Accessibility at
The Q Train

At The Q Train, Fostering Inclusivity is one of our core values.
We want as many people as possible to enjoy the magic of dining aboard
our heritage train, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to make
the experience welcoming and accessible.

Accessibility Audit

We’ve undertaken an Accessibility Audit and continue to make improvements wherever possible.

These include things like providing boarding ramps, offering a translation app and audio guides, training our staff, and joining the Hidden Disabilities program — all so more guests with a range of accessibility needs can join us on board.

Accessibility Support

This page outlines the support we currently provide and how we can assist you during your journey. If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out — our team is here to help and improve.

Mobility & Boarding

Assistance Dogs

Registered assistance dogs are welcome on The Q Train. If you’re travelling with an assistance dog, please let us know at the time of booking so we can make the right arrangements for you and your companion.

Wheelchair
Access

The Q Train’s dining carriages are all more than 50 years old, which means they have some accessibility limitations. The external doorway is 700mm wide, and the internal doorways are 550mm wide.

To help, we can provide an attendant-propelled slim wheelchair that fits inside our Q Bar Carriage and Q Class Social Dining carriage, where you can be seated at a table for 2 or 4.

Unfortunately, the internal doors in our other carriages are too narrow for wheelchairs, so First Class Private Dining compartments aren’t accessible in the same way.

Suppose someone in your group is unable to enter a Private Dining compartment due to accessibility restrictions. In that case, we’re happy to provide wine matching service in Q Class Social Dining so you can still enjoy the whole dining experience together.

To book our slim wheelchair, please contact us before your journey, so we can make sure everything is in place for you to have the best possible experience.

Accessible
Toilets

In our Q Bar Carriage there is a toilet that provides extra space for movement and includes a handrail for support. It is not wheelchair accessible.

Other carriages also have toilets available, though these have less space inside and do not
include handrails.

You’ll also find accessible bathrooms at Queenscliff Station, as well as nearby public amenities at Drysdale Station. The longest time between station stops is about one hour, so guests can plan comfort breaks as needed.

Steps &
Walking Frames

The Q Train is a heritage experience, which means there are some small steps at Drysdale Station and when boarding the train.

At Drysdale Station House, there is a short set of steps with only one handrail. Additional steps lead from the Station House onto the platform without a handrail. If you are unable to use these steps, our staff can bring your complimentary welcome drink and gift shop items out to you.

Boarding the train itself involves a small step, but every door on The Q Train is now equipped with an accessible entry ramp, providing a safer, smoother, and more inclusive boarding experience.

Walking frames generally don’t fit through the narrow carriage doorways. If you use a frame, we can provide secure storage during your journey and bring it to you at each platform stop.

Please let us know at the time of booking if you’d like extra assistance with boarding or disembarking. Our staff will be ready to help.

Space between
tables

Space is limited due to the heritage design of our carriages.

Q Class Social Dining

At tables of four, there’s approximately 60cm between the back of your
chair and the next table.
At tables of two, there’s approximately 40cm of space.

Some tables in Q Class Social Dining do have more room. If you require extra space, please let us know when booking and we’ll allocate seating accordingly. Please note: while we do our best to accommodate requests, we can’t always guarantee seating in Q Bar or Q Class Social Dining.

First Class Private Dining

In the First Class Private Dining for two compartments, the distance between the table and the back of your seat is 66cm.
In the First Class Groups Compartments, the spacing is more flexible.

For images and specific measurements view the Carriage and Seating Layout PDF below.

Communication & Information

Low Vision & Blindness

To make The Q Train more accessible, we’ve partnered with the Vacayit app, which provides both audio content and written transcripts with a detailed description of the experience. The app is free to download from the Apple Store or Google Play, and it allows you to enjoy a more accessible travel experience before and during your visit.

On board, we also offer:

Large-print, high-contrast menus — available on request.
Braille menus — available on request.

Simply make a note when booking, or ask your waiter once you’re seated.

If you would like assistance with boarding or disembarking, our staff are more than happy to help. Just let us know in advance if possible,
so we can be ready to assist.

Translations

To make your experience more accessible, we offer a free app (available on the App Store and Google Play) that provides translations for menus, your journey, and audio guides in the following languages:

Traditional Chinese
Simplified Chinese
Korean
Japanese
French
Hindi

If your preferred language isn’t listed, we may be able to provide a translated menu upon request with advance notice.

Download the app before your journey: App Store | Google Play

Audio Guides

To help you feel more prepared and comfortable before your visit, we’ve created a set of five audio guides about The Q Train experience. These guides cover different parts of your journey and can be a great way to know what to expect.

Click the play button below to start listening, or use the arrow to scroll through and access all five audio experiences.

Hidden Disabilities & Neurodiversity

Hidden Disabilities
Sunflower program

The Q Train is proud to be part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which supports people with disabilities that aren’t immediately visible.

While some disabilities may be obvious, such as the use of a wheelchair, guide dog, hearing aid, or white cane, we understand that others, like autism, dementia, mental health conditions, or learning difficulties, are not. The Sunflower program gives people with hidden disabilities the option to wear a lanyard or pin with a sunflower logo, as a discreet way to let others know they may need extra support, assistance, or time.

On board The Q Train, you may notice two types of Sunflower pins worn by our staff:

Green Sunflower pin – indicates a staff member who has chosen to share their own hidden disability.

White Sunflower pin – shows a staff member who has completed Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training and is ready to assist any guest wearing a Sunflower lanyard or pin.

Low
Immunity

If you have a low or compromised immune system, we recommend booking First Class Private Dining, where you’ll enjoy a private cabin away from other guests.

If you prefer to book Q Class Social Dining, please add a note when making your booking to let us know about your needs. We’ll do our best to seat you away from other tables where possible.

Communication Boards

To further support guests, The Q Train also has communication boards available in each bar, accessible to all the crew.

These boards have been developed to assist people who may live with autism spectrum disorder, a language disorder, social communication difficulties, or a cognitive delay/disability.

Sensory Friendly Experiences

The Q Train can be a high sensory experience, with crowds, sound, lighting, and movement
all part of the journey. If you’d prefer a more sensory-friendly visit, here are some ways we can help make your day more comfortable:

Social Interaction & Crowds

Arriving 50 minutes before departure can help you avoid the busiest boarding times.
Booking a First Class Private Dining cabin provides a private space with minimal interaction and reduced noise from other guests.
Station bathrooms can be busy before departure. Remember, there are also toilets at the end of each carriage, available while the train is moving.
If you’d prefer less conversation with our staff, you can add the note “quiet” in the additional information section of your booking.

Noise

In First Class Private Dining cabins, there’s a volume dial above your table so you can adjust the background music.
Doors in First Class cabins can also be closed for a quieter environment.
You’re welcome to bring headphones or earplugs if this makes you more comfortable.
In Q Class Social Dining, you can request to be seated in the Q Bar carriage, which is generally quieter.

Lighting

Each table has a lamp that can be turned off if it feels too bright.
Blinds can also be closed for softer lighting.
In First Class Private Dining cabins, if it feels too dark, there are overhead lights controlled by a switch next to the door.

Managing Anxiety

Feeling nervous about what will happen on board? Here’s a step-by-step guide so you know what to expect during your journey:

Arrival & Check-In
When you arrive, staff will be at the gate to welcome you and check you in. If you don’t see anyone at the first gate, just continue through to the next one. Once checked in, a staff member will offer you a complimentary drink and guide you to your table.

Food & Drinks
Your five courses will be served one at a time, with your waiter introducing each dish. If you notice other tables being served before you, don’t worry — yours is coming shortly. Drinks can be ordered at your table throughout the journey, or at the Q Bar if you prefer. All drinks are paid for at the end of the service via EFTPOS at your table.

Bathrooms
There are toilets at the end of each carriage, available while the train is moving. At station stops, additional facilities are available on the platform. If you need help finding the nearest bathroom, just ask a staff member.

Station Stops
The Q Train makes several short stops between courses. The number and length of stops can vary depending on weather or rail traffic. At Suma Park, you may need to walk through a couple of carriages to reach the platform, as the station is smaller.

Social Story

We’ve also developed a Social Story to help guests understand what to expect from The Q Train experience. This can be a useful tool in deciding whether the experience is suitable, and may help alleviate anxiety before your visit.

Access Mobility Map

Plan your visit with our Access Mobility Map, which shows:

Parking at Drysdale Station
Accessible toilets
Station entrances

The map is mobile-friendly and can be accessed on your smartphone during your journey.

Download a printable version below:

If you have any feedback about the map or ideas for improvement, we’d love to hear from you.

Parking at Drysdale Station

There is plenty of free, off-street parking at Drysdale Station (enter via High Street and Station Street).
While the car park is gravel and doesn’t have official accessible bays, we place a reserved parking sign close to the entrance for guests with access needs.

Companion Card

The Q Train can provide a discount for Companion Card holders, while their companion pays the full fare. Please contact us to arrange.

Accessible Journeys Shared by Our Guests

quiet and private

“Such a spectacular experience! The first class private dining cabin is well worth the money and is perfect if you have sensory sensitivities. It’s quiet and private.

The food and matched wines were all excellent. It is a unique and memorable experience. You can tell the staff love working on the Q train. The whole atmosphere is joyous. I love that it is a family run business and there is a strong focus on inclusion and accessibility.

The Q train is a member of the Sunflower program and supports individuals with invisible disabilities – both staff and passengers 👏👏👏 Love this!”

Brooke Winzer | May 2025 | Google

Very Professional

“From a personal perspective, I would like to thank all the people we met who never hesitated in helping me both board the train, and manage my wheelchair which was handled very professionally.

Whenever I was boarding or exiting our carriage there was always staff on all sides waiting to be of assistance.

This level of service was first class, and I would appreciate it if my personal thanks could be passed on to all those involved.”

Jeff | Email | July 2026

Boarding Ramps

“This was our second experience on the Q Train and was very special as it was my 80th birthday. The slow journey along the Bellerine was wonderful, very civilised way to dine and sample the local wines. A good improvement was the addition of boarding ramps which improved passenger safety.

The train crew were knowledgeable and helpful. A great day and good to see some international guests on board.”

Laurie and Astrid Ryan | October 2025 | Google

Very Inclusive

“Great day out. The food was spectacular with local produce and great drinks pairings (including fancy non-alcoholic drinks). And a slow meandering train ride where you can sit back and enjoy the view.

Very inclusive including disabilities and neurodivergence. The whole thing has been so well done.”

Erin H | July 2025 | Google

Talk to Us Before You Travel

Every guest is different, and we know that accessibility needs aren’t one-size-fits-all. If you or someone in your group requires additional support, please let us know before your journey. The more detail we have in advance, the better we can prepare to make your experience seamless and enjoyable.

Accessibility at The Q Train