rockhampton rail travel

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Tilt Train Information

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Brisbane and Rockhampton

Enjoy a relaxing trip on the Tilt Train. It’s a great way to visit family or friends, to enjoy a vacation, or to escape the city.

The Tilt Train is a cost-effective, convenient and environmentally friendly way to travel.   You can relax and let us drive you between Brisbane and Rockhampton.   You can watch your favorite sporting team or a live performance in Brisbane, or you can connect to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.   The Tilt train is also a great way to bring the whole family to the Fraser Coast, Bundaberg or Capricorn regions of Queensland.

There’s no better way to travel. With Economy and Business Seats and free Wi-Fi, you can stay connected.

There are many advantages to train travel, but it can also be challenging.   We want to make sure that everyone has a safe, enjoyable trip.   Act Safe. Find out how to travel safely with us.   Arrive safely.

Route Details

Route: Brisbane to Rockhampton

Distance: 639  kms

Duration: 7 hrs 45 mins

Network Map:  Train Stations

Timetable Departs Brisbane: Sun at 11:00am. Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri at 4:55pm

Timetable Departs Rockhampton: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri and Sat at 6:45am

• The Tilt train virtual tour shows six of the carriages that comprise this train.
• The tour begins in Carriage A, the Business and Accessible carriage, and continues to Carriage F. This includes Business Seats (Carriage A), including the accessible spaces and seats, as well Carriages B through F, offering Economy Seating.
• Explore the counters at Carriages B and E for help in locating your seat.   You’re never far from a cup of tea or a biscuit.
• The images of the Roma Street Station in Brisbane, and the external entry point of the train cars are provided to help you plan your trip and see what facilities are available.

Business Seats

Carriage A has 27 seats, including 3 accessible spaces.   The 27 seats are divided into Business Seats, Seats for Accessible People and Seats for Carers.   Seats are numbered 4-30, with seat number 4 located at the back of the carriage. Seat 30 is at the front.   The accessible space numbers are 1, 2, and 3. They are located in the rear of carriage.

General Carriage Facilities

The carriage has overhead compartments for hand luggage.   The rear of the carriage has a drink fountain that provides filtered water.   Outside the entrance to the seating area, luggage racks are provided for carry-ons and checked baggage.

The width of the aisle, corridor and door

Train entry door width: 800mm

The width of the entry door to seating area: 710mm

The narrowest part of the corridor width is 745mm

Aisle width : 530mm

Accessibility information

Accessible seats.

There are accessible seats, which can be used by people who transfer from a mobility aid.   The accessible seats are at the back of the carriage. Their seat height is 430mm.

The width of the aisle between accessible seats 4 and 5 is approximately 530mm.

A caregiver travelling with a client who has booked Accessible Seat 4 in the front of seat 7 will be assigned.

The adjacent seat 6 will be assigned to a carer traveling with a client booked in Accessible Chair 5.

If collapsible mobility devices are used, they can be placed in the luggage rack at the end carriage.   A space in carriage A, if available, is included with the Accessible Seat.

Accessible Spaces

The carriage features three accessible spaces for the customer to store or travel with a mobility device, such as a scooter or wheelchair.   They are located in the rear of carriage near the Accessible Seats.   When the Accessible Seats A4 andA5 are added to a customer’s booking, these spaces become available.

When the Accessible Spaces 3 & 2 are booked when Accessible Seat A5 has been reserved, they will be allocated.

When Accessible Space 1 is reserved, Accessible Seat A4 will be assigned.

Accessible Space Dimensions

• A1 = 550mm (W) wide by 1700mm (L).
• A2/3 = each 600mm W x 1750mm L.   Total combined space 1200mm W x 1750 L.

There are size restrictions on mobility devices.   These dimensions are generally considered to be the maximum.   680mm wide x 1200mm long   .

Traveling with an Assistance Animal

Customers travelling with a service animal may book seats 30 and 27, respectively.   These seats are at the front of carriage.

Seat 30 will be reserved if the aisle seat 29 is not available. This allows for more space on the floor to accommodate a service animal.

Seat 27 will be reserved if the aisle seat 26 is not available. This allows for more space on the floor to accommodate a service animal.

Toilets with Accessible Unisex Toilet

A toilet with a changing table for babies (seat height of 480mm) is located on the left-rear of the carriage, facing the direction of travel.

Door width: 760mm

Bathroom floor width: 1 500mm

Bathroom floor length 2200mm

Visit our website for more information about Accessible Facilities   Accessibility   .

All Economy Seats

Carriage B has 47 Economy Seats.  The seats are numbered 1 to 47. Seats 1 and 47 are located at the back of the carriage.

The unisex toilet and baby changing table are located on the left rear of the carriage, facing the direction of travel.

The carriage has overhead compartments for hand luggage.  The rear of the carriage has a drink fountain that provides filtered water. 

Outside the entrance to the seating area, luggage racks are provided for carry-on items. A checked baggage service is available.

The Servery, located in the front of carriage B is where you can purchase a wide range of hot foods and snacks. 

Customers who are unable to access the Servery can be served in their seats by the Onboard team.

The width of the aisle, corridor and door External train door width: 800mm

The width of the entry door to seating area: 600mm

Aisle Width : 440mm

The width of the corridor from the Unisex Toilet is 750mm

The width of the corridor from the servery to Carriage B: 600mm

Traveling with an Assistance Dog

Customers travelling with a service animal may book seats 47 and 44.

These seats are at the front of carriage.

Seat 47 offers enough space on the sides to accommodate a service animal.

Seat 44 will be reserved if the aisle seat 43 is not available. This allows for more space on the floor to accommodate a service animal.

Carriage C has 68 Economy-class seats.   The seats are numbered 1 to 68.   Seat 1 is at the back of the carriage, and Seat 68 is at the front.

External train door width: 800mm

Corridor Width: 750mm

Carriage D has 67 Economy Seats.   The seats are numbered 1 through 67.   Seat 1 is at the back of the carriage, and Seat 67 at its front.

The unisex toilet and baby changing table are located on the right front of the carriage, facing the direction of travel.

The carriage has overhead compartments for hand luggage.   The front of the carriage has a drink fountain that provides filtered water.   Outside the entrance to the seating area, luggage racks are provided for carry-on items. A checked baggage service is available.

The 42 Economy Seats are located in Carriage E.   The seats are numbered 1 to 42.   Seat 1 is at the back of the carriage, and Seat 42 is at the front.

The carriage has overhead compartments for hand luggage.   The rear of the carriage has a drink fountain that provides filtered water.   Outside the entrance to the seating area, luggage racks are provided for carry-on items. A checked baggage service is available.

The Servery, located in the front of carriage E is where you can purchase a wide range of hot foods and snacks.   Customers who are unable to access the Servery can be served in their seats by our Onboard team.

The width of the corridor from the servery to Carriage C: 600mm

Carriage F has 36 Economy Seats.   The seats are numbered 21-56.   Seat 21 is at the left rear of the carriage, and seat 56 is at the front.

VIEW TILT TRAIN TIMETABLE

Aboard the Tilt Train you can enjoy one of our delicious meal packages or choose from a selection of take away meals and snacks available from the Club Car.

Click here to view The Tilt Train Menu

Travelling by train around Queensland is something you must do if you are spending time travelling around the beautiful part of Australia. QLD is lucky enough to have a variety of trains taking you all across the coast and outback. The trains are comfortable, easy and a great experience for any type of traveller from backpackers to families.

For more information on Queensland Rail services, pricing and schedules please contact us below.

Click here for more information on the Cairns Skyrail .

BOOKING INFORMATION

For group bookings please contact us by clicking here .

For standard bookings or to call QLD Rail Travel, click here .

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Queensland Museum Blog

Queensland museum is custodian of the state’s natural and cultural heritage, caring for more than a million items and specimens in collections that tell the changing story of queensland..

The Tilt Train – Australia’s fastest train turns 25

By Rob Shiels, Collection Manager – Transport, Cultures and Histories

In 2023, Queensland Rail’s Tilt Train turns 25. Although unlikely to be spoken about alongside the world’s fastest trains like Japan’s famous Shinkansen or France’s TGV services, the Tilt Train holds the record for the fastest train speed ever recorded in Australia at 210km/h (the train’s top speed during regular service is 160km/h).

In the early 1990s, Queensland Rail decided that new trains were needed on the Brisbane to Rockhampton route. Although existing trains such as the iconic Sunlander and Spirit of Capricorn serviceswould keep running alongside the new services for several years, the coming of the 21 st century would usher in a new era of train travel in Queensland. The Tilt Train was the future.

Although it was new technology for Queensland, tilting trains had been used for decades in other parts of the world. The design allows trains to run at higher speeds by ‘leaning’ or ‘tilting’ into the centre of curves without having to slow down, providing a unique riding experience for passengers.

In 1994, Walkers of Maryborough began building two electric six car tilt train sets. Testing began in 1997 and after 12 months of test runs, the Tilt Train was ready for service in November 1998.

With the new trains completed (named City of Rockhampton and City of Maryborough ), daily services commenced between Brisbane and Rockhampton and, thanks to the new design technology, the Tilt Train was over two hours quicker than the older Spirit of Capricorn service – taking seven hours instead of over nine (the Spirit of Capricorn service ceased operation in 2003).

Without a fully electrified railway line between Brisbane and Cairns, a new type of train had to be designed to run a faster speed service into North Queensland. In 1999, Walkers began working on two diesel fuelled tilt trains that would operate between Brisbane and Cairns. Named City of Cairns and City of Townsville, the two new diesels began service in 2003.

A serious accident involving a Tilt Train in 2004 near Berajondo led to the train’s speed limit being reduced for three years until safety upgrades were completed and the speed increased again in 2007.

Despite the setback, diesel Tilt Trains were here to stay, and they changed the way people travelled by long-distance train to Cairns. Shaving six hours off the journey, compared to the Sunlander service, the Tilt Train took about 24 hours to arrive in Cairns compared to 30 hours. However, this extra speed came at a price – unlike the Sunlander , the Tilt Trains did not have private sleeping cabins, utilising airline type seating configurations instead.

In 2010, it was announced by the Queensland Government that another diesel train would be built, and the two existing trains were overhauled by Downer Rail (formerly Walkers) in Maryborough. The three trains, known as the Spirit of Queensland service, would allow for a five days per week service, with the new train entering service in 2013. At the end of 2014, the Sunlander completed its last journey with the Tilt Trains taking over all Brisbane to Cairns services from 2015 onwards.

Without sleeping compartments, the Spirit of Queensland service is in direct competition with air travel. However, one of the most important aspects of long-distance trains are their ability to service regional centres. Tilt Trains to both Cairns and Rockhampton continue play an important role in helping people move between the widely dispersed population centres of Queensland. Twenty-five years since they were first introduced, Tilt Trains and their ‘high speeds’ continue to be enjoyed by travellers and tourists who prefer to experience travel at a more leisurely pace.   

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Dates and Prices

Accommodation, capricorn coast: rail, stay & tour package.

• history DURATION 6 days, 5 nights
• history DURATION DAYS 6 days
• history DURATION NIGHTS 5 nights
• calendar_month DEPARTS 10 March 2024
• calendar_month RETURNS 15 March 2024
• Roundtrip from Brisbane (return rail included)
• Enjoy five nights in Yeppoon with a dedicated over-60s group
• Includes a Great Keppel Island day trip, dinner and a show at Footlights, Byfield National Park and more!

Get some friends together — or make plenty of new ones — on this exclusive Travel at 60 holiday package.

Ride the Tilt Train from Brisbane to Rockhampton return, stay five nights in Yeppoon, enjoy a fabulous itinerary of daily activities.

Highlights include a day trip to Great Keppel Island, dinner and a show at the Footlights Theatre, a visit to the Rockhampton Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and the chance to share it all with a group of new over-60 friends.

With rail travel, most meals, transfers, accommodation, tours and a great variety of experiences included in your fare, you'll just need to bring the fun.

This holiday is one of Travel at 60's most popular getaways, with most departures selling out well in advance. Call our Brisbane-based travel agency on 1300 414 198 to secure your place!

Inclusions/Exclusions

• Return economy seat on The Tilt Train from Brisbane to Rockhampton
• 5 nights beachfront accommodation with private balcony
• 5 x Breakfast, 1 x Lunch & 4 x Dinners
• Complimentary Wine & Cheese on arrival
• Daily tour itinerary
• Footlights Theatre - Song & Dancing evening
• Use of all hotel facilities - swimming pool & licensed bar
• Centrally located - Ocean and Island views
• Transfers to and from Rockhampton railway station to accommodation

Your fare excludes:

• T​ravel Insurance

Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Day 1: Sunday

Depart on the Tilt Train rail journey to Central Queensland & the Great Southern Barrier Reef. On arrival at Rockhampton, you will be met and greeted by our local tour guide and transferred to your accommodation at Bayview Tower in Yeppoon. On arrival (approximately between 8-8:30pm) you will enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and cheese plate on your balcony whilst listening to the relaxing sounds of the ocean and local wildlife.

Day 2: Monday

After a tasty breakfast we will enjoy a leisurely tour of the Capricorn Coast taking in sights of Bluff Rock and the beauty of the Causeway Lake. We will visit the Singing Ship (it really sings) from this picturesque vantage point we will wander down to the stunning tribute and impressive art works of Emu Parks War Memorial. Dinner tonight we will be venturing out to enjoy the local cuisine.

• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner 

Day 3: Tuesday

After a nice hot cuppa and breakfast we take a short drive to Rosslyn Bay and set out on a day adventure to Great Keppel Island. The beauty of this magical paradise will astound you, pristine beaches and numerous coves and Bays. You will fall in love as you enjoy snorkelling, walking or just paddling along the beach. You will enjoy lunch at the Hideaway and relax into island life. Tonight you will be taken to Footlights Theatre & Restaurant where you will enjoy a 3 course meal and show. 

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Day 4: Wednesday

After a hot breakfast we set out to explore the rich architectural heritage of Rockhampton – The Walter Reid Building, Customs House, City Hall, Archer Park Rail Station where statues talk & sing and we learn about trams and travel from Paris to Rockhampton while enjoying a cuppa, we will also visit the Zoo and Botanical Gardens. 

Day 5: Thursday

After breakfast we will head north to discover Byfield National Park and the rare Byfield Fern which only grows in this area. The beauty of the area will astound you, the rugged mountains, rainforest edged creek’s & ancient cycads are not to be missed.

Experience the natural beauty of Waterpark Farm aboard an electric-powered vessel, “Water Dance”, drift along Waterpark Creek, passing through the Byfield Rainforest. You’ll see the stunning native fauna and flora of the region (Look out for the Byfield Fern, Azure Kingfisher, Water Dragons and the Krefft's River turtle) and learn more about the history of this area and our land.

A Safari bus will then be your chariot across our sprawling Tea Tree Plantation, where the scent of freshly cut Tea Tree perfumes the air. A tour of our distillery will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we produce our pure Tea Tree oil, and you’ll learn all about its magical properties and myriad of uses. Join in the ‘Happy Hour’ fun before dinner tonight. 

Day 6: Friday

We will have a light continental breakfast before you head back to Rockhampton to catch the Tilt train home.

Round-trip departures from Brisbane One twin/double room left

• 10 - 15 March 2024

Are you a Queensland Pensioner? Queensland Pension Concession Card holders are eligible to receive four Queensland Pension rail travel entitlements each calendar year. Utilise these benefits on our great valued package!

• QLD Pensioner - Twin share $1,259 per person / Single Traveller $1,569
• Senior - Twin share $1,344 per person / Single Traveller $1,654
• Adult - Twin share $1,411.50 per person / Single Traveller $1,721.50

Call us today on 1300 414 198! Ask about upgrading on the train for Business class seats.

Bayview Tower Yeppoon offers comfortable accommodation with modest facilities, and has a long standing reputation for exceptional, caring service. Here, guests can relax, enjoy and unwind in a boutique environment. Units are individually owned, and decor will vary across rooms allocated to all members of the group. All rooms are spacious and comfortable and offer air-conditioning and island views from a private balcony.

• R​ooms are serviced once during your stay, generally on a Tuesday.
• P​lease note Bayview Towers is a non smoking building. Smoking is only permitted off premises across the street of the building.
• There are coin operated laundry facilities at Bayview Tower Yeppoon for use during your stay. Linen and towels are provided by the hotel.
• Hotel rooms have a small kitchenette which has tea/coffee making facilities, toaster & microwave. Some units also have a small two burner cook tops which are on a request basis.
• We have secured experienced local guides to show you the best of the Capricorn Coast.
• Low level of fitness required to participate in this tour.
• Minimum of 10 passengers required for tour to proceed.
• Cancellations within 30 days of travel may incur fees, please talk to your travel consultant for full details.
• Want to avoid the single supplement? If you're willing to share, we can suggest our travel buddies facebook page to assist with pairing you with another solo traveller. Subject to COVID-19 vaccination, availability of another guest of the same gender willing to share, otherwise a single room rate will apply.

Q​R has advised of confirmed track for 27 August 2023, train will be replaced with a bus from Brisbane departing at 10am and arrive in Rockhampton 8:15pm.

• Please note that Queensland Rail periodically conduct planned and unplanned maintenance to tracks throughout the Queensland Rail network. Disruptions caused by this is out of Travel at 60s control. We will endeavour to advise you as soon as possible of the situation and alternative travel options.

Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply. 

Non-Refundable deposit of $200 per person is required within 7 days of booking. 

Final payment due no later than 45 days prior to travel. 

• Supplier Fees:
• Any cancellation received between 30 and 14 days prior to travel will incur a 1 night cancellation fee.
• Cancellations advised 14 days prior to travel will incur full cancellation fees (NIL refund). 

This holiday deal has expired.

Want to find an alternative?  Search for another holiday here or contact us.

Honest tourism information about Australia

Townsville to Rockhampton train: Fare prices & timetable

• David Whitley

The Townsville to Rockhampton train leaves four times a week, with one way fares costing from $129 and sleeper tickets priced from $234.75.  

The Townsville to Rockhampton train is hardly the fastest or most luxurious train in the world. But if you want to travel down the Queensland coast, it is a feasible alternative to driving . It’s not as quick, and there’s less freedom to build in stops along the way.

But, at the same time, even the economy seats are relatively comfortable, and the service is faster than some of the dawdling Australian trains elsewhere in the country.

Townsville is where you can take the ferry to gorgeous Magnetic Island, enjoy sunset cruises and visit the Museum of Underwater Art . For more Townsville experiences, explore here . To ferret out the best Townsville accommodation deals, look here .

Rockhampton offers fascinating history walks and cave tours . To source the best Rockhampton accommodation deals, go here .

Skip the explanation and book your train ticket .

Townsville to Rockhampton train timetable

The Townsville to Rockhampton train is the Cairns to Brisbane train – the Spirit of Queensland. According to the Queensland Rail timetable, this service runs four times a week.

Top experiences to book in and around Rockhampton

• (Highly recommended ✅ ) Great Keppel Island day trip – with lunch.
• Cathedral Cave tour at Capricorn Caves. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• 90 minute Deep Vault Cave and Flower Pot tour at Capricorn Caves.
• Time Safaris walking tour .

Departures from Townsville are on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 14.54. The train is scheduled to arrive in Rockhampton at 00.29 the next day. That’s a journey time of nine hours and 35 minutes.

In the other direction, the Rockhampton to Townsville train departs Rockhampton at 00.11 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It arrives in Townsville at 09.38.

Townsville to Mackay train fares

Fares on the Townsville to Rockhampton train cost from $129 , and can be booked online . There are also sleepers available, with the RailBed fare costing from $234.75.

Solid accommodation picks within easy walking distance of Townsville Station include the Holborn at Central , the Civic Guest House and the Clarion Hotel .

The best places to stay in Rockhampton, Queensland

The best Rockhampton accommodation choices are:

• For character and charm: Denison Boutique Hotel .
• For heritage: Quality Hotel Regent .
• For well-equipped apartments: Quest Rockhampton .
• For really good value: Rockhampton Serviced Apartments .
• For a great pool: Korte’s Resort .

More Townsville train journeys

Ayr to Townsville train .

Townsville to Brisbane train .

Townsville to Bundaberg train .

Cairns to Townsville train .

Cardwell to Townsville train .

Townsville to Mackay train .

Townsville to Rockhampton train .

Other Queensland train services .

6 Townsville experiences to book in advance

• Magnetic Island ferry tickets – head over to one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
• SS Yongala wreck dive – sea how coral and marine life have made the shipwreck home.
• Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art cruise – witness the extraordinary underwater art project up close.
• Helicopter ride along the coast – get amazing views from above.
• Sunset sailing cruise – watch the colours over the water, with alcoholic drinks included.
• Jetski tour to Cape Pallarenda – whizz past beaches and giant boulders.

Townsville accommodation recommendations

The best bets for Townsville accommodation are…

• For beachside location: Water’s Edge The Strand .
• For a good value, well located motel: Yongala Lodge By The Strand .
• For a sassy, chic resort: Rambutan Resort .
• For families: Discovery Parks Townsville .
• For business-friendly apartments: Quest Townsville on Eyre .

Historic Railway Stations of Rockhampton, Queensland

Article explores the expansion the railway stations in Queensland . History explored on a small group tour for seniors for couples and solo travellers curious about the outback Australia. Enquire today to secure your places.

15 Apr 21 · 8 mins read

Rockhampton’s Historic Railway Stations

By Marco Stojanovik

Rockhampton was the sprawling centre of the steam train railway empire of Queensland during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was the headquarters of what was called the Central Division of Queensland Railways, with a railway network that stretched from Rockhampton to the south near Bundaberg, north towards McKay, west to Winton , and included lines to places such as Mount Morgan, the Dawson and Collide Valleys, Clermont, Springsure, Emu Park, and to far off Yaraka.

Rockhampton’s historic Railway Stations – Rockhampton, North Rockhampton, and Archer Park – thus served as important elements in the development and growth of the railway network in Queensland. They are fine examples of the ingenuity displayed in a number of public buildings in the state, with cheap and simple materials – mainly timber, cast-iron, steel and the ubiquitous galvanised iron –used logically to form pleasing buildings. This article explores the rail history of Rockhampton and its stations to assist Odyssey Travellers tours in Queensland for senior travellers. Much of the information for this article is sourced from the Australian Council of National Trust’s book Historic Public Buildings of Australia, as well as sources linked to throughout.

Central Western Railway Line

Rockhampton was proclaimed a town in 1858 following the gold rush in nearby Caroona that same year. Despite being short lived, the gold rush began Rockhampton’s development as the main entry and export town for central Queensland. For many years it was a place that needed to be kept happy. The threat of a sperate colony, or state, based on central Queensland meant that whatever Brisbane or the south got, then Rockhampton got as well.

It was due to this political pressure from central Queensland and calls for improved land transportation to the region that construction of the Central Western Railway began in 1865. It followed the opening of Queensland’s Main Line railway – the first section of the state’s railway network – between Ipswich and Bigges Camp (now Grandchester) on 31 July 1865, which proved the viability of the controversial narrow gauge. Rockhampton citizens in turn wanted their own railway to their hinterland , where copper was being exploited in the Peak Downs area, thought necessary to ensure the development of the interior.

Known then as the ‘Northern’ line, the very short first section opened to traffic two years later on 19 September 1867, running 46 kilometres from Rockhampton to Westwood. It was met with little public celebration though, as captured by the novelist Anthony Trollope ’s less than enthusiastic description when he visited in 1870: “A part of rusting rails running to a gum tree… it is not only useless but worse than useless.”

Freight being carried by bullock teams from further west found no advantage to transferring to rail for such a short distance. The government was thus forced to extend the line in sections from 1872 westwards towards the Northern Territory border to serve the pastoral towns of Emerald, Barcaldine , Clermont, Springsure, Longreach, Blackall, and finally Winton . A northward extension to Mackay was also completed later in 1921.

These expansions made the Northern Railway an important part of the Queensland railway system, and enabled Rockhampton to function as a regional export point for the wealth of Central Queensland.

Rockhampton Railway Station

The initial terminal of the Northern Railways was a platform with a simple weatherboard structure known to local residents as ‘South Street’. Rapid development over the next decade led to the construction in 1878 of the main structure of the Rockhampton Railway Station , which was linked to the earlier platform by a timber covered way. Several minor additions have appeared since, the most extensive of which are the refreshment rooms to the south.

The station is an excellent example of ingenuity, its design making the most of the limited capital that was available for its construction. Cheap and simple materials are used: timber, a light steel and cast-iron framework and sheeting of corrugated galvanised iron. There is minimal decoration, done only where derived from the structure without extra cost, such as in the cast-iron columns, vault glazing and gaslight brackets.

The two-storey building is capped by a distinctively profiled roof with curved pediments. The platform canopy is supported by cast-iron columns with steel beams.

Keith Chopping and Richard Stringer write for the Australian Council of National Trusts :

“The station complex’s visual appeal is derived from the static, serene order of the two -storey administration building and its connection to the grand oversailing platform canopy that enfolds the movement taking place on the other side of the barrier… It is a building which belongs to the tradition of railway stations built as a picture frame for that proud invention – the steam engine.”

North Rockhampton Railway Station

By the 1990s, Rockhampton was virtually the headquarters of two railway systems. In 1882 after Brisbane had acquired a railway to the seaside at Sandgate, Rockhampton demanded a similar connection to its resort at Emu Park. The North Rockhampton to Emu park railway opened as a result in 1988. A 47 kilometres-long branch line of the North Coast railway line, it gave Rockhampton residents easy access to the seaside and rural districts.

The North Rockhampton Railway Station was constructed for the line on the north side of the Fitzroy River . Although Rockhampton already had a railway station, it was on the south side of the river and building a rail bridge to it was seen as too expensive.

The station building is typical of hundreds of small stations throughout the state. It has no platform and is a simply constructed weatherboard building with a wide-open perimeter veranda space for light, ventilation, and easy access for passengers. It is orientated east-west so that the low rays of the sun may be easily intercepted by lattice screening on the veranda ends. The only concession to ornament is in the rhythmic pairing of the veranda posts.

Archer Park Railway Station

Having a disconnected railway line soon proved inconvenient, and so two years after the opening of the Emu park line, the Railway Department began investigating the possibility of linking Rockhampton’s two separate railways. The difficulty in bridging the Fitzroy River and the cost of land resumptions to join the two terminus stations, however, continued to hinder any action for some time.

Finally, an impetus came for bridging the Fitzroy River due to the decision of the Queensland government to construct a Deepwater port at Broadmount (now Thompson Point) at the northern side of the mouth of the Fitzroy River in 1984. Linking Rock Hampton to the Central Railway via bridge across the Fitzroy could then ensure the easy movement of goods between the port and Central Queensland.

In 1895 construction was approved for what was to be known as the Rockhampton Junction Railway, linking Rockhampton’s two existing stations over the river via the graceful Alexandra Bridge and with a ‘street railway’ along Denison Street. Construction was completed in 1899. As the Rockhampton Station was approximately two miles away from the bridge, a further station known as Archer Park was established. The site chosen was on the direct route from Denison Street and close to the city centre.

Acting as the central railway station in Rockhampton, Archer Park thus became the major station in the city from the turn of the century until the mid-1920s. It was important as the departure and terminating point for services to Mount Morgan, Emu Park, Yeppoon, and the local suburban services to Lake Creek at North Rockhampton. Mail trains for Longreach and later Brisbane also departed from here.

Bounded by Denison, Cambridge and Archer Streets, the station consists of a main station building which has a railway platform to the southwest and a veranda entrance to the northeast. The station building is a single-storeyed timber structure with corrugated iron roofing and a spacious entry. The long frontal raised veranda runs the length of the original 1899 structure, with cast-iron columns supporting a corrugated iron skillion roof. One distinct advantage the station had over its neighbours was the bar at the western end to ensure that patrons had a merry start to their holiday.

Archer Park Railway Station was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992, and now stands as a rail museum . It tells the history of railway transportation developments in Rockhampton, holding a wonderful collection of photos, soundscapes, and object-based exhibitions. The main attraction of the museum is the fully restored Purrey Steam Tram, which operates Sundays from 10am-1pm. The train was operated by Rockhampton City Council between 1909 and 1939 and is said to be the only one of its kind in the world.

Tour of Queensland

Odyssey Traveller visits a number of towns along the Central Western railway line, including Barcaldine , Longreach and Winton , as part of three of our Queensland tours designed for mature and senior travellers :

• our 15-day tour of Outback Queensland ;
• our 19-day tour of Queensland ;
• and our 11-day tour of Queensland .

Our 15-day tour of Outback Queensland gets away from the tourist sites of your typical Queensland tour – Brisbane , Cairns, and the Daintree Rainforest – to take you into the historic heart of Outback Queensland.

Leaving from Dubbo , we head into the outback via the fascinating Brewarrina Fish Traps . In Outback Queensland, we visit the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach, Central Queensland, and then view dinosaur remains at Winton‘s Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and the fascinating ‘dinosaur canyon‘ of Lark Quarry. In Winton, we also visit the North Gregory Hotel, which saw the first performance of Waltzing Matilda in 1895.

Rather than heading to Far North Queensland, Cape York, and Mount Isa, our outback Queensland road trip makes a turn at the quintessential outback town of Hughenden, with a day tour to the sandstone formations of Porcupine National Park. We head back via Barcaldine to Carnarvon Gorge National Park, a lush rainforest gorge in the midst of the arid Queensland outback. Finally, we stop in at the famous opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge, NSW , before our outback adventure comes to an end in Dubbo.

Our tours of Queensland, both 11-day and 19-day options, take a trip into the Aussie outback to learn about Aboriginal culture, British farming approaches in the outback and the history of the Europeans and Aboriginal Australia.

Our small group tours of the Australian outback in Queensland begin and end in Brisbane. We head west into Queensland and back, pausing along the way to explore and learn at each stop on day tour (s) with local guides, as we head west then up into North Queensland and south back to Brisbane. This escorted tour is suitable for the mature and senior traveller whether as a couple or solo traveller. This small group tour of Queensland goes as far North as Longreach, so it does not reach tropical North Queensland or far North Queensland

If you’re interested in exploring Queensland, why not join an Odyssey Tour? Designed for mature and senior travellers, our tours aim to get you off the beaten path. We move in small groups of around 6-12, and are led by a tour guide chosen for their local knowledge. Click here for more information, and here for more information on our other Australian outback tours.

Articles about Australia published by Odyssey Traveller:

• The Kimberley: A Definitive Guide
• Halls Creek
• Lake Argyle
• Purnululu National Park

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link .

External articles to assist you on your visit to Dubbo & Outback Queensland:

• Attractions in Dubbo: where to eat, stay, and stop
• Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mine
• Outback Towns | Outback Queensland
• The 10 Best Things to do in Outback Queensland
• Three Western Queensland Towns Worth Visiting

Related Tours

Small group tour of outback Queensland

Visiting New South Wales, Queensland

To Dubbo and back, this small group tour takes you to learn about the Brewarrina fish traps , we travel high up into North Queensland to see the Dinosaurs of Winton and incredible Aboriginal rock art at Cathedral gorge and learn about opal mining and the history of Lightning ridge .

Small group tour of Queensland

Visiting Queensland

On this Queensland Outback small group tour we travel west from Brisbane all the way to Birdsville then continue high up into North Queensland to see the Dinosaurs of Winton and incredible Aboriginal rock art at Cathedral gorge.

Small group tour of Queensland - 11 days

To short break in Queensland's Outback is a small group tour taking for a glimpse of the landscape and history of the state. We you to learn about the Carnavorn Gorge , and also we travel high up into North Queensland to see the Dinosaurs of Winton and incredible Aboriginal rock art at Cathedral gorge.

Small group tour; Broken Hill and back

Small group tour of New South Wales, Queensland & South Australia deserts, from Broken Hill. Learn about the history of the people who explored the deserts, from indigenous communities to Europeans, as well as Burke and Wills, visit White Cliffs, Birdsville, Maree.

From A$11,550 AUD

Small group Motorcycle tours; Broken Hill and back

Visiting New South Wales

Small group tour of New South Wales, Queensland & South Australia deserts, from Broken Hill . Learn about the history of the people who explored the deserts, from indigenous communities to Europeans, as well as Burke and Wills , visit White Cliffs , Birdsville , Marree. Explore the outback by motorbike limited to 8 riders.

Small group tour of Eastern and Central Australia

Visiting New South Wales, Northern Territory

Small group tour for couples and solo travelers touring most of the Australian territory, travelling through the outback and visiting many of the famous sights as well as off the beaten track locations, giving you the opportunity the explore and meet our people in the most remote locations. Learn about the history of the people who explored the deserts, from indigenous communities to Europeans, as well as Burke and Wills, visit Bourke , Normantown, Charters Towers far north Kakadu , returning back along the Stuart Highway to Adelaide and cross country to Sydney through the Blue Mountains.

Long tour of Australia for a small group

Small group tour for senior couples and solo travellers touring Australia. Travelling through the outback and visiting many of the famous sights as well as off the beaten track locations. Learn about the history of the people who explored the deserts, from indigenous communities to Europeans, as well as Burke and Wills , visit White Cliffs , Marree and far north Kakadu and the Kimberley.

From A$48,995 AUD

Australian Outback Cattle King

These mature and senior program s for couples and senior travellers explore the outback Sidney Kidman sought to tame in the Channel country to the Birdsville track , Marree and Farina. Our escorted small group tours of the Australian interior explore history, cultures and landscapes that we experience as we travel from the previous time to the contemporary.

Barcaldine, Queensland

A small town in outback Barcaldine played a role in Australian history as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party. This small group tour for mature and senior travellers to Outback Queensland incl Longeach & Winton also visits Barcaldine

Brisbane, Queensland

Explore the sights and history of Brisbane, capital city of Queensland, and economic and cultural heart of the state. Odyssey offers small group tours for mature and senior travellers, couples, and solo travelers to Australia and Queensland .

The Australian Outback: A Definitive Guide

Explore learn and consider what is the outback in this article. For mature and senior travelers considering joining a small group package tours into the outback to see, learn and explore about this unique place, not only the landscape but the Aboriginal approach to living . On each of the tours for couples and the single traveler you learn something different but fascinating, from Outback Queensland, the Flinders, Broken Hill and the Kimberley and the wildflowers all contribute to this question, what is the outback?

Winton and Dinosaurs, Queensland

Small group tour for senior and mature travellers to Outback Queensland includes Winton and its Dinosaurs as well as Longreach, Cathedral Gorge and Aboriginal art , & Barcaldine.

Recent History

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First look at plans for upgraded Bundaberg railway station (Ministerial statement)

• Concept designs for the new Bundaberg railway station have been revealed.
• Community engagement is now underway for Bundaberg residents to provide feedback on the new look and feel of the station.
• The upgrades are part of an ongoing investment to upgrade stations across regional Queensland, including at Maryborough West and Rockhampton.

Bundaberg station flythrough concept design

Overlay vision of Bundaberg community engagement  

Queensland Rail has released exciting new concept designs showing what the multi-million-dollar upgrades to Bundaberg railway station could look like, with the local community invited to provide feedback.

The designs were informed by initial community consultation and feature upgraded customer facilities including airconditioned customer lounges with improved seating and toilet facilities.

Accessibility improvements will likely include the installation of tactile ground indicators, handrails where required, variable desk height at the luggage check in desks and new accessible toilets.

Upgrades to stations car parking will also likely be delivered along with a drop-off zone that integrates with other public transport providers.

Customers will have a number of avenues to provide feedback on the designs, including an online survey through a QR code available at stations, face-to-face-engagement at the stations and in local retail outlets.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish:

“Bundaberg railway station is a key regional travel hub that saw more than 77,400 customers move through the station last financial year.  

“Our regional train stations are hubs for our communities, so it's exciting to view these latest designs that look set to transform Bundaberg station into a world-class facility.

“We're upgrading rail infrastructure right across our state, ensuring our network provides the best facilities for passengers."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton:

“We invite all of our customers to provide their feedback and we can't wait to hear what you think about this exciting station upgrade.

“Queensland Rail is all about connecting communities and Bundaberg station is essential in doing that – whether you're using it to get to and from work, medical appointments or the trip of a lifetime.

“Our vision is to deliver world-class rail services for our customers and this station upgrade will enable us to do that."

For more information, customers can visit the website HERE , call the project team on 1800 722 203 or email [email protected]

Bundaberg - online consultation HERE until 8 September.

For more details, accredited journalists can contact Queensland Rail's media team on:

Phone: 0459 226 970 Email: [email protected]

Travel Centre

Queensland rail tr​avel ​centres.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We have Queensland Rail Travel Centre off​​​ices situated all across Queensland for your convenience. Our experienced team members can help you with any enquiries you might have about train journeys, and support you through the booking process.​

Drop into any of our Queensland Rail Travel Centres between business hours to talk to our friendly team and book rail travel today.

Please note Queensland Rail Travel no longer sells rail holiday packages. We advise our customers to visit their preferred local travel agent to book your next rail holiday.​

Travel Centre payment options

Queensland Rail Travel Centres accept the following payment options:

EFTPOS transactions including MasterCard; Visa credit and debit cards; American Express (AMEX); JCB and a wide range of debit cards. We also accept pre-paid gift cards.

​We do not accept:

• Diners card
• Personal cheques

No cash out facilities are available.