Sleeping in a POD on a TRAIN!
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
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Someone give this guy a sponsored trip to Antartica - there is no one else I would rather see cover that profound and epic journey. More generally, Every time I see a Downie live video I feel better about the world and the people in it. Mike’s warmth and positivity in any situation make such pleasant viewing company. In my opinion Mike is one of the best presenters on you tube.
Wow. Thank you. That means a lot. :)
“Trip” is a understatement more so a expedition than can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars and are probably only viable during certain times of the years, but would be cool non the less
She's right 🙂@@DownieLive
I totally agree. Mike is adorable. Found during Covid and watched ever since. ❤
I think it was that stay at the place in Stanley Park? And you were 6 months ahead in hair growth. Lol
You are the first person I have watched who has actually enjoyed the train trip from Cairns to Brisbane & not had a complaint, granted the rest were Aussies doing the trip, so it is nice to have a happy visitor to our shores!! So glad that it impressed you!!
Well, compared to the rest of Mike's train videos, this one looked rather boring and the food didn't look very good even though he said it tasted good. I also didn't notice another passenger in the entire video, which was unusual. I got the feeling Mike did his best to make this train look good, but it really wasn't, so your comment kind of supports that for me.
Always fly 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 best line ever
@@DanielleGlick yeah these were my thoughts too. Mike is typically the epitome of enthusiasm and it just wasn't there this video which made it seem like he really had to try to present this train in the best light he could. I don't think it looks like a bad service, just nothing to write home about. It's either that or this Australia trip really took it out of him lol
When the train company is paying you to ride, you kinda have to give the, positive publicity…
@@DamonFord-t2b And you knew he was a paid shill for the train company how? I've also taken that train service in the last decade. No, I made no video of it to post on UA-cam. I enjoyed my trip but, hey, I'm a train--riding kind of guy. And, I paid my own way for the enjoyable trip. By the way, I travelled from Brisbane to Cairns in pod class. A good memory.
They always say, "what's the sense in going anywhere if you don't look out the window and see the world that you are passing"? To many stare at their phone as the world goes by. Love how you enjoy everywhere you go and take a real interest of things around you. Happy travels.
At the end of a long, and stressful, week, this is the type of content that I needed. Enteraining, positive, and enjoyable.
Always great to see Nicole with you Mike, and even more so with this cool 1st class train adventure!!
Cairns 🌴resident here. Glad you liked it.
I haven't yet been on the Spirit of Queensland, but I have been on "The Sunlander", which the Spirit of Queensland replaced. The Sunlander had actual cabins with private facilities, so you can see that the Spirit of Queensland has lowered the bar somewhat. The Sunlander was built in the 1950's and was very 'retro' in its design. It was popular with rail enthusiasts from around the world, and it's a shame it's not still running.
Glad you're enjoying Queensland🌴
Hey Jason, I travelled on what was known as the "Tilt Train" back in 2010 which broke down at Maryborough West Station late at night, so all passengers had to get on a bus and change over to "The Sunlander" at Rockhampton. Often joke that I travelled on the "Tiltlander" 🤣 Have to agree that "The Sunlander" was a more luxurious train than the current "Spirit of Queensland" 👍 Hopefully @queenslandrail and @QueenslandGovernment take heed...
@@ecochiq.I doubt anything will change. The new train is quite substandard without a dining car or private rooms. I wouldn't feel safe sleeping in the new carriages where anyone can walk by you at any time. No doubt some 'genius' designed this nightmare. The old Sunlander was very old, but it was a much better train.
@@ecochiq. & @davidlogan4329 People think that a train is just a means to get to a destination. "The Sunlander" was a train that WAS the destination. I hope they bring it back or something equivalent to it. I talked for hours with people from Canada, USA, UK, Japan and Australia who shared a passion for rail travel.
@@jasontempest4233 I agree. "The Sunlander" was an experience in comparison with "The Spirit of Queensland". As you said, it was the destination; the reason for taking the journey. It would be wonderful if Queensland Rail could bring it back. Just a few suggested amendments though; especially for such a long journey; but an open air carriage that people could walk to in order to view the passing scenery would be amazing. Having to remain seated, or reclined, for so many hours isn't ideal for anyone. You can only take so many trips to the onboard cafeteria, and yeah, the short 10 or so minute breaks at select stations honestly isn't enough, so why not just add that extra carriage. I also recall that the meal selection on "The Sunlander" was so much better. Only 2 menu items to choose from for the majority of meals, come on Queensland Rail. What about vegetarian/vegan options? At least they offered toasted sandwiches on either "The Sunlander" or the tilt train 🤣
Hope you enjoyed your time here mate. Thank you for showing off some of this beautiful country.
As always, something new I'll never get to see. I love seeing everything through your wonder of it all! I'm also very proud of you that you are always so respectful...that's a plus! Stay safe!
I like that when I watch your videos it's like listening to a pleasant friend tell a story.
I agree 💯!☺️
Haha Nicole that was savage! I haven't been on trains or planes yet but Downielive makes trains more exciting!
You are added to my Downey Live Playlist. Of all your adventures, I like your Blimp ride from Boston to New York City the best.
The 25 hour trip down the east coast to Brisbane shows just how large Australia is. I'm glad you included some of the tropical north as many people only see the southeast and the big cities when they visit. The beds looked comfortable and the food looked great. hope more of Australia is coming.
A nice relaxing trip. It's good to be back on the train but I'm really enjoying the variety in programing. Beautiful Australia. Love it.🤟
Glad you enjoyed it
Great to see Nicole I would love to take this train trip. Great video see you on the next one
As a Queenslander, it's awesome seeing you enjoy it! I also saw your golf video - thank you for taking the time to see Outback Australia - not many do. For another train further inland, you could try the Spirit of the Outback from Brisbane to Longreach - though expect would be similar in train type, just different landscape. Enjoy Australia!! 🇦🇺
I would totally travel by train on that route. The scenery is more interesting than seeing clouds for a few hours. Great video as always 👏🚅
Hi. I did this trip a few years ago but it was on the old train with the old-fashioned beds. I like those rail beds, seem more comfortable than a plane bed.
I remember the quality of the food it was spectacular. Cairns and Brisbane were great cities to visit and walk around. Can’t wait to see where you go next.
I've been keeping up with your adventures for some time now, and I'm thrilled to see that you've exploring Australia by train, including a visit to Brisbane (my hometown).
New subscriber here! I adore your sense of adventure and as someone who suffers from agoraphobia I really feel grateful that I can live vicariously through your travels ❤❤
Very picturesque ride, smooth and relaxing.those beds are pretty cool. The food looked good.
It was!
hi Thanks for taking us on a trip to Alaska and the narrow boats. Please enjoy yourself in our big beautiful paradise and keep your vids coming.. stay safe.
Thank you! Will do!
So it's been awhile since I, at least, have seen a train video from you, youngster. This one was certainly fun to see. You are probably the most personable fellow on UA-cam. Visiting Australia would be super and I am envious of a friend of mine who will be spending a few weeks in Melbourne visiring relatives. From him, I'm trying to train myself to say "Mel-bunn." Not sure my Minnesota, USA, accent has it quite mastered yet. THANKS for another adventure, Mike.
Yes Paul, your friend is not being mischievous. Cheers from "Mel-bunn", Australia
Hey Mike, that was awesome to see you do a vlog on a train in my area, makes me want to go experiance it as I live along the line you were on. Cheers for showing off QLD to everyone and pronouncing the words or our little towns and suburbs correctly as most don't, and even thou that was a short but sweet vlog I hope you and the missus had an awesome time. Hope to bump into you one day keep the vlogs coming and all the best to you both. Cheers from Neo & Mel :)
Thanks Neo and Mel. I’m sure we’ll be back to visit again!
If I should ever make it to Australia, this looks like an amazing way to see the beautiful countryside, if time allows. Excited to see another train video. Always love them.
Well Mike, that was a great review of "The Spirit of Queensland". I've seen several other reviews but not up to the same standard as yours and I thank you for sharing it. I've done the Cairns - Brisbane route myself twice both ways but a long time ago when "The Sunlander" was the main train.
I recognized some of the locations you showed (Cairns Industrial, Walshes Pyramid, the delightful Tully station, Townsville airport, the Burdekin River Road and Rail Bridge and, of course, Roma Street Station in Brisbane).
The Rail Bed is a great innovation and the meals you got looked fairly wholesome for on board catering. Obviously, the First Class offering is well worth the fare charged. I had a little chuckle at your Dracula imitation. The stops for stretching the legs is a quaint Queensland offering (similar to Amtrak, but I wonder who copied whom). As well as catering for exercise, it gives smokers some off train relief, but also cleverly allows for reality to catch up with the timetable in the event of out of course meets with opposing trains on the single line crossing loops.
I'm so glad you and Nicole enjoyed your brief visit to our Great Southern Land and hope you can return for an extended visit sometime soon. I'm sure you will do a lot of research now to seek out more about Australia, its history of settlement and the various experiences that we can offer you, especially in the south east corner of the continent and in Tasmania.
As I'm sure you are aware, there are many railfans and travel experts here who will be pleased to show you around. You've already experienced how friendly most Australians are. Look forward to meeting up with you if your travels include Melbourne and my State of Victoria. You've been a great UA-cam companion for almost four years now and a great support during the pandemic. Cheers from Michael in Melbourne.😊😊😊
Looks like a most comfortable and scenic unique journey - great choice, Mike!!!
I just love your videos. Brings a smile to my face every time. 😊 Thanks for what you do.
Thumbs up for taking the time to pronounce the names properly. Glad you enjoyed the trip man!
No worries!
@@DownieLive I live on that line, near Maryborough (classed as Hervey Bay, but way closer to Maryborough). I catch the Tilt Train to Brisbane all the time but haven't caught the pod one before :) Might see if anyone wants to come on an adventure with me lol it looks cool!
I’m Aussie and I did not know this existed! It looks pretty good! Great video. Happy travels to you both!
Thanks so much!
It's really cool seeing these train trips in different countries.
I was so excited about this episode because there’s nothing like waking up to watching other people relax on trains haha
Looks positively delightful. Thanks for documenting these rail trips!!!
Looks like a great trip. Pullman would be pleased to see how overnight trains have evolved!
As for Nicole... You are one lucky dude!
The 'roos! 🦘🦘🦘 It was cool to see the capsule beds on the train - it actually looks like a pretty comfortable way to travel. We recently ended up in a capsule on a Japanese ferry - we had no clue that's what we were getting until we boarded the ship, but sometimes things get lost in translation. Looking forward to seeing more from Australia!
Haha, sounds like a pleasant surprise. I’d be interested to try a pod on a ferry.
I'm a railway fan so ANY train travel video you make automatically has my full attention. 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃.
And I still want to see you and Will take another Amtrak trip. I swear Amtrak should pay you two because you guys make their long trips look like they're a lot of fun 😊👍🏾.
Totally, I'd love to go on another trip with Will!
@@DownieLive Great 😃👍🏾. I'm looking forward to seeing the next trip 🚂🚃🚃🚃 you guys take. The Empire Builder workout scene is STILL a classic 👍🏾 🏆 😂 🏋🏽♂️🏃🏽♂️.
I love your train videos. On a train you are already at your destination. Just enjoy the views or watch a movie or read. You don't have to worry about where you are going to eat. Perfect.
It seems that the service is excellent. 👏🏻 Thanks for sharing.
Hey Mike.😎😎 Very excited that you have finally chosen to visit OZ. You do the train blog like no other. I hope you do the Ghan and maybe even the Indian Pacific. I have not been on the Tube forever. Great way to re enter the arena. Blessings to you and yours. Enjoy OZ my friend. W
Nicole is one of the first people I've ever seen use a neck pillow properly with it going around under her chin to keep her head supported so she doesn't get a crick in her neck instead of putting it behind her neck
after meeting you in jasper last year Michael its so great to see you in my home country ! now that im back in aus im going to have to take the rail trips here!
Love the fact Nicole has joined your adventures! You two make an awesome tag team. And her end of the clip statement was priceless!😂😂😂😂
Seriously? She was literally a non presence the entire video and obviously couldn’t care less. Seems like the direct opposite of our host.
This is really one of the few long distance commuter trains thts not a tourist rail tour experience in Australia. Much cheaper than the Ghan and the Indian Pacific which are very expensive. I think the railbeds are fine for a 1 day train trip. I get people love cabins, but these railbeds are a good option IMO.
Thanks for your Australian videos, I think you did a great job avoiding the obvious stuff every youtuber does in Australia and did 4 very unique videos of my amazing country, so thanks for that. I'm surprised you didn't do the Savannahlander, i thought you may have done that one :-) You can always come back sometime and do that and the Gulflander and maybe even the zigzag railway or the blue mountains scenic railway (hint its a very steep track and less train and more funicular)
Justin, the ZigZag and Savannahlander were at the top of my list, but I just didn’t have enough time to fit them in.
But you know me well!
it's cheap because Queensland tax payers are subsidizing it.
@@michaelfreeze2949 Maybe its still $500 for a railbed, which is what I'd expect it to cost. Compare that to the Indian Pacific and the Ghan which are around $4k each (minimum) for 2-3 nights.
Such a neat train and the food really looked quite yummy! Loved that greenery station, and that looked like a good, relaxing 25 hour trip. Are the mattresses similar to the kind they use on like futons?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for pronouncing Queensland properly! So many UA-camrs seem to pronounce it Queens-lend.
this video feels very candid and genuine. it's "home video" eque
Love your train trips Mike, especially because they are something the average person can plan and afford. Going to do two Amtrak sleepers soon, but really want to do VIA from hogtown to Vancity
The beds are surprising long - my 6’ 4” sons love this train and sleep quite well.
I went to Australia when I was in high school, and we definitely flew from Cairns back to Sydney, but we bused it over several days up to Cairns. There is so much to see in that part of the country, but I want to go back so bad. Enjoyed the video!
I love all your content but was stoked to see a new train video!
Greetings from a very rainy home!
Thanks Mike. I haven't seen your content for a few months. It's nice to see you're here down under. I hope you and Nicole have enjoyed your stay. Take care mate.
I’ve made 3 other Australia videos in the last month. Go back and watch them, it’s been a very fun trip!
Hi Michael as a fellow Canadian that lives on Vancouver Island I really think you would love to to a video about the 3716 spirit of summer land at the kettle valley railway in the okanagan valley witch i went on this past summer and it was really awesome and the the views were incredible for the 15 minutes of the trip before we had to return to the station because one of the enclosed cars could have derailed and I would be super happy if you could also do a video on the Vancouver Island railway corridor. Cheers mate and have a wonderful year
I'm sure others will mention it, but as a proud Queenslander, it's worth noting that the enrire 25h trip, you never left the state. In fact, Cairns isn't even the 'top' of Queensland. I always laugh at visitors who find that hard to comprehend. Love your work, mate.
The closer you get to the equator, the further the distances are relative to the map. So many tourists look at the map and think Brisbane to Cairns isn't much further than Sydney to Brisbane. Missed flights ensue.
@@PCLoadLetter Mercator projection map 😁👍
That train looks so incredibly comfortable. Wow
WOW. That's a great way to see Australia. I don't think I could handle that though. I feel like I would get gnarly motion sickness. I can't look at screens in moving vehicles.
Nicole is a bundle of joy!
Thank you Mike! I love all your adventures ❤ I will be there with you😊
Australia is definitely on my bucket list!
Cairns! Man that's crazy to see - I grew up making trips to Cairns from our home in Indonesia, this is really cool to see - I want to do this, it would be a great way to walk down memory lane with a new touch.
loove the dining cart on amtrak in usa, i'm only 22 but took my first amtrak trip back in 2023, down to chicago, so it was the wolverine train, i recommend!
I won a trip to Australia and toured that area by bus. Such a beautiful area.
Hey hope you have an awesome time down there, I have been watching your videos for ages and just discovered that I was not subscribed but am now and I clicked all notifications for you. Don't know how I was not a subscriber considering how many videos I have seen
Thanks so much Shayne!
the crazy thing is for something that has the same level as comfort as a first or business class air ticket for 25hrs (longer than any single flight) it costs only $300-500 AUD, around 10-20x cheaper than the flying equivalent.
A great video as always Mike. Australia is on my travel list and this train would be a nice way to travel.
Thanks for another brilliant video. I appreciated seeing this version of overnight travel. The lack of privacy would be a huge issue for me. This very much seems like they tried to copy air travel which is rarely more than 12 hours. Trains have cabins for a reason and it doesn't look like a two person cabin would have taken up much more space. It's a pity really.
Fourth video, and I have popcorn and a nice glass of wine now.
Always fly 😂 yep that’s a long slow boring trip and yet you almost made it seem enjoyable. Reminded me of Kara and Nate on the Indian Pacific applying the adage “if you can’t say anything nice say nothing at all” 😊
I’m not sure I can travel with Downie sans mullet.
You’re in Australia, where the national haircut is the mullet, but without your mullet.
This is just a lot of radical change that I’m not prepared for.
So cool you were in Brisbane (my hometown)! Hope you enjoyed your trip here!
Love!!! I've been missing your train journeys!
Thanks for the great content! It helped me alot during very stressful times, you're one of the best travel channels out there.
Thanks so much. Take care of yourself.
Whilst in your stopover in Townsville, Did you happen to run into three unusual girls named Buttercup, Blossom and Bubbles with extraordinary powers and abilities lol!? This looks like a beautiful train and it looks like both you and your traveling companion had a wonderful trip and adventure. Happy trails and thank you Mike and the DownieLive channel for sharing this latest train adventure. Wishing you continued happy travels!
ROFL 25 hours on the train and you are still in the same state. Only in Australia. Gotta love it
I love your videos. For some reason every time I workout I listen to you like it’s a podcast 😅 watching for years and it always gets better. If you have the time could you like this that would make my YEAR!
Awesome! Thank you!
OMG wait you actually responded. I’m actually tearing up right now THANK YOU! 🙏
@Game_Vort3x of course! Thanks for the kind comment ☺️
Looks good - except it was too bright when sleeping. Personally, I love looking out at the night. But that requires a dark room. Other than than, a trip I'd love to take.
I always enjoy your videos. Thank you!
I'm so glad!
Looks like fun!
Glad you enjoyed the ride most people tell me how dreadful it is
Hey brother, welcome to Australia your video it is most impressive video that I’ve ever seen. Most train videos in Australia. Never so more. How are you did while travelling from Cairns to Brisbane this is the most best video I ever seen on your channel I am so looking forward to seewhat kind explore you do in our beautiful and wonderful country once again thumbs up and enjoy your stay in our beautiful country😊😊
Thanks. This was the last Australia video of 4.
Go back and watch the previous 3 videos 👍🏼
I tend to agree with Nicole, as although the journey on the Spirit of Queensland is a good one, darned it's long. Lol about the sleeping pods looking like coffins. Had to laugh 🤣 Not sure when you took the trip exactly but you were fortunate to take it when you did, as Cairns and surrounds experienced TC Jasper and major flooding from 4 December 2023 - late December 2023.
Interesting ... but I was wondering if I really want to feel like I'm in a slow plane instead of on a fast train!? ;-) I think I'd miss the side-by-side seating with my travel partner as well. Thanks for sharing. Always enjoy your upbeat look at the world.
Another excellent video Mike, well done. A train on my Bucket List. I am doing the Overland from Adelaide to Melbourne tomorrow, only half of your duration here.
Have fun!
That was a cool train ride with enjoyable views of the countryside of Queensland. Maybe you should try The Ghan and The Indian Pacific train journeys if you are still in Australia.
Shampoo but no showers? Say it ain't so! 😓
I love trains, but the one thing I don't like about them is that you get fleeting glimpses of all these beautiful and interesting places as you pass them but you can't get off and explore them. I mean you can, but most people don't have the time. It can be such a tease, the travel version of window shopping. If I were to visit all the places I passed on a train that I made a mental note to revisit someday, I'd have to live to be 200.
Awesome! Definitely looks more comfy than flying. Thanks for sharing.
Seeing Arnott's biscuits in your video is unreal!
The next train ride in Australia you need to try is the Ghan - I believe it travels between Brisbane and Adelaide, we also have the Indian Pacific, or The Great Southern and the Overland
The Ghan travels between Adelaide and Darwin, Great Southern is between Brisbane and Adelaide.
@@notyourtypicalgranny thank you ☺️ I wasn’t entirely sure which train went where
We don't know where you'll go next but we know that we want to be there with you!
See you then!
Bro ive been watching you 3+ years subscribed begging in my mind you'd do the spirit of queensland. This doesn't feel real.❤🔥
Hahaha! I must have read your mind ;)
Great video!! I have a friend in North Cairns, maybe one day I can ride this train. (but I will have to fly from the US to get there 😂😂)
With all the flight cancellations some people are just taking intercity trains now. They had to bring back sleeper cars for the Melbourne to Sydney route recently.
Hey Mike,
It gets humorous when they say "enjoy the trip." And you say "you too." Will they be coming on an adventure with you.
Everyone is coming on an adventure with me! 😂😅
I love seeing the train trips in other countries and this one seems like a lot of fun and I love the pod beds.
I love trains. That looked like the best time anf fun. Thanks for sharing. ❤❤
I hope you got to travel the Kuranda Railway while you were in Cairns - it is beautiful. Lovely Townsville just got hit by a cyclone on Thursday/Friday.
The second one in six weeks. Brutal.
Hahaha I liked Nichol’s Comment after the 25 hr ride ….. “ Always fly” 😅
Omg your in australia the spirit of Queensland starts in my town
Really loving your Aussie trip vids cheers from NewZealand 🇳🇿🇳🇿
Thanks 👍
The rail beds were pretty cool ., looks like a wonderful trip !
It is expensive, unique, and first class travel.
In New South Wales (next state in that direction) we’re currently deciding whether to do away with the cabins altogether when we get our new sleeper services like that one. It’s all very modern with aisle service and movies, sure, but I’d hate to sleep in a dorm room … it takes away from the first class vibe. The 2020s are maybe seeing the start of the end of cabin-free sleeper options internationally, now the first “new” cabins are coming to Europe.
Australia is a gorgeous country, so glad you got there!