In 2012, Queensland Rail Travel is set to introduce special food and beverage privileges for customers in single or twin sleeping berths, which will add an extra dimension to this celebrated journey.

From April 1, 2012, all meals will be included in the fare for a single or twin sleeping berth, while these guests will also be given exclusive access to the restaurant and lounge cars.

Queensland Rail Travel General Manager, Max Kruse, said the changes will offer an extra level of prestige for customers who want to explore the Outback in style.
“You don’t get a much more authentic Queensland experience than taking in the untamed beauty of western Queensland on the Spirit of the Outback,” Mr Kruse said.
“Just because it’s rugged out there, doesn’t mean our customers can’t travel in comfort and style, and we’re taking travel to the west up a level with this extra value for guests.”
“All meals will be provided in the Tuckerbox Restaurant dining car, which offers a series of great menus featuring a selection of fine Queensland food.”
“They’ll also have access to our lounge car, the Stockman’s Bar, which is a great place to relax where guests can mingle and make the most of the relaxing ride.”
“We think customers will enjoy these exclusive extras and it will add a special touch to the adventure of rail travel in Queensland.”

The Spirit of the Outback departs from Brisbane, and passes through the heritage towns of Blackwater, Emerald and Barcaldine before arriving in Longreach.

Mr Kruse said the 24-hour journey to Longreach is as much a part of a customer’s holiday as the experiences they have at their destination.

“The Spirit of the Outback isn’t about speed, it’s about giving travellers the time to soak up the natural beauty of our state,” Mr Kruse said.

“The sleepers are ideal for a journey of this duration.  They each have a washbasin, mirror, power points and reading lights, while towels and linen are provided.”
“If you go all the way to Longreach, there is plenty to see and do, including the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, the Qantas Founders Museum and the Outback Heritage Centre.”
“We also offer packages with coach connections to Winton, where you can go in search of the dinosaur footprints at Lark Quarry, or learn about our most famous song at the Waltzing Matilda Cultural Centre.”

“The Spirit of the Outback is a vital link for the tourism industry in western Queensland, so we’re doing all we can to bring tourists to this unique part of the state.”

City.Mobi

Also in Australia today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Brisbane.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Brisbane.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.