Well-known outback rail rolling again
The Spirit of the Outback will once again glide across the scenic and remote western Queensland region, after floodwaters stopped one of the country’s favourite services.
The main train line between through Longreach and Brisbane has re-opened, operating as normal for the first time in weeks.
Localised flooding damaged the track in large sections last month, and Queensland Rail (QR) representative Graham Brown says some infrastructure is still under repair.
“Some of the bridges out there - Jessamine Creek, Mills Creek, Scotts Creek - have still got water in them and we haven't been able to inspect them properly, so we haven't reopened that section yet,” he said.
A number of stretches west of Longreach have yet to be assessed, and the track remains closed through to Winton as a result.
The Spirit of the Outback passenger service has for over a decade provided adventurous types with a luxury travelling experience through some of Australia’s most important outback locations, including the pioneer towns of Blackwater, Emerald, Barcaldine and Longreach.