http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RailServices/Traveltrain/Pages/TiltTrain.aspx
Need to get from Cairns to Brisbane or the other way around then take the Tilt Train
No that's not the Tilt Train
that's the Kuranda Scenic
Railway in Cairns 
That's the Tilt Train with the fancy paint job in Cairns & down in Brisbane where we meet up with the Rockhampton Tilt Train
Here is the deal, I was in Cairns & I needed to get back to Brisbane at short notice for something important. Not family emergency important I mean really important - Canterbury vs The Reds in the Super Rugby Final.
Normally anyone would say jump a plane but what if its the school holidays & all the flights were close to full. There is always a bus - yeah right. So I went for the Tilt Train - it was close to full also which is why they are building another one to keep up with demand.
The Sunlander was a nice trip up to Cairns but takes a total of 31 hours in total. The Tilt Train goes along at a fair rate of knots & covers the Cairns to Brisbane run in just under 24 hours.
According to the website they use a tilt technology to provide smooth and comfortable ride. I enjoyed the Sunlander trip up to Cairns & it was comfortable but the advertising is true the Tilt Train provides a smoother ride.
Check out my review of The Sunlander for some pics of what you see out the window between Cairns & Brisbane Sunlander Train - Brisbane to Cairns I tried to take some pics on the Tilt Train but we were going to fast & they all blurred ( HaHa ).
The Tilt Train has checked luggage options & luggage storage in the carriages. There is also a dining/club car to visit for a snack or meal or just to meet other passengers.
The staff also offer a meal service that is delivered to your seat using a trolley like they have on an airplane.
Each seat is super comfy with heaps of leg room & a fold out foot rest. You can put your bag under the seat or in overhead lockers like a plane has. The cool part is there is a small TV screen that folds out of the armrest which has several channels.
There are several movies to watch on each channel ( playing on a loop, not on demand ) There are also kids programme, news & some tourist infomation. The best channel is the camera from the drivers view. You can see what the driver sees. Its fun to look forward at something then out the window as it flys by. At night take a few minutes to check again & watch the tracks via the headlights.
Another great feature of the Tilt Train is power points at each seat just by the floor. I was able to recharge my mobile & later when I had watch all the good movies I plugged in my laptop & watched some dvd's. If you were keen you could do some work but I wanted a relaxing day so I avoided that.
While 24 hours on a train may seem a long time it wasn't. Being able to get up & walk around is important to pass the time. While in your seat the ride is very relaxed. I fell asleep around midnight & slept through the night without a problem.
Queensland Rail also operate a separate Tilt Train service between Rockhampton & Brisbane - see the website for details.
