Before the journey
This policy should be read in addition to our Conditions of Carriage and does not alter, waive or modify those conditions.
Age limit – unaccompanied children
- We cannot carry unaccompanied children who are under 12.
- Any child under 12 must be accompanied by someone who is 16 or older.
- If your child is over 12 and less than 16, we will accept a booking for them as an unaccompanied child if you follow this policy.
How to book an unaccompanied child
- An unaccompanied child booking can only be made by an adult/guardian (self-booking is not permitted).
- Unaccompanied children can only be booked in person or by calling our Customer Contact Centre.
- Unaccompanied children cannot be booked into enclosed sleeping cabins on the Spirit of the Outback.
Information required
We need:
- The child's name and age.
- Contact numbers for parents/guardians for the child.
Names and contact details for the person/s dropping off and collecting the child at the train station.
Note: We don't allow bookings if the child will not be met at the end of the journey, nor do we accept bookings if the child would need to transfer to/from another train or RailBus service.
- Any special requirements that may affect the child's journey, including allergies, medical conditions, dietary requirements, accessibility needs, or mobility assistance.
- Information that may help our onboard team support the child, such as whether they are a first-time traveller, experience anxiety when travelling, have behavioural or communication requirements, are neurodivergent, or require additional support during the journey.
- Details of any assistance when boarding, during travel or leaving the service.
- Proof of the child's age such as a student identification card, birth certificate, passport or similiar official documentation.
Providing this information helps us ensure the child has a safe, comfortable and supported journey.
Booking number
Once you have a confirmed booking, we will give you a booking number. Please keep this number to yourself and only share it with trusted people. Anyone with this number can get details about, or amend, the child's booking.
For the journey
Journey preparation
We strongly recommend that a responsible adult remains at the station with the child until the train has departed.
To assist us in providing the best customer experience possible please ensure that the unaccompanied child:
- Has sufficient food or adequate funds for meals and refreshments during the journey.
- Is carrying identification and proof of age to show to our onboard team on request. We might have to refuse boarding to the child if we cannot confirm their age and identity at boarding time.
- Is aware of the onboard entertainment options available to them. Visit our entertainment page to find out what each train service offers.
No continuous supervision
Our onboard team do not provide dedicated supervision, a personal attendant, or one-on-one care throughout the journey.
Where possible, unaccompanied children will be seated in carriages close to service areas so our onboard team can periodically check on their wellbeing. However, our team are responsible for the safety and comfort of all customers onboard and cannot provide continuous monitoring or act as a dedicated attendant for a child during travel.
Parents and guardians should consider this when deciding whether Unaccompanied Child travel is suitable for their child.
After the journey
You can call 1800 803 009 for updates on train arrival times and visit our
Service Updates page.
A responsible adult needs to be at the train station to meet the child at the end of the journey.
Queensland Rail cannot keep the train waiting until an unaccompanied child is picked up from the destination station. If your unaccompanied child is not picked up at the station Queensland Rail may call the police or other relevant authority to take custody of the child.