The Tilt Train & no internet access

Apologises for the lack of posts recently. We have not had access to the internet and McDonalds free wifi sucks! So we bought a pay as you go internet dongle, which means that over the next dew days il be updating more posts and photographs of our adventures in Townsville, lets start with the journey there.....

Easter Sunday 8^Th April, the day we left Cairns for Townsville. So we were up early to sort out a final few things. Packed lunch was made and we were on the 10 minute walk to the train station when disaster struck! Firstly one of the carrier bags containing our packed lunch ripped to shreds – food everywhere!

Then Jamie was wheeling my case as it had a dodgy wheel when the wheel snapped clean off and was lying on the pavement! Unbelievable! So much for the 5 year guarantee.  Not impressed as we could have missed our train had the station been a further walk away.

Luckily we got to the train in time and could finally sit down and relax.

The train was nice, spacious, with good AC – a lot like being on a plane, the armrests have personal tv’s in them which is sweet!

The Tilt Train 

As we booked our journey to Townsville within 7 days of purchasing our East Coast Discovery passes we were able to upgrade to the executive seats on the tilt train for no extra charge.

So the train itself is awesome, very unlike the graffiti covered trains that we see back in the UK, it’s a work of art in itself. 24 indigenous artists were involved in the project which was particularly important to lift spirits after cyclone Yasi. The designs are focused upon travel and how the train would be perceived when moving at speed or stood still.

Whilst looking out the window we sped past a number of people who were waving as the train passed by.

We had pre-booked our tickets so we just boarded the train, put our luggage in the racks, found our allocated seat and sat down – perfect. The view is also very impressive, lots of fields, mountains, banana trees and lots of Queenslander houses. Without a doubt the nicest train that we have ever travelled on. I spent the journey enjoying the view & Jamie was happy as he was able to plug in the Mac.

We drove past so much greenery, palm trees and fields – you can see why its called the Tropical North. I still find the Queenslander houses so interesting, each one is different, has its own character and they are so different to the terraced houses that we see at home. 

We left Cairns at 9:15am, not in the best of moods due to the disastrous walk to the train, but arrived in Townsville at 3:15pm. One of my University housemates lives in Townsville and has awesomely invited us to stay with her & her fiance whilst we are in Townsville. She was there to meet us at the station, looking forward to meeting her fiance, having a long overdue catch up and exploring Townsville! Laters x  


All rights reserved Copyright © Laura Powell