Tracks to tourism: Queensland rail joins the tourist industry

Long-distance passenger services operated by Queensland Rail entered into a state of decline as travellers began buying private automobiles and selecting air as their preferred mode of long-distance travel. Faced with significant operating costs and a Government reluctance to eliminate unviable passenger services, Queensland Rail has turned to tourism as a means of revitalising long-distance passenger rail services and increasing revenue. This paper examines the reasons for decline, the strategies adopted to enhance the tourism appeal of long-distance passenger rail services and the potential for the future.