Sleeping in a POD on a TRAIN!
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- Опубліковано 25 січ 2024
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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…
@@user-zs9jb6bi2g 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.
I was so excited about this episode because there’s nothing like waking up to watching other people relax on trains haha
It's really cool seeing these train trips in different countries.
At the end of a long, and stressful, week, this is the type of content that I needed. Enteraining, positive, and enjoyable.
I like that when I watch your videos it's like listening to a pleasant friend tell a story.
Hope you enjoyed your time here mate. Thank you for showing off some of this beautiful country.
Always great to see Nicole with you Mike, and even more so with this cool 1st class train adventure!!
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.
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!
Haha Nicole that was savage! I haven't been on trains or planes yet but Downielive makes trains more exciting!
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 🤣
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.
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 👏🚅
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!
That train looks so incredibly comfortable. Wow
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!! 🇦🇺
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
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).
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 👍🏾 🏆 😂 🏋🏽♂️🏃🏽♂️.
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!
Very picturesque ride, smooth and relaxing.those beds are pretty cool. The food looked good.
It was!
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!
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.
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.
I just love your videos. Brings a smile to my face every time. 😊 Thanks for what you do.
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!
I’m Aussie and I did not know this existed! It looks pretty good! Great video. Happy travels to you both!
Thanks so much!
Looks positively delightful. Thanks for documenting these rail trips!!!
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.
Looks like a most comfortable and scenic unique journey - great choice, Mike!!!
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.
The beds are surprising long - my 6’ 4” sons love this train and sleep quite well.
Looks like a great trip. Pullman would be pleased to see how overnight trains have evolved!
As for Nicole... You are one lucky dude!
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
Thank you, thank you, thank you for pronouncing Queensland properly! So many UA-camrs seem to pronounce it Queens-lend.
Australia is definitely on my bucket list!
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 ❤❤
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.
I have done this journey a few times always relaxing during the day and evening but not always easy to sleep during the night. Queensland Rail has the best food of the east coast trains. Also to consider this journey is only within the state of Queensland and that 25 hour journey is similar to New York to Florida in the USA.
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!
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.😊😊😊
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
Omg your in australia the spirit of Queensland starts in my town
Glad you enjoyed the ride most people tell me how dreadful it is
It seems that the service is excellent. 👏🏻 Thanks for sharing.
Fourth video, and I have popcorn and a nice glass of wine now.
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.
A great video as always Mike. Australia is on my travel list and this train would be a nice way to travel.
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.
So cool you were in Brisbane (my hometown)! Hope you enjoyed your trip here!
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.
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
this video feels very candid and genuine. it's "home video" eque
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 ;)
I won a trip to Australia and toured that area by bus. Such a beautiful area.
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.
I love all your content but was stoked to see a new train video!
Greetings from a very rainy home!
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 😁👍
ROFL 25 hours on the train and you are still in the same state. Only in Australia. Gotta love it
Love!!! I've been missing your train journeys!
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
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
I love seeing the train trips in other countries and this one seems like a lot of fun and I love the pod beds.
As an Aussie I never knew we has lie flat trains to cairns. Funny how a train trip from cns to bne is the same time to fly to Europe…😮
Slow down mate. Think of how the camel riders felt on their journeys into the outback. Not even air-conditioned camels. Brutal. Time is too important to you. Enjoy life at a slower pace. Try it. You might just like it. Of course you'd probably insist on high speed internet and cell phone service all the way no matter where you were. Ah, the necessities of the modern world. What would we do if we couldn't plug in?
Thank you Mike! I love all your adventures ❤ I will be there with you😊
Seeing Arnott's biscuits in your video is unreal!
that looks so amazing..your travel blogs inspire to get my travel plans in action..Something i always wanted to do hopefully this year..I will..hope it was great trip..
Glad to hear that! Hopefully you travel somewhere this year!
Indeed, thank you..got start planning..keep up the great work..
Love seeing you on a trip with Nicole☺️👍🏼
Wonder if he'll make that a more permanent thing with Nicole. (Wink, wink)
@@karengreenlee4356She doesn’t seem too thrilled to be taking this trip…definitely the reluctance of “doing what the person you love wants to do more than you do”
Awesome video Mike, I’m actually coming to Canada in May. Going to ride the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver. taking my parents along with me
Before I fly solo to Australia to ride the Indian Pacific and the Ghan
The best of both worlds, getting to try the worlds longest passenger train in the free world up in your home country of Canada. And then heading down under to Australia with Air Canada from YVR.
Have fun!
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.
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.
The rail beds were pretty cool ., looks like a wonderful trip !
It is expensive, unique, and first class travel.
I love trains. That looked like the best time anf fun. Thanks for sharing. ❤❤
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!
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.
Australia is a gorgeous country, so glad you got there!
its friday but I DO NOT CARE ANYMORE
And I ain't even halfway thru the video, and this is going on my bucket list
I was hoping you'd take the chance to check out some of our rail journeys in Aus, there's a few that are aimed more at the luxury market rather than the transport market, since the distances between our cities are so large it's usually around the same price to take the train between cities as it is to fly. So the best, most scenic rail journeys are a bit pricey, but also come with food, excursions, entertainment, that whole bag that comes with luxury travel.
THe Ghan and Indian Pacific trains are far more expensive than flying. That's why most cannot afford to use the trains.
Yeah but there are also other trains that take passengers between the major cities for a lot cheaper than the Journey Beyond trains, closer to the cost of flying, though it changes for each route of course. It's not the worst way to get around if you're okay with a LONG time sitting in half-decent airline seating from the mid 90's.@@davidlogan4329
As nice as the first class service is, it does seem like it needs a VIP observation or bubble top car. A huge part of the train experience for me was the community dining. Would be amazing to do a high end restaurant dining service for first class, but most people would probably rather eat in their pod and have the alone time.
It's a narrow gauge tilt train, with a confined loading gauge. Not sure a dome car is practical.
Awesome! Definitely looks more comfy than flying. Thanks for sharing.
the food looked amazing, reminded me of my rides on bc rail to prince george and lillooet, they had excellent meals. thanks Mike.
Glad you enjoyed it
Noice mate. Got me thinking I’m gonna have give that train ride a crack…looks awesome
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 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 ☺️
I would love these types of sit on American trains.
funny bit this is government run service and it runs on time 90% of the time not like Amtrak in the USA lol.
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!
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.
Glad to see your here! Now to take the train from brisbane to sydney! Im surprised you didnt mention anything about the tilt you were riding the tilt train after all
I live in Bundaberg and have been on the spirt of Queensland lots of times
Very cool. Wouldnt it be awesome to swap out the coach cars on the Canadian with those? Never happen, but we can dream.
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!
In north Queensland you may can check the Gulflander and the Savannalander. two very Interesting Railways. Regards from Germany
I used to work for Queensland Rail between Townsville and Rockhampton, based in Mackay. I am a bit disappointed that that part of the trip wasn't included in your trip, though I do know that the time the 'Tilt Train' comes through Mackay is in the middle of the night - assuming it's on time - which is also rare. I am glad that you enjoyed your trip though.
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.
Downie if you wanna see a podhotel on a train (like a proper capsule hotel) you should review the new OBB NightJet trains, they look super cool!
You need to tell the UA-camr from Simply Railway, he would LOVE this train!
Oh yeah, Thibault would love it.
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!
Good video mate.
I saw the Spirit of Queensland depart and arrive into Cairns whenever I usually take a little journey in the city while I holiday over there.
Never took a trip on the Spirit of Queensland, but hopefully one day I will!