General News
13 June, 2026
Train simply the best
THE next chapter in the story of the Savannahlander train journey looks to be a thriller as the now official ‘best tourism attraction in Queensland’ continues to barrel along a rail line pitted with damage.
The story so far has been tumultuous – a classic underdog rising from the floods, the rally of regional and remote towns vocal in their support of a tourism lifeline. There’s even been a song about it.
Then last week, the state government announced the rail journey through the Tablelands to Gulf Savannah country was voted ‘the best’ ahead of Australia Zoo and Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, which has put the future of the train well and truly in the spotlight.
Will the government cough up the money to fix sections of the line currently closed? Will Queensland Rail or the Department of Main Roads and Transport provide an update on the status of the damage and costings?
An “ecstatic” Member for Cook, David Kempton, has vowed to push for a solution.
“This proves how iconic and popular the Savannahlander is,” Mr Kempton said.
“It’s been a fantastic morning celebrating this win for Savannahlander with Wil and Mike (Lee).”
Mr Kemp has been relentless on social media to keep the trip going, highlighting fantastic wildlife and historic curiosities along the way.
“It’s been an overwhelming morning for Mike and me,” he said.
“We fought really hard to get the railway situation out there, into the public to try and gather support and I guess this is the culmination of that.”
