Traveltrain Holidays’ classy coastal trip, Queenslander Class on The Sunlander, has been voted the top long-distance train in Australia by some of the toughest travellers on the tracks – members of the world-wide Society of International Railway Travelers® (IRT).

Australia, as a destination, also scored top marks as members of the American-based society – made up of experienced travellers who prefer the comfort, romance and fun of going by first class trains – voted ‘Down Under’ a rail travellers’ dream.

According to Owen and Eleanor Hardy, founders of the IRT Society, to make their ‘Best-Loved List for 2007’, trains had to meet stringent standards for service, accommodation, scenery, itinerary, off-train experience and passenger enjoyment.

“Trains could not pay to be included,” Mr Hardy said. “We choose them.”

In the last 24 years IRT members have evaluated trains all over the world and given their critique to travellers around the world… and it was their vote which saw Queenslander Class on The Sunlander, with its ‘little touches’ and attention to detail, steam ahead to take out top honours ahead of closest rivals – The Ghan and Indian Pacific.

Traveltrain Holidays’ premium Queenslander Class was launched on The Sunlander train in April 2003, and offers a glimpse back to travel in a bygone era – with dedicated staff, exclusive dining featuring fresh Queensland produce, entertainment and touches of home all part of the service.

QR’s Group General Manager of Passenger Services, Mike Scanlan, said he was delighted that Queenslander Class experience had won fans amongst such seasoned railway travellers.

“To outclass our Aussie mates, The Ghan and Indian Pacific, and keep company with iconic train journeys like the The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada), Shangri-La Express (Beijing) and Royal Scotsman (Scotland) is something we are justifiably proud of,” he said.

“At Traveltrain Holidays we pride ourselves on delivering a total holiday experience – and this attention to detail from boarding to detraining has been steadily winning fans for the last four years.

“In fact we understand it was the total experience – including a little help from Queensland’s fantastic inland scenery - that contributed to this fantastic result,” he said.

Mr Scanlan maintained he was hopeful Queenslander Class’ success on the world stage might rub off at the Australian Tourism Awards next month, where Queenslander Class is up for a national award.