THE SOUTHERN SPIRIT SWEEPS INTO THE SUNSHINE STATE

[ozbob]

15 January 2010

THE SOUTHERN SPIRIT SWEEPS INTO THE SUNSHINE STATE

The Southern Spirit will arrive into Brisbane on its inaugural journey next Sunday 24

January and Queensland Rail are inviting the public to attend an Open Day at Roma

Street station to celebrate the occasion.

Visitors will be able to tour a selection of carriages available on The Southern Spirit,

The Ghan and the Indian Pacific at Roma Street station, Platform 2 from 10.00am -

3.00pm.

Queensland Rail General Manager Travel and Tourism, Mr Mark Williams said "this

rare occasion offers Brisbane a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the levels

of accommodation and carriages available on these legendary trains."

The carriages available for viewing include the world-famous Gold Service cabins,

the exclusive Platinum Service cabins, the Outback Explorer Lounge and the Queen

Adelaide Restaurant - all available on The Southern Spirit, The Ghan and the Indian

Pacific.

"More than simply a mode of transport, a train journey becomes an unforgettable

holiday experience as guests enjoy some of the country's most breathtaking scenery,

make new friends and enjoy fine dining in the comfort of an iconic train" said Mr

Williams.

Information about the Indian Pacific's mighty trans-continental journey across the

Nullarbor and The Ghan's amazing journey through the heart of Australia will be

available at the Open Day from Traveltrain Holidays.

All visitors attending the Open Day will receive special offers and the chance to win a

trip for two in Platinum Service onboard The Ghan.

Admission aboard the train is FREE but those wishing to attend must RSVP online at

--> http://www.traveltrain.com.au/Specials/The-Southern-Spirit-Open-Day.aspx

For more information on The Southern Spirit's Open Day in Brisbane, please call

Roma Street Travel Centre on (07) 3235 1331.

For bookings or information on any Great Southern Rail train journey's visit your local

QR Travel Centre, call 1800 TRAINS (872 467) or visit traveltrain.com.au

-ENDS

[beauyboy]

The problem is when you click on the link to book, it says all reservationa have to be made by 14/1/10, but ummm the media release was put out on 14/1/10 some one has stuffed up

Donald

[ozbob]

I registered anyway.

[Otto]

I registered anyway.

OK, I have done so as well.... Booked for 11am ( I hope ).

[Otto]

I registered anyway.

OK, I have done so as well.... Booked for 11am ( I hope ).

I got my Confirmation email... Yes, I'm in !!
.
Bob, what time are you going ?

[ozbob]

Haven't received the email.  I might have flicked it to junk or something.

(I was planning 12 - 1245pm)

I will follow up.

[ozbob]

Received my RSVP confirmation for the Southern Spirit Open day   ...   

[ozbob]

SouthernSpirit visits Queensland

--> 

From the border of NSW to Yeronga in Brisbane NR85 Southern Spirit pulls the train with it's name into sunny Queensland. NR95 takes it back from Roma St to Acacia Ridge for stabling. 

[ozbob]

Some photographs from the onboard tour of the Southern Spirit at Platform 2 Roma St.

Made most welcome, and very impressive set up.  Mrs Ozbob wants to go for a Southern Spirit tour  , I said I  would be happy to tag along ..  

































Photographs R Dow 24th January 2010

[ozbob]

Some more photographs from mufreight















Photographs mufreight 24th January 2010

[Otto]

I arrived at Platform 2 at 10:38am for my 11am session. We were greeted by the staff and escourted straight onto the train.. No waiting or queues !!
The Gold Class sleepers looked suspiciously like the sleepers I travelled in on the old Brisbane Limited service with just a few freshened up panels inside !!!
We finished our tour inside by 11:08.

I am now eagerly waiting to win lotto so I can book onto next years trip travelling Platinum Class !! 

[WTN]

I stood in the queues for about 20 minutes since I ran late for my 11am session.  But it was worth it.  It was a very nice train.  Got plenty of pics too.  Just that I'm very surprised at how cramped it was in there.

[stephenk]

Is there an observation car? Being a photographer, I find would find rail holidays rather limiting unless there is an observation car. Something along the lines of NZ's Tranzscenic open observation cars would be good.

[ghostryder]

stephenk

there was no observation car in the consists and i dont think GSR own one, and i dont think GSR has need of one.
Here is the consist that ran to Brisbane.

pic here >> http://scott158.fotopic.net/p63057090.html

as seen at Coffs Harbour on its journey back to Adelaide via Sydney and Melbourne.

cheers

scott