing Range and through the mining towns of Hughenden and Julia Creek before delivering passengers into the heart of Australia.
There is so much to do and see around Mount Isa including the prehistoric exhibits at the Riversleigh Fossils Interpretive Centre and breathtaking tours of it’s giant underground mines.
The Gulflander
The Gulflander is fondly referred to as the old ‘tin hare’, and is one of the world’s last great characters of rail travel and offers you a unique experience, taking you on a journey with a difference from remote Normanton to far flung Croydon through the tough and inhospitable Gulf Country. The Gulflander is a unique experience as it only carries a small number of passengers, so there’s always a friendly casual atmosphere on board, which is all part of the charm.
The Normanton-Croydon Railway is over 120 years old with the final stage of the track opening back in 20 July 1891. The Gulflander was built to follow the gold rush and overcoming some of the “most flodded and rotten country in Australia” it has stood as a fantastic engineering achievement and a witness to the rich history of Queensland. You will discover that out on the Gulf the terrain is harsh & flat and the quietness is almost deafening and broken only by the squawk of a native bird or growl of a beast.
Any journey on the Gulflander is a step back in time to when roads were bullock tracks and a padded seat was a luxury extra, it was a time when gold was the currency. You will be pleased to hear that these days the Gulflander trip is far less harsh but ‘tin hare’ retains much of the romance of bygone eras, and it beckons you to come out to the Gulf and enjoy life as it used to be.
The Gulflander Tour Options
- Gulflander Indulgence
- Gulflander Saver
- Gulflander Budget Tour
AvonLink
In June 2004, the AvonLink introduced extended journeys three days a week through to Merredin, this service has become known as the MerredinLink. These extra commuter train services provide a new transport option for people living in communities such as Cunderdin, Tammin, Kellerberrin, Merredin as well as other smaller rural towns in the WA region. The new AvonLink marked the process for the 30 year old Prospector railcars that have serviced the route.
Following the new AvonLink travellers along this route can expect a faster, smoother and more comfortable ride with air-conditioning throughout, cloth seats with footrests, background music and some power outlets for laptops. The MerredinLink operates twice daily and passengers arriving at Midland will be able to connect with Perth’s suburban electric rail services.
Route: Perth – Merredin and vice versa
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Distance: 284 kilometres
Frequency: 6 services per week
Australind
The Australind service was first introduced in 1947 and it represented the vital link in the provision of a co-ordinated rail-road service network throughout the Western Australia’s south-west region. The Perth-Bunbury luxury passenger express train service offered all the latest creature comforts including fluorescent lighting a first at that time for any Australian railway service. The original Australind was hauled by a steam locomotive, the Australind whisked up to 285 passengers over the 186 kilometre journey in less than 3.5 hours. A train service was provided in each direction every day of the week except Sundays.
By the mid 1960s, the Australind journey time was down to about three hours, which reflected the changeover to the more powerful diesel-electric locomotive, and the Australind was still regarded as the “glamour” train of Western Australia. Many travel brochures of the time proudly proclaimed that the level of passenger comfort on the Australind could not be exceeded even by air travel. The creature comforts included piped music, carpeting throughout and public address system, comfortable two-tone seats and buffet-lounge cars featuring stylish stainless steel and quilted plastic.
This comparison was recalled again when the current Australind, by now operating with self-powered diesel units which are stabled and serviced at Bunbury, was re-introduced in 1987 and used the marketing slogans: “The train that thinks it is a plane.”
The Australind now provides two services each way each day and now includes Sundays – and the journey time has been cut to two hours and 15 minutes (though rail congestion around Perth has the scheduling being geared around a trip of about 2.5 hours).
