Tilt Train

If you want to see Queensland scenically without the burden of driving or taking a plane or bus, the tilt train is where it’s at.
Running from Brisbane to Cairns, the Tilt Train Offers comfortable seating and bedding options for it’s patrons.
My partner and I took the train from Brisbane to Hervey Bay (bear in mind the leg only goes to Maryborough West and then it’s a courtesy bus to Hervey Bay) which cost around $ 182 return each.
So overall it was an OK experience, although I do have few bug bears. Firstly the booking process is overly complicated. The amount of paperwork you have to take with you to present as proof of booking is ridulous. It was around 12 A4 sides for the 2 of us, and our confirmation pages were not even close together. Secondly is the customer service. One of the staff was nice, the rest, miserable as sin. We felt guilty ordering from their basic menu, and the manner of the staff was bordering on rude and dismissive at best. Clearly they are over their jobs. Thirdly, this is supposed to be an express service and on the way back the train crawled at an average speed of around 45 to 50 Kms an hour. This was because we had to wait for other communter services, including a tilt train coming the other way. Last gripe is the check in process. You need to be there 45 minutes early to check in your luggage which is ridiculous. It’s not an international airline people. This seemed even more stupid because you could just carry your case on yourself if you liked.
With that in mind make sure you check in for departure 45 minutes before the train leaves. Luggage is checked in early and closes 30 minutes before departure.
So gripes aside the experience was OK, a few of their processes just need improving and the staff need to be given a refresher in customer service.
I would take the train again, especially as I travel to Hervey Bay a few times a year and there’s not currently a regular inexpensive way to fly there. It’s quite pleasant and a comfortable experience all up.