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Rail to the Reef: an easy train journey to one of the greatest natural wonders | Australia holidays

Rail to the Reef: an easy train journey to one of the greatest natural wonders | Australia holidays

Stretching from south-east Queensland to the tip of Cape York, the Great Barrier Reef is by far the largest reef system in the world. It’s made up of 3,000 individual reefs, crosses the sea country of more than 70 traditional owner groups and, according to the Reef Authority, covers the same area as 70 million football fields. In recent years, these figures have been joined by a host of less welcome statistics, including the hottest ocean temperatures in 400 years and increasingly frequent mass coral bleaching.

Seeing the reef in person brings all of these numbers to life. While rising sea temperatures are an existential threat to many corals, the sheer size of the reef means there are considerable variations in the scale of the bleaching, as well as underwater topography, water temperature and marine life. And yet, most tourists base themselves in a single port and see only a tiny fraction of this diversity.

But a surprisingly comfortable sleeper train that travels between Brisbane and Cairns provides an easy way for travellers concerned about their carbon footprint – and divers observing the recommended 24-hour break before flying – to take in the full majesty of the reef without leaving the ground.

The Spirit of Queensland takes 25 hours to cover the 1,681km journey and has three carriages of standard seats and 35 convertible railbeds, each featuring a seatback screen, powerpoint and amenity kit, with meals also included in the ticket price. Their popularity means it’s advisable to reserve a bed as far in advance as possible, and passengers are able to book tickets from every major town along the route. The train runs four times a week in each direction, and this northbound route avoids any inconvenient stops in the middle of the night.

You won’t confuse this journey with luxury train rides like The Ghan or the Indian Pacific – it’s a means to get from A to B. However, it’s a comfortable experience with a few thoughtful touches. The railbeds fully recline – it comfortably accommodates my 178cm frame – and are made up by staff each evening, and the seatback screens are considerably larger than any you’d find on a plane. Before lights go out at 9.30pm, an attendant takes breakfast orders for the following morning, and shortly after waking to watch the sun rise over cane fields, I start my day with something precious few…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Travel | The Guardian…