Like The Sunlander, The Tilt Train runs between Brisbane and Cairns, but gets its passengers to their destination faster than the more leisurely Sunlander. The hi-tech Tilt Train provides an efficient, no-fuss overnight link between Brisbane and the major coastal destinations north of Brisbane - Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islandsk, Townsville and Cairns. The journey from Brisbane to Cairns takes 24 hours.
It is called a Tilt Train because of its ability to tilt to a maximum of 5 degrees left or right as it takes bends, thus allowing for faster travel and a smoother ride than normal trains. This feature alone makes it Australia's most innovative train.
Three return services operate weekly between Brisbane and Cairns. Departs Brisbane Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Departs Cairns Sunday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Six services weekly northbound and daily services southbound between Rockhampton and Brisbane. The whole journey from Brisbane to Cairns takes 24 hours, so there is one night spent on board, all in armchair seats. The Brisbane to Bundaberg leg takes 4 hours 45 mins.; Bundaberg to Prosperpine is the sleeping leg of the journey and takes just over 9 hours. From Proserpine to Cairns, it's a daytime trip in both directions which takes just under 10 hours.
Tilt Train services offer business styled seating throughout, while services to Rockhampton offer a choice of business or economy seating. Business Class seats are much larger and have a lot more leg room than an economy aircraft seat. They are arranged in rows of three, with two on one side one and one by itself on the other. Each seat has its own personal entertainment unit with LCD screen. There are four movie channels, featuring late release films, and one lifestyle channel. These are complemented by another six audio channels with news, music, comedy and content for children. The twelfth channel is the Journey Progress Display, the screen shows the outside temperature, the speed of the train, the next stop, how far and time of arrival. You are also put in the Driver's seat with a drivers cam showing the track and scenery as the driver sees it. There are power points (240 volt AC) at every second seat for laptop computers, cameras or game consoles. A fold down table and foot rest is provided. Blankets and pillows are available upon request. All Business Class seats face the direction of travel.
Economy Class between Brisbane and Rockhampton has two seats either side of the central aisle. The entertainment system is included and its controls and those for seat adjustment are located in the arm rest and a fold down table and foot rest is also provided. All Economy Class seats face the direction of travel. The club car is well-stocked with a variety of snacks for economy passengers, while business travellers can take advantage of the in-seat dining service and have appetising meals delivered directly to them. The train stops many times and you can get out and stretch the legs. Showers are only located on the Cairns Tilt Train service, at the end of Car F and Car G.
Two of the five sitter carriages are fitted with a number of facilities to meet the needs of passengers in wheelchairs and with other disabilities. For parents with babies, most toilets have the added convenience of a change table.
