‘Head west for less’: Inlander ticket prices halved this summer

Queensland Rail has released half-price summer tickets for their Spirit of the Outback, Westlander and Inlander passenger train lines. See how you can go from Townsville to Mount Isa for $54.

If the idea of catching a night’s sleep in a cushioned chair while you hurtle out to Isa for just $54 appeals - keep reading.

Queensland Rail (QR) is hoping to increase passenger numbers on their famous outback trains this summer by offering a 50 per cent discount on all tickets from November 1 to March 31.

This comes amid a push from QR to keep momentum going as the government-owned corporation increases passenger numbers on its three inland - or ‘western’ - lines.

QR head of regional Scott Cornish said the three western services transported “almost 26,000 people” in 2023-24.

This translates to an average of 500 passengers every week.

A virtual walk-through of the Inlander's three cars on QR's website. The Inlander consists of two economy seating cars and one 'lounge'. The train also hauls power and luggage carriages.

“We’re determined to see that number continue to rise this year,” Mr Cornish said of the figure.

“Since 2015, we’ve been promoting tourism in western Queensland through our ‘2-for-1’ outback rail sale during the summer months, enticing people to get out and explore our outback towns during the off-peak season.”

QR head of regional Scott Cornish said the three western services transported “almost 26,000 people” in 2023-24 - a jump up from the year previous.

Mr Cornish said all three outback services (Townsville to Mount Isa, Brisbane to Longreach, Brisbane to Charleville) depart twice a week.

The Spirit of the Outback is the largest of the three trains, and the only western service to have individual beds or ‘sleeper’ rooms.

The Westlander in the Upper Lockyer as the Brisbane train heads out to Charleville.

The Townsville to Mount Isa ‘Inlander’ leaves Townsville midday on Wednesdays and Sundays, and arrives in Mount Isa the next day, 9.30am.

In total it's a 20 hour, 55 minute journey.

The Inlander leaves Mount Isa midday Thursday and Mondays, and arrives in Townsville around 10am the next day.

Aerial view of the "Spirit of the Outback" train snaking its way through the Queensland bush, 2008.

People can make reservations to be let off or picked up from eight rural stations along the line: Charters Towers, Pentland, Torrens Creek, Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry, and Duchess.

Summer travellers hoping to cash in on the 50 per cent discount need to book through QR’s reservations team or a travel agent, not QR’s online booking website.

A QR spokesperson said this is because the online booking system is not set up to process seasonal discounts.

Originally published as ‘Head west for less’: Inlander ticket prices halved this summer