Spirit of Queensland

In September 20 my family and I took a trip to Cairns for a few days to get a way. We flow on virgin up to Cairns. Picked up a hire car and went to the hotel Mantra Trilogy in a 2 bed room apartment with sea views, with a nice balcony and watch the world go by.

In the evenings there is music in the esplanade park. Below the hotel is IGA and BWS. Lots of restaurants in the street. The best spot for Breakfast is Villa Romama, which has a great menu and also open for lunch and dinner. We also eat at Bavarian Beer House also great beer. Another great bar is at the end of the Marina called Salt House also has a restaurant and Pizzeria. Recommend to have a drink here in the afternoon.   

The following day we went on famous Kuranda Rail. This is a must do and lots of history on how the built the railway line. While wondering around Kuranda visiting all the shops. Unfortunately the markets were not open on the Tuesday. But are normally open Thursday to Sunday 10 am to 3pm.

We travelled up in Heritage class and the returned on in Gold class. Gold class I would recommend as it was absolutely fabulous with drinks cheese and crackers. You just sit back and enjoy the scenery as you wind your way down the mountain through lush tropical rain forest heading back to cairns.

The next day we drove to Port Douglas. This is a lovely drive along the coast. Port Douglas has grown over the years and was full of families on school holidays. With lots of shops and restaurants. We had a very nice lunch at The Court House Hotel which over looked the park and the church. The church would make a wonderful place to get married up here in far north QLD.That night on the esplanade and had some cocktails at The Flamingo Tiki Bar.

Then we went to a brand new roof top bar above the Oaks hotel. This bar only open 6 nights earlier. Could have stayed there for a while. Drinks were very reasonable.

The following day was our well awaited train trip back to Brisbane on The Spirit of Queensland. Our 25 hour journey/adventure. We were able to get business class seats which are similar to Airline business class seat and Lie flat for sleeping on the night sector. It is full service with lunch, dinner and breakfast at your seat and also beer, wine and soft drink. There is also a galley/bar car where you can sit and have a few drinks, chat and watch the scenery. Lot of rivers and of cause sugarcane fields.

A most enjoyable trip