Traveltrain Holidays� premium class of train travel - Queenslander Class on The Sunlander � literally steamed past the opposition to take out the Unique Accommodation top award at the recent Queensland Tourism Awards.

Launched in April 2003, Queenslander Class on The Sunlander has helped reignite the romance of rail in the Sunshine State, by offering a premium style of train travel up and down Queensland�s coastline.

QR Passenger Services Group General Manager Michael Scanlan said the win in the Unique Accommodation category was the culmination of a lot of hard work over the past five years, and applauded the efforts of his team.

�Queenslander Class on The Sunlander is the longest train trip you can take in one state and an iconic rail journey that takes an indulgent 31 hours to cover the 1681km from Brisbane to Cairns,� he said.

�We�re living in a world where the pace of work and leisure is more frantic than ever and often times this trend for time efficiency carries over into holiday planning.

�In total contrast the most pressing decision for Queenslander Class guests is whether to eat oysters for lunch or snooze after a cocktail,� he said.

�There�s something romantic and inherently indulgent about falling asleep to the gentle rocking and rhythmic sound of a train, and we�re delighted our peers in the industry have recognised the contribution both Queenslander Class and Traveltrain Holidays make to the local tourism industry.�

Mr Scanlan said whilst he was delighted to accept this award from his peers in the industry, the real judge of success came from passengers voting with their feet.

�From a cumulative perspective Queenslander Class has increased domestic patronage by 65% over the past two years and by 15% in the international market,� he said.

�This award is the icing on the cake.�

Media Contact: Jodi Clark, Publicist, QR Passenger Services phone 07 3235 3862 or 0405 621 812 email Jodi.Clark@qr.com.au