We began the final phase of our Northern Queensland famil Tuesday morning when we boarded Queenslander Rail's Sunlander train which travels along Australia's eastern coast between Cairns and Brisbane. The train began service in 1953 – the year of Queen Elizabeth's coronation and Sir Edmund Hillary's scaling of Mt. Everest. We were fortunate enough to be traveling in private compartments in Queenslander Class which is their premium, all/inclusive category. We had our own Maitre 'd, Justin, who was delightful and took very good care of us
We'd only been aboard 30 minutes when Morning Tea was served with steaming hot scones, cream and jelly – oh well, what's 5 more pounds at this stage! With hunger (what's that?) satiated, we returned to our compartments to get unpacked and found gifts (a lovely robe and slippers, a backpack, and a 'pamper pack' complete with toiletries) that Queensland Rail had given us. We all got a good laugh when one of the girls modeled her robe for us. Apparently, the seamstress had omitted two important letters, “CL,” from the word Class on her robe! That set the tone for our 2-day journey.
Soon it was time for lunch. The Queenslander Class has two sleeping cars on the train plus its own lounge and dining car. I had no expectations regarding food on the train but hoped it would be better than airline food – what an understatement! Lunch was a seafood platter consisting of the best oysters I've ever tasted, huge prawns, 'bugs' which are similar to lobster, tuna dumplings and crab claws. It was absolutely incredible and was followed by a hot fruit crumble and ice cream. Oh, and did I forget to mention the sparkling wine? I waddled back to the cabin for nap.
I was awakened about 4pm by Justin announcing that we were arriving in Townsville and could get off the train for about 15 minutes. This was the first time I had noticed how long the train was -- 18 cars!
Back on the train we continued southward with ever- changing landscapes. Initially, we had been in rainforests, 
but that slowly began to change to banana and sugar plantations. 
The terrain eventually became drier with low grasses and eucalyptus trees but not to the extent of our drought in Texas.
We continued to pass beautiful rivers and small towns.
but that slowly began to change to banana and sugar plantations. 
The terrain eventually became drier with low grasses and eucalyptus trees but not to the extent of our drought in Texas.We continued to pass beautiful rivers and small towns.
Dinner was just as amazing as lunch For an appetizer I chose the grilled vegetables with Haloumi cheese. This is an Australian cheese that is always served grilled and is absolutely delicious. I'm hoping Central Market can get it? This was followed by probably one of the best filet mignons I've ever eaten. And, dessert was the crowning glory. I can't remember the name, but it was a dense, dark chocolate tart filled with chocolate sauce and accompanied by macadamia nut ice cream.
While we were at dinner, the cabin stewards transformed our day compartments into very comfortable beds for the night. I left my blinds up, thinking I'd awaken occasionally and check out the scenery. I didn't know anything until 6am. Needless, to say I slept very well.
David is on the left, Luke and Justin from Queensland Rail on the right in the photo.
I am convinced this is the perfect way to end an Australian vacation After a busy schedule of touring, it was wonderful to have 2 days to just relax and travel in the civilized style of past eras.
Tomorrow I fly back to the US with memories of a wonderful trip and the anticipation of a return to this wonderful Land Down Under soon.
Linda
Linda
1 comment:
short bathrobes are even better because you can give a person something that is his or her own. Their initials-or even a "his and hers" set-tell them that you took the time to personalize their gift.
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