Disruption status information

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Disruption status information​

Spirit of the Outback services 14-20 December

Due to unexpected maintenance required on the lounge carriage, we regret to inform customers that it will be unavailable on Spirit of the Outback services between 14 and 20 December. This will impact journeys in both Sleeper and Economy carriages. The following arrangements are in place to minimise impacts to customers. 

Sleeper customers

  • ​Meals will be served in the Tuckerbox Restaurant as per regular services.
  • The lounge carriage will not be available.
  • The Onboard team will advise when the Tuckerbox Restaurant carriage will also be available to Sleeper customers to use as a lounge for drinks outside meal service times.

Economy customers

  • ​The regular menu will not be available to order via the servery. 
  • A complimentary pack will be offered at mealtimes by the onboard team which will include items such as sandwiches, bottled water, sweets, and fruit. 
  • A small selection of snacks, confectionery and beverages will be offered by the onboard team for purchase in addition to meal packs provided.

​Confirm your journey plans for the holiday season​​

We want customers to be aware of major infrastructure works on the South East Queensland rail network during the Christmas school holiday period. These works impact all train lines in SEQ with an extensive scope of works that cannot safely occur while trains are running. During these extended track closures Travel services will have only limited access to the city network, and there may be flow on operational impacts as a result.

If you are travelling on a long-distance train service between 20 December 2024 and 19 January 2025, please know your service will be impacted.

Customer impacts can include some of the below:

  • changes to departure and arrival times 
  • changes to departure and arrival day
  • changes to train departure and arrival location
  • portions of journey will be replaced with coach transport
  • portions of journey (up to 2.5 hours) will travel with seats facing the rear of the train and not the direction of travel (this may impact your comfort)
  • a change to the total travel time from your departure to your destination
  • significant additional time required before or after your train journey, so that you can make other transport connections

* While we do not plan to cancel services in response to infrastructure works, there is a chance cancellations may occur due to unplanned weather or operational impacts. If this occurs, we may not be able to provide alternative transport.   

It is important you know about these impending changes and understand how they could impact your journey. Be proactive so you can make other arrangements if needed.  

Please note these closures also impact all train lines in the greater Brisbane, Gold and Sunshine coast regions during the same period.

If you have ongoing travel and connections, in particular airport and other scheduled services, you will need to allow significant extra time. Transport connection in the Greater Brisbane region are impacted by a significant reduction in train options and subsequent increased demand on other transport providers. 

For your protection and peace of mind, we strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance for your journey.

You can find more information on our Disruptions policy page and our Connections policy page. Please know that if you change your plans because of these impacts and you no longer wish to travel, Queensland Rail Travel will refund you. If you booked via an accredited travel agent, contact them directly to organise changes or cancellations.

Christmas Day 2025 services​

The following services on Christmas Day, Wednesday 25 December 2025, are cancelled with no alternative arrangements in place:

  • Q992 Southbound Rockhampton Tilt Train
  • QJ11 Northbound Bundaberg Tilt Train
  • V972 Southbound Spirit of Queensland
  • VC75 Northbound Spirit of Queensland
  • 3M34 Westbound Inlander
  • 3987 Eastbound Westlander
  • ​All Kuranda Scenic Railway services.

​We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and we encourage you to check our Service Updates page for specific details on your service.

Please visit the Contact us page for information on how to connect with our team more information about travel arrangements.​